Recordings from digital camcorders are better because they have clearer images, better sound and a longer lifespan. Some camcorders use an analog system that captures images and records sound as continuously variable electrical signals. Analog recordings have one major disadvantage-interference and time can degrade the electrical signal recorded on the tape. You may have already noticed the effects if you've played older tapes. Digital recordings do not have the wide signal variations found in analog recordings and are immune to most of the signal problems associated with analog sources. Digital tapes record at a higher quality and maintain that level of quality significantly longer than analog tapes.

By reducing the effects of interference and noise, digital camcorders deliver pictures and sound that are much closer to the original subject.

Just like DVD, the digital formats are capable of delivering over 500 lines of horizontal resolution. Compare that to the 400 lines available from S-VHS and Hi-8, or the 240 lines from VHS and 8mm-the difference is stunning.

Signal interference in analog systems can cause color to smear or blur. On analog tapes, colors may bleed from one area to another, much like coloring outside the lines. The reduction of noise and blur in digital video means color that is far more lifelike.

Digital camcorder formats record digital-quality sound, so your movies sound better with CD-quality audio.

MiniDVD camcorders are incredibly convenient because they can record onto discs that play in most DVD players. These discs can also be sent to any friends or relatives who have a DVD player, so they too can watch that perfect goal or dance recital.

Another great advantage of many digital camcorders is the ability to take digital still images. Many camcorders use memory cards to capture images. Images stored on memory cards are easy to transfer to a computer for editing or emailing. Although the resolution may not be as high as a standard digital camera, the convenience of toting one device around makes the digital still feature quite worthwhile. Look for megapixel models for better quality images for printing.

Digital recordings can be transferred to a computer easily. After you transfer footage, your options become limitless. Footage can be edited, emailed or burned to DVDs for storage.