Who still uses hi8 camcorders

[Paul Redmond]

I am still using the same venerable Sony DCR TRV103 with a kenko wide conversion lense that I have been using since 2000. I had it repaired once, and it still works like a rock, scratches dings and all. It works far better and is more reliable than my newer digital 8 camera.

I only ask, because in my recent trip to best buy I saw these tiny little mouse sized things that pass for cancorders now. They dont seem to use tape either.

Now you may laugh at my using ancient hi8 tape, but I have no problems using digital cameras for stills.

 

[Tony Laubach]

I have a Sony TRV350 D8 that I've had for years. I don't use it to shoot anymore as I use it primarily as a VCR. But its a truck and has never had a problem.

In fact, I picked another up at a thrift store for $20, but the cassette compartment won't open. Great webcam, though!

 

[Jeremy Ludin]

Iused to use my dad's Sony Hi-8 before I bought my Canon HV20. That camera was awesome. The video was VERY sharp, saturated, and well contrasted. Oh, and you could rip a 10 minute mpeg and keep it under 35mb at full size. I'm almost thinking of taking a step backward and using Hi-8 again.

 

[Adam Lucio]

I use my TRV250 D8 to stream - works great! The tape drive broke and USB streaming is a 1 touch feature built into the cam so it still serves a practical purpose. I had bad luck with the drives though, had it fixed twice each time with a 100 dollar repair bill, after it broke the 3rd time I parted with it as far as filming goes. That was back in 07

 

[D. Hayes]

I wish I didn't try to remove floor tiles with my TRV250. Tape deck stopped working as well and I tried fixing it. I found a gear popped loose and I managed to get it back into place but it still wouldn't work. I finally got so fed up with it I just slammed it on the floor. I didn't think of using it to stream at the time so I could kick myself now.

 

[Paul Redmond]

The only issue I ever had was when I dropped it on the driveway when it was lightly raining when I accidently slipped and had to drop it to catch myself. It sat on the shelf for three years until I had it repaired. Apparently the chipped got knocked out of place. The tech put it back in place and it has worked just fine ever since. Talk about a M1 Abrams tank of a camcorder.

I still use it, and have purchased a backup on the cheap (compared to what I paid for the original LOL)

 

[Jason Foster]

I wish I had a Hi8 platform, need to capture a ton of early chase video from that format. I also have a ton of other stuff. I have a small box (approx. eq. to 3 reg. shoe boxes) of hi8 and 8mm (but recorded with hi8camera) tapes that only about 20% were ever captured into DV format.

 

[Brian Stertz]

I have a Digital 8 Sony and it seems to do a good job....is larger in size so has that nice stability in the wind. I am trying to buy up enough of the hi 8 tapes so in case that supply dries up. Love the camera and would not trade it for even some of the more recent camcorders to come out....too damn tiny for my hand.

 

[Paul Redmond]

I hear you. I had to laugh at those new tiny camcorders that I see in bestbuy. They just disappear in my catchers mitt hands. Most places still offer hi8 tape, but I am concerned about it eventually drying up as well. Still I suspect that there are a lot of hi8 recorders still out there.

 

[Jay Bell]

Yup....we too still use a Sony Hi-8. Very reliable...never had a dropout, and takes crystal-clear images. Since my primary focus is Still photography, the video is not a huge priority anyway. We seem to still have plenty of Hi8 tapes available here in Arkansas. Of course I have not seen a Hi8 camcorder for sale for ages!

Jay

 

[Mark Blue]

I used a Sony DCR-TRV17 over the past few seasons, but now have a Canon HV-40, so I will only be using the Sony for a dash cam or streaming perhaps. The Sony uses Mini DV tapes and has always taken very good video for a standard def set up. I know what you mean about the new camcorders being so small, however, the Canon HV-40 isn't quite as small as some because it has the tape drive affixed to the side, so that adds some bulk to the overall setup. So far the Canon seems to take really good video and I am eagerly looking forward to using it in the field this coming year.

 

[Andy Wehrle]

I still use the Sony CCD-TRV87 I've had since 2002. Works well, and the picture quality is good but it seems to have more issues with dropouts ("blips" and "rolls") than it did when it was new. Maybe the manufacturing quality of new Hi8 tapes has been decreased.

 

[Paul Redmond]

Yup....we too still use a Sony Hi-8. Very reliable...never had a dropout, and takes crystal-clear images. Since my primary focus is Still photography, the video is not a huge priority anyway. We seem to still have plenty of Hi8 tapes available here in Arkansas. Of course I have not seen a Hi8 camcorder for sale for ages!

Jay

Check Ebay. They are legion there.