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• Why digital is better
• Digital formats
• Analog formats
• Digital formats
• Analog formats
Why digital is better
Camcorders that use digital formats offer better picture and sound, in addition to cool features that make it easy to share memories with friends and family. The key advantages of digital formats are:
- Higher resolution images and better sound quality—just like DVDs and CDs
- More lifelike colors
- Smaller, more convenient size
- Digital still capabilities (on some models)
- Easier editing
- Clips and stills can be emailed and posted on the Internet
Digital formats
MiniDVD:
MiniDVD camcorders record onto 3-inch discs instead of tapes. While different camcorders use different discs, all disc formats offer outstanding convenience and record high-quality video and sound. MiniDVD-Rs are write-once and compatible with most DVD players. MiniDVD-RAMs and MiniDVD-RWs allow you to record and re-record on the same disc for versatile editing options and great savings.
MiniDV (Mini Digital Video):
The most popular format, MiniDV camcorders record digitally onto very small tapes. The picture digital video provides is 50% more detailed than the best reception of a standard TV broadcast, and digital camcorders can record CD quality audio-all on a miniature cassette that is one-twelfth the size of a standard VHS tape. High-definition camcorders use the MiniDV format to record at an astounding 720p resolution for images that explode in sensational sharpness and intensity. They are ideal for home movies shot to play on high-definition TV.
Hard disk drive:
These camcorders record onto to a built-in hard disk drive, so you don’t have to worry about tapes or discs. They are incredibly small but can hold hours of high-quality video or thousands of high-resolution digital still photos. Plus, a USB interface allows direct printing from your camcorder and fast, easy video/photo downloads to your PC.
Digital8®:
This camcorder has most of the same digital benefits as the MiniDV format but uses larger 8mm tapes. The advantage of this format is that some Digital8 camcorders can play back both 8mm and Hi8 tapes. So, if you've owned an analog 8mm camcorder in the past, you can upgrade to digital quality and still watch your old tapes.
Flash memory:
Some camcorders allow you to record on flash memory. While many camcorders now use this technology for capturing digital pictures, some new models use only memory cards for recording video, taking pictures and even storing music. Since there's no tape or disc drive, these camcorders are very small and great for taking to parties and other social events where toting a camcorder may be a nuisance. Transferring video or pictures to a PC for sharing is very simple.
Analog formats
VHS-C:
VHS-Compact refers to camcorders that use a compact VHS cassette. To play a VHS-C tape in VHS VCRs, you must first place it into an adapter the size of a regular VHS tape. Some VHS-C camcorders include the adapter as a free accessory.
Super VHS-C:
As with S-VHS VCRs, these camcorders record more picture detail. Super VHS-C, also called S-VHS-C, can produce a picture of about 400 lines of resolution when played on a Super VHS-C VCR or the camcorder, compared to an average of 250 lines in a standard broadcast TV picture.
Hi8:
Similar in quality to Super VHS-C, it produces about 400 lines of resolution. A Hi8 camcorder should be matched with the Hi8 Metal Evaporated (ME) tape to provide the highest picture quality. To play back a Hi8 tape, you must either use a Hi8 videotape deck or connect the Hi8 camcorder directly to a TV.
Guide created: 07/02/06 (updated 05/31/09)
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