Transferring from Mini-DV to PC without Camcorder

[Bothyballad]

No longer own my fantastic Sony HDR-HC3e Camcorder, but have come across some Mini-DV tapes which I wish to transfer to PC.

I possibly have some recordings in HD but uncertain.

What do I need? A second hand HC3e or maybe a Mini-DV player - but not sure what model will reply the possible mix of recording standards of the HC3. 

A bit long in the tooth to be up-to-date with current video scene!!! but would value advice on the kit I might need to transfer the video to my PC (Windows). Happy with the PC end of things - have firewire, USB 2 & 3 and a variety of video adapters.

Any help appreciated.

[IamNic]

Does your firewire port still work?

From what I heard Firewire is not supported (and therefore unusable) from Win 8 upwards anymore.

If that is the case I would simply go with the Magix video grabber:

http://www.magix.com/gb/rescue-your-videotapes/

It supports S-Video and Composite Video.

- Nic

[Bothyballad]

Hi - Thanks for the reply.

Sorry - but you haven't grasped my predicament!

I have multiple Mini-DV Tapes from which I wish to transfer the contents to my computer.

Your solution "Magix" is a software utility.

I need a hardware Mini-DV transport (not having the original video camera any more), so my query is for advice on a suitable Mini-DV transport that would cope with the modes of recording assciated with my former Sony video Camera.

Hope this clarifies my query,

[IamNic]

Hi there Bothyballad,

I think you misunderstood my reply.

Even if you find a working camcorder/player for your mini-DV tapes - you might run into the issue, that you can't make use of the firewire-port of your PC (I heard, that support for Firewire is no more since Windows 8).

That is why I suggested to get the Magix video grabber with the recording (+editing) software, so you can import your videos to your computer.

I hope that clears up what I intended to say with my last reply.

- Nic

[Bothyballad]

Many thanks for your helpful reply - my mind was concentrating on the hardware requirements.

I now appreciate that there are software factors to consider.

Thanks again.

[RedbackSpida]

Did you end up getting this sorted @Bothyballad ? I currently have the same problem! Found a box of mini DV tapes and have long disposed of the original camcorder. Am trying to find something to load the tapes into for conversion. Cheers!

[Arentius]

Ran into the same issue - though I still have the camera but connecting that to a (recent) PC seems an issue - some solutions I noticed on Youtube (firewire connection or via Roxio game capture) technically no longer seem to work.

Aside that I wonder if the cost (buying both hardware solutions and software) outweigh the alternative: some people / companies offer to convert tapes to hard disk for 8 -15 euros a tape. When having not too many tapes this may be an alternative solution as these people have the tools and experience. Bear in mind that tapes may get lost in mail - so best is to find a local person/company where you can hand over the tapes. 

[RedbackSpida]

Many thanks for your response, most appreciated! I remember when we had the camera that we had issues with the firewire cable almost burning out my PC. It's SUPER expensive to have tapes converted locally ($60+ per tape), though managed to find a company over East in Queensland doing them for $10 a tape so have sent them off. Fingers crossed! Cheers A