1985 first Sony Handycam CCD-M8U review & test

[@frazzleface753]

Really cool, and people are impressed with the quality for 1985, but seem to forget that all the news footage and most stuff recorded by TV stations on videotape was much better quality in 1985. Beta and yes, much more expensive for the consumer. But better quality was absolutely possible at the time.

[@koltinn]

Was it possible to rent pro grade equipment at that time or not?

[@TheTerminator-t800]

Wonderful quality omg

[@eliplasse]

3:27 slowest eject mechanism i have ever seen.

[@gonigeena]

Really, really not bad for 1985

[@SMGJohn]

Most old cameras have pretty decent video quality to begin with, its just that the people who digitalised the old analogue footages usually does a fucking shit job at it using terrible equipment and cheap software.

[@jimmieazevedo4032]

1985

[@poolboyinla]

Cameras sure have come a long way.

[@ZachTV18]

I would love to own one of these. It's now 30 years old. It's interesting to see how the Handycam started :)

[@michelaleoni64]

This is a really well made review of an old piece of equipment. I am now looking for an old camera that I can use to read my grandad's old 8mm tapes and convert them to digital, and your video has helped me understand this camera would not be good for it as it did not include a replay function, so thank you!

[@japhyriddle]

I'd recommend getting one of the later Sony TRV (like the 310?) cameras that supports playback for all 3 8mm tape formats (Video 8, Hi8, and D8), and has FireWire output. Then you can get a FireWire to Thunderbolt adapter.

[@vwestlife]

No, I just wanted some background music to use during the video, and that's what I found on the radio.

[@AsBi1]

it's really amazing that you also share the sample video footage. I really love the way those videos look, it reminds me the old memories. Thanks for amazing work

[@kennerfee100]

we have really come a long way since 1985. now u can record videos in 1080p with a camcorder the size of a audio cassette tape.

[@beautifulguitarhands]

Excellent review and demonstration.

[@musicman89503]

I used to have this camera set twice. It came with a hard case, and a playback deck. This playback deck did have a record function for dubbing video, as well as recording off the TV. The color of this first edition was gray. The black edition did not have the record function on the playback deck. I loved this unit. One unit was stolen from my house in a burglary. The other was loaned out to a friend, but they loaned it to another friend, and I never got it back. I still have 4 out of 8 prerecorded movies Sony came out with.

[@Drumm3rBo186]

Its fantastic seeing new recordings on old hardware, its like stepping through a time portal. I can imagine filming this years christmas day and see how many people first think its an early 90's archive vid when i play it :-D.

[@vwestlife]

The TRV338 was only made in 2005 while production of the TRV138 was carried over to 2006 and 2007 (along with the Digital8 TRV280). Some sources say production continued until March 2008, but I haven't seen any with a 2008 date code. Sony downgraded the image sensors on most of the Hi8 Handycams right after they introduced the Digital8 line. The official end of the 8mm line was in September 2011, when Sony stopped production of Digital8 Video Walkmans for the Japanese market.

[@Blixt1000]

That is really impressive for 1985. Show it to someone and they will have no idea the camera was 35 years old. It even looks better than today's security cameras used in banks!

[@alankearton8284]

Surprisingly good audio quality!

[@vwestlife]

Yes, that is an Aircastle AM/FM/Shortwave radio, made in South Africa.

[@BetamaxFlippy]

I think that the video from the first handycam from 1985 is better than the one from 2007

[@thelazywanderer_jt]

+Betamax Flippy Same here.

[@Amy-ft5mt]

yeah

[@jiminycroquet8859]

Probably, it was back when they made quality products, 2007 its cheap lets pymp out as many as we can

[@KylesDigitalLab]

8:20 The CCD-M8U came with it's own Video8 VCR. Look it up. Sony realized after Betamovie that releasing a record-only product that couldn't playback the tapes was a terrible idea, and included a Video8 player (idk if it could record) with the camera. It was also Sony's plan to have Video8 take over VHS.

[@punishedexistence]

Wow, that's really cool, I love these old camcorders, when I was a kid, I'da killed for one of these. Now, these come with phones and computers attached. Technology is amazing, huh. Nice video man, thanks for sharing!

[@The_Laser_Channel]

excellent pic and audio quality from this camera!! Much better than what VHS could offer!

[@bakonfreek]

So, Video8 "really took off" as an in-flight movie format... ... haaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, yeah, it took me 11 years to pick up on that, make of that what you will.

[@giammyzanna]

The noise made from the tape loading motor is awesome haha

[@vwestlife]

Yes, it can record from a composite video input, however, it requires a very stable video signal in order to work. It would not work correctly with most video game consoles I tried, and if there was the slightest disruption in the video signal, it would stop recording.

[@robertianhawdon]

"in aeroplanes ... one market where it really took off" unintentional pun there?

[@meropealcyone]

The eject mechanism used 30% of the battery charge each time.

[@vwestlife]

You offer a lot of help to me, Bluethunderboom, and that's thoughtful of you, but it's not necessary. I'm quite good at doing research and finding things by myself.

[@lmull3]

man, that styling is unbelievably boxy. at least they gave the right side a bit of an arch to allow you to hold it ok.

[@ITMeCE]

wow.. its surprisingly clear and pretty darn good for a camera from 1985 o.o

[@NJRoadfan]

That camera is actually more limited then the BetaMovies. While record only, they had focus that worked with the viewfinder along with power zoom. They also had manual whitebalance with the inside/sun switch. The downside with them is that one would forget to WB and ruin a shot. The quality from the tube based Betas was clearly better too. There was also a CCD-TRV338 released, it was a 138 with Super SteadyShot. The late 90s XR Hi-8s had better video quality, Sony really cheaped in the end.

[@2Old4Toys]

Your collection rocks... epic video!

[@vwestlife]

Sony did end up making some nearly shoulder-sized Handycams in the late '80s/early '90s, like the CCD-V101 I did a video on, but of course they didn't want to stop using the Handycam name just because the camcorders got too large to easily hold in your hand. :-)

[@vwestlife]

Sony ignores Kodak actually being the first with a Video8 camcorder, and proclaims on their "Product & Technology Milestones" web site that the CCD-V8 from 1985 was "the first video camcorder capable of recording video on standard 8mm videotape". That was the full-size model, with electronic viewfinder, VTR mode, and power zoom, but still no autofocus yet.

[@nelsonocasio2462]

Wow i have this same camera with the case and the player. It was in my dads attic.

[@ryanpause]

I saw an Optimod FM Processor in the background! Love them classic optimods! Can you a demo. video on that and how it sounds? The last video was the 8000 model but that was the 8100 model.

[@vwestlife]

No, they are both analog, so the bitrate is infinite!! That was just a glitch of converting the analog tape to digital.

[@AlainHubert]

Just to set things right, the very first commercialized 8 mm video camcorder was the Kodak (actually made by Matsushita for Kodak) Kodavision Series 2000 camcorder made in 1984, and was using a Newvicon tube image sensor. Sony came out shortly after with the model you show here, that had a CCD with much lower power consumption and longer battery life, and also much smaller form factor.

[@vwestlife]

The Sony CCD-V8 (a large shoulder-mount model) is also claimed to be the first Video8 camcorder, although maybe that was in the Japanese market, while the Kodak was the first to reach the U.S. market.

[@AlainHubert]

vwestlife I'm pretty sure that here in North America, the Kodak was the first to be sold in stores. But the picture quality was not even up to par with the soon to be available Sony you show here, which itself isn't very good for a CCD. Anyway, I do enjoy many of your videos demonstrating these vintage devices from my youth to younger generations that don't have a clue about what we've had to go through for them to enjoy their iPhones that record pictures in memory in HD video today ! Thanks !

[@nugsovile4333]

The coloring is very good for 1985

[@VSigma725]

I just got a complete CCD-V1 from 1986 with the hardshell carrying case for 10 dollars. I guess that was the second Handycam model.

[@brendantatertot9628]

That's pretty good!!! Not bad for 1985

[@Amy-ft5mt]

the video from the old handy cam is better than the new one lol

[@vwestlife]

Yes, that's the box for my Sanyo VPC-PD2.

[@mysteriousjustin]

EV-C8U is the VCR portion of the camera, it also takes the same battery and uses the a/c adapter..

[@isaiahgerry9524]

wow handycams improved so much

[@MrJ0mmy]

hi i have a sony handycam could you please help i have 2 video 8 tapes i need to back up to my computer i turn camera on plug the av cables into it and plug into my tv when i switch it to camera mode it shows up on my tv fine and all functions of the camera work but when i go to video mode to play back the tape the tape inside the camera is playing but nothing shows up on my tv :( do you know what the problem could be?

[@ArtisticAutisticandAiling]

The JVC VideoMovie GR-C7, which uses VHS-C tapes, also released around in 1985 also was the first of VHS-C camcorders to use CCD image sensors. As the GR-C1, the Back to the Future model, used Newvicon tubes until the GR-C7. :) I have the GR-C7, but trying to get a capture card that will actually read the 1985 camcorder, long story.

[@enigmasenlahistoriaOA]

Great Old camera , four colection , greatings from mexico

[@ryansato706]

Nice collection. Ever seen a shoulder mount vcr connected to a video Cam? RCA had a model in 1984 or so.

[@MrComputerfan]

I like these old Cameras, I found an old Grundig S-VHS-C Camcorder with bag and cables on the dump.

[@redyankeecap54]

I love old cameras.. but i feel like it would be a hassle with tapes lool

[@wilkes85]

It's very compact for its time! Still though, I would prefer a VHS camcorder. They may be a bit larger, but the convenience would more than make up for it. The image is a bit hazy, but otherwise quite nice. I'm sure it would look nicer if you took it outside. Also, it's interesting hearing how different your voice sounds on different camcorders! I like looking at all the stuff you have too! and it seems to be very well organized. It's like a museum of vintage electronics :-)

[@ashleycox432]

nice video! It's funny how this camera has better audio quality than many cheaper cameras on the market today. and it still works after all these years... any ideas on original price?

[@vwestlife]

I found the AC adapter on eBay. You can look up the user's guide for the CCD-M8U on Sony's eSupport web site.

[@AlexM-tv7qw]

Do you know what kind of battery or battery charger I can buy for this? Just got one with a battery but it needs charged!

[@barebarekun161]

Now I wished Sony still make a foolproof camcorder like this basic as its gets easy to use and sporting a smaller build than most models yet with some weight to it. A camcorder its main focus was to put ease of use above all else. Now we have cheap entry level option from them that feel cheap as hell and still managed to cramp some useless features on it,I still missed that magical "Made In Japan" feel. My TRV18 was made in Japan and that thing still works great.

[@NJRoadfan]

Ah OK. Regarding Video-8, Kodak developed the system in 1984 and released the KodaVision 2400 camcorder which could record and play. It also had a real lens that could zoom and focus, the tradeoff being it was a shoulder mount camera. They even released a case with a timer that converted it to something that looked like a VCR. Sony latched onto V-8 since Beta was a dead end, they never figured out how to make play/record unit. It seems that the CCD-M8U was a limited "proof of concept" model.

[@debrabrooks6138]

ok this has been a long time since someone posted here! lol I just picked up one of these from a goodwill for like 2 bucks, would you know where to get a battery or that charger you used?

[@ManiacalMichael504]

At one time Panasonic had manuals to their older stuff too, but I don't think so anymore. I went to a high school that had a "tv studio" in 2000 and they had a 8mm VCR, though they didn't really do anything in there anymore. They even still had 2 Sears Beta VCRs!

[@RetroVintageItems27]

Is that rare as its the first model yet? The quality is ACTUALY better that lots if still camera video mode!!

[@Salem77k]

You have lots of treasures ....................

[@sadaojameshilario4983]

This is not the first. I have the Sony Handycam ccd-MU. I do not know what the “U” stand for but your model came after mine.

[@netsurferx1]

Seeing the video from the CCD-M8U makes me think: If you applied filmlook/filmizing to the video, you could easily pass that off as being shot on film and not videotape.

[@SkazaTV]

Cool! My sony handycam has the same sound, when you press rec/stop.

[@oliviertresson7662]

is it possible to connect the camcorder to the TV? via RCA Cinch ?

[@vwestlife]

Not the 1985 Handycam. It does not have any video output.

[@oliviertresson7662]

@@vwestlife hum for output on digital recorder for praticity

[@KylesDigitalLab]

I just got this camera, plus the VCR and batteries, charger, and case for $40 on eBay.

[@BodyKnight]

I suspect it was too much finding the space to place the rf unit port or the playback buttons on that thing. ^_^ BTW, the detachable-magazine-style battery was so cool.

[@vwestlife]

I don't know. Look in the user's guide.

[@coondogtheman]

10:13 That Aiptek camera you mentioned, it can record from composite audio and video? I am looking for a mini camcorder that can do that, more like a flash based one so I can record gameplay footage and VHS tapes to my PC. I have an ion capture card but my PC is barely fast enough to capture the video. my laptop handles it OK and it's slightly slower at 1.7ghz.

[@HAZFRAME]

all rechargeable batteries expire (whether you use them or not) after only about 4-5 years, so there would be absolutely no way you'd find a working one for that model. You can engineer a substitute with dry cells pretty easily though I imagine.

[@Lachlant1984]

What's that thing behind the Sony HandyCam with the different coloured vertical stripes on it? Is that a radio of some type? It looks like one.

[@joelcr250]

Where do you find all your treasures ? do you work at an electronics shop/recycling place ?

[@Lachlant1984]

I know there were adaptors that allowed you to play VHS-C tapes in a regular VCR, but was the same true for 8 MM tapes like video8?

[@OricArchivos]

Hi! This camera recording in PAL sistem?

[@vwestlife]

No, NTSC.

[@harliquinedance3526]

I just bought one today. Mine has great condition and it’s battery. However, the tape will not eject(it’s empty).

[@raulgarcia8063]

I just got one of these complete with the sony case and video 8 player with 3 battery's ..and charger ..it came with a Minolta and Nikon camera all vintage lens and cameras got it at auction all of this for 35.00...

[@cristic767]

Very interesting. Thanks. :)

[@thelazywanderer_jt]

How come you're listening to a Greek radio station? I made out the song as you were recording with the Handycam

[@vwestlife]

Radio station 91.5 WNYE in New York City has Greek programming on the weekends.

[@thelazywanderer_jt]

vwestlife Oh! That's cool! Btw, do you anything about Sony camcorders that used CDs instead of tapes?

[@vwestlife]

You mean DVD camcorders?

[@thelazywanderer_jt]

Yeah, mine is one of them and it's from Sony.

[@betariffs]

+vwestlife I know that there is an M8U but is there an m9U

[@SlapstickGenius23]

This is a very old camcorder, I want one! This Christmas, I have to buy it at Avondale markets!

[@SoCalChick760kk]

i have the same camera but with the sports pack SPK-M8 i need a battery can you help

[@mattm3729]

Cool vid, just wish the quality were a little better- very fuzzy vid

[@melissadey5979]

Hello quick question, How did you get the footage off the first handycam and on to your computer?

[@vwestlife]

This video explains it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2mmemmir9uea68

[@melissadey5979]

VWestlife thank you

[@Lobstervomit]

Was wondering how do you upload 8mm cam footage to computer I'm having the hardest time and really wanna see the footage

[@themaritimegirl]

Get one of the Sony Digital8 camcorders that are capable of playing Video8 and Hi8 recordings. Then you can transfer the video to the computer over Firewire.

[@vwestlife]

CCD-M8U.

[@cttv90108]

Good video quality compared to a VHS from that era.

[@AbDaniel21]

3:27 this is the longest ejecting ive ever seen on a sony camcorder, looks like its having a really hard time doing this! :D hahah

[@scott1564]

Does anyone know what this costs back in '85? I was full blown into photography and wish I had been more into video in spite of the fact that the medium wouldn't age as well as film. However, there were a lot of events I could have taped that many people would love to see today, even if only at 280i or whatever the resolution was.

[@dsomething5334]

I have this camera but the batteries are shot

[@liamliam1235]

Is it 4K?

[@80sTechKid]

No it is 250i

[@Lachlant1984]

Would you please make a video about it?

[@edtrevino2560]

I just bought this camera 25 bucks FB marketplace, with battery and charger

[@byancamoralescabrera3011]

where can you get that battery you have

[@EastAngliaUK]

Seems Crazy the Smasung Galaxy S2 has far better quality now days if you don't need to use zoom functions.

[@giammyzanna]

Laughed at the viewfinder thing XD

[@SAckTheGoof]

man imagen making an analogue horror series with this, kind of like the mandala catalogue or the backrooms videos

[@vwestlife]

I get my stuff from thrift stores and eBay.

[@Ham24brand]

how much does the CCD-M8u cost in the condition you have it in?

[@LowBudgetProductions]

He paid $6.99 at the thrift store

[@Ham24brand]

that might not be its actual value tho

[@themaritimegirl]

The "actual value" is whatever someone is willing to pay for one.

[@LowBudgetProductions]

Ham24brand You can typically pick them up for under $30 on eBay, but some of them paired with the hard case and the EV-C8u video8 VCR can go for upwards of $50-$75.

[@Ham24brand]

thanks, for the info

[@RohanGillett]

Just like prime lenses for cameras, you zoomed with your legs!

[@CarlMahnke]

Would you be able to play back the video and watch it in the view finder?

[@vwestlife]

No. Like I clearly said in the video, the original Handycam is only for recording, not playback.

[@LachambredeNico]

I ask you to this review, thank you !!!

[@vintagecameras9623]

Cool:)

[@fibersilkington]

HOW DID YOU GET THIS

[@NickG123]

Fiber Silkington he bought it

[@byancamoralescabrera3011]

I have everything but the 3 batteries I have don't work