Hello :)  I have a question.  I've had a VHS-C camcorder for the past 5
years.  The record button recently broke off (it will snap back on to
function, just won't stick long)  and was thinking about upgrading.
Since I've had the VHS-C camcorder for so long; I haven't been updated
on the MiniDv and DVD camcorder.  What is the difference between the
two of them?  Does the DVD camcorder automatically record onto the DVD?
I loved my VHS-C; however always struggled transforming one tape onto
another.  Any help would be appreciated.


Thank you,
Eve

Show quote Hide quote The DVD camcorder records to DVD-compliant mpeg2, which is a lossy delivery
format.  It automatically records to DVD, though many of these machines
record to a smaller, "mini" DVD that hold less video.  Because it transcodes
to mpeg2 "on the fly" it can only do single pass analysis, which results in
poorer quality video than you could otherwise obtain.  Mpeg2 is difficult to
edit, except for simple cuts-only editing.  DVD-compliant mpeg2 is limited
to a maximum bit rate of about 9k bps.

MiniDV stores its captured video as DV-25, which has a bit rate of 25k bps,
which is to say a 2.5x data rate than DVD-compliant mpeg2.  DV-25 is readily
editable by a variety of editing programs, ranging from free to professional
quality.  When DV-25 video is transcoded to mpeg2 to prepare a DVD, it is
not constrained by realtime considerations -- it can be subject to multiple
analytic passes, which results in more efficient compression and better
video quality.

If you care, at all, about video quality, get a miniDV machine.  If you
don't care about video quality but want the convenience of a "ready made"
DVD, get a DVD machine.


Show quoteHide quote

PTravel wrote:
Show quoteHide quoteThanks so much for your advice.  Much appreciated :)

Hi Eve,

Avoid DVD camcorders like the plague!

Here's my checklist for choosing the right camcorder

The camcorder is the foundation of any video project, and if the
camcorder you use doesn't have the needed features, it will be
difficult (in some cases impossible), to get suitable video footage.

Having a camcorder with all the right features can be the difference
between a production that will be accepted by the audience, or one that
is obviously home-made.

MiniDV format - Must be MiniDV format. This refers to the type of tape
the video is recorded on. Do not choose any other format. Do not invest
in a camcorder that records to DVD.

External mic jack - Needed so you can plug in external microphone. A
must have. If the camcorder does not have an exteral microphone jack,
it probably won't have many other features you'll need. Check for the
external mic jack first, if it isn't available, choose another
camcorder.

Headphone jack - Needed so you can wear headphones to check the audio
being recorded. A must have. If the camcorder does not have a headphone
jack, it probably won't have many other features you'll need.

1394 (aka firewire or I.link) connection - Needed so you can send and
receive digital video between camcorder and computer. A must have.

Analog video in/out - Needed so you can convert and record analog video
to minidv format through camcorder. This is very useful if you need to
convert footage from other formats, or need to export miniDV format to
analog. A must have.

S-Video in/out - Needed so you can record input from computer screens.
Must have.

1/4" or larger CCD - The CCD is the element that captures the video,
and in most cases, the larger the CCD the higher resolution the video.
Avoid the 1/6" or smaller CCDs.

10X Optical zoom (minimum) - Optical zoom is needed for closeups -
digital zoom is almost worthless. 10X is the minimum. 12 to 18X is
better.

Remote control - Needed so you can operate the camera while sitting in
front of it. Allows you to start the record, zoom, pause, etc.
Extremely useful.

Manual white balance - Needed so you can get correct colors under any
lighting conditions.

Manual focus - Should have ability to turn off autofocus and rely on
manual focus. This prevents see-saw motion of lens when objects in the
scene move.

Manual exposure control - The ability to turn off automatic exposure
control and set the exposure manually avoids the problem of unintended
exposure changes due to movement or reflections during presentation.
And manual exposure control allows you to light up a under lighted set.

Ability to turn off AGC - AGC is audio gain control which automatically
adjusts the sensitivity of the microphone based on audio recording
level. When turned on, AGC will raise mike volume during quiet
segments, causing background noise to be heard. You will want the
ability to turn this off.

Side or top loading tapes - If you will be shooting video on a tripod,
it helps to be able to load video tape without removing the camcorder
from the tripod. This is only possible if the camcorder has top or side
loading tapes.

Steady shot - A system for steadying the image as you shoot. Sensors in
the camcorder send motion feedback information that shifts the image
slightly to reduce small, jerky movements. It doesn't compensate for
bad camerawork, but it can help smooth out a shot when you can't stay
perfectly still.

Size does matter! - Cameras that are too small can be difficult to
hold, difficult to find the control buttons, and generally have smaller
LCDs and optic systems. Look for a medium size camcorder. Avoid the
smallest ones.

IMHO . . .

    * Stick with name brands (Sony, Canon, Panasonic)
    * Look at manufactures 'pro' or 'industrial' line of camcorders
    * Avoid buying a used camcorder
    * Avoid paying for features you'll never use
    * Avoid ultra-compact camcorders
    * Avoid gray market camcorders
    * Purchase from a reputable dealer

In most cases, you will end up with two camcorders. A main one, that
should have the features listed above, and a second unit you'll use to
supplement footage shot with the main camcorder.

A second camcorder can also be used to capture video from the computer
(via svideo connection), and during the editing process to dump video
to the computer (via the firewire connection).

Hope that has been of some help to you,

Pete

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