Transferring 16 year old Camcorder tapes to my PC??

It is complicated, and can be expensive, but it's something you can definitely do. I will outline the steps for you.

Those camcorder tapes are analog, and your computer is digital, so the very first thing you need to do is to convert the tapes to digital format. Converting analog video to digital format is known as capturing the video, and in order to capture video you'll need a capture device.

If you're lucky, your camcorder may have a capture device built in, or your VHS player may have one. If not, you'll have to purchase a capture device, like this Dazzle device from Pinnacle Systems. There are others like it; I only mention the Dazzle because it's what I used to capture my wedding video.

The great thing about a capture device is that everything you need is included in the box: Aside from the capture device itself, you'll get cables, software and instructions.

Capturing video is a very processor-intensive activity. That's a fancy way of saying that you'll need a powerful processor (aka CPU) inside your computer to get the job done, and the more powerful, the better. You need to give that processor every opportunity to succeed - that means don't do anything else on your computer while you're capturing video. I mean, nothing else. Disconnect your computer from the internet, turn off (or uninstall) your antivirus program and don't do anything else on the computer. You want your computer to be like the Autobahn with no other cars on the road.

You'll also have plenty of decisions to make, a lot of technical decisions, but don't let that throw you. Just take your time and do the reading. You need to decide how you will capture the video (interlaced or progressive) and what technique you want to use - the technical term is codecs - because different techniques get you different image quality. You also have to decide how to capture the sound, and here again different techniques get you different sound quality.

Once you've captured the video and audio, it's now inside your computer in digital format. But you can't declare victory yet. Now you need to decide how to take the imported video and audio and turn it into a finished product. You can do it simply or go all-out Hollywood. Up to you. The software included with the capture device may be sufficient, or you may want to purchase additional software. 'Rendering' your video (i.e., turning it into a final product) is also very processor-intensive.

I don't mean to put you off with this description of what you're getting yourself into. It's nothing you can't learn - heck, I learned - and there are many websites and forums that will help you. (Not this place.) You can do this.

 I need some kind of RCA jacks that goes from the Camcorder's AV slot to the Capture Device you provided a link to correct? Is there a brand that is better than the rest?

I'm such a fool! I didn't lookup your camera's capabilities. That should have been my first step!

You don't need to capture your video ... it's already in digital format. Your camera records on MiniDV tape - that's a digital format. You can import that video directly to your computer, so life is good. But not yet.

Your camera outputs with a Firewire connection (aka IEEE 1394.) Those are rare nowadays. They fell out of favor thanks to Apple's greedy licensing fee and the emergence of USB 3. You can find a Firewire cable, but does your computer have a Firewire connector?

That was extremely detailed and I really appreciate it.  

1 question: I need some kind of RCA jacks that goes from the Camcorder's AV slot to the Capture Device you provided a link to correct? Is there a brand that is better than the rest?

Negative. I do not have a firewire connector.  Just the usb ports. What should I do?

Hi Dustin. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator, here to help you.

Here are the best ways to convert VHS to Digital, which is the only way to preserve them:

https://www.consumerreports.org/audio-video/how...

https://www.familysearch.org/blog/en/save-video...

https://www.lifewire.com/upload-videos-from-cam...

I would not waste any time because the tape is degrading rapidly by now.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted. If you'll wait to rate whether my post resolved your problem, I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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