My feelings about DVD cameracorders.
Upside! I like the concept of DVD from the camera directly into the DVD player. Just like a full size VHS cameracorder from the camera directly into the vhs player.
The down sides!
If you record to much and fill the DVD-R or +R the camara will NOT be able to finalise the DVD and you will have just make a coaster, the recording will be LOST.
DVD+ or -WR you don't have to finalise but may only play on a PC DVD.
If there is to much vibration or sudden josting of the camera while recording the laser head moves around and does not record correctly making a bad track = coaster.
Like a CD player in car if you go over a big bump the cd may skip, easy to recover on playing but fatal on recording.
I remember when I got my first CD burner a 2x unit very expensive and blank CDs expensive also. The coaster rate was about25%. Thankfully things have gotten much better, but every now and then something goes wrong and you endup with a coaster.
Now think, your on vaction, spent $$$$$$ to get there and just finished recording a once in life time event and your DVD camera gives you an error " can't finalise" = just made a coaster, you recording is lost.
Tape is almost 100% reliable,I know a guy the fastens a Sony Hi8mm to the handle bars of his motocross bike and tapes his rides and he does the jumps and all.
Even if somthing happens to the cameracorder you can take the tape out and put it in a different one and still get your recording.
Not true if somthing happens to you DVD camera.
I'm know this rather long, I have had 2 fullsize VHS units and currently has a Sony 8mm digital and have never had a problem (knock on wood)and my next one will be a MiniDV. John
Hey. I'm new to this and have a question/need feedback. I just purchased a Panasonic VDR-M53. I haven't used it yet and want to know if anyone has one, likes it, hates it etc.. I intended on buying a mini DV but liked the idea of how simple this sounds to watch. Any info would be great. I plan on using it for family stuff; holidays,b'days, vacations etc... Thanks.

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