How to Choose a Camcorder Media Format

There are different media types that are being used by several manufacturers in their camcorder models. The common medium formats are MiniDVs, DVDs, Flash Memories and hard drives. This article helps you to choose between these formats, explains the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   * Hard-Disk Drive Model *
   An internal hard-disk drive similar to the ones found in laptop computers is used to record videos/pictures.
   
   
   Advantages
   * Very flexible
   * Largest storage capacity (20 GB or more)
   * Easy connection to a computer (normally no software is required.)
   * Fast transfer of videos and still images
   * Compatible file formats (such as AVI, MPEG for videos, JPG for images)
   Disadvantages
   * Most vulnerable to mechanical failure

2. 

   * Flash Memory Model *
   Records video to removable flash memory card.
   
   
   Advantages
   * Flexible
   * Easy connection to a computer (normally no software is required.)
   * Compatible file formats (such as AVI, MPEG for videos, JPG for images)
   Disadvantages
   * Smaller storage capacity (16GB or less)
   * Slower transfer rates of videos and still images
   * Relatively high media cost

3. 

   * Full-featured MiniDV Model *
   This model records video to a MiniDV tape, and still images are typically recorded to a flash memory card.
   
   
   Advantages
   * Very flexible
   * Easy connection to a computer but may require a software
   * Low-priced medium
   Disadvantages
   * Handling and installing tape requires care

4. 

   * Multi-DVD Model*
   This model record videos to a range of DVDs. Depending on the model different DVD formats can be utilized, such as DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW. If your computer or DVD player supports DVD-RAMs, I highly recommend it. It is the most flexible DVD system.
   
   
   Advantages
   * Low-priced medium
   * Flexible
   Disadvantages
   * In high-quality mode, disk capacity is somewhat limited.
   * Disk handling requires care
   * Sensitive to fast movements or shaking
   * Some DVD formats can be recorded only once

5. 

   * Basic MiniDV *
   It records videos to a MiniDV tape. For transferring data, only has a FireWire port.
   
   
   Advantages
   * Very flexible
   * Easy connection to a computer but may require a software
   * Low-priced medium
   Disadvantages
   * Lacks flash memory and USB ports
   * Handling and installing care
   * No memory card slot; can’t transfer stills via USB

Tips & Warnings

• Hard-Disk Drive
• Flash Memory
• Full-featured MiniDV
• Multi-DVD
• Basic MiniDV