Camcorder Formats
Remember when watching a video was as easy as popping a tape into the VCR – and it actually played? Yes, back in “the day”, video choices were limited and life was so much simpler. Today, watching a video involves an array of complex choices that require you to know about various formats and the media players on which you plan to view them.
If you’re looking to purchase a camcorder, you first need to consider the media format choices. All formats provide digital video, some in “high-def” – but that’s an article for another newsletter.
So, the four most common video formats are:
- MiniDV (Tape)
- MiniDVD (Disc)
- Built In Hard Drive
- Flash Memory Camcorder (Card)
Here’s a brief overview of the benefits / drawbacks to each format:
MiniDV (Tape): -Tape Cassette
- -Standard length 63 minutes
- -Shelf life of 10-15 years
- -Inexpensive
- -If tape breaks, can be spliced
MiniDVD:
- -3″ DVD Disc
- -Inexpensive
- -Standard capacity of 30 minutes
- -Need to finalize in camera to play in DVD player
- -May not be compatible with all DVD players
- -Succeptable to disc failures
Built In Hard Drive:
- -No need for tapes, discs or media cards
- -Need to transfer video to comnputer
- -Limited capacity on camera
- -Computer may not be compatible for video
Flash Memory Camcorder (Card):
- -Works same way as memory cards for still cameras
- -No need for tapes or discs
- -Some cards depending on capacity can be pricey
- -Need to transfer video to computer
- -Computer may not be compatible for video
When it comes time to decide, you just need to figure out which format best suits your needs at the time. There is no right or wrong. However, in my opinion, there is no substitute for tape.
