Video8/Hi-8 playback needed

[Matt Agnello]

I'm looking for an affordable solution to playing video-8 and hi-8 tapes. A camcorder with RCA output or a VHS adapter (if it exists) works for me. I will be using it to capture 8mm video and transfer to DVD. If it connects directly to my Macbook Pro and Final Cut Pro can interact with it, all the better. However, I'm very willing to forgo features for price.

So to sum up:

• Needs to play 8mm video formats: video8, hi-8, digital8
• Needs to interface with a computer or have an RCA output of some kind
• If it needs power, needs to be able to plug into the wall
• Needs to be able to run continuously for several hours

 

[Capt Quirk]

If you shop the thrift stores and ebay, you can often find a little walkman type player for 8/Hi8 tapes, and they are often around $100 or less. Check your pawn shops too. That cheap enough?

 

[keynstring]

Just go get a Sony D8 Camcorder.

 

[Rick Rock]

Agreed with above. My Sony D8, old as it is, will still do A/D conversion of 8mm and Hi8 tapes with decent quality as well as play back and record regular D8 tapes. Probably around $300 new and defnitely cheaper on Ebay.

 

[DownSouthAlec]

I sold my new hi-8 on ebay for $150 on a bid. But you can find hi-8s around $50 on craigslist and ebay.