Converting old Video Camcorder tapes to MP4

DisabledDan

I want to convert video from two old camcorders

One is an analog, Hi-8 I think, it probably has just analog RCA port, so I am guessing I need some sort of AV port and to record it in real time to a PC?

I think the other is digital (Mini DV I think, it recorded onto some sort of card or onto re writable mini DVD's, probably Panasonic, it has some sort of port but not sure how one would connect to another device.

I once found a cable that plugged between it and a DVD recorder with hard disk but there was nothing happened when I plugged it in, I think the port was firewire.

Do I need some sort of card for a PC for the firewire 1394 or is there an adaptor to Sata?

Most importantly, do I need software to do the conversion of the DV data or are the files visible as some sort of mounted drive and easy to copy to a hard disk on the PC?

oldernonethewiser

This sort of thing will be needed for the Hi8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DIGITNOW-Capture-Transfers-Digital-Windows/dp/B078H54QDR/ref=sr_1_3?crid=396MOTL0CRVYR&keywords=vhs+to+digital+converter&qid=1703311531&sprefix=vhs,aps,138&sr=8-3

Not a recommendation just an example.

outtatune

Probably best to ask here:

https://www.avforums.com/forums/

chrisw

It depends on how many tapes you have. I began copying some mini VHS tapes and after the second one I'd lost the will to live. I then found our local computer shop charges £5 per tape to usb so I ended up taking them there.