Hi8mm analog video transfer to digital - help

Long-time apple user, just not very technically savvy:
I want to transfer my analog Hi8mm tapes to be able to edit and record in iMovie08. I have a macbook; I have a Sony TRV-330 (analog); and I have no DVRs in my house.
I have searched through many discussion threads regarding this process, but it seems that most people doing this are very technically savvy. I might have read too many discussion threads about this and because of the many scenarios, I am totally confused. So if someone could explain to me simply how I do this with the equipment I have, and what additional, compatible equipment I need, I would appreciate it very much!!
I want the simplest process, but I also want to do a quality job.
I understand that:
(Please indicate if my understandings are true or false)
1- I need some sort of go-between, either a digital8 / miniDV? camcorder that has analog pass-through, or a converter ( of which there seem to be very many. . . and expensive).
2- I don't want to simply buy a DVR and copy my videos this way, because I will not be able to edit them in iMovie08.
Questions :
1- What is the simplest way to do this?
2- Which is the least expensive, yet quality converter?
3- What type of firewire cable will I need: 6 pin- 6 pin or 6 pin - 4 pin? And for which go-between?
4- Where does this MPEG2 or MPEG4 (again, huh?) come into play? -- Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself with this question.
Remember, I don't own a digital camcorder or a DVR, and we're not in the market for either of those. I would rather not spend a fortune on a converter.

This thread might be helpful:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5590792
Your footage is probably 4:3 and iMoive is blowing it up to fit 16:9.
Matt
Message was edited by: Matthew Morgan

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