Can you convert an 8mm tape to DVD without the camcorder?

Answer 1

You can do this yourself if you have the right equipment or you can send it to a tape to DVD conversion service.

I recommend using a tape to DVD conversion service. You will get the best quality and it will be the least hassle. -

In principle it's easy, provided that you have (a) an "old" camcorder which can play your Video 8 / Hi 8 tapes/ VHS tapes, and also (b) a digital camcorder which can accept as input the analogue output from the "old" camcorder and produce digital output ("DV Out"). If you do have such equipment, the digital camcorder might either create a digital version of the footage (e.g. a mini DV tape) or it might be able to "pass through" so you can store the digital version straight to a PC or a DVD recorder.

If you put it onto a PC, you can then (optionally) edit it it and then burn a DVD.

I have done this myself using a Canon MV750i camcorder as the "pass through", but unfortunately the camcorder has just broken so I'm looking for another model which has this facility (it's probably cheaper to replace than repair). Does anyone know of a reasonably priced mini DV camcorder which offers this?

If you don't have the digital camcorder described above, you'll need to find a device which does the conversion or alternatively install a video capture card in your PC. Whatever else, you'll obviously have to have something that plays the old tapes (the "old camcorder" referred to above). Plus you need a powerfull enough computer to handle the real time capture of the video.

Answer 2

Yes you can. Instead of using a camcorder, you can use an 8mm video deck as an alternative. The end result is the same, the camcorder or the tape deck will both play the tape and produce a real time signal at the output. Unfortunately, there is no other means to read the information on the tape.

The question implies that the tapes are safe but the camera isn't available. If that is the case, using a deck is an option: Many video rental companies have older equipment around and although there is no use for an 8mm camera these days, some may well have players to offer exactly this kind of service.

Another alternative is to enquire at local video service companies. There are many who offer VHS to DVD services and there is a good chance that a local one will have 8mm facilities as well.

Answer 3

"To convert 8 milimeter films to DVD quality discs you will need a special machine, and special software. This software is pretty expensive, it will be an investment of about 200 dollars or so."

Answer 4

"Yes, conversion from 8mm to DVD and VHS is possible.You can check out the photo 60 services. They have given all sorts of HQ digital printing solutions.

I had been there for my portrait last month, they provide numerous services based on quality picture to DVD quality videos, you can even convert the 8 mm & 16 mm films into DVD's.

8mm film has a tendency to degrade over time, and can be lost forever, no matter what precautions you take. The actual process of converting 8mm film to DVD is not nearly as hard as one would assume and thus, I recommend you to hire up a professional help.

Photo- scanning services, Photo restoration, passport photographs are few of the features that Photo-60 takes care of. Transferring 8mm film to DVD, transfer home movies to DVD, 16mm to DVD, 8mm movies to DVD, etc.

• 30min Digital Printing

• Enlargements/Poster Prints

• 120/220 Printing/Scanning

• Film/Slide Archiving to DVD

• Prints from Slides

• Custom DVD Slide Show

• Movie Film/VHS to DVD

• Photo Restoration

• Passport Photos

• Portraits