When you go shopping for tapes for your 8mm, Hi8, or Digital 8 camcorder it’s important for you to make sure you pick up the right kind. All three of these camcorders take tapes that are the same size and have similar packaging.
More Camcorders Quick Tips
8mm
8mm camcorders can only record onto 8mm tapes.
Hi8
Hi8 camcorders can typically record on both 8mm and Hi8 tapes. When you record onto a 8mm tape using a Hi8 camcorder you will only get regular 8mm quality video so it is in your best interest to purchase Hi8 tapes for your camcorder.
Digital 8
To get digital quality video with a Digital 8 camcorder you will need to use Digital 8 tapes. Many lower end Digital 8 camcorders will only let you record and playback Digital 8 tapes. Some higher end models will allow playback of Hi8 and 8mm, but you will still need a Digital 8 tape for recording.