Types Of Camcorders?

Question

So, I was looking at some different camcorders and there are several formats available: DVD, MiniDV, Hard Drive, HD, and Flash Memory.

The only format I know a bit about are those with flash memory. Of course they are smaller, compact, and offer an easier way to transfer the information to a computer. Sort of the point and shoots of the video world, right? Could someone please explain the benefits of the other formats? In what situation would each be the best at? What are the benefits of each?

Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

ABOSOLOUTELY!!!

if you want to EDIT the videso at all

miniDV OWNS!!!

DVD is more for just watching it afterwards.

Go with a MiniDV HD camcorder.

Here's a great one:

Canon HV-20 ($800) HD, widescreen.

will impress friends with quality, if you film with the 24p setting, it'll look great!!!

any other ideas

lemme know

Answer 2

if your talking a consumer camera, mini dv or a built in HD would be the best/most affordable. If you are talking about a professional camera, Panasonic has all but cornered the market with their camera's and their P2 storage system, which are cards that hold anywhere from 4gb's to 64 gb's of space, ideal for High Definition video.

Answer 3

Personally I avoid the ones that use tapes because tape is fragile, it breaks, it disintegrates over time. Flash does give you the advantage as far as smaller size and weight. I think they are good to for editing and sharing films. Hard drive camcorders can store a lot of filming (a 60 GB model could handle 40 hours) and make editing simple too. They are heavier, generally more expensive, but good when traveling since you don't have to take tapes or SD cards.