[Richard King]

I am contemplating setting up a business here to transfer 8mm family films to DVD. I will be using one of these http://www.moviestuff.tv/wp_xp.html to do the "work". One of the many requirements for it to do it's "work" is a firewire digital video camera or camcorder. Any suggestions from you video people?
Here's a "how it works" on the device: http://www.moviestuff.tv/workprinter8mm_function.html

 

[Earl Bonovich]

I have Sony DCR-TRV20

It is about 6 years old... and still does a GREAT job.
I have been doing Firewire captures with it since day one... using Pinnacle and most recently the freeware WinDV

It has produced some great results.

You can usually find them on ebay for sub-$200
And from what you are looking to do... it might just fit the bill...

Kills me though, I dropped $1,800 on it when it was new...
Now there are HD camcorders sub $1k

 

[Richard King]

I have Sony DCR-TRV20

In looking at a review it appears that your Sony has a 10x optical zoom. For what I am trying to do a minimum of 12x is required. So, that narrows the field a bit.

 

[Earl Bonovich]

In looking at a review it appears that your Sony has a 10x optical zoom. For what I am trying to do a minimum of 12x is required. So, that narrows the field a bit.

It is 6 years old after all..

If you could clip it on ebay for a few bucks, it will work great as a digital bridge for VHS/Beta tapes