Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:33 am
There are three types of Sony tape-based Handycam camcorders.
They are Video8, Hi-8 and Digital8 camcorders.
Video8 and Hi-8 are both analog camcorders.
Digital8, however, supports standard definition digital video, as its name suggests.
Transfer Video8 and Hi-8 from Sony Handycam to Computer
To transfer Video8 and Hi-8 from your Sony Handycam to your computer, you would need a video capture device.
There are two types of video capture devices – internal video capture device and an external video capture device.
Internal Video Capture Device
This come in the form of a video capture card. This card needs to be installed into your computer’s motherboard.
This would involve you opening up your computer casing and plugging in your video capture card into an empty slot in your motherboard.
External Video Capture Device
This is the most common option these days, with USB support in all computers.
With this option you just have to plug in the device into a USB port of your computer, install the software that comes with it and you’re good to go.
You would notice that the
As far as possible, you should use an external video capture device for two important reasons.
First, you can carry it around and use it on any computer.
Second, you can easily use it on your laptop computer, if you’re always on the go.
Go on and read the complete steps to transfer video from Sony Handycam to your computer with an external USB video capture device.
Connecting Your Sony Handycam to Your Video Capture Device
Follow the instructions that comes with your video capture device manual.
Basically, you can use a composite or RCA connection to connect your camcorder to your video capture device.
With a Hi-8 or Digital8 Handycam camcorder, you can use the S-Video connection.
Firewire Connection for Digital8 Handycam Camcorder
If your computer comes with a built-in Firewire port, you don’t have to worry about getting a video capture device. That is if you’re using the Digital8 Handycam.
Digital8 camcorders, apart from having analof ports, also have a Firewire port.
You can capture video directly to your video editing software through a Firewire or IEEE 1394 cable.
Read the steps to capture transfer video from a Digital8 Sony Handycam to your computer.
Further Reading
How to Convert Analog Video to Digital without a Computer with this Handy Device
