Transfer from Sony Hi8 Handycam to MBP

Borrow a newer MiniDV digital camcorder. Usually there is a pass-through option that will digitize your movies and can connect with firewire to the Mac.

Joemero said:

Will the newer MiniDV accept Hi8 video tapes? Is there a particular model that you would recommend?

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You have a few options here. a MiniDV camcorder will not accept Hi8 tapes (the physical tapes are much smaller) but you can use your camera's audio/video outputs and hook them into the a/v inputs of the other camcorder. Most modern camcorders can transcode from analog video inputs to firewire outputs in real time.

Or, as long as you're hunting down camcorders, see if you know anyone with a Sony Digital8 unit. They record DV signals onto 8mm tapes, so they can also playback 8mm/Hi8 tapes. I have one which I keep on hand for the several dozen 8mm tapes I still have. One of these days I will digitize them before the tapes die of old age...