Worked for me in a similar way. Had the X Ray camcorder hooked to the broken Digital 8 (via Composite Leads) then hooked the Digital8 to the MiniDV Camcorder (via FireWire). Works amazing! Thank You! :D Update: I now use a 1996 PCI Card to capture my home videos and it's nostalgic for my purposes. Capturing 90s Style in a Post-90s world

Worked like a charm for converting some of family VHS movies. Used Sony DCR HC96 (just make SURE that you buy one with the docking station...I overlooked that part initially), AVT-8710 TBC after standard VHS output. Firewire in through asus x99 board onto ssd drive, Win8.1 64bit. No frames lost, audio sync through the entire capture...thanks!!!

Couldn't believe my luck when I finally stumbled on your video! I was about to give up and pay someone to transfer my videos and I already own the Sony DCR-HC96. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

I saw your video months back and finally have the time to do this myself. Going into the Menu/Settings and turning on the option for A/V -> DV worked like a charm. Thank you for your video.

Thank you very much for sharing! Been looking for a solution for years. Thanks to you I´ve been able to convert my 70+ VHSC tapes to digital format. This solution is so much easier and better in quality than anything I´ve tried over the years.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse.. but I had to come back and let you know that your tutorial allowed me to convert all my 8mm tapes to DVD. Thanks again!

Wanted to update.....I have recreated the set up portrayed in the video.....It works great. If you acquire the DCR HC96 more than likely you will not get the cd that installs the software. Don't worry.If you have windows moviemaker it comes with photo gallery as part of the program. You can also download moviemaker if you don't have it. This will provide the interface you need to begin uploading videos. One final thought. I had some Hi 8 videos converted about 4 yrs. ago. I did a comparison of the same footage with new uploads from this setup. The quality of the video was much better with this setup.... Thank-you for posting this. It has solved a problem and created an opportunity to share priceless memories with family.

That is a neat setup. Excellent video. I imagine one could even capture on the go at a friend‘s place or anywhere by jacking into a vcr or hi8 like this video and capturing to minidv and moving to a desktop at a later time. A great portable capture unit. I was a an estate auction several years ago and bought a Sony dcr-trv730 with all the stuff for a dollar. Apparently nobody there knew what is was or they just wanted the wicker chairs. This camera will send digital8, play back digital8, video8 and Hi8 tapes all through FireWire to my pc. I get hi8 at 480 60 frames. It will record from a composite source to digital8 that can be moved to computer later. I also really like the quality of these Sony handycams the ones I have seem to hold up well.

Great video. Tried it on a Panasonic HV20 and worked. Thanks for the helpful advice.

Very good descriptive post that gets straight to the point and is extremely helpful. Thank you.

WOW you are a genius!!! thank you so much for saving me 200 plus dollars on an expensive tool to do this, I have had a Pinacle Video converter years back in 2008 that I bought WHILE I had the same mini dv camera you had and since then ive been dealing with the crap quality from the Pinacle Video and I just tried this out and I am so damn happy! the quality is PERFECT not hd but exactly how the quality is on the VHS!!! PHENOMENAL!!!!! :)

Thank you so much. I have been trying to work out how to do this with no luck. Happily playing in old VHS tapes now!

This video is gold and dont even own a minidv recorder but this feels like a video that can go on a museum

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Awesome video! We ran into a snag that we had a bunch of older Hi8 tapes and our Hi8 camera wouldn't work in windows 7 or later... You're an answer to prayer my friend! Keep up the great work!

Thank you it worked! Liked! Regards from Slovenia!

Thanks for the info, great way to utilize all our old camcorders!

You're a legend pal

Thanks so much for publishing this video. I have some old tapes and a Mini DV camcorder. I will give this a try and let you know what happens.

Your commentary was very good and explained all I need to know. I am going to attempt to transfer all my Hi8 analog tapes from my big old Sony CCD-TR2000E (which has stereo sound)on to my Laptop and will need to get a Sony Mini DV from eBay. Thanks for the encouragement! Michael UK

Well, just what I was looking for. a great presentation , whit the acurate informations, a PRO who know what is talking about. Now I can do my transfert.... because before I was using DAZZLE hardware, and I was very frustated to loose quality, especialy from a HI-8 Camcorder ( that I have) some archives I got to digitalise... so THANK'S to you Mr.Video . am from Canada ,,, merci

Wow that's interesting and really useful, will have to see whether my camcorders can do this. I went through the pain of trying a series of useless PCI cards and supposed transfer devices ended up with a Canopus device - which worked great but using a camcorder would have been a lot easier and cheaper!

GREAT tutorial / review. Thank you.

good stuff +foxboss9, thank you for taking the time to do this.

I use my Canon Optura 60 for that same process, since it also has analog-to-digital passthrough. I also have a Sony DCR-TRV460 Digital8 camcorder that I use for archiving and importing my old Hi-8 videotapes.

Thanks very very helpful. Just what I needed.

Thanks for the post Bro, I don't have a dvr yet. But I have a zr65. Awesome

Thanks for your quick response...Would an icore 3 do the trick? Most of the used Toshiba's seem to use this.

Worked perfect! Thank you!

Thanks. I have not transferred VHS for a long time and I forgot that menu setting.

Thank you! I very much appreciate this

Sony camcorder its great company in the world. I have the same camcorder from sony. Digital CX-C220

Really interesting.Thanks.

Hi, I used to do this until I bought the VCR2PC setup which now refuses to work with Windows 10. I got my old Sony Mini Tape camera out, connected it to my computer and VCR, only trouble was I'd forgon how to set the Mini Tape camcorder, I really appreciate your tutorial for reminding me how to do it. Thank you.

Life saver! Thanks

I usually use OBS Studio to do my VHS recordings and it's actually way better than the built in capture program in Windows since it has acceptable frame-rate, De-interlacing, low CPU usage, Ability to customize the screen being recorded, and average file size of 517.5 MB for every hour (DV files can be really big so I use H.264 at 1150 kbps equivalent to the bitrate of Video CD). P. S. I also have a CRT VGA 120HZ monitor right next to the LCD and it's exact purpose is to project whatever is shown on the screen preview on another monitor as a way of having an idea of playing it back a real video file on an average consumer television.

The quality of the Sony DV Camcorder is definitely better than the Dazzle. There is no compression at all.

There is a link in the video description

Hello, can I know the latest model of Sony 8mm camera is available and where to get it

Hey, this was a very helpful video! Do you know how the audio levels are handled using this method? I'm guessing it's an auto level type thing where dynamic range is limited. That said, I'm guessing most camcorders' audio were auto adjusted in the first place anyway.

you are a savior

+Febron Rodriguez You can control the camera using the PC/Laptop controls if you are importing directly off the DCR-HC96 however if you are converting THROUGH the DCR-HC96 like I was doing in this video, then no, you have to use the Camcorders touch screen.

I prefer using digital mounting programs like a Cyber link power director 11. Its much easier and enjoyable.

Hi, I just watched your video and have a question. My Sony DCR-TRV345E is not recognized by my computer (I have a laptop using Windows10 now). I bought a Firewire-cable and it didn't work out. I also bought a video grabber (which is connected via USB and/or Firewire to my laptop and camera), but it didn't work. ;-) After I watched your video, my camera came to my mind (a Fuji FinePix S100FS), but it didn't work. How can I get the old videos from the tapes of the Sony to my laptop without buying a new camera? Is that even possible? I'm grateful for any piece of help, as I would like to surprise my grandma with the old videos. Thanks in advance!

You are genuis! Thank you for pointing this out. However, I have a Sony DCR-HC52 model and I can't see this option in any menu. I looked it up online and it said that the model I have should be supported by this feature. But I can't see A/V > DV out. Can someone help please?

Excellent!

Im trying to convert mini dv tapes to digital from a panasonic dvx100a and i was wondering if i have cords for the red, white, yellow, and circular s-video ports, do i need to use a firewire?

Hi great video, Do you know if you can get the timestamp recorded in the bottom corner like on the older Hi8 camcorders? I just purchased a Sony DCR -PC2e mini DV and I can't figure it out. Thanks in advance

With this method can I transfer macrovision protected VHS tapes to my computer?

Thank you Sir!

Amazing 👌🙌

can you please tell me what adapter are you using in the laptop?

many thanks.... it looks like it has a docking station... I might buy one to try it as can't seem to find a 96

Great video! I am trying to do the conversion using a firmwire and Cyberlink. The digital video is sometime choppy/laggy. Which settings should I use to get the best quality/framerate on Cyberlink? In other words, which setting should I use to archive my Hi8 tapes so I can throw them away! And have no loss in quality of video/audio (or the least loss)? Thanks

hi...do you know if other similar sony camcorders would do the same thing. I was looking at the hc46 as the 96 seems quite hard to get hold of....many thanks in advance...martin

Great! two questions! I have a Sony DCR SR100. There is no av/dv out on the menu in "standard set" . what else might work? "tv type"? display? lcd/vf set? Also the 1394 4 pin cable that you put into your fire wire pci card - if I don't have one, can I buy a 4 pin 1394 cable with a usb input to my computer and it will work? If not, what do I buy instead? Thank you!!

iDealshare VideoGo also helps to convert between various video and audio formats

Your video for transferring is super, just what I need. I wonder if I could contact you. There's a flashing red icon that doesn't show up in the manual.

Excellent...

Hello and huge thank you for this video, foolproof and detailed. But I have a question abt camcorder, If anyone by chance knows...I can't buy hc96, because it doesn't fit my budget, but I found two models that do: Panasonic NV-GS11 and Sony DCR HC-35 (with docking station). And I need advice, which one if any can do this trick. I've read manuals for both of them and I'm still not entirely sure.

iDealshare VideoGo also helps to convert between various video formats

Well explained.

test (with bunch of) tes... thnx for video.

Do you think there's an appreciable difference in playhead quality between these consumer cameras and an old pro player deck, which would probably be coming out of a replication or edit facility via ebay? Also, I live in CA, where the air is very dry and rubber breaks down. I think a lot of these old decks break down because the belts get brittle and crack. How do you find old players that you can count on? I have a lot of old 8mm and miniDV tapes, and I want to create a smart workflow before getting into the project. Thanks so much for you tutorial and answers to questions!

Thanks, this is really useful. What is the import s/w being used on win7 laptop?

can u control the camera without the touch screen

How did you connect your Sony camcorder to your laptop....this is were I am at a blank stage...thanks

Mate, you're like the MacGuyver of video capture! Good stuff... I'm gonna try this tomorrow.

Great Video and Information! Do you know if it will work on iMac's. Thanks!

What software do you use to capture the video? Thanks

I tried to use the same tricks to transfer from VHS to camcorder

Thanks!!!

Step by step its great until import live, I am connecting with analogue from a vhs recorder but cannot get the picture playing on vcr machine up on the LCD or live import screen on laptop (Sony vaio) I just get the grey with two very narrow green horizontal bars across the top of screen...spent seven hours going round and I feel so close...pls help...could the vcr output be faulty?

I have a DCR-TRV460E & a DCR-SR37 & an Imac. When I started watching your brilliant tutorial I though "eureka" this is going to show me the way to convert all my old tapes but sadly it doesn't as SR37 doesn't have a docking station & neither do I have Windows. Can you help?

Hi. I have one question. I have sony mini dv cam 2003 model with i.Link. my old pc had the firewire too. But new laptop model doesnt have firewire port. Only usb c. How can I import the old mini dv tapes to new laptop. Thanks. I know thunderbolt 3 is good for this but I dont have it in my laptop.

Can a mini dv tape work on 8mm camcorder

very cool but where can I buy that camcorder video 8 and mini dv so i can convert my hundreds of tapes

Would this quality be better than using a standard av cable to usb adapter? I have an old VHS-C analog camcorder with tons of tapes that I would like to convert to digital, and I have a pinnacle av to usb dazzle. The quality isn't super great but it seems as if the video camera is doing the same thing as the dazzle. I also have a similar minidv camera that I think can do the same thing. Which method would be better?

thanks for this video! but i have 1 problem. as soon as i connect the firewire cable to my camera the input automatically disconnects and goes to the blue VCR screen, im using a TRV900 if that helps

Can this work for my Sony dcr-pc100

Foxboss 9 says various cheapo capture devices vary in quality, "some are pretty good." I'd like to know which are the "pretty good" ones for going from analog camcorders to usb input on computers.

I like this method but I'm not sure what you did at 6:15. You have the dvcam set to 'play' and in 'av-dv out' mode, and software automatically pops up an import window. Got it. Then you switch the dvcam to something else, what exactly did you do? Pause to play? You talk about play/edit mode, on the dvcam or the software? I think I understand the setup: The hi8 cam just plays its tape, and the dvcam does some analog to digital translation. By clicking the import button, the software just writes the data on-the-fly to your computer, correct?

Hello there, I have the same camera but i dont have the handycam station, is there any alternative? It would be helpful if you reply 🙏🏼

Any idea for SONY DVM60 Cassete my reader broke I need a reader

I have the DCR HC96. I do not have the CD that came with it to install the software on my laptop. I have downloaded the recommended software from Sony. At this point my laptop will not support 1394 firewire. I will have to purchase a computer that has this option but before I do my question is when the camera is connected via firewire will it prompt the downloaded software so that I can proceed with uploading my old Hi 8 tapes. I have connected my old Hi 8 deck to the DVR and it works as you have shown. I can see the streaming HI 8 tape through the video monitor on the DVR so that part works great. Just want to make sure before I make an investment in another laptop.... Thank you

I'm working with a SONY Handycam from 2000 and my iMOVIE. I can get the VCR to go through the Camcorder with AV-DV Out, but I can't figure out how to "fool" the software. As you point out, if I hit import, the computer is looking for a tape in the camcorder, and not seeing the VCR tape that is playing. Haven't figured it out yet, so if you see this and you have a suggestion, I'm all ears. :-)

Hello foxboss can you help me with a specific camera so I can convert my Mini DV tapes to a mac computer? I have searched everywhere for what cable I need and it is very confusing. I have a new MacBook with C and my camera is a Sony DCR HC36

What video editing software did you use to make this?? Thanks a bunch!

Does it also work for a Sony Handycam DCR-HC20E? I cannot find the A/V DV out button in the menu. Thank you so much for your help.

Have you ever run into an issue with the older camcorder not playing back when you plug it into a tv? Ive got a Cloner Box, but can't for the life of me get the camcorder to play the tape on an external screen. It only plays on the camera itself. @FoxBoss

My mini DV camera has an usb cable but i dont have the software even the driver!!! I need help!!!!

I have the HC-42 and if go into play mode without a tape the pass-through works.

I have the same model Mini DV, i.e. Sony DCR-HC96, but once I have it connected to my old Hi8 Sony CCD-TRV66 I run into some trouble. The picture from the Mini DV goes to the Hi8 camcorder instead of the other way around. I've hooked it up just like you have. I would love it if someone could tell me what might be up? When I capture the video I receive sound only, and no picture at all.

Will this work on a mac? I have a Hi8 Sharp camcorder and a Sony Mini DV wondering if these have that same function too.

Can you just record from VHS machine to DCR-HC96 then import the saved files(s) to computer for editing? Will it upscale that way?

Hi, which AV cable did you use to connect your camcorder and miniDV?

good. thank you

Where is playback button located on the mini Samsung D353 camera?

What kind of CPU speed would be required ???? I have a HP PAVILLION DV7 which does not have an expansion bay and so I'll have to get another laptop that will accommodate a 1394 port but I want to make sure the processing speed is adequate.

I lost my Sony handy am Dict pc330e left with recorded mini cassette, any means playing them again &enjoy?

Thanks for the nice tutorial. I don't have a computer with fire wire but wondered if an easy way to get my Hi8/Digital 8 tapes to my computer would be to connect my Hi8/Digital8 camera to a newer camcorder that records to an SD card or something else that's easier to get the video in to my computer. I tried using and EasyCap system that allow me to connect my older Hi8/Digital8 via USB to my computer but I see quality loss using this. Thanks for any ideas to help.