Skip to content

How to Convert 8mm Camcorder Tapes to Digital?

  • by

You likely have 8mm tapes of home videos from the 1980s and 1990s. These tapes could contain precious moments that you won’t be able to watch unless your old camcorder works and you find the cable to connect to the TV. It is a tedious process.
8mm video is almost obsolete, just like many other media formats in an ever-changing world of technology. It is almost impossible to view the tapes. The tapes will not last forever.

You can save all the content from 8mm camcorder tapes with digital conversion.
Camcorder Tapes – 8mm

Camcorder tapes 8mm are simply 8mm tapes that have a 8mm wide magnetic tape and are encased within a compact cassette.

How did 8mm tapes become so popular and how do you preserve them?
History of 8mm Video

The 8mm video format was first introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1984. The Handycam was then introduced by Sony. It was the first camera to use 8mm technology and launched 8mm video into commercial home video.

8mm video tape was a great choice at the time because it made video recording easier for amateur and home videographers. 8mm tape was much more portable than VHS or Betamax and therefore became very popular.

There are many versions of 8mm video, including Video8, Hi8, Digital8 and Digital8. These updates have succeeded each other as technology advances. Regardless of the format, videos are slowly losing their content.
Camcorder Tapes 8mm in Size Lasts for 8 Years

These old tapes are not as durable as they used to be for small camcorders.

These compact cassettes’ magnetic tapes can actually lose 10-20 percent of their signal over time.

Although you can store these tapes with care to prolong their life, 8mm magnetic tape can eventually cause them to become unwatchable.
Convert 8mm Camcorder Tape into Digital

It is important to convert your 8mm camcorder tapes to digital files or DVDs in order to preserve the memories. These files last longer and are easier to store and view.

You have two options when it comes to Video8 to Digital conversion, as with many specialized services: consult a professional or DIY.
Conversion at-Home

DIY 8mm tape conversion is an option. At-home video tape transfer has its benefits and drawbacks.

This option is available if you have the camcorders necessary to play 8mm tapes. To play different formats of 8mm tapes, you may need several camcorders. An analog-to-digital conversion is also required. The cost can vary depending on its quality.

Remember that the conversion will take approximately the same time as the footage on your tapes once you begin it. If you have one hour of footage, it will take approximately an hour to convert. You can expect to spend hours converting 8mm tapes and hours of footage to digital.

DIY is an option for tech-savvy people. It is best to hire a professional to convert your precious memories.