Digital Camcorder Formats

MiniDV - most digital models come in this format. MiniDV tapes are smaller than 8mm tapes and record about an hour of video and audio. The quality of footage recorded on MiniDV is very high, 520 lines of resolution. Playback is easily done by connecting the camcorder to your TV with cables included in the purchase of the camcorder.

Digital 8 - Using 8mm or Hi8 tapes, this format offers digital quality while still being able to play older 8mm and Hi8 footage. They offer high picture quality with 500 lines of resolution. Recording time on D8s average to be 90 minutes. These camcorders are slightly larger and heavier than MiniDVs while using the same connector to transfer footage to your computer.

MicroMV - Marketed exclusively by Sony, these extremely compact models offer very high picture quality and air easy to use. MicroMV is the smallest and lightest of all digital camcorders

Mini DVD - These offer the same digital quality as the aforementioned digital products with an additional benefit of being able to be played in a DVD player right after filming (without wires). The negative to this format is its limited recording time which is 30 minutes.