Flash Memory Vs Mini DV (Digital Video) Camcorders
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.It seems as though a major factor in one"s typical decision making is the price. Flash based cameras are typically of a lower price and feature less quality of recording that that of Mini DV ones. The advantage, aside from the smaller price point of these cameras, is that they film onto a format that maintains its integrity regardless of how many times it is recorded onto. Mini DV tapes are just like the antiquated VHS cassettes of years ago. With age, and if one records over the same footage tie and time again, the tape will not be able to withstand recording quality video onto it.
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.
So, if you"re wanting to shoot a video to help you break into the independent film scene, Mini DV would seem to be what you"re looking for. If you just want to shoot some family videos on a budget a Flash Based camera is likely the best choice for you.
Regardless of the general features of these formats, there are several that do not fall into the typical archetypes. If you have an interest in camcorders it is a good idea to do extensive research and find out which model has the features you need. After all if you"re going to make a big investment into a new camcorder the choice is ultimately yours and not the determination of a review.