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.
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.

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