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Hi8 tape import problem
I am trying to import 4 Hi8 tapes that were made 8 years ago on a camcorder that I no longer own. These tapes are Maxell Hi8 XR-Metal. I borrowed a camcorder in hopes to use to play the tapes & “pass-through” my sony digital camcorder to do the import. Everything is set up properly but the tapes will not play in the camcorder. Here are a few facts:
1. I borrowed a Canon ES 500 Hi8 camcorder
2. when I play the tapes a get horizontal lines and the video & sound not working.
3. I even get this while using the viewfinder of the Canon.
4. I tried all 4 tapes that I am trying to import.
5. I tried putting a blank tape into the Canon and recording then viewing & importing the clip and that works fine.any suggestions?
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7 Replies
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When you say you get horizontal lines, is it literally just lines or is there some image in there? If you have absolutely no image, could it be possible the recordings are actually Digital8?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital8
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Sorry……I don’t get any of the image. I can only see black, grey & white lines. Would a video made with a digital 8 camcorder not play in a Hi8? Do I need to find a digital8 camcorder? any suggestions on getting ahold of one?
Thanks
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I don’t know if you took a look at the link I supplied.
Digital8 was a way for Sony to entice the installed base of Hi8 users to buy a new camcorder. Digital8 uses the same transport and tape as Hi8 but uses it to record a DV signal on the tape. To fulfill the needed bandwidth, the tape runs at double speed. a 2 hour analog Hi8 tape holds 1 hour of DV compatible media. the camcorders and decks have Firewire and can be used just like any DV equipment. They also playback and digitize Hi8 and 8mm tapes.
Don’t know what it’s worth to you, $800?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207304-REG/Sony_GVD800_GVD_800_Digital_8_Video.html#featuresOtherwise, ask around.
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Thanks for your help Dino!!!
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You’re quite welcome. Don’t forget, I’m speculating here. I don’t know if these tapes are in fact Digital8. It is just a possibility.
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But how do you import from a Hi8 on to final cut pro without the camera?
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Greg,
There is no way you can import the footage from a tape without something to play the tape.
rafael
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