Use DV Camcorder to Convert Analog to Digital (page 2)

The Digital8 Solution

If your analog video collection resides on 8mm or Hi8 videotape, you might consider buying a Digital8 camcorder. Not only do Digital8 camcorders record DV video, they can also play analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes. And, the camera will transcode the video to DV internally, ready for copying to your PC, via IEEE 1394. If you work with 8mm formats, the advantages of this approach are obvious. You'll be using the same camcorder and computer software, whether you're working with digital or analog tape, and you won't have to add any components to the computer. Digital8 camcorders also allow you to use the computer as a device controller, automatically starting and stopping the camera. Device control may not work with all analog tapes, however, but you will still be able to use the camera as the digital transcoding device even if it doesn't.

The Closing Capture

So, there you have it. If you need a way to get your existing analog footage into your new FireWire-based computer, consider one of these simple solutions.

Regardless of the option you choose, it's good to know that you can, without too much trouble, import your old analog video collection to your FireWire-capable computer. And once you've done that you can edit your videos into new, digital masterpieces.