I have a device made by ADS called pyro A/V link. It has red, white, and yellow RCA plug input and a firewire output. I used it for copying about 80 Hi-8 tapes into my desktop. I used PP in the capture mode. I have an older unit, however I see the new unit listed on Amazon for about $35. I paid $100 for mine. It was worth every penny for the time it saved in in capturing those tapes. Before you buy it, check out the specs to make sure the firewire output on the back is compatable with your laptop. You will have to go to the ADS website to verify everything.
Simple to set up. Just plug in all the wires, Press F5 after you set up PP. When you see the captured picture, press F5. Depending upon the features of your Hi-8 camera, you may not have the time recorded. If not, you will have to stop so often and re-start so you can have a new clip. If you have a recent camera, and the time is recorded, this will not be a problem as PP will generate new clips for you. I had both kinds of cameras to deal with.
Duane