Charging Digital 8 Batteries...
 

Do I have any other option besides using the camera as the charger?

In the late '90's when D8 was trying to compete with mini DV their were a few companies that made chargers for the batteries. I doubt anyone today still makes a charger for D8.

If you can remember the company names I'll try a google search.

this is not a problem of D8 , but rather a problem of battery technology.
You need first to know if it is Li-ion, Ni-mh, Cad-Ni technology to name the known ones.
Then you need to find a way to attach contact on the case of the battery as much of them often have different contact pattern.

Since Sony is the primary manufacturer of Digital-8, perhaps a Digital-8 battery recharger will work with any Sony Digital-8.

sony used to make a separate charger, if I remember correctly. Another mfg., I think, was Sima. I'm sure there were other. You might try Lenmar, they make a number of chargers.

Sony Digital8 camcorders and VCRs use the same series of batteries as their DV models. Such as NP-F, NP-FM, NP-QM and others.

The Sima SPM-13 lithium battery charger is my recommendation for them all. It comes with 3 extra adaptor trays and will also charge 3.6 or 7.2 volt lithium batteries from other manufacturers.

I've used mine about 1,000 times over the last 3 years and it works fast and faultlessly. When a battery is charged, it gives out 3 blasts of sound that will disturb your neighbors.

Steve McDonald