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Convert Camcorder Tapes to USB

Have you got old camcorder tapes sat in your attic collecting dust because you have nothing to play them on?

You can change that by converting your camcorder tapes to USB! Transfer your camcorder tapes to USB sticks in just two simple and watch your home videos again and again.

To see the other formats you can convert to, see our Camcorder to Digital AND Camcorder to DVD pages.

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  • Discount iconBulk order discounts
  • Discount iconUK courier collection available
  • Discount iconOriginal media returned

How transferring camcorder tapes to USB works..

Our camcorder to USB transfer process is simple, reliable,
and trusted by thousands of happy customers

Step 1

Send them

After you place your order, we’ll help you arrange a courier collection or you can post your camcorder tapes to us.

Step 1

Save them

We’ll let you know as soon as we receive your order. Our specialists will carefully begin work to preserve and convert your camcorder tapes to USBs.

Step 1

Savour them

Your new USB versions (as well as your original camcorder tapes) are sent safely to you. After that, it’s over to you to enjoy your old memories made new!

You’ll always know where your camcorder tapes are, when we’re working on them,
and when you can expect to get them back.

What type
of conversion
should you
order?

How to choose the right
conversion for your camcorder tapes.

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Camcorder tapes to DVD

Your original camcorder tapes converted to DVD. You’ll be able to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive.


What you get
Each of your camcorder videos on a separate DVD
What to order
You only need to order one DVD set to get all your camcorder conversions
Perfect for…
Watching on the telly
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Camcorder tapes to USB

Your camcorder tapes converted to USB memory stick. Plug in to your computer (or any other device with a USB port) and you can play, save, and copy your files.


What you get
All the video from your camcorder tapes on USB stick
What to order
You only need to order one USB to get all your camcorder conversions
Perfect for…
Watching on the computer or Smart TV
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Camcorder Tapes to Digital

Your camcorder conversions, stored safely online. We’ll upload your files to the cloud and send you a private access link, so you can watch and download your videos instantly, from anywhere.


What you get
Your camcorder tapes converted to digital files to download
What to order
You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your camcorder conversions
Perfect for…
Sharing with friends and family

What you can expect from us.

Your memories are irreplaceable - this is how we’ll take care of them

Free blanks

Free blanks

You’ll never have to pay for sending blank tapes. If we find any blanks in your order, we’ll refund them ASAP.
Free return

Free return

Your originals are priceless. We’ll send them back to you free of charge along with your conversions.
Free repairs

Free repairs

Our technicians can fix most problems and will always try their best to repair any damaged media you send us.
Bulk discounts

Bulk discounts

More conversions, more savings! You can get up to 30% off, depending on how many tapes you’re converting.
Quality equipment

Quality equipment

The best conversions are made using the best equipment. What else would you expect us to use for your memories?
Real-time updates

Real-time updates

You’ll be updated via email when your order arrives and again when it is sent back to you. You can check on the status of your order at any time using our real-time order tracker.

What do Digital Converters
customers think?

Thousands of people have trusted us with their memories already.
This is what they made of the experience...

Reviews
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Transfer Camcorder tapes to USB.

It's safe to say that our old camcorder tapes can hold some of life's best memories, whether it's getting together with the family to watch old camcorder films or 'enjoying' clips from friends' holidays, weddings, or parties.

However, as the years pass, fewer people than ever still have their old camcorders or the appropriate video players on which to watch the recordings. As a result, these outdated tapes are gradually degrading, and the memories they hold are disappearing.

The easiest way to preserve and enjoy those priceless moments is to have the tapes from your camcorder converted to USB format.

Since the beginning of Digital Converters, we have transferred hundreds of thousands of hours of footage from camcorder video tapes to USB sticks. This is one of the most common types of media that we convert. We pride ourselves on having the most advanced technology, the best technicians, and, happily, a shameless love of travelling down memory lane.

With Digital Converters your cherished memories couldn't be in better hands!

Examples of our video tape conversions.

Nothing beats seeing old memories remade for today

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FAQs

Q. What equipment is necessary for converting camcorder tapes to USB?
The equipment required for converting camcorder tapes to USB comprises a tape player or camcorder, a video capture device, a computer, video editing software and of course a USB memory stick. The tape player or camcorder is used to play back the tapes, the video capture device (such as a USB video capture adapter) is used to digitise the analogue video signals, the computer and the software is used to store and edit the digital files, and finally the USB drive is used to store the final files.

All of this can add up to many hundreds of pounds very easily, which can make it prohibitively expensive to do at home, and/or for just a few camcorder tapes. A more cost effective option is to use our Camcorder to USB conversion service.
Q. How can I digitise old camcorder tapes onto a USB drive?
The process of digitising old camcorder tapes onto a USB drive entails several steps. Firstly, the tape is played back on a camcorder or tape player, which is connected to a video capture device. The video capture device, in turn, is connected to a computer. As the tape plays, the video capture device digitises the analogue video and audio signals, which are then saved onto the computer. The files must then be edited using video editing software. Subsequently, the finished digital files can be transferred to a USB drive for storage and portability.

This is not a straightforward process by any means however, especially when it comes to learning how to use the software. This can make it a tricky process for the average person. A better option is to use a camcorder tape to USB converter service such as ourselves.
Q. What types of camcorder tapes can be converted to USB?
We can convert all of the most common common camcorder tapes to digital formats. We offer VHS to USB Conversion and Mini DV to USB Conversion in addition to Hi8, Super8 and Digital8.
Q. What are the costs associated with converting camcorder tapes to USB?
We charge £22.99 to convert camcorder tapes to USB - which includes the cost of the USB stick, the conversion process, and the postage back to you.

To carry out the same process at home can be very expensive, but can vary significantly based on several factors including the quality, the quantity of equipment purchased and the number of tapes to be converted. Procuring your own equipment may entail a high upfront cost but could be more cost-effective in the long term, especially if you have a large number of tapes, but this may still not result in the same quality of conversion as we can provide.
Q. How time-consuming is the process of converting camcorder tapes to USB?
The duration required to convert camcorder tapes to USB is contingent on the length of the tapes and the setup of the conversion system. Each tape must be played in real-time during the conversion process, hence a two-hour tape will take approximately two hours to convert. The subsequent transfer to USB and any desired editing or enhancement can add to the total time required.
Q. What are the common problems faced during the camcorder tape to memory stick conversion process?
Common issues during the conversion process include tape degradation, which can result in poor video quality or even loss of content, hardware compatibility issues, particularly with older camcorders or tapes, and software difficulties such as file format or codec problems. Ensuring that all equipment and software are compatible and functioning correctly prior to starting the conversion process can mitigate many of these issues.
Q. What software is recommended for converting camcorder tapes to USB?
There are several reputable software solutions available for converting camcorder tapes to digital formats, including Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and simpler solutions like Roxio Easy VHS to DVD for Mac or PC. These software packages can capture, edit, and save digital video files, and often come with features for enhancing video quality.

We use professional grade software to ensure your camcorder home movies are returned to you even better than when you last saw them.
Q. Can any USB drive be used for storing the converted digital files?
Essentially any USB drive can be employed for storing the converted digital files, provided it has sufficient storage capacity. It’s prudent to use a high-quality, reliable USB drive to ensure the longevity and integrity of the digital files. Additionally, USB 3.0 or later is recommended for faster data transfer speeds.

We use high quality USB sticks which should last a lifetime if cared for. They are always USB 3.0 grade, and we can provide up to 256Gb sticks at no extra cost.
Q. What is the typical file size when converting a camcorder tape to digital?
The file size can vary widely based on the resolution, bit rate, and codec used during the conversion process. For instance, a one-hour tape converted at standard definition might require around 1GB of storage, whereas the same tape converted at a higher resolution and bit rate might necessitate substantially more storage space.
Q. Can you enhance the quality of the digitised video?
Enhancing the quality of digitised video can be achieved through video editing software that provides features like noise reduction, colour correction, and sharpening. Some software also offers automated enhancement tools that can simplify the process for those less familiar with video editing, but the quality is not to the same standard as our professional engineers can achieve. We will always try to rectify any quality issues on your tapes when we receive them, so that what you get back is an improvement on your originals.
Q. Are there any copyright issues to be aware of when converting camcorder tapes to USB?
Copyright issues may arise if the tapes contain copyrighted material for which you do not hold the rights. It’s permissible to convert tapes of personal recordings, however, converting camcorder tapes with commercially produced content on without permission could infringe on copyright laws, and we will be unable to convert these for you.
Q. Is technical expertise required to convert camcorder tapes to USB?
While having technical expertise can expedite the process and ensure higher quality conversions, basic conversions can be performed with minimal technical knowledge by following the instructions provided with the video capture device and software.

The difference is the quality - professional engineers such as ours here at Digital Converters can remove defects, improve the video quality and the audio quality, to provide you with videos that are a big improvement on your original camcorder tapes.
Q. Can I edit the digitised video files once they are on a USB drive?
You won’t need to edit them any further, but should you want to, yes, they can be edited using video editing software. The USB drive can be connected to a computer, and the files can be imported into the software for editing.
Q. Are there any risks to the original tapes during the conversion process?
If carrying out this conversion as an amateur, risks to the original tapes during the conversion process include potential damage from old or malfunctioning playback equipment, as well as further degradation if the tapes are in poor condition. It’s prudent to ensure all equipment is in good working order and to handle tapes gently.

However, if using a professional converting service, it is very unlikely that there will be any risks to the original camcorder tapes.
Q. Are there alternative storage options to USB for digitised camcorder tapes?
Yes, alternative storage options include external hard drives, cloud storage services, and optical media such as DVDs. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages concerning cost, accessibility, and longevity, which should be considered based on individual needs and preferences.

We can convert your Camcorder tapes to several formats - see our Camcorder to DVD page for example.