Minimum specs for a Mac or PC laptop to digitize lots of family VHS, Mini-DV, and 8mm tapes and which input box and prog

[Dennis S]

I need a laptop* and want to digitize 60 or so family video tapes. They are VHS, Mini-DV, and 8mm. I have a Canon ZR-45 (I think) for a digital pass-through, although it won't play tapes. So, I'll need to find a Mini-DV and 8mm player somewhere. If I use the ZR, I'll need a computer with Firewire. If there is another solution with an input box, I'll do without the Firewire.

My budget is low, but I'll buy a used Mac if I need to. It doesn't have to be blazing fast because I can do other things while the tapes run, although I don't want it do get dog-slow. I won't do any fancy editing - just cutting out the boring scenes and flub-ups. I'll be burning lots of DVDs for relatives and backips.

If I get a Windows laptop with Windows 7 or 8, what input box and free or cheap program will I need?

If I get a Mac laptop, what are the minimum specs I need? I don't care about the retina screen or the latest OS. I don't want a 17" screen. In fact, I lean toward a smaller screen. I would like a built-in DVD-R, but an Air with an outboard recorder would be OK. One without Firewire might be OK if there is a good input box for a reasonable price.

* I need a laptop because I can't get reasonably-priced internet at the house, so I'll use it at free wi-fi places around town.

[Racer X]

media-oriented Dell machines came with FW400 for what its worth. (4 pin)

[jdc]

$10 a tape: http://start.imemories.com/search01/a/?g...aQodvWsA7Q

[space-time]

very old iMacs don't have DVD burner (think original iMac and probably until 2004-2005 models). not 100% sure when they introduced DVD burners.

very new iMacs don't have FireWire. You want FireWire for that Mini-DV.

I think an iMac from 2008-2012 or so would be perfect for this task.

you can digitize Mini-DV and burn DVDs right away

For VHS, some MiniDV camcorders can act as digitizers, that have a Pass-Through feature where you connect the VHS to MiniDV input, and mini-DV to iMac via FireWire. worst case, you may need to record to miniDV and import again via FireWire.

Now sure how you would digitize 8mm tapes, I guess you mean 8 mm film, right?

you need lots of space on hard drive (10 GB per hour) and you can use iMovie to import and edit, and iDVD to burn to DVDs.

[Carm]

Son did this for aunt a couple of years ago. Used an old d630 dell latitude running win 7 and RCA to usb converter/adapter. With some crappy software that came with the converter/adapter. Worked with an external 500gb drive. Burned to dvd. She paid him about 150 to convert two boxes of old VHS tapes to dvd.

[datbeme]

Sorry to horn in, but are FW/TB adapters such as this one reliable for this kind of thing (importing camcorder footage)?

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Thunderbolt-...B008RXYOKY

I have some of this work to do as well, and while I have an iMac that would be up to the task, I'm planning to give it to my folks. Will I be kicking myself, or can I use an accessory like this with my MBPr?

[Rolando]

I wouldn't trust my memories to a DVD-R. Once you have your videos on at least 2 hard drives, back them up to youtube and mark them "private"
Send links to your family!

[sekker]

Rolando wrote:
I wouldn't trust my memories to a DVD-R. Once you have your videos on at least 2 hard drives, back them up to youtube and mark them "private"
Send links to your family!

Only if you are using these new stone media.

[davester]

Rolando wrote:
I wouldn't trust my memories to a DVD-R. Once you have your videos on at least 2 hard drives, back them up to youtube and mark them "private"
Send links to your family!

Ditto. DVD-R is worthless an an archive medium.

For 8 mm, I bought a digital 8 camcorder through ebay, then converted all my 8 mm and VHS (using pass through and a VCR) tapes with it, then immediately sold it on ebay for the same price I bought it for. Minimal cost.

[Speedy]

iMac DV 400 G3. Although a PowerMac G4 400 would be more versatile. Either will run about $25 except you will need a display for the G4.