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VideOccasions can now do duplications and foreign format conversions from Digital8 video tapes. |
So what is Digital8, you wonder?
Digital8 camcorders and VCRs use the same tape as 8mm and Hi8 camcorders -- they're what's called "backward compatible." This feature has been one of the major selling points for this format: 8mm tape costs less than Mini DV tape. You'll have to decide whether this is an adequate reason for buying a Digital8 camcorder.
On the down-side, tapes recorded in Digital8 won't play on your 8mm or Hi8 VCR, nor will they play in a Mini DV VCR. So if you decide to buy a Digital8 camcorder, you'll either have to use the camcorder to play back your tapes through your video, copy the tape from your camcorder to a VHS tape in your VCR, or purchase a Digital8 VCR.
Sony makes at least 7 versions of their Digital8 camera, ranging from the DCR-TRV120 (list $899) to the DCR-TRV820 (list $1399). Most popular seems to be the DCR-TRV520 which, I have been told by a dealer, is becoming obsolete in favor of the new DCR-TRV530, a camera with a slightly more robust body and a slightly better lens system.
Hitachi makes the VMD965LA Digital8 camcorder. We have not been able to locate the manufacturer's specifications for this product.
Sony makes two VCRs to play and edit Digital8 tapes, the Sony GV-D200 and GV-D800. The GV-D800 "Digital8 Walkman," which lists for about $900, has a four-inch color active matrix LCD screen and built-in stereo speakers, and is palm sized. The GV-D200 lists for about $700.
Digital8 appears to be a transitional format, designed to ease 8mm and Hi8 camcorder owners into the digital video world. We think the format will disappear in a couple of years, giving way to mini DV and other better established formats. Frankly, we're not very impressed by the quality of the Digital 8 cameras that we've seen, and we can't recommend the purchase of this format when there are so many good digital camcorders on the market.
The good news is that VideOccasions can handle duplications and format conversions from Digital8 to VHS.
| If you want to edit from Digital8, we suggest you download to S-VHS, or plan to edit using your camera as the source. Talk to us about these options when you call 425-641-4811 to make you editing appointment. |