Camcorders are devices that digitally record video data onto various media types such as tape, flash memory, DVD, CD. Each offers unique advantages and disadvantages.These have been summarized in the table below, ranking each format from "most convenient" (at the top) to "least convenient" (at the bottom) to use.
| Camcorder Type | Highs | Lows | |
|
Combo model |
Can record video to either a DVD or second medium (Hard Disk Drive or flash memory). |
Most flexible system. Has all the advantages of the Hard-drive and DVD or Flash memory models. |
Slightly bulkier. |
|
Hard-Disk Drive |
Records video to a miniature, internal hard-disk drive (as found in notebook computers). |
Very flexible. Much storage capacity. Easy connection to computer; no special software necessary. Fast transfer of video and stills. Compatible file formats; no conversion necessary. |
Must use computer or external DVD burner to share videos. |
|
Flash memory |
Records video to removable flash memory card. |
Memory card easily transfers video and stills onto computer. |
Limited capacities (e.g. 8GB). Relatively high media cost. (approx. $10/GB) |
|
Full-featured MiniDV |
Records video to MiniDV tape, and stills to flash memory card. Has a FireWire and USB ports. |
Flexible connection to computer (FireWire or USB). Memory card easily transfers stills onto computer. Tape is a low-priced medium. |
Transfer to computer is in real time*. Handling and installing tape requires care. Extra software might be necessary. |
|
Multi-DVD type |
Records video to a range of DVD types (DVD-RAM, -R, -RW, +RW) |
DVD-RAM is the most flexible DVD system (if supported by computer or home player). Support for other DVD formats adds flexibility. |
In high-quality mode, disk capacity is somewhat limited. Disk handling requires care. Disk price ranges from $4-$20. |
|
Intermediate MiniDV
|
Records video to MiniDV tape, and stills to a flash memory. Has a FireWire port (no USB) for transferring video. |
Memory card easily transfers stills onto computer. Tape is a low-priced medium. |
Computer must have a FireWire port. Transfer to computer is in real time*. Handling and installing tape requires care. Extra software might be necessary. |
|
DVD±R type |
Records to several DVD types (DVD-R, -RW, +R, +RW). |
Variety of supported DVD types adds flexibility. |
In high-quality mode, disk capacity is somewhat limited. Disk handling requires care. Disk prices range from $4-$7. |
|
Basic MiniDV |
Records video to MiniDV tape. For transferring data, only has a FireWire port. Lacks flash memory and USB ports. |
Tape is a low-priced medium. |
Computer must have a FireWire port. Transfer to computer is in real time*. No memory card slot; can’t transfer stills via USB. Handling and installing tape requires care. Extra software might be necessary. |
|
Basic DVD-R type |
Records video to DVD-R or DVD-RW disks. |
Might have a USB port, a common connection for transferring video to a computer. |
DVD-R/-RW not very flexible; finalizing is always necessary. Disk handling requires care. Disk prices range from $4 - $7. |