You probably should be looking for a Hi8 or a Digital 8 TAPE PLAYER - not a camcorder. Camcorder mechanics are not recommended for mass copying or conversion. This is especally true if these tapes are old and dirty. It is much easier to clean a gummed up player than a gummed up camcorder.
Yes, if you are transferring a Hi8 digital tape, you will need an analog to digital converter. You can buy an outboard box or an in computer converter card. Also many older Sony and (maybe Mac) computers included analog video and analog in connections. Look for the standard red, white and yellow RCA jacks. Mark Shapiro Internet Video Magazine www.internetvideomag.com The source for the best in Internet video
