Help! - MiniDV vs. MiniDVD Camcorders

[JudicialTyranny]

I'll throw my 2 cents in. I am no expert at photography or video, although I am very proficient at technology (I have my own software company).

I just bought a camcorder for my wife, and I got her a MiniDVD (Sony). Why? It was simple to use and easy to play back the videos (on the computer or on the TV in the DVD player) - all easy for her to understand, since she is somewhat technophobic.

We had an older 8mm camcorder, and if that broke, the only way we could play back the 8mm tapes would be to get another 8mm camera or hook the VCR back up and get one of those cartridges that let you put the 8mm tapes in. I'd be facing the same thing with the MiniDV, unless we transferred the MiniDV tapes to the computer. And with 4 kids, sports, work, etc. we don't have time to do that frankly - I can't even get her to empty her digital camera memory card to the computer to write out to CD. So I could see the MiniDV tapes never getting converted to DVD.

So having it record directly onto a DVD, with the DVD media being common and usable in more sources for at least the next several years, made it the most attractive option for us.

I know you can all come up with suggestions around my reasoning, but the deal is done and we have the MiniDVD camera and we are happy with it. Taking the DVD out of the camera, putting it into a case, and knowing that we could put it into the computer or DVD player and watch it without any other effort was the most attractive thing.

 

[vampslayer]

hello, my dh decided to buy a dvd camcorder before our holiday in march 06, saying that it would be great and simple to use. he was right in that it was easy for him to use ! however, any time i want to watch our disney holiday i pop in a dvd and watch to my hearts content. they are only 8cm across, (i think), and don't take up much room at all. before i would not even think about conecting our old 8mm camcorder to the television to watch any clips, but with the dvd it's so easy. even for me. hope this helps.

 

[peppers]

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?

The stand-alone DVD recorder is just like a VCR in that you can press record and have a DVD. You would not have to go through your computer at all. I have gotten so much use out of my stand-alone DVD recorder and have been very happy with it. You would just take a cable (that comes with your MiniDV camcorder) and connect it to the DVD recorder.

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!

Honestly, I do not know the exact technical differences, but originally, it was thought that DVD+Rs would be more compatible with DVD players, but now DVD-R is more widely-used. I figure that it is good to have something that can at least play back in all the formats. It kind of reminds me of the old VHS vs. Betamax debate.

Hope this helps!

 

[Robo]

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?

That's right.

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

A DVD-R disc is more compatible (will likely play on a greater variety of brands of DVD players) compared to DVD+R.
The quality is identical on either kinds.

 

[DestinationDisney]

JudicialTyranny and vampslayer :

Thanks for your suggestions!

The aspect of the MiniDVD cameras that I really liked was that it records directly to the DVD. I agree with whoever said that its enough trouble alone to try and get all your digital camera pictures uploaded to your computer, let alone videos taken with the video camera. This is the one big draw-back with the MiniDV camera. However I think for the price range I'm looking at ($300), the MiniDV camera is more suitable for me.

Peppers and Robo:

Thank you so much for the explanations and answers to my questions. We'll be buying the camera this weekend, I'm quite excited!

 

[DestinationDisney]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let you all know that we bought the Sony HC26 yesterday and it was on sale for $267 at Circuit City! We just couldn't pass that deal up. I fiddled around with it last night and I'm starting to understand some of the features...but there is a lot to learn!

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[peppers]

Glad you got a great deal on the camcorder! Have fun with getting to know it!