Can someone explain what different kinds of camcorders do? ex:DVD Hard Drive High-Definition MiniDV Flashdrive

Question

Im thinking about buying a camcorder for video taping snowboarding, sports, and just movies for fun with my friends, and i noticed that there are different kinds of camcorders and didnt know what they meant. So if someone could tell me I would be very thankful.

Thanks ;]

Answer 1

Craig B is partially accurate...

MiniDV is a digital video tape that stores video using DV (digital video) or HDV (High definition Digital Video) formats. This storage format provides the best available video quality because it applies the least amount of compression to the video stream. This is generally the easiest to edit by any current video editor. You computer requires a Firewire400 port to transfer the video using the DV port of the camcorder. If your computer does not have a Firewire400 port, they are typically easy to add.

DVD based camcorders apply the MOST compression to the digital video stream and video data files are stored onto the DVD in VOB or other DVD video formats in order for traditional DVD players to read the discs directly. When storing high definition video they apply AVCHD compression. Most video editors do not directly support either format, so you need to rip the DVD with a DVD ripper like HandBrake. DVD based camcorders were a good idea, but poorly implemented by the manufacturers. They should removed from the market - and anyone who bought one should be refunded they money. DVD based camcorders make fine paperweights. Please do not even consider a DVD based camcorder. The manufacturers should be ashamed for continuing to allow these cameras to be available for sale.

Hard drive and Flash memory based camcorders store highly compressed (though not as much as DVD camcorders) MPEG2 (standard definition) and AVCHD (high definition) files. Theses camcorders connect to your computer using USB and you copy the files over for editing. The downside is that when you finish editing and burn the final DVD from your computer, you delete the project files from the computer and the camcorder. If you did not store those files on a hard drive or optical disc, then the cut files are gone forever. The up front copying over USB is faster than MiniDV tape, but the archive process eats up the time you saved - with miniDV tape, do not re-use the tapes - store them in a cool, dry place - the tapes ARE the archive.

Older formats including Digital8, Video8, VHS, VHS-C and others are still available, but the most common are those listed above.

Other formats generally used by professionals includes BETA (yes, that is still used), DVCPRO, DVCAM, and external hard drives that store in DV and HDV (Firestore), P2 cards (Panasonic) and a few others.

Answer 2

I'd recommend going for the MiniDV.  I've heard that MiniDV has an overall better quality to most other methods of recording.

Browse through the following website to see some great camcorders:

http://www.jr.com

Answer 3

Mini DV is standard definition and uses a tape

DVD uses mini dvds and is standard definition

Hard drive uses a mini hard drive like one in an iPod and could be HD or SD

Flash uses storage with no moving parts like a USB drive and could be HD or SD

Answer 4

the types of cams refer to the delivery of the images.

there are a few options.

mini dv is best resolution and cheapest to use and archive.

hdd is 2nd best and offers less res. flash is still in its infancy while dvd should be avoided at all costs.

high def (HD) and standard def (SD) shows resolution in screen size. SD offers 720 x 480 max resolution where as high def can be 1920 x 1080 and up.

hope it helps!

Answer 5

I could explain the different formats, but I think the best suggestion I could make is to get an HV20/30. Check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACVZp-UMD...