MiniDV: Since its launch in 1966 miniDV has become the standard format for consumer and semi-professional camcorder users and is still the standard that other formats are judged by. The tape format produces the best picture quality and PCM stereo sound of CD quality and can record 60 minutes at the best quality.
MiniDV camcorders use tapes roughly the same size as a box of matches. This has enabled camcorder manufacturers, over the years, to reduce the size of the camcorders to their present 'pocket size'.
Recorded footage can be transferred from the miniDV camcorders by one of three different ways. Firstly as an composite analogue signal using composite AV leads, secondly as an S-video analogue signal and finally as a DV signal.
The DV signal is transferred using the DV-out port also known as a Firewire port, or IEEE1394 and also as i.Link and connected to your computer by a Firewire cable. When transferring your footage by this method there is no loss of quality in the picture and audio and this is what makes this format so popular.
Almost all miniDV camcorders have a DV-out port and better quality ones will have a DV-in port for transferring edited footage back to your camcorder. Although other formats are gaining in popularity miniDV still has plenty of life ahead of it yet and the camcorders are good value for money.
DVD: DVD is increasing in popularity and claiming a bigger slice of the market since its introduction in mid 2001. The main advantage of DVD camcorders is convenience. Record your footage to the disc, remove it and play it in your DVD player without the need for cables or connections.
DVD camcorders use 8cm discs in a variety of recordable formats. DVD-R is a single use disc, compatible with all DVD players and used by all camcorder manufacturers. DVD-RAM is a rewritable disc that offers in camera editing and supported by Hitachi and Panasonic. DVD-/+RW is another rewriteable format and is supported by Sony.
Originally there were disc compatibility issues with DVD players but most DVD players will now play a variety of discs and some camcorders offer multi format capability making them more flexible.
DVD camcorder performance has improved tremendously since its introduction but still has disadvantages. Discs can only record 18 minutes of best quality video and editing is not as easy as miniDV but for easy of use DVD format is a fine choice.
HDD: Hard disk drive is the latest format to be used in camcorders. Originally introduced by JVC but now promoted by other manufacturers. Hard drives are currently as large as 30GB and can store 35 hours in standard recording mode and up to seven hours in best quality mode.
HDD camcorders are yet to match the quality of miniDV camcorders but their performance is still impressive and no doubt will get better still. With virtually no moving parts HDD camcorders are very compact and could well replace miniDV as the main format.
One obvious failing with HDD camcorders is once the hard disk is full the footage must be downloaded or over written. This may not be a big problem unless you are on vacation for some time and away from your computer.
Memory Card: Camcorder manufacturers have been providing a digital stills function with their camcorders for some time now. The stills are recorded on a memory card of one sort or another which fit into a card slot in the camcorder. Cameras are now being offered that record video footage to memory cards
Memory cards are normally only 1GB so quickly fill up even though the video is stored in highly compressed MPEG4 format. A good supply of cards are required for any long recording. However this format is convenient for posting to the internet or sending via email. Due to the compression the picture quality is inferior to other formats.
As the video is stored to card or memory stick the memory card camcorders are generally the smallest type on the market and are suitable as a pocket camcorder. Ongoing developement has already lead to MPEG2 video format as used by DVD and HDD camcorders. The SDHC card has recently been developed offering sizes up to 32MB.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Drivers for a Hitachi dzmw380a DVD-RAM/R camera.
By: Pete | 20-06-2008
Where Can I download the drivers for a Hitachi dzmw380a DVD-RAM/R camera.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest GPS Articles
The Significant Contribution Of GPS Tracking System For Travel
By: Bercle George | 29/08/2008
The one that makes GPS tracking devices work is what we call Global Positioning System Tracking software. This kind of software makes tracking devices to transmit a signal which will be received by satellites established in space.
Best GPS - Find The Right One For You!
By: Lee Cole | 27/08/2008
Finding the best GPS system can be as easy as going to the local office supply store and just buying whatever you can afford. But, how do you know if you are getting the best system for your needs? Read this article to find out.
Types Of Vehicle Tracking Systems And Their Applications
By: Thomas Pretty | 27/08/2008
A look at the different types of vehicle tracking system out there and the differences between the three.
GPS Tracking Devices - Good For Your Teen?
By: Jerry Shepard | 27/08/2008
Teens nowadays seem to have any number of extracurricular activites that they are involved in. Its these activities that provide us with the most uncertainty. With GPS tracking devices, parents can now keep tabs on their busy teen.
How to Compare GPS Devices to Get the Best One For You!
By: Lee Cole | 27/08/2008
If you're like me, you probably want to compare GPS devices before you actually buy one in order to get the right GPS for you. Although prices have come down quite a lot in the past two years, spending a few hundred dollars and not getting the right device is probably not what you want to do. Read this article to find out what to do!
GPS Review - What To Look For
By: Lee Cole | 26/08/2008
It is more than difficult to find a good GPS review on the Internet. Read this article to find out what you need to know before you buy your next GPS!
GPS Comparisons - A Great Way To Shop For The Perfect Unit
By: Lee Cole | 25/08/2008
It's much easier to find information about specific GPS products than reliable GPS comparisons. When I first got interested in automotive GPS systems, I scoured the Internet, looking for unbiased comparisons, GPS ratings, or reviews that might be helpful. Read this article to find out more!
GPS System Tracking - Applications of GPS Tracking System
By: John B. Mayall | 25/08/2008
The General Positioning System (GPS) tracking system is the latest breakthrough of the technology aiming at improving people’s lives. The GPS tracking system is reported to be used as a travel guide and as a tracking device of vehicles. No matter its application, GPS devices are good travelling companions.
More from Bruce Walls
Develop You Domain For Better Profit
By: Bruce Walls | 20/06/2008 | Domain Names
If you find one of your parked domains is getting good traffic, then it might make more sense to keep the domain name and develop the site.
The Easy Way To Submit Videos To Video Sharing Sites
By: Bruce Walls | 17/06/2008 | Internet Marketing
Every day more and more webmasters and online marketers are seeing the benefits of using video as a marketing tool. But submitting videos to video sharing sites can be time consuming and tedious.
Make Easy Video Sites
By: Bruce Walls | 25/12/2007 | Internet Marketing
Every day more and more video is appearing on the internet and every day more programs are being produced to make use of these videos.
Choosing The Right Camcorder For Making Web Videos
By: Bruce Walls | 28/10/2007 | Online Promotion
If you intend to start shooting video to use on your website and for submitting to video sharing sites for more exposure and to drive traffic to your site then make sure to consider the following points and spend your money wisely.
Streaming Video Simplified
By: Bruce Walls | 12/10/2007 | Internet
Streaming video, or audio, is media that is being continuously received by, and displayed to, the end-user while it is being delivered by the provider. These, grouped together are known as streaming media.
5 Great Ways To Profit From Web Videos
By: Bruce Walls | 11/10/2007 | Affiliate Programs
Internet Video is still in its infancy with so much potential ahead. Now is the time to get started and here are some ways that you can profit from web video.
Make Sure Viewers Become Visitors
By: Bruce Walls | 29/08/2007 | Online Promotion
You may have produced a video that has been viewed millions of times but unless you designed the video to drive the viewers to your site you are only having viewers and not visitors.
Hosting Your Video Files At Amazon
By: Bruce Walls | 19/08/2007 | Online Promotion
Firstly just an insight into the two types of 'streaming video' that you will encounter on the internet before you consider where to host your video.
Technology 
