Retro camcorders are EASY to use in 2024 (full guide)

[@Ebba-June]

I already have a Sony Hi8 cameras in original box with manual and all the stuff. Bought it new in 1999. Mine works fantastic. We made a video a few years back for a tourist place that was beautiful and they sold it in their shop for several years. The picture quality beats anything digital that we currently have... and we have decent equipment. Plus we can actually record while plugged in, making it much easier to film our instructional videos without battery problems. The best thing is, the video isn't going to be chopped up into sections... like digital camcorders do. We have lost so many sections over the last several months and then have to redo the whole thing... which isn't always possible. So we're returning to using the old Sony for our KZbin channel. Thank you for going through the whole process and explaining each step so well... from purchase to recording and finally into editing. Hubby is really pleased that he now knows how we can use the old camera to make our videos awesome. ♥

[@elgranbandito9390]

i was stuck for days looking at models and different cameras, you really helped me out man, just bought a sony handycam today. Thanks!

[@blainedonlon]

HOLY CRAP, being able to use an off cam recorder into a SD is unreal, it makes so much sense. thanks for this![

[@aaden2626]

There is a even more budget way to record digitally using that digital converter and any adapter to a android phone. The digital converter is very similar to a capture card so using that with your ANDROID phone and an app you can record straight off the phone exactly like the second option. :)

[@patcormick]

i feel like digitally recording vhs cams is like using a vhs filter... for anyone that cares, i think if youre looking to do this film with tape and convert. that way you get all the vhs glitch/ scroll that comes with a sick analog medium

[@koenignero]

Bypassing the tape sound counter productive to me as well

[@3c3c3c]

Valid point, I am personally more into early digital camcorder footage, as it was in early to mid 2000s, and my Hi8 cam tapeless nails the look perfectly, also, if I want the tape effect, playback of the tape directly into the video grabber cube on the go comes really neat if there is no PC close by😊

[@ZachariahConnor]

I grew up with one of those Sony camcorders, so many memories captured on it. I'm trying to borrow it from my grandma to make some fun footage

[@FilmSpook]

_Mega Zach Bro_ keeps taking it to *The Next Level!* 😅😎 Bless you, Mannnn..... 🙏🏾

[@JpBoudreaux]

Wake up (nonexistent) babe, new Zachy May just dropped. Definitely something I am wanting to get into so thankful for the vid bro!

[@jorgem50]

I bought a $15 vhs to pc gadget and it works perfectly to transfer vhs, vhs-c, mini dv, etc

[@Lewis_Treff97]

Ive inherited my grandparents sony handycam trv15e and the original battery wouldn't take a charge. But luckily i bought a cheap light on amazon for lightpainting for photography and it uses the exact same battery so swapped the original out for my one

[@LiamMarskog]

If you already have a Atomos Ninja V for example you can always use a analog to HDMI converter and record using the Ninja V. This will ofc mean you have to also mount a converter and provide power to it but a converter is ofc much cheaper than buying a new dedicated recorder. Not as convenient but cheaper.

[@jeffimsheroky]

For whatever reason, the ninja v has not worked with my sony hi8. I've used multiple hdmi converters with multiple different power options. No bueno

[@LiamMarskog]

@@jeffimsheroky Are you sure your Sony Hi8 actually outputs a video signal? I've had quite a few VHS, Hi8 and MiniDV cameras that simply do not output video, they only output a signal from a tape so you can't go tapeless. Be sure to see if your camera can be a tapeless camera or not cause the majority actually can't be tapeless.

[@jeffimsheroky]

@@LiamMarskog I'm not sure, but the same hdmi converter output worked on my TV

[@LiamMarskog]

@@jeffimsheroky then it's most likely down to the HDMI converter. I have a super cheap one and it works perfectly on every camera that i've used that can output a live view and not just from a tape :)

[@davey_gravy]

You just demystified the entire VHS situation for me. 🎉 Amen brother

[@Sb129]

We have two VHS-C camcorders and a Hi-8. They've been in the family the whole time, we even have home movies on those tapes. I haven't attempted to power any of them on, perhaps I should.

[@EmmanuilNovikov]

For the risky type, the untested ones can be gold, sometimes it just needs the head clean or a new battery other times its really just for parts

[@Roskellan]

I like the Sony HDR-XR520VE, I have three of them. They use hard drives so loads of record time. I will run all three cameras at the same time on tripods and sometimes GOPRO's and a Insta360 as well. I have a wireless mic on one (one of the Handycams). I then use DaVinci Resolve to do my edit with whatever footage looks best for the moment I'm editing. DaVinci Resolve syncs them up altogether really easily.

[@billkujawa]

I still have my Panasonic PV-GS65, Canon Vixia HV40 and a Panasonic S-VHS AG-455 but haven’t used them in years!

[@eggegg6101]

loved this video, thanks

[@subarusensei3685]

Did you pick this date because today was the first Sony handycam model release?

[@Mr.Goodkat]

I have a Hi8 Samsung SCL700 and one tape cuts off about an hour in and it says "R.EMG/Eject" and another tape won't even play it says "L.EMG/Eject" other tapes play fine, so I am assuming it's a tape issue not camcorder, how can I fix this?

[@BlackwolfImaging]

Can you combine methods? Record to tape and then after filming, plug into the recorder, rewind from the beginning, and record the playback to microSD?

[@sicastellara]

Also interested in this question

[@kaikofoni]

yes, totally possible. but if you're going with real tape (which you should 😉) you might as well buy a used, decent capture card for your computer. you'll almost certainly get better quality for a fraction of the cost (depending on the card of course.)

[@alfiefriday5338]

This might be a dumb question. Can’t you just get a RCA to HDMI converter, plug the Accsoon to your iPhone and record that way? The files would end up on your camera roll. Am I wrong here or did I just pull a big brain?

[@chrisw443]

Oh my god. There are people, people who are adults in this field who have never used tape. Jesus christ, im old as hell.

[@ysworkaccount]

Me and I’m 21 currently. Just bought a Sony hi8 camcorder lol

[@Pacificbell]

15:25 my camcorder has a cf card slot

[@romankuhler]

Such a great video idea😄 next step - your own vhs aerobic course🔥 😄👍 but honestly that was cool.

[@steinaech]

I really wanted to do this but the camera i have has an auto off if it's not recording that can't be disabled

[@xosemusic]

what to look for, for recording in dark/low light situations, ive seen these cameras used in Nightclubs

[@duckman2496]

whats the bitrate for the ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 3.0?

[@WasionKey]

Zach, please review the Sony QX1 !!

[@dvdaltizer]

LETS GO

[@jameschetwynd]

I see these for sale and even bid on one Failed Have camera 1080p 30fps Good video Buying a camcorder Which is SD seems stupid

[@Tobyphoto69]

I have my family's old video 8 (5:46) I would love you to do a video on that camera and many how you would record externally. great video.

[@michaeljamesmedia]

Can the recorder record playback from tapes?

[@BriannaKaneASMR]

Anyone know if you’re supposed to see whatever you point to in the viewfinder before you hit record? It just shows a white screen for me that says CASSETTE. If I get the digital converter, I worry the camcord I have won’t actually show what I’m pointing to and nothing will record lol Thanks so much!

[@BriannaKaneASMR]

update: I was zoomed all the way! ANOTHER question tho. my viewfinder is in black and white. Forums say it records in colour, despite the viewfinder being in black and white. My cassette holder is stuck and wont open, so if I’m to use this setup I need the digital converter screen, but is that worth it if it only takes what the viewfinder sees (only black and white). I would love to shoot in colour. Thanks!

[@123-h4n5p]

Can someone explain to me how a film video camera captures an image without tape? Is there a digital sensor inside?

[@andystandys]

Yes, these cameras have CCD sensors in them.

[@ericcrowley]

Wait so my canon hv20 that I paid $1000 dollars for new is now cool again?!

[@ferndogg4427]

I have a sony 8mm camcorder and jvc vhc camcorder, been awhile since i used it

[@andarrii]

would you sell one to me?

[@killblade6]

i gotten a camcorder from a friend who was moving stuff out and since no one put a claim on it, he said i could have it, a sony hdr-sr11, a very good camcorder i think but in 2024 i have no idea what i would even do with it, i just have one now but dont have a purpose for using it you know? lmao

[@adventureswithvs6461]

Does your method of recording change the quality or look of your footage at all, or is it the same?

[@face56]

It only captures half the frames and changes the look. Don't follow this videos external recorder or "dumping" method

[@JS_Leger]

Why do you recommend to buy Hi8 instead of Mini DV?

[@andystandys]

Mini DV is still new enough that it doesn't have the same retro feel to the footage.

[@JS_Leger]

@@andystandys I agree 🙂

[@MuneLabs]

Mini DV does not have visual artifacts that you would associate with VHS or "vintage" footage. Mini DV is just an SD Card made of tape.

[@JHMProduction]

Best video

[@ferndogg4427]

I use a cable transfer from camcorder to pc plus download free app

[@Derekhenseler]

my only reccomendation is to not buy something that uses DV or any digital tape format unless you want to buy a rather expensive DV digital out capable recorder

[@Poorgeniu5]

You should also know that eBay have implemented AI generated description and let just say I've seen more artificial than intelligence. For example, I found this cheap Andoer 50mm lens for Micro Four Thirds and the description is clearly AI generated, the seller incorrectly listed the mount as a T-Mount but clearly from the photos of its rear mounting cap, its an Micro Four Thirds lens. However its at a very low price and eBay have buyer's protection that there is really not much to lose here so I took the shot and it arrives just like the listing photos. If its a more expensive item, I would avoid it.

[@ItsDrewsif]

Thall

[@heavymetalnewsdesk]

A Hi8 camera doesn't need this method because it's already digital, just use a firewire cable into a mac g4 or g5 . bingo

[@shoukeenkathat7913]

Sony camera services services Shop in a Dubai

[@XxxAxWetxSockxxX]

+1 for poop break