Best Hi-8 Media of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Hi-8 Media is a versatile and reliable format for storing and playing back video recordings. It offers high-quality video and audio playback that is compatible with most VCRs and digital transfer technologies. Hi-8 tapes are compact and durable, making them an ideal choice for long-term storage of important family memories, business presentations, and other video projects. With its superior image and sound quality, Hi-8 Media is a recommended choice for anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective video recording format.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sony P590HMP Hi8 Camcorder Tape - 90 Minutes Cover #TOP 1
Sony P590HMP Hi8 Camcorder Tape - 90 Minutes
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Sony Hi8 HMP 120min Cassette Tape Cover #TOP 2
Sony Hi8 HMP 120min Cassette Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sony Video 8 Standard Grade Cassette Cover #TOP 3
Sony Video 8 Standard Grade Cassette
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hi-8 Media

#TOP 1

Sony P590HMP Hi8 Camcorder Tape - 90 Minutes

P590HMP
grau
Sony P590HMP Hi8 Camcorder Tape - 90 Minutes Cover
Sony P590HMP Hi8 MP 90 Minutes Camcorder Tape

The Sony P590HMP Tape offers impressive features for your camcorder needs. With a resolution of 440 lines, you can enjoy clear and detailed video quality, making your recordings look professional. You can record for up to 90 minutes, giving you ample time to capture important moments without interruption. Additionally, it supports shooting in Digital 8 format, enhancing the versatility of your recordings. This combination makes the Sony P590HMP Tape an excellent choice for anyone looking to preserve memories in high quality.

What We Like
High resolution recording
90 minutes recording time
Digital 8 format compatibility
Reliable brand
#TOP 2

Sony Hi8 HMP 120min Cassette Tape

1354050
Sony Hi8 HMP 120min Cassette Tape Cover
Sony Hi8 HMP - Hi8 tape - 1 x 120min

The Sony Hi8 HMP Tape is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable media storage. With its HMP feature, you can enjoy high-quality recordings that capture vibrant colours, making your videos come to life. The DIGITAL 8 compatibility ensures seamless playback with various devices, enhancing your viewing experience. Each cassette offers 120 minutes of recording time, allowing you to capture longer events without interruption. This makes the Sony Hi8 HMP Tape a convenient option for both casual and professional use.

What We Like
High-quality recordings
Vibrant colour reproduction
DIGITAL 8 compatibility
120 minutes recording time
#TOP 3

Sony Video 8 Standard Grade Cassette

P6-30MP
black
Sony Video 8 Standard Grade Cassette Cover
Sony Video 8 Standard Grade Metal Particle Video Cassette

The Sony Video 8 Cassette is a reliable choice for your video recording needs. With a capacity of 120 minutes, it allows you to capture longer events without interruption. The standard grade metal particle technology ensures quality playback, giving you clear and vibrant visuals. This cassette is designed specifically for Video 8 format, making it easy to use with compatible devices. Whether you're recording special moments or creating video content, this cassette provides the convenience and reliability you require.

What We Like
High-quality video playback
Long recording time
Easy compatibility
Reliable brand
#TOP 4

Maxell P590XRM HI8 High Quality Tape

283531
Maxell P590XRM HI8 High Quality Tape Cover
Maxell P590XRM HI8 tape

The Maxell HI8 Tape offers a generous 90 minutes of playing time, making it ideal for recording longer events or capturing cherished memories. Packaged individually, it is convenient to store and use when needed. With its high-grade quality, you can expect excellent video performance, ensuring your recordings are clear and vibrant. Designed for the 8mm system, this tape is perfect for those who want to make the most of their Hi-8 media equipment.

What We Like
High-quality video performance
90 minutes of recording time
Convenient single package
Compatible with 8mm systems
#TOP 5

Memorex MP-120 8mm Video Cassette

4332036138
Memorex MP-120 8mm Video Cassette Cover
Memorex 8mm Video Cassette MP-120

The Memorex MP-120 Cassette is designed for any 8mm video system, ensuring versatility and convenience. It offers high resolution and low noise, which means you can enjoy clear and crisp playback, whether capturing special moments indoors or outdoors. The superior performance of this cassette guarantees reliable functionality in various settings, making it an excellent choice for both casual users and enthusiasts. You will appreciate the ease of use and quality that this cassette brings to your video recording experience.

What We Like
High resolution playback
Low noise performance
Indoor and outdoor use
Compatible with any 8mm system
#TOP 6

Sony P6120HMPR Hi8 120 Minute Tape

P6120HMP
Black
Sony P6120HMPR Hi8 120 Minute Tape Cover
Sony P6120HMPR blank video tape

The Sony P6120HMPR Tape is designed for use in Hi8 or Digital 8 camcorders, making it ideal for those who capture video memories on these formats. With a generous 120-minute tape length, you can record longer events without the need to change tapes frequently, providing convenience during important occasions. The product is categorised as Hi-8 Media, ensuring compatibility with a range of devices. Do note that the packaging may vary, but the quality remains consistent, ensuring a reliable recording experience for users.

What We Like
Compatible with Hi8 camcorders
120-minute recording time
Reliable video quality
Convenient for long events
#TOP 7

Sony P6-120MPC 8MM Video Tape Cartridge

P6120MPR
Black
Sony P6-120MPC 8MM Video Tape Cartridge Cover
Sony P6-120MPC 8MM Video Tape Cartridge (1-Pack) [Electronics]

The Sony P6 8MM Tape offers a convenient 120 minutes of recording time, allowing you to capture extended video content without interruption. Sold individually, this cartridge is perfect for those who need a reliable solution for their Hi-8 media needs. With its compatibility with various playback devices, you can easily enjoy your recordings. This product is an excellent choice for users looking to preserve memories or create lasting video projects with ease.

What We Like
Long recording time
Sold individually
Compatible with Hi-8 media
Reliable solution for video storage
#TOP 8

Sony P6120HMPR/2 Hi-8 Video Tapes

P6120HMPD1/2B
Yellow
120min
Sony P6120HMPR/2 Hi-8 Video Tapes Cover
Sony P6120HMPR/2 blank video tape

The Sony P6120HMPR Tapes offer enhanced video quality, providing a 12% improvement over standard metal-particle tape. This means you can enjoy clearer and more vivid recordings. The innovative Depression Surfacing technology ensures that the tape runs smoothly, reducing the chances of interruptions during playback. Moreover, the reduced filler in the magnetic layer results in a higher output, giving you richer sound and visuals. Lastly, the carbonmirror backcoating technology minimises friction and static, ensuring a consistent performance every time you use the tape.

What We Like
Improved picture quality
Smoother playback experience
Higher output performance
Reduced friction and static
#TOP 9

Sony 8mm High Grade Video Cassette Tape, 120 Minutes

42749
Purple
Sony 8mm High Grade Video Cassette Tape, 120 Minutes Cover
Sony 8 mm High Grade Video Cassette Tape, 120 Minutes

The Sony 8mm Video Tape offers 120 minutes of high-grade video recording, making it ideal for capturing your memorable moments with clarity. This 8mm format ensures that you can easily store and playback your videos with compatible devices. With its reliable brand reputation, you can trust that this tape will deliver consistent performance. Whether you are archiving special events or creating home videos, this tape provides the convenience and quality you need to preserve your memories.

What We Like
High-grade video quality
120 minutes recording time
Compatible with Hi-8 devices
Reliable Sony brand
#TOP 10

Maxell Professional 8mm Videocassette for Hi-8

281211
Maxell Professional 8mm Videocassette for Hi-8 Cover
Single 8mm

The Maxell 8mm Videocassette is a high-performance recording medium, ideal for use in Hi-8 and Digital 8 camcorders. You can enjoy superior image and sound quality, making it perfect for capturing precious moments with clarity. This videocassette is particularly useful for editing, allowing you to create polished videos easily. Additionally, it serves as an excellent option for archiving and mastering your footage, ensuring your memories are preserved for years to come. With a generous 120-minute recording time in SP mode, you can record longer events without interruptions.

What We Like
High-quality image and sound
Excellent for editing
Great for archiving
120-minute recording time
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Hi8 tapes still made?

APEX Insight: Sony recently resumed production of professional-grade Hi8 tape cassettes, giving support to a format that's still in use by airlines worldwide in early-generation in-flight entertainment systems.

2. Is Hi8 better than VHS?

Video8 and Hi8 could reach over 2 hours of recording time, whereas the VHS-C clocked in at 30 minutes (for standard runtime) and topped out at 60 minutes (for longer runtime). The VHS-C also lacked some of the technical prowess of the Hi8 tapes, as their audio could be recorded digitally.

3. How can I watch my Hi8 tapes?

Even though 8mm/Hi8 tapes are not physically compatible with a VHS VCR, you still have the ability to watch your tapes using your camcorder, and even copy those camcorder videos to VHS or DVD. To watch your tapes, plug in your Camcorder's AV output connections to the corresponding inputs on your TV.

4. What is the difference between 8mm and Hi8 tapes?

Hi8 vs 8mm Tape Comparison The benefit of using Hi8 over 8mm was the higher resolution of recording. Hi8 was a newer technology, so it had better video quality than 8mm. It was also smaller than the Betamax and VHS format camcorders. This made it great to use for home movies and aspiring videographers.

Editor's Notes

During our hi-8 medium research, we found 21 hi-8 medium products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,712 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hi-8 media list. We found that most customers choose hi-8 media with an average price of £23.37.

The hi-8 media are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hi-8 media, including Sony, Maxell, Memorex. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 297 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.