| If you're interested in camcorders you've no doubt | | | | card reader. Whereas the DV cameras typically use a |
| come across a variety of different models that use | | | | cable to transfer video onto the computer and into a |
| differing formats. The two major formats are those of | | | | video editing (or capturing) program, in order to be able |
| Mini DV and Flash Card based cameras. | | | | to save the video to the computer. |
| Mini DV records Digital Video onto a small cassette | | | | There are, of course exceptions to these general |
| and has been one of the most popular formats to use | | | | guidelines. There are a variety of pricey, but |
| for the last several years. This has been a popular | | | | considerably higher quality flash cameras available that |
| format for student and independent filmmakers, | | | | have the ability to put their Digital Video competitors to |
| because the end product can be altered so as to look | | | | shame. |
| like film. The Flash based camcorders, however, use | | | | If you need to take a quick, easy video of the family, |
| small SD cards to save data onto. | | | | or are a less experienced camera operator, then Flash |
| Often times one of the primary factors in making a | | | | Based cameras are usually the correct routes to take. |
| decision like this is the price. One can typically get a | | | | But, if you want to make an independent film Mini DV is |
| flash based camera for a lower price, but the quality | | | | typically the way to go. |
| of the video suffers. The advantageous thing about | | | | But, you should keep in mind that camcorders come in |
| this, aside from saving money, is that SD cards do not | | | | a variety of models and one shouldn't be hasty in |
| typically have the propensity to wear out, unlike their | | | | making up their mind. Regardless of the general |
| Mini DV competitors. DV cassettes act like any format | | | | features and benefits of Flash based and Mini DV |
| that records onto tape and begins to deteriorate if | | | | camcorders, there are a lot of different features in |
| recorded onto several times. | | | | each and every model out there and it's not a bad |
| Another advantage to the Flash based camcorder is | | | | idea to check reviews of them via the internet prior to |
| that they are easy to transfer video off of. You can | | | | making an expensive commitment to owning some |
| simply eject an SD card and put it in your computer's | | | | new, state of the art electronics. |