Psl help me to decide which CAMCORDER is BETTER?

Question

I recently purchased a Sony MiniDV HC52 for $230. I was not aware that it records on TAPE! So I am planning to return the purchase and get the SONY DCR610- but this one is more exepensive $330.. Is that a good decision? I am also saving money, and don't want to pay more if both models have same quality. I will just use it for home video. Any advise is appreciated. Check the cameras below:

http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=dhs&c=us&l=en&cs=19&k=DCR+610&cat=all

http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=dhs&c=us&l=en&cs=19&k=HC52&cat=all

Answer 1

A MiniDV camcorder, like the HC52, records at a higher quality picture than a DVD camcorder like the DCR610. This is particularly important if you ever want to edit the video on your computer. Both types of camera require buying media, either tape or DVD's.

If you just want to record home videos and only watch it on your TV, or do light editing, then perhaps the DCR610 will work best for you because you can just take the DVD out and play it. The DCR610 can also record to an 8GB memory stick which can be copied to your PC and viewed and or edited, then reused again and again. But, in that case you should also backup your video to a DVD on your PC with the DVD burner (assuming you have one installed).

If you expect to do heavy editing, want the best quality picture, and want a good permanent backup of your original footage, the miniDV tape based camera will be better. However, to get your video into the computer you will need a firewire interface.

Since you stated that you just want to use it for home videos, you will probably be happy with the quality of the DVD version.

Answer 2

It is not yet proven, but there is serious concern that the organic dye used in burned media will fade over time. This is a possibility that has not yet been proven; only time (and more testing) will answer this question. Backing up your important data and media to disc is a good idea, but nothing lasts forever. To be safe, we recommend keeping important projects on tape and DVD.