When you are selecting a digital camcorder, it is
important to research the recording methods that your camcorder uses to
store your digital media. Today, the most common methods feature a
built-in hard drive, Secure Digital (SD) cards, mini DVD recording, and
Mini DV. Each type of recording media is unique and brings both its
advantages and disadvantages.
Built-In Hard Drives-
Advantages
A
built-in hard drive in a digital camcorder provides for an efficient
way to record videos easily at any time, manage and edit the videos,
and save money in the future. With a built in hard drive, you can
easily transfer media from your digital camcorder directly onto your
computer. This allows you to manage and edit your videos within
minutes! Most internal hard drive digital camcorders will also allow
the user to manually edit videos directly on the digital camcorder.
Some camcorders will even allow you to burn DVDs directly from the
digital camcorder. You will not need additional media storage
accessories to save and archive videos because of the internal hard
drive. You can easily transfer files to and from a computer and the
majority of hard drives will have a large enough capacity to store
hours of video!
Disadvantages
Because there is a
hard drive installed with your digital camcorder, it is not as compact
and easily transported as other digital camcorders that use an
alternative recording method. With some built-in hard drives, the
storage amount may not sustain the video length you would like to
achieve with optimum quality. It is important to select a digital
camcorder with a substantial amount of free space in the hard drive so
you can record long durations of video without a problem.
Secure Digital Cards-
Advantages
The
Secure Digital (SD) Cards are slim in size and are specifically
designed for use in smaller and portable electronic products including
digital camcorders. Even with its small size, it still records media in
clear quality while boasting faster transfer rates. Secure Digital
Cards have been developed to adapt to the advanced technology of the
future.
Disadvantages
Secure Digital Cards currently
have small capacities which can ultimately decrease video recording
lengths. If you are looking to record extended periods of video, the SD
Card may not suit your preferences. However, the future is extremely
bright with SD Cards as the recording space is continually increasing.
Mini DVD Recording-
Advantages
The
Mini DVD recording media is a small, 8cm version of the standard DVD
that are used for movies we purchase today. With a Mini DVD, it is
extremely easy for playback on a television. Your Mini DVD will be
allowed to play on most DVD players. You can even begin to edit your
film directly on your digital camcorder. It is also a simple process
when you are interested in editing on your computer.
Disadvantages
The
Mini DVD has limited capacity and varies from recording 30 minutes to
60 minutes of video. The Mini DVD has generally a medium level of video
quality.
Mini DV-
Advantages
Mini
DV, a miniature version of our regular VHS tapes, is commonly
misrepresented as an obsolete recording method because of the rarity of
VHS tapes used today. However, this is a common misconception because
Mini DV brings clear quality video pictures and can record a
significant time amount of video.
Disadvantages
When
you are uploading the video to your computer for editing and file
sharing, the film is transferred to your computer minute-for-minute off
of your Mini DV. This is extremely slow loading times and an annoyance
to video editors.
Best Overall Choice Currently, the Secure
Digital card is the preferred video storage method. Although it has
smaller storage space, it is growing with technology and will shortly
be available in large recording sizes. The card itself may appear
small, but it has incredible capabilities including stunning video
quality and easiness of video transfer to computers for the editing
process. With the SD card, manufacturers will additionally be able to
create digital camcorders in smaller sizes for portability so consumers
can bring their camcorder almost anywhere!
We recommend the Panasonic SDR-S10 SD Super Compact Size Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom. It utilizes the Secure Digital Card and a 2 Gigabyte Secure Digital Card is included with your purchase.
Camcorder
Hut.com sells affordable and brand name digital camcorders, camcorder
cases and camcorder bags, as well as camcorder accessories.
We strive as a company to offer our customers informative digital camcorder information in addition to our low priced items.
