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General discussion

mini DVD or Mini Dv

Dec 18, 2005 1:09PM PST

I want to purchase a camcorder..

But not sure if I should buy a Mini DV or mini DVD.

My purpose is mostly personnal use...

I got to understand that total running cost on mini DVD camcorders are higher than Mini DV.

Also mini DVD dont have better performance and clearity.

I want some recommendations and feed back

Any comparison matrix may also help me

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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If you want to edit the video
Dec 18, 2005 10:35PM PST

Then get a mini DV. DVD can be problematical to get the video to a computer.

With mini DV, it's easy to import and export from camera and back to tape.

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I'm beginning to go "Anti-miniDVD". Here's why.
Dec 19, 2005 12:01AM PST

I'm hearing too many reports of media failures due to small jolts to the camera (movement?) while it's recording to the media. miniDV (tape) doesn't seem to be fazed by this until very large G forces.

Since a record failure on miniDVD can result in all content being lost on that media, I would not be happy when that happens.

Bob

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df
Dec 22, 2005 10:42PM PST

sdf

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DVD cameras are bad news!!!
Dec 20, 2005 6:13AM PST
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Anyone using DVD camcorders and faced problems
Dec 21, 2005 8:26AM PST

does anyone using DVD camcorder and have faced any issues with it..

What r those...

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Sony 403
Dec 23, 2005 8:57PM PST

I bought a Sony 403 and returned it, then regretted returning it, and purchased it again. Yes, it may be more difficult to transfer and edit the videos to a computer, but I have a Sony laptop and have no problems - I am not even using the Picturegear software (pretty useless except for capturing and downloading). I am using InterVideo's WinDVD. I know that compatibility with other Video editing programs can be a problem, so people who are interested in a lot of editing or who are used to software that may be incompatible may have to figure out a get-around or look for a different camcorder.

I bought it again because the video quality is good, the colors and sharpness excellent, the still camera resolution one of the highest available in a camcorder; and it is particularly easy and convenient to view in the camcorder or a DVD-player - much easier than a DVtape, since you don't have to wind or rewind a tape to find a particular spot. The mini-DVDs are getting cheaper (just bought a pack of 12 for $15, each one holding 1.4GB), and there is always the reusable miniDVD-RW.

I have owned a Sony Mavica CD camera for three years, taken thousands of pictures with it travelling to Europe, formatted and finalized it under sandy, bumpy conditions - and never had the slightest problem. I have recommended that camera to several friends, and no one has had any problems with the CD mechanism.

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MiniDv is better and cheaper I think
Dec 22, 2005 9:22PM PST

I have been using Sony handycam DCR HC 42(miniDv).I am very happy with it. Conversion to cd using the provided software however is slow process.