Help! - MiniDV vs. MiniDVD Camcorders

[DestinationDisney]

I am in desperate need of help!

My boyfriend and I have been looking into camcorders /videocameras the last few weeks and we have no idea what to do as far as deciding on what type of camera to buy.

I've done quite a bit of research (camcorderinfo.com) and I have been to Circuit City and Best Buy for some help from the sales people. I think I understand some of the differences between a MiniDV camcorder and a MiniDVD camcorder.

Here is what I've found so far (correct me if I'm wrong ):

- MiniDV has better recording quality than MiniDVD

- MiniDV (1hr per tape) record for longer periods of time than MiniDVD (30 min per DVD)

- MiniDVD has more convenience factor because it records DIRECTLY onto DVD, rather than on tapes like MiniDV

- MiniDV has more capability when it comes to editing



I am TOTALLY confused as to which type of camera to buy. We're trying to keep costs down so we really can't afford anything over $400. At first, I was leaning towards MiniDV because of picture quality, cheaper cost, and longer length of recording.

However, once I realized how complicated it was to transfer the footage from tape to DVD, and that I'd have to buy a bunch of other components (firewall, tape to DVD tranfer portal, etc) I began to consider a MiniDVD camera. I like the fact that I can just pop the DVD in and play it, however I don't like that you can only do 30 minutes on each DVD.


To those of you who have videocameras:

- If you have MiniDV - do you transfer your footaget to DVD? Or do you just leave it on the tape?

- If you have MiniDVD - is it a pain only being able to record for 30 min per DVD and winding up with 10 DVDs at the end of a vacation?

- Do I need to buy a spare battery? How much do these cost?


I appreciate any suggestions, offers of advice, recommendations, etc!!

 

[meab]

we have a hard drive camcorder (sony, but jvc and others make them also). it's much easier not having to deal with tapes - a) having tapes on hand, b) transfering them to video tapes, etc. we went from an old digital 8 and waited and waited - thought all of the other technologies wouldn't stick around. we are very very pleased with the hard drive camera. it records way more than we need at any given time (10 hours or so). look into it if you can.

 

[Minky]

Hi,

I am kinda in the same boat as you...we have a miniDV cam which I really like a lot, wanted to upgrade and I found the same things.....I think the technology isnt there yet with the DVD camcorders, its great, but its more expensive and the quality isnt as good. PLUS, Im kind of used to working with tapes and I know how sensitive dvds and hard disk recorders can be, I think we are just going to go for a higher end minidv for now and then in a year or 2 upgrade, plus by then the technology will be older and cheaper
The only reason I want to upgrade anyway is that we have a JVC minidv, and apparently this was a huge issue....after a while of use, it says the lens cap is on even when its off (apparently they are repairing this for free since it was such a huge deal)
I just dont trust it though, I tried it at home before we left to California (Disneyland) abd it worked. We got there and I turned it on and NOTHING! The lens cap error! I freaked out, thank GOD DH brought a back up!!

 

[btuftee]

IMO, MiniDV is probably the best bet right now.

Hard drive camcorders are limited by capacity (because you have to offload content to make room, instead of slapping in a new tape or disc) and are usually pricier. While MiniDVD lets you record right onto a DVD disc, its capacity is limited too. As for editing, all formats are equal here - it's the software you choose that determines how easy or hard your editing is.

MiniDV is mature technology, it's been around long enough to get the kinks out, and it's all over the place. It may not be cutting edge, but it's the best choice for most consumers.

As for batteries, unless you record a ton of material each day, you'll be fine with one battery, recharging it each night at the hotel (or wherever).

 

[Remember The Magic]

i have a minidvd and i use 60 min mini dvds

 

[Robo]

I'm a professional videographer and editor.

I would not choose a DVD camcorder.

The quality is actually lower (very severe "compression" of the image) compared to miniDV and the DVD format does not allow for "direct" editing (The DVD files must be converted to another file form before editing.)

The hard drive method?
I'm sorry, but that's just not very practical compared to tape at this point.
And the price is prohibitive.
If you are at WDW (or at the top of a mountain, for that matter) and you've filled your HD... then what?

I buy miniDV tape by the case and shoot away!

 

[peppers]

I've been very happy with the Sony MiniDV camcorder I purchased slightly over a year ago. I also have a Sony DVD stand-alone recorder. The camcorder came with the necessary cables, so all I have to do is hook it up to the DVD recorder, and I can easily make a DVD of the footage.

My goal eventually is to edit the footage, so I like the fact that with MiniDV you have that option.

I agree with the earlier post in that MiniDV has been around longer and would probably be your best bet, especially if you are looking to edit footage down the line.

As far as batteries go, I would recommend having a spare battery. The camcorder I purchased came with a battery that lasts *I think* close to 2 hrs, but I went ahead and purchased another battery that lasts over 3 hrs (close to $70). I also purchased a travel charger (roughly $40), but you can also charge the battery while on the camera directly. I found the travel charger handy when I was heavily using the camera, so I could charge one battery on the main camera and the other on the travel charger overnight.

 

[orljustin]

Problem with DV, is you really need to put it on your computer and edit it and then burn a dvd. Using your camera too much to watch the tape can eventually tire out the tape mechanism. You'd think you could just buy a minidv player, but I think they are still relatively obscure. You might want to buy a good minidv, and then eventually buy a crappy minidv camera, just to use as playback.

 

[DestinationDisney]

we have a hard drive camcorder (sony, but jvc and others make them also). it's much easier not having to deal with tapes - a) having tapes on hand, b) transfering them to video tapes, etc.

What is a hard drive camera? Can you provide me a link to one so I can see what its like? How do you watch the video on your TV when you are done?

I've been very happy with the Sony MiniDV camcorder I purchased slightly over a year ago. I also have a Sony DVD stand-alone recorder.

If you don't mind, would you tell me which model Sony MiniDV you have? I was looking at the Sony HC26, because of low cost and I don't need the capability to take still photos. Also, what stand-alone recorder do you have? Do you remember about how much it cost you?

As far as batteries go, I would recommend having a spare battery.

Sorry to be so dopey, but how do you know which kind of spare battery your camera needs? I looked up spare camcorder batteries and there are so many!

 

[Robo]

Problem with DV, is you really need to put it on your computer and edit it and then burn a dvd. Using your camera too much to watch the tape can eventually tire out the tape mechanism .

With the ever-speeding march of technology, by the time a typical consumer "wears out" a tape mechanism, it will be past time to buy the "newer" technology, anyway.

There are a LOT of still-opearational two-peice VHS recording systems (camera and separate deck) out there.

Who wants THOSE?

 

[DestinationDisney]

IMO, MiniDV is probably the best bet right now.

MiniDV is mature technology, it's been around long enough to get the kinks out, and it's all over the place. It may not be cutting edge, but it's the best choice for most consumers.

Thanks for your advice. I think I've been leaning towards MiniDV all along.

I'm just worried about it being too confusing for me to transfer to my computer. Also, I figured that with all the extra money I'd be spending on firewall, editing software (does this come with the camera?), tapes, extra batteries, etc that I might as well just get the miniDVD instead and be done with it.

The quality is actually lower (very severe "compression" of the image) compared to miniDV and the DVD format does not allow for "direct" editing

I buy miniDV tape by the case and shoot away!

Thanks for the help! Where exactly can you buy cases of miniDV tapes? Does it matter what brand tapes I buy? Is there somewhere cheaper, say on the internet, to buy them than in stores? I saw a pack of 5 in Circuit City the other day for $30 and I wanted to go over how much I'll be spending on them!

 

[peppers]

If you don't mind, would you tell me which model Sony MiniDV you have? I was looking at the Sony HC26, because of low cost and I don't need the capability to take still photos. Also, what stand-alone recorder do you have? Do you remember about how much it cost you?



Sorry to be so dopey, but how do you know which kind of spare battery your camera needs? I looked up spare camcorder batteries and there are so many!

I have the Sony HC42. I bought it at newegg.com (not sure if they still offer it, but they had a tremendous deal on it...again this was over a year ago).

The stand-alone recorder is also over a year old, but I have the Sony RDR-GX300. I honestly do not remember how much it cost, but I'm sure the prices have gone down significantly since I bought it. The thing I love the most about the Sony unit is that it has the capability to play back in any DVD format (DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW). Not all DVD recorders out there can do that, so if you are borrowing a DVD from a friend, I feel it is important to own something that is compatible with everything.

When you purchase a camcorder, usually at whatever site you buy it from, they will provide a list of recommended accessories. In the battery descriptions, it often says which batteries would be compatible with your camera.

On a side note, I have been VERY pleased with TDK MiniDV tapes. I recently bought 2 cases (20 tapes) off a vendor at amazon.com for $20.99 per case.

"TDK DVM60 MiniDV Digital Video Tapes - 10 Pack" is the item name in case you want to search for it. It's the best price I have found so far, and the quality is great.

Hope this info helps!

 

[DestinationDisney]

The stand-alone recorder is also over a year old, but I have the Sony RDR-GX300. I honestly do not remember how much it cost, but I'm sure the prices have gone down significantly since I bought it.

When you purchase a camcorder, usually at whatever site you buy it from, they will provide a list of recommended accessories. In the battery descriptions, it often says which batteries would be compatible with your camera.

On a side note, I have been VERY pleased with TDK MiniDV tapes. I recently bought 2 cases (20 tapes) off a vendor at amazon.com for $20.99 per case.

"TDK DVM60 MiniDV Digital Video Tapes - 10 Pack" is the item name in case you want to search for it. It's the best price I have found so far, and the quality is great.

Hope this info helps!

Thanks again!!!

I looked up the Stand Alone Recorder and it came up as $280 in pricegrabber.com. This is a bit much for me, considering the camcorder I'm looking to buy (Sony HC26) is only about $300. Do you think they might sell stand alone recorders for less? I guess this is something I could ask an electronics store about.

Thanks for the help on the extra batteries...this was a little confusing to me, so hopefully I'll find the accessories for whatever camera I decide to buy.

As far as the tapes go - can I use these tapes for the camera I'm probably going to get even though its not the same model as the one you have? Do certain tapes need to go with specific camcorders?

Thanks again for the help!!

 

[Robo]

Where exactly can you buy cases of miniDV tapes? Does it matter what brand tapes I buy? Is there somewhere cheaper, say on the internet, to buy them than in stores? I saw a pack of 5 in Circuit City the other day for $30 and I wanted to go over how much I'll be spending on them!

I buy the cheapest Panasonic "home video" miniDV tapes.
These are probably the most-used tapes in the country, regardless of the brand of the camcorder one chooses.

I have several Sony, Canon, and Panasonic camcorders.
I use this tape in all of my camcorders.

I have shot LITERALLY HUNDREDS of them with ZERO problems.

I buy them on eBay in multiple lots.

Remember to figure in the shipping costs before you decide to bid.

Here's an example (I do NOT know this seller)

http://cgi.ebay.com/21-NEW-PANASONI...7QQihZ017QQcategoryZ15073QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you add in the shipping to the Buy It Now price, each 60 min. DV tape is less than $3.00 each.

If you look around eBay more, you might find an even better price.

 

[Robo]

As for a stand-alone DVD recorder, I have two LITE-ON brand units.

One (LITE-ON LVW-5005) I got at COSTCO for under $200.

The other (LITE-ON DD-A100GX), I just bought at Best Buy for $100.

Both are VERY good units. I burn about 10-20 DVDs per week on them.

I'd never heard of "LITE-ON" before I bought these, but they are amazing versatile DVD recorders.

Burn DVD-R and DVD+R at multiple speeds.

They have S-Video and FireWire inputs... the whole deal... and make fine DVDs!

 

[peppers]

Thanks again!!!

I looked up the Stand Alone Recorder and it came up as $280 in pricegrabber.com. This is a bit much for me, considering the camcorder I'm looking to buy (Sony HC26) is only about $300. Do you think they might sell stand alone recorders for less? I guess this is something I could ask an electronics store about.

...

As far as the tapes go - can I use these tapes for the camera I'm probably going to get even though its not the same model as the one you have? Do certain tapes need to go with specific camcorders?

Thanks again for the help!!

I didn't know that LITE-ON made stand-alone DVD recorders...interesting. I own a LITE-ON DVD burner for my computer as well and have been very pleased with it.

Yes, you can use different brands of tapes with whatever camcorder you choose. Just like you can use different brands of tapes with your VCR.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[LoraJ]

Definitely MiniDV.
What happens if your DVD gets damaged or scratched? I just think that the MiniDV is much sturdier.

 

[DestinationDisney]

Thank you again, everyone, for all of your help! After taking everything into consideraton, from price to all the different camera features, into and everyone's recommendations...we've decided to go with a MiniDV camcorder. I think we'll be happy with our choice.

As for a stand-alone DVD recorder, I have two LITE-ON brand units.

One (LITE-ON LVW-5005) I got at COSTCO for under $200.

The other (LITE-ON DD-A100GX), I just bought at Best Buy for $100.

Both are VERY good units. I burn about 10-20 DVDs per week on them.

As far as the stand alone recorders go...does this mean I can just hook up the camera to the burner and I'll have a DVD? I don't have to go through the computer or do any downloading?

Burn DVD-R and DVD+R at multiple speeds.

What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R?

Sorry for so many questions...but you've been a big help and I appreciate all of your advice!

 

[Dopey420]

You will get a much better camera for that price point by going MiniDV.

you definitely need at least 1 extra battery.

 

[DestinationDisney]

You will get a much better camera for that price point by going MiniDV.

you definitely need at least 1 extra battery.

Thanks for the help and for confirming that I made a good choice! Will definitely get a 2nd battery!