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General discussion

Sony DVD camcorders

Jul 18, 2007 12:59AM PDT

Hello,

I'm fairly new to the world of camcorders and have just a couple questoins on the basics. First, what is the difference between DVD/RW and DVD/+RW? Second, what is a good Sony DVD (DCR) model under $500? I'm not looking for any specific feature, just good image quality and reliability. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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A couple things...
Jul 18, 2007 3:24AM PDT

1) Analogy: DVD camcorder is to good image quality as Windows is to security. (Not trying to bash Microsoft or anything, it just fit.)

2) Search this forum with the word(s): DVD, DVD camcorder, DVD and editing; you will find many negative comments.

3) Read the Camcorders Forum Sticky.

Now to your questions:
1) The two formats I think you are talking about are DVD-RW and DVD+RW. Similarities: Both are rewritable (Can be erased and written to again). Differences: -RW must be finalized in order to be played in a stand alone DVD player or a computer's DVD drive. +RW does nto need to be finalized in order to view on a stand alone DVD player. Some say it needs to be finalized for use in a computer's DVD drive, but I use +RW discs and do not need to finalize for the computer.

2) None. Especially the low-end DVD camcorders. The reasons? 1) High compression and 2) low quality and small sensor. If you want good image quality at the price you posted, stick with a miniDV camcorder.

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Thanks!
Jul 19, 2007 12:02AM PDT

You saved me some pain and suffering. Ordering the miniDV today Happy

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(NT) May I ask which one?
Jul 19, 2007 12:57AM PDT