Can a film recorded on mini-tapes using a sony hi8 camcorder be uploaded into a computer as a digital file?

Yes. It can be uploaded. Your computer will need the appropriate inputs (A/V or USB), but all Hi8 camcorders can output a signal that can be transferred to your computer. Here is info from the Sony support site:

Hi8 does not mean digital,

The camcorder it was taken on would bw helpful as we cannot say if it is digital or not, assuming it is then its is quite easy to get the video onto your computer ( if you have Firewire IEEE1394) just plug the camera intothe computer and use your editing software to capture the video.

If its not digital, then the process is a little different. you will need an analogue to digital converter, Pinnacle make one, but there are others, the quality is ok but not great.

Do a search for the camera or look at the handbook. there should be some sign on the camera to say if it is digital or not.

Good luck

RR