This sony DCR-TRV240 was introduced in 2004 and is capable of playing back all three formats of 8mm video tape, including Hi8 and Digital8.  If you are looking to view or transfer your older cassette tapes this is an affordable option.  You can connect the camera to a TV to view footage.

Your computer will need a firewire input or an alalog video capture capability to transfer the footge.  Mac's are great for this as firewire is standard on most. 

The easiest way to transfer old video camera footage to DVD's it to rent a DVD recorder and go directly from the camcorder to a DVD.  Avista will supply all the necessary cabling and show you what todo.