Shooting on Sony Hi8 (8mm Tape) in the 2020’s
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Over the past two months, I’ve spent some time shooting with a CCD-TRV438E PAL Handycam camera and it’s been an informative and interesting experience.
It’s taught me to be more conscious of how I choose to capture my memories with my cameras.
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More footage from this camera can be found on my 2nd channel: / dundundadadade1
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© Comet Brace 2020
wow... that aesthetic really takes me back.. loved this video.
As a young guy back in the 90s I also learned the importance of editing in camera. I had no other device to copy my footage to (in real time) in order to cut or change the order of my shots, and if I did, a loss in quality would result from doing it. Things were generally a bit more cumbersome and restricted in the analogue domain but there was nothing else, so we had nothing to compare to.
What I shot back in the day (in Hi8) looked pretty good, but today's cameras can and do look outstanding by comparison.
It's incredible the change in technology in such a short time!
Still have mine, I recorded every vacation we went on for years. The tapes are a bit pricey, but always were.
Have you digitised those tapes to make sure you don't lose them to gradual deterioration?
@@DaniloAllen I have an 8 track, vhs collection. I personally dont think tapes deteriorate in the proper environments, sitting. I think they break down from being played over time. Mine are all fine
@@Chase_is_a_race Tapes do get damaged when they are played a lot due to the tape transports putting tension on the tape and from lower-end VCRs eating the tape, but it's not the only reason why they can deteriorate.
Tapes don't necessarily have a set time before they lose all their information (a common quote that I see is 30 years), but instead it depends on how, where and for how long they are stored before they are digitized. Now tape data doesn't last forever, but it lasts for quite a long time in proper storage areas. I've played a tape from 1988 that was stored in terrible conditions and it played just fine (29 years at the time of capture) and tapes from 1998 that looked way worse that were stored in much better conditions. Tape speed also plays into the stability of the data, with faster tape speeds having a much better chance of retaining most of the information even 30 or more years down the line.
As well as the deterioration that naturally occurs on video tape formats, it is also important to capture the video tapes properly, retaining as much information as possible. Using VirtualDub, capturing with a lossless codec (you can use other codecs if you do not have the disk space for 60 GB an hour video) at 720*480 resolution and deinterlacing to retain the original 59.94 fps of the video is a necessity to accurately keep as much information as possible. It is unfortunately very common for people to spend $5 on a capture card on eBay and call it a day, when in fact the result is going to be way worse than the original tape if you were to play it back and watch it without capturing. Just get a decent capture card for around $30-50 and keep the above information in mind when you transfer your material over to digital.
@@Chase_is_a_race Your right! Tapes and film outlast digital files if you treat them right.
if anyone needs tapes I have a literal shitload of unopened sealed tapes i can sell for like 5$ each pack
My parents still own their Sony cam from the late 90s and its been stored away since then. Ive been wanting to shoot with it and try experimenting with analog to digital editing for projects. Still have many tapes from my young childhood hanging around. Thanks for the tips and informative vids.
This is brilliant. Covers the scope of how I used my Handycam back when I was a kid.
I recently bought two new-in-the-box Sonys - a DCR-TRV265E and a DCR-TRV480E. I had a 265E back in 2004-2005 but sadly it failed beyond repair years later.
I hope to make some great videos like this myself. I've bought a FireWire/Lightning adapter for my Mac and want to transfer some old family Hi8/Video8 tapes digitally using the 480E as well.
I even bought brand new Sony batteries for them, as the ones supplies were long dead when I tried to power them up. Thankfully Sony still make them!
These cameras were a mechanical and electronic work of art. My 20 year old camera and tapes still work perfectly.
recently got my moms old sony handycam dcr dvd-105. was looking for a video on youtube on how to use the different functions on the camera and different modes it has but i stumbled upon your video. i really liked the way you put it all together & wanted to thank you for the great content!
thanks! glad you enjoyed it 😊
I'm a big fan of analog media (Audio tape, VHS, 8mm, you name it) but what I don't enjoy is it being tought of as a glitchy media, because it is not. I have a collection of 40+ 8mm tapes my dad recorded back in the day and they're pretty much error free, even when being played back today on 20 year old cameras. Why? Because he used brand new tapes and only recorded them once, and the same can be applied to pretty much any other tape-based format. "You'll have a hard time telling a brand new, properly recorded audio tape from a CD."
Yes, did much the same with my tapes and all are still playing back perfectly today (2021)
I have this exact camera - I bought it brand new in the early 00's - I've been doing exactly what you described - and I'm loving it so far - My kids love it and are more entertaining and funny when being shot by it compared to dad shooting with his phone !! Great video
Very cool! I transfer VHS and camcorder tapes to DVD and MP4 for work. The quality is definitely special on 8mm and customers are always surprised how cool it looks when played back! It was another great way of cherishing memories on an up-to date format that was an affordable and easy to use. But yes the tape from some clients was susceptible to mould which sadly damages the tape. However the vast majority of clients tapes are in good condition and transfer perfectly! Might go back to using my 8mm camcorder again too!
That must be so interesting to see all the old footage that people drop in, that’s awesome!
@@DaniloAllen it’s fascinating! Holidays, births, christenings, weddings etc and some from the late 1980s / early 1990s which was on better quality cassettes than some recorded in the early 2000s!
I’m trying to make some little movies with one of these cameras what’s the best way to digitize on a budget?
this is the exact one i have right now and i just found the charger...you are the only vid i could find on this specific one
It's quite niche I suppose, glad you found my video! Have you started shooting with yours?
Still have mine from 2005, bought it brand new. I wish we could still purchase tape for it
thanks for review this camera👌👌👌📷📷📷, I get knowledge from this video
I recently got a digital fujifilm instax camera and I used it a few times and I love the nostalgic look to it. I do struggle in keeping the moment natural and experiencing it but also doing my best to keep real modern surroundings out of the picture but an 8mm video camera, I want one now.
Well made video mate well done. Indeed the videos I capture on these old units just transport back 20 years and instantly film more treasured for that reason. Got loads of these old units and post most weeks videos recording on them. Your unit definitely needs a tape cleaner run through it though as that’s a lot of random glitches haha. But yes tape definitely isn’t 4K Crystal clear and that’s because it didn’t need to be when people only had a TV at most back then 32 inches. Ahhh the good old days haha! Again great video 👍
Yeah - I couldn’t seem to find a cleaner when I looked, and thought the footage was acceptable enough without one. But come to think of it - I probably should’ve mentioned it in the video. Glad you enjoyed the video - thanks for watching & for the feedback
I just bought one like this on eBay! I’m so excited to shoot with it.
awesome! you’ll have so much fun shooting with it - trust me!
Great Stuff, great video Thanks. I still have my old Hi 8 (SonyCCD TR3200E) No flip out screen just b/w view finder. Still in mint condition.It's a pity most new digital cams don't have ccd chips (Global Shutter) I'll be shooting my next short with Hi 8 along with my PXW-X70. Just for the fun of it.
i just bought a hi-8 camera and its wierd how the crappy look I once wished I had a better camera and higher resolution now has an astonishing time capsule vibe reminiscent of super 8 film... Shooting video is the same for all hand held cameras.. You shoot with basic building blocks of story. Beginning-look for ways to start a shot anticipating the main action of the sequence. Middle -what is this shot going to show the audience End - how do you close the sequence. Are there opportunities to utilize the environment to end on? In any case, these are documentary style camera shooting strategies where you try to envision what you want out of the shots before you are shooting. So you are avoiding the mundane and banal ubiquitous imagery that's on par with family videos and beginner filmmaking.
It's such a beautiful approach to filmmaking I think. Provided of course - you avoiding the mundane and banal ubiquitous imagery! 😊
Welcome to my world a quarter of a century ago. Though I got an SVHSC camcorder, a part of me wishes I had gotten the much larger Canon Hi8 camera was all the rage at one time. Anyway, still got my camcorder; just can't get batteries for it.
Just started using my Sony trv255e cam again after being in storage for 18 years, it's all mint in box and complete, the ten original tapes I bought at the time all work perfect, absolutely love filming and playing with it now !!🤗🤗
Awesome!
Thanks for making this video! I think it's important to keep these analogue cameras alive because the style of video they produce induces nostalgic feelings, regardless of when the footage was shot!
all the way from the looks and that "hancycam" logo, shit you just never see today, the excitement when you see stuff like this back in the day
It’s just so much fun isn’t it!
About to take this same camera out in the Kayak for nature 😂
I just got one in mint condition in 2024 and having a blast using it more than my mirrorless Sony haha😅
Great video. I love the way you start saying something sometimes and then run into bother finishing it so you kinda just give up slightly and lose interest haha
Loved the video. I've recently bought the same camera on ebay to digitilize my old 8mm tapes. They had been deteriorating due to moisture. I even managed to take some tapes apart and remove the mold and saved them. You're right about editing the film as you shoot the videos, pretty different from today's editing. Eventually I managed to save more than 10 tapes. It brought back good memories. Now I might start using the camera as I used to. Alex
Thank you
My whole childhood and my brothers childhood was shot on one of these.
I just found my old camcorder. A few cables are missing but I have the urge now to shoot with it. It can surely be a part of any of my story telling
they're just so unique, nothing quite matches the style
top quality content!
You know it!
Hiiii I have the same camera and have no idea how transfer the footage onto my Mac. Can anyone help me
I used the ‘Elgato Video Capture’
Also one thing that gives original footage a certain look is the fact that most people didn't know anything about how to shoot nor did they want to. The novice never though that there is a difference between what your eye sees and what a camera sees. You think that what you see and how your brain processes it is going to be the same or better but the opposite is often the case. People just pointed and shot and only after looking at the footage, did they ask, hey, why is this so dark or so overexposed, etc?
Super helpful video dude! Glad I found this
cheers 😊
I have a simular HI8 camera that doesn’t have any of the artifacts.
Yes, his camera certainly has issues. I wouldn't be able to live with it! I have a very nice sony ccd-v8 and a later digital8 handica. Both of them yield beautiful images and are a joy to use. The digital 8 camera makes surprisingly nice movies, my uncle bought it new in 99 and gave it to me a few years later, its still like-new!
It seems I had problems with the write head - still quite pleased with the results though but if you’re saying I can get even better I can’t wait to see what that’s like next time I get my hands on a better camera
@@DaniloAllen oh it’s basically just slightly sharper and no distortion but it still contains the smooth analog video aesthetics
Hi
How you do to make the text look vintage at the end ?
The "the end" please
That’s built into the camera as one of the overlays. It’s not too hard to do on the computer though - just have to google and find the right font.
How can u upload the footage please i need help
I used the ‘elgato video capture’
i love the look but no sd card at all? im trying to find a video camera with this quality but sd card friendly
i think i wanna start making surf videos like this.
That sounds like such a fun way to use these cameras!
super helpful bro
Really dope my man!
Cheers
Hey, thanks for this ! I literally dug out this exact camera that I use to shoot with back in 2004 or so. You need to do a tutorial on how to import the video onto a pc/mac, cause i'm desperate to use it again. I've already plugged it through the USB 2.0 but I can't get my PC to recognise the camera. How did you do it ??
I really should’ve done a tutorial!! Unfortunately I don’t have access to the camera anymore though… I used the Elgato video capture so maybe give that a try?
I have this camera and use FireWire to capture video. I like Linux so "dvgrab" is my capture software of choice, but the are many options for capturing "dv format" for Windows it Mac too. (I know this is a digital 8 camcorder but it has dv FireWire which is awesome)
Hi, are new Hi8 cassettes still being produced or is there only remaining stock to buy?
Hey I just bought the sams camera and was wondering what I need to convert it? Could you list the stuff you use or drop links?
Me too, I did a bunch of research but am still unable to figure out what cables I need to convert the video and the sound
I used the ‘Elgato Video Capture’ to get the footage off it
I figured it out ask me if you need help
Can you record over tapes ? That way you could just use a capture card to take the videos off of a tape once it’s complete, and reuse the tape ? Or no ? Does the tape degrade ? Sorry I’m new to this but I’m looking at investing in one of these hi-8 Sony cams and a capture card for it. But if I have to get a bunch of hi-8 tapes, that might deter me a bit.
Perfeito.
Parabéns e obrigado!
obrigado!
this video convinced me to get this camera but my only question is- how did you transfer this footage to your MacBook? I've worked with VHS before but this doesn't have the typical AV cable.
This camera had an RCA converter cable included in the box for connecting with a tv back in the day. I used that cable in combination with Elgato's Video Capture to digitise my footage.
@@DaniloAllen thank you so much!
@@DaniloAllen you only need the converter cable and elgato video capture?
Loved your video and I have the same one but I don't know how it works please explain it I don't have a manual book 🙏I need help
It’s quite simple once you figure out how to get your tape going well - I suggest googling your specific model name, I managed to find the repair manual of the camera I had
My partner is getting a mini dv camcorder for her birthday so I’ve been buying mini dv tapes and found a bundle with 1 mini dv tape 6 new old stock vhs tapes and 1 new old stock hi 8 tape so finally going to venture into the world of hi 8 and will be putting it all across to vhs and might even do some stuff for a RUclips channel for a bit of fun
Sounds like you're up for wonderful adventure, have fun!
Hey can you make a video how you upload the videos to your computer!
Here’s my question: what tapes did you use for the camera?
regular 8mm tapes
@@DaniloAllen Sony tapes? or tdk tapes? :^) hi8 or video8?
I have that same model of camera and I hate to spoil the fun but with that amount of stutter with the tape, there is something wrong with that camera
I edited a lot with hi8 and later mini dv, and this is not the tape...100% its a fx done in editing...even a big wrinkle in the tape didnt look like this...2nd the sound you hear isnt from hi8...dont hear the zoom...and you hear the zoom of the lens with the eternal mic :)
@@vertigovisions6741 I think you'll find that you're wrong there... Just gonna leave these timestamps here: 3:55 5:35 6:43 Honestly I wish I was this good at VFX - but alas I am not 😂
Another commenter pointed out to me that the camera I was using needed a tape cleaner run through it - so that explains some of the looks. As well as that I kind of skimmed past it in the video, but I only had one cassette and I had some problems with the tape 1:05 - thanks for the comment though!
i want to buy this sony camcorder digital 8 how can i buy?
Try eBay maybe?
was wondering what cables you got to transfer to your pc links to buy would help thx
I like overlaying a good audio track over 8mm video.
It really transforms the footage doesn't it!! 😊
What is the song used when showing the footage at first ?
Hi gentlemen, thanks for your display and comments. May I request you if similarly available in the Market, aor any saleable at your end. Thanks and awaiting the reply.
No, sorry - I don't own the camera, it was just borrowed for the purpose of this video.
Can you use Hi8 analogue tapes in this camcorder?
This was dope
thanks!
If you can please answer which is the best cassette type for that camera I have the same camera is thier a big difference in them or sould I buy the best cassettes I want to know😊
I didn't really notice a different between the 8mm and Hi8 tape I used, so from experience I think either should be fine 😊
Hey hi , I want to know if you reuse the tapes for recording and if you do , how many times have you reused a tape (overwriting tapes with new recording) , how much can it be pushed , I have found back my childhood camera and tapes are damn costly and rare in my country , so please tell me!
I have a vhs-c camera from my grandpa, i can link a video that we digitalized (from 1997)
how did you get the film off of the tape? did you use a converter or ship it off? If not what converter.
I used the Elgato Video Capture
@@DaniloAllen thank you good example of the quality aswell
@@DaniloAllen do you have a link to that product
Hi, I bought the same type of camcorder. What type of casette should I buy? Hope someone replies to this message
Hi8 tape
can you connect an external microphone to this camera
Did you film on hi8 or digital8?
Is there anyway to get this to play on a Samsung smart tv?
I presume that you’re talking about footage directly from camera. For that you just need to check if you have an RCA connection.
@@DaniloAllen Check the front right part of the camcorder you find a white and yellow ports you put the yellow Cable in the yellow and the white in the white or I forgot but it will work
where did you get it
why did you get it
I got it from a friend to shoot a music video for a client - it was a lot of fun, unfortunately I no longer have it with me though...
How can you save/get videos from this camera? Would it be possible to do it from an sd card?
You’d need to use a computer to convert the analog signal to digital first
What is the model number of battery of this camera? Please let me know coz I lost one
I don't have access to the camera anymore - but maybe give a google of the model number of your camera and try and find a manual, and that should hopefully have that information
@@DaniloAllen thanks allen
How do you convert it to digital?
What charger does it use? I bought one from a thrift store in quite good condition and it didn’t come with a charger
how did you convert the 8mm tape to digital ? i tried getting a video capture card, but i am only getting audio (i have the same camera). did you use a firewire cable to transfer oveR?
I used a capture card. You’ll have to play around it and maybe try your FireWire on a windows computer
@@DaniloAllen im on mac, but when i plug in the wire to go out with the red, yellow, and white cable all it gives me is the audio. it plays fine on the tv, but capture card is not reading it... any ideas what could be wrong here or did you run into this issue ?
@@isaacmijangos very strange if it works on your tv - what capture device are using? maybe check on another computer to see if that's the problem? or reinstall your software?
@@DaniloAllen i used the Roxio Easy VHS to DVD for Mac | VHS, Hi8, V8 Video to DVD. I tried plugging it into another comp too and suing quicktime, but does not work. really strange that it is only picking up audio. i dont think i moved around the settings either
@@isaacmijangos I used the elgato video capture - which was a bit expensive, but I didn't have a single problem with it
Hi can you use a NTSC tape in a PAL camera?
You sure it was 480p and not 480i?
Hi! what is the brand of the tape that you use for record the videos on this review?
I use Sony Hi8MP 120 min cassete for my CCD-TRV238e
Sony as well for me
*Are these tapes reusable? Or once you have used it, it's permanent??*
how to export video out of the tap in computer
To get the footage onto my computer I used an Elgato Video Capture! 😊
Hi Danilo! I just wanted to ask what song you used in the shots filmed during twilight!
ruclips.net/video/VRKIhUEIiBA/видео.html here's the song 😊
Hi, I have the same model and I wanted to know what tapes does it take?
Normal 8mm or Hi8 tape
@@DaniloAllen thank you
Get a SONY SC5. Please check it out. They are compact, well made, AND!!! you can watch a film as it has a large screen with some flaps which give you privacy if you wanted to watch a film while on a plane, a bus or in a Taxi. Yes, almost as convenient as a smart phone 30 years in the past!
And.... its a great video 8 camera. And you can still get pre recorded Hollywood films for them. Whats not to like?
Get one and make an upload like this excellent one.
Please tell me the which memory suits of this products
Excuse me? What do you mean?
@@DaniloAllen which memory card or memory stick suits this product...
It’s a tape camera? Hi8 tape
It is not 480p, it is 480i. Judging by ghosting in the video, you did not deinterlace it correctly.
Yessssss! I don’t know why I kept saying 480p when talking about resolution - terrible oversight from me on that part of the script!
could someone tell me, button by button, how to watch tapes on this camera
I don't understand English audios, I write this by the translator
would be grateful forever thanks
I’d recommend looking up the model name of the camera you have to find the camera manual to find those instructions. Start with this link it might help: www.sony-asia.com/electronics/support/product/ccd-trv438e/manuals
Where do you even get the cassettes?
Search around online, it’s pretty accessible still
@@DaniloAllen thanks for the very fast response
Use a portable capture card attached to this camera!
I think I have this does anyone know how to play back things on it ?
how much is that camera cost? or where is the best place for buy it? thx
not too sure, maybe look around on fb marketplace or eBay?
Are there any cameras that use sd cards that have this kind of film look?
You can get digital camcorders, but it won’t have the same look typically because those use different types of censors (generally speaking)
what aspec ratio that camera shoot? please help me
4:3
thank you Danilo, but i tried 4:3 and it looks better in 3:2 for my Sony Hi8, thanks for the response tho! :)
Where do you buy hi8 tapes?
try online shopping maybe? there should be some options. I used old tape and rewrote over old footage
when i want to record a vid the screen is just black can someone help me???
My parents recorded all the time on the Sony handycam and I want to t try and find if there’s someone who can tell me what charger I would need? And the films to catch it on. My father lives away and doesn’t talk to us much anymore as they divorced. Anyone can help me?
Best bet is to research the specific model name of your cameras and try and find the camera manual for it online. From there you should be able to find the charger name, so at least you’ll know what you’re looking for.
How is a camera that old in such mint condition?
It came from a friend - and they hadn't touched it since they used it all those years ago, arrived with me for the purpose of making my video still with the original box and all!
@@DaniloAllen that’s a good friend! If I had something that mint/vintage idk if I would be lending it out. Nice vid!
good friend indeed - haha 😂 thank you 😊
I put in an old tape I found into the camera but it gives me a C:31:23 error code :’( please help
Update 1 hour later I just blew in the tape and the camera really hard and it fixed it !
Haha - glad you figured it out ☺️
1:35 what’sthe title?
?
@@DaniloAllen I'm sorry hahaa i mean the background music
@@topangathingss1508 ruclips.net/video/VRKIhUEIiBA/видео.html here's the song
Thanks
Looks pretty crappy... good for 5 mins of nostalgia, but nothing else really.
You’re not wrong, it’s not a cine camera and I wouldn’t recommend shooting with it for more than the nostalgic look. But I really think there’s a lot to borrowed from the shooting style and general approach of the handycam.
@@DaniloAllen correct... actually the footage reminds me those videos from serial killers documentaries 😂😂
@@villagranvicentProbably because this camcorder have 340.000 pixels and doesn’t have FireWire and S-video outputs so the image quality just with the RCA connectors (red, yellow and white) is obviously not very good.
@@villagranvicent For this I would recommend my digital 8 Sony DCR TRV255E which the form of the camcorder is identical from this Hi8 camcorder of the video but is a digital camera which uses Digital 8 tapes (same as miniDV). Have 540.000 pixels so the quality if you want to play some Hi8 tapes it would be better and also have FireWire and S-video outputs so if you move the videos from the tape to a computer the quality would be better. For digital 8 tapes it would be better to use FireWire port. For Video 8 and Hi8 analog tapes it would be good to use a video capturer with the RCA connectors and the S-video also.