Is a digital video camera the same as a digital camera?

Question

it doesn't mean that it only does videos, does it?

Answer 1

Digital video camera:

Also known as a camcorder for the consumer type and sometimes called a near-broadcast or broadcast quality camera for professional. Most video cameras have lower resolution than still cameras, have a high recording framerate (24 fps or more), include some kind of audio input (may even have a short audio boom microphone), often record to tape or disc (CD/DVD+-R/RW), include AV outputs (and sometimes inputs), controls have more emphasis on record/playback of video, and have settings oriented toward movie cameras (8mm, 16mm, etc.). Resolutions are usually depend on digital video formats like SD (Standard Definition or from 480 to 625 horiz lines of video) or HD (High Definition) 720p, 1080i, or 1080p (720 lines progressive, 1080 interlaced or progressive).

These cameras are usually divided into consumer and professional. Usually the consumer models tend to emphasize small size and have lower resolutions. Professional models tend to be larger, with more options, better lenses and better audio recording. The range of cameras int he professional range is wide going from 10s of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars (broadcast HD camera and lens).

Digital camera:

Also known as a digital -still- camera, these cameras tend to be smaller, have a higher resolution than digital video cameras, usually do not record audio, almost always record to flash memory chips (CF, SD, etc.),  can sometimes record short segments of video but with low recording framerate (usually less than 30 fps), and usually have settings similar to film cameras (like F-stop, etc.). Resolutions are usually referred to by megapixel (millions of pixels or roughly 1024x1024).

These cameras are usually divided into two types: compact consumer type (small, built-in lens usually no better than about 5x optical zoom, no manual focus or automated manual focus, and tend to be designed to fit in a pocket) and professional or pro-sumer type which basically means a digital SLR (single lens reflex) where the viewfinder should show what the lens sees. Professional cameras tend to be much more complicated and have more features along with a separation between lens and camera body, so lenses can be switched. The consumer type tend to have slower shutter activation than professional. Professional types usually have higher speed shutters able to take pictures at a similar rate to video cameras.

Answer 2

Well, the only difference is that one can make videos. A digital video camera, will let you make videos. BUT, most digital cameras these days do.

Answer 3

It's meant for taking videos, while a camera is meant for pictures. However both types do both functions, but not well. Stick with a camera for pictures, and a video camera for videos.