Does Digital8 camcorder convert Hi8 tape to DV before reconverting to analog for S-Video output?

This video will compare playback of a Hi8 tape, recorded with a Hi8 camcorder, and then played back with a Hi8 camcorder versus the same tape played back with a Digital8 camcorder. In both cases, we’ll output via S-Video cable to an SD capture device.

A viewer wanted to know if playback of a Hi8 (or Video8) tape in a Digital8 camcorder needlessly converted it to DV before outputting it to the S-Video port. So, we investigated. We found no evidence of color issues or detail loss.

Do you agree? Please leave a comment and correct me if I am totally wrong about this.

Devices used in this comparison video:
- Sony TRV-66 Hi8 camcorder
- Sony TRV-330 Digital8 camcorder
- ATI All-In-Wonder 9600XT
- A blender to make a banana, mango, strawberry smoothie following the end of production (not pictured).