"Digital" is the real buzzword these days. There are Dolby Digital Receivers, Digital Cell Phones, Digital Cable and Satellite systems, Digital TVs, Digital Cameras, and finally there are Digital Camcorders.
About 10 years ago the Digital Camcorder arrived on the scene in the form of MiniDV. Manufacturers such as JVC, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, and Canon all brought its models to the market and over the next couple of years and several price downturns, MiniDV became a viable choice, along with existing formats (VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, and Hi8), for those buying a new camcorder for the first time, or upgrading from a previous one.
The popularity of Digital Camcorders has more than insured them a permanent place in the consumer electronics marketplace, but the story doesn't stop there. Sony, in their usual upstart fashion, decided (in 1.999) to bring another digital format to the market: Digital8 (D8). So now instead of a single Digital format, consumers had a choice (for better or worse) of two Digital formats, which leads us to the following question: How do I choose choose between the two? Which format is best for me, MiniDV or Digital8.
Features Common To Both Formats:
1.Digital Video Recording, using the same compression/decompression standards.
2.PCM audio recording (1.2bit/1.6bit)
3.500 line video resolution capability
4.640x480 resolution still picture resolution
5.IEEE 1394 (Firewire, i-Link) computer interface
MiniDV, Digital8 Format Differences:
Digital8
1.Uses HI8/8mm tape as the recording media (about $4 per tape)
2.Uses the same body design and size as a HI8/8mm camcorder
3.D8 Format currently only manufactured by Sony
4.Both Digital and Analog Video In/Out capability (Analog In/Out not available in Europe)
5.Maximum One Hour recording time on each tape (using a 120min HI8 Tape)
6.Can also playback Analog 8mm/Hi8 tapes
MiniDV
1.Uses MiniDV (6mm) tape as the recording media (about $6 per tape)
2.Maximum Ninety minutes record time on tape in LP mode (using a standard 60min tape length).
3.Camcorders can be much smaller that Digital8 camcorders
4.MiniDV format manufactured by several companies, including Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Sharp, and Sony.
Conclusion
To summarize, MiniDV and Digital8 are both good options, but for different reasons:
The Digital8 Option
If you are current owner of a Hi8 or 8mm camcorder, upgrading to Digital8 might be the option for you. Digital8 is a hybrid system that not only allows digital video recording, but also provides for playback compatibility with older 8mm and Hi8 tapes. Also, with the same computer IEEE1.394 interface as MiniDV, Digital8 is also compatible with a multitude of desktop video. editing options.
Digital8 camcorders also have analog video in/out capability (except European models), which enables one to make a digital video copy from any analog video source that has an RCA or S-Video output. Although most MiniDV camcorders also have this ability, this feature is often eliminated on the more entry level models.
The MiniDV Option
If you are starting from "ground zero" and are not concerned about compatibility with previous formats or have price concerns, then MiniDV might be a better choice. The Camcorders are smaller, and have a host of features for excellent video making. The most important factor has to do more with politics than technology, however.
MiniDV is an industry standard that not only has a five year track record, but is supported by several major manufacturer's including Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Sharp, and, ironically, Sony (which supports both MiniDV and Digital8). This allows not only an abundant selection of MiniDV models, from tiny units not much larger than a pack of cigarettes to the large semi-pro 3CCD types used in independent film production and news gathering, but also allows for more flexibility for video duplication.
The pro versions of MiniDV, referred to as DVcam and DVCpro are standards that are used in many commercial and broadcast video applications around the world.
Unless Sony picks up more partners in supporting Digital8, it will eventually fall by the wayside, especially if the cost of MiniDV camcorders continue their downward spiral (some MiniDV camcorders already cost less than some of the Sony D8 models).
Last, but not least, although there are a couple of portable Digital8 VCRs, but they are expensive. Ironically, Sony, along with Panasonic and JVC have both consumer and professional MiniDV VCRs available (both desktop and portable) and, although expensive ($1.,000 and up), they are still available for those that feel the need and have the cash.
For more information and opinions on Digital8 check out the following links:
Related Features from Emily Price, About.com Guide For Camcorders:
