Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

MiniDV vs MiniDVD

Dec 13, 2005 1:56AM PST

I can't decided between a miniDV and a MiniDVD camcorder. Will I be able to transfer a miniDV to my computer (easily!) so I can burn DVDs? It seems like the easiest option is the miniDVD but the quality seems to be less. I'm looking at camcorders in the $600-800 range and keep going back and forth between the two types. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Read through this forum...
Dec 13, 2005 2:39AM PST

Read through this forum as many people seem to have asked the same question. Bottom line is it depends on what your priority is. For best quality and most options to edit your video, a miniDV camcorder is your option. If you want to compromise the quality but maybe have a slightly more direct import method, maybe the miniDVD. Keep in mind that a lot of computers cannot use a "mini" DVD. Check yours. Also, to fully utilize a miniDV camcorder, you really need a computer with a Firewire input connection. You don't mention if you have a PC or a Mac. All Mac's come equipped and ready to import Firewire and come with all software for editing and DVD burning. Unlike a PC, Mac's are not made to easily import video from DVDs because it is technically a step backwards in the whole process. Many PC's do not come equipped for import and editing of video so a Firewire card and software need to be added. Because many PCs do not come with a Firewire import card, USB has become the "expected" method of video importing. USB can't really be used for full-quality DV video but can be used if you are importing an already-compressed MPEG video clip from a DVD camcorder. So...if you want the best quality and the most options for editing, get a mini-DV camera.

- Collapse -
The video software that comes with a Mac is rudimentary stuf
Dec 14, 2005 1:05AM PST

Comparable software for a pc is either free or very inexpensive. Good video software will cost for either a pc or a mac.

- Collapse -
DVD cameras are BAD news!!!!! MiniDV the way to go!!!!
Dec 13, 2005 5:37AM PST
- Collapse -
Correct, Mr. John.
Dec 13, 2005 1:45PM PST

John is absolutely correct in his post. If you want to do "big boy" stuff with your computer instead of business applications and spreadsheets, then a DV camera is the way to go, and if your computer isn't equipped for Firewire, you'll need to graduate your PC into the world of a Mac and buy a Firewire card and either download or purchase a software program that will recognize a DV video stream. John knows the best programs for the PC (WinDV?).