Saving Hi-8 Images

[Dman]

 I have an old Sony Camcorder that uses Hi-8 tapes, I was wondering if anyone has experience with uploading a still-image off of a videotape on to PC?

[onewakuwa]

I believe the Hi-8 format is analog not digital so don't think you can.  I have a Sony Digital-8 camcorder that uses an
8mm tape to record on but in digital format.  The nice feature is that I can run my old 8mm & Hi-8mm tapes through it and it
spits them out in digital format which I can then edit on my PC with an editing program such as Windows Movie Maker (free)
or Adobe Premiere Elements (powerful-cheap program).  You need a device (in my case my digital8 camcorder) to pass thru
and covert the analog data to digital.  Once it is digital the software can capture individual frames, separate audio and video, add
sound tracks, add narration and a whole host of neat effects and transitions.

[Dman]

 Thanks much, I believe the camera is streaming video capable, might there be a way to send the video to a CD on the PC and edit from there?

[billythekidrock]

onewakuwa is correct. I also have a Digital 8 that I use to transfer my Hi-8 tapes.

If you could send the video to cd then you would not be able to edit it. You may look through the instructions and see if it can send video by USB. If not you will need some sort of pass through device. It could be as simple as a new video card or one of the software/hardware packages by Dazzle.

[Dman]

 Do you have any examples of a pass through device, I/E model name, brand, etc.?

Thanks

[onewakuwa]

A qick google....


On the mid-range for Macintosh and PC is the Datavideo DAC-100/200. This device offers one of the best feature to price ratios we know of. Additionally, the company provides technical support.
Many DV camcorders will accept analog inputs and naturally connect via FireWire to a host editing computer. The 1394ta has a partial listing of manufacturers and models of DV camcorders.

        * Digital Video Camera listing

Other devices and companies that we have not researched or tested include:

        * Datavideo DAC-2
        * formac studio
        * TVOne's dv-2001 dv-analog converter
        * PowerR Director's Cut
        * Miranda DV Bridge
        * Laird LTM-500
        * ProMax DA-MAX
        * Canopus Corporation
        * Dazzle Hollywood DV-Bridge
        * Sony DVMC-DA2 Media Converter

For more desktop analog conversions and input please check with the following companies.
Pinnacle Systems makes several Digital/Analog boards
Matrox Electronic Systems Ltd. makes several Digital/Analog boards
Avid Technology, Inc. has a wide range of products

[billythekidrock]

Wow, when did Pinnacle purchase Dazzle?
I have been out of it for awhile.

[Bones]

I have some software that I bought at Staples that I use to capture stills from Hi8 video. This software is called Photo Explosion, and it in from a company called Ulead Systems, Inc. I also ordered a wire from this company that connects my camcorder to my PC. I rarely use this any more, but it works well.