8mm was a popular format for camcorders before DVD and hard drive cameras.
A number of video editing and processing companies are now offering the service of converting 8mm film and videotape to DVD or digital video files, allowing those films and tapes to be viewed on a variety of newer devices, stored more conveniently and preserved better than analog sources. Luckily, there are ways to make this transfer at home, without paying a professional or purchasing expensive equipment.
Instructions
Converting Film
1. Load the film into a film projector and prepare it to be screened. Project the film onto a projection screen or a flat white surface, such as a wall.
2. Aim a video camera at the spot the film will be projected onto. Mount the camera on a tripod to ensure that the recording will remain stationary. Set it to camera mode and have it ready to record. While this method of converting film may seem very low-tech, it remains the best option not involving an expensive telecine machine or scanning device.
3. Play the film long enough for you to aim the video camera properly, frame the shot and make any necessary adjustments, such as zoom and focus. Then reload or rewind the film to its starting point.
4. Press "Record" in the video camera and begin playing the film again. Press "Stop" when finished.
Converting Video
5. Ensure that your computer has the proper input, which may be iLINK, IEEE 1394/Firewire or USB 2.0, to connect your particular video camera. You should also have a video editing software program, such as Windows Movie Maker, which comes standard in most Windows-based computers.
6. Connect the video camera to the computer using the appropriate cable. Firewire to iLINK adapters are available if necessary to have the cable fit the different type of input port.
7. Turn on the camcorder, set it to playback mode and insert the 8mm tape to be converted (or the recording made of the 8mm film), cuing it to the starting point. Open your chosen video software program if it does not open automatically upon and recognize the camera.
8. Click "From digital video camera" in the "Import" menu (or the corresponding command for your particular software) if the importing window did not already pop up. Press "Play" on the camcorder and click "Record" on-screen to begin importing the video, and click "Stop" when you reach the end point.
9. Name the transferred video project and save it to the folder of your choice (i.e. "Videos") on your hard drive.
Tags: video camera, digital video, hard drive, software program, starting point
