Evaluating Mini DV And Flash Memory Based Camcorders

If you're interested in camcorders you've no doubt come across a variety of different models that use differing formats. The two major formats are those of Mini DV and Flash Card based cameras.

Mini DV tapes are small cassettes that have become one of the most popular formats to record on. They are used for allocations ranging from home videos to even some professional quality independent films. The SD cards that Flash based cameras record onto are a digital memory card used to store data, commonly used in a variety of different applications in the electronics world.

Usually one of the first things to consider is the price. You can usually get a Flash camera cheaper, but often times sacrifice quality in exchange. While DV Cameras are more expensive, their tapes are not usually reusable. The SD cards that Flash Cameras use are fairly indestructible and can be used over and over again.

Flash memory camcorders are easy to transfer onto your computer. You simply eject a flash card, in many cases a standard SD card and insert it into any manner of card reader, found on most contemporary computers and your video is ready to be uploaded to your website or emailed to loved ones half the world away. Typical Mini DV Cameras have cables that are often sold separately, and need to be hooked to a computer and transferred into a video-capturing program before they can be used.

There are, of course exceptions to these general guidelines. There are a variety of pricey, but considerably higher quality flash cameras available that have the ability to put their Digital Video competitors to shame.

If you need to take a quick, easy video of the family, or are a less experienced camera operator, then Flash Based cameras are usually the correct routes to take. But, if you want to make an independent film Mini DV is typically the way to go.

But, you should keep in mind that camcorders come in a variety of models and one shouldn't be hasty in making up their mind. Regardless of the general features and benefits of Flash based and Mini DV camcorders, there are a lot of different features in each and every model out there and it's not a bad idea to check reviews of them via the internet prior to making an expensive commitment to owning some new, state of the art electronics.