DCR-VX2100 Mini-DV Camcorder

"Format" refers to the type of video storage device used in the camcorder. There are four basic formats currently available for digital camcorders today: MiniDV, Digital8, DVD, and MiniDisc. DVD and MiniDisc are still very new technology; thus, they are still very expensive. This article will concentrate primarily on MiniDV and Digital8.

MiniDV
MiniDV (also called "DV") is, by far, the most common digital format. Although MiniDV tapes are about 1/10th the size of a VHS tape, they can record up to 2 hours of video/audio footage. Because of the tiny tape size, the camcorders themselves are usually small enough to comfortably fit in the palm of your hand, some will even fit in your pocket.

MiniDVs record at 500 lines of horizontal resolution with 450,000 to 680,000 pixel counts (the highest resolution of all the digital camcorders); and since resolution translates to quality, it is safe to say that MiniDV offers the best video quality around. MiniDVs don't skimp on the audio quality either-the digital format allows for mono, stereo, or hi-fi recording, so that you can record straight audio, add voiceovers, or even add soundtracks directly from your stereo. MiniDVs have all the standard camcorder controls such as zoom, focus, white balance, and backlighting, but MiniDVs pack a ton of other features into that tiny package, such as still image (photo) capabilities, infrared recording for night shots, editing controls, and all kinds of digital effects.

One of the most exciting new features that is just now starting to surface in the marketplace is Internet connectivity. Sony's DCR-IP5 and IP7BT models employ "PC-Free" Internet connectivity with Bluetooth™ technology. In short, you can use your camcorder to access e-mail, the Internet, and online photo albums! It works like this: you connect your Bluetooth ™ adaptor to an analog phone line, then place your camcorder up to 30 feet from the adaptor. Zap! You've got Internet! You can use any Internet service provider, but, of course, for optimal service you need to subscribe to Sony's special Internet service (So-net), which is specifically formatted for the Sony camcorder view screen and virtual keyboard.

Digital8
Digital8 camcorders are a step between 8mm or Hi8 and MiniDV. Digital8s record at almost the same quality as MiniDV, but they record onto 8mm and Hi8 tapes, which are about 1/4th the size of a VHS tape; therefore, the camcorders are necessarily larger than most MiniDVs. Digital8 can record up to 1 hour of video/audio footage.

Digital8s also record at 500 lines of horizontal resolution, and they typically allow for mono, stereo, or hi-fi recording. Digital8 has many of the same features and controls as MiniDV, so the significant differences between MiniDV and Digital8 are size and type of tape used. Also, most Digital8s are "backward compatible," which means that you can play your old analog 8mm or Hi8 tapes on the Digital8. Therefore, if you are upgrading from an analog 8mm or Hi8, and you don't care so much about camcorder size or weight, Digital8 may be the best choice for you.

DVD
DVD camcorders offer quality similar to MiniDV and Digital8, but the recording medium is a DVD, which helps to govern the physical size of the device. DVD camcorders are still relatively new, so not as many models are available, and the price is considerably higher. The most positive feature of the DVD format is that, like jumping to a specific track on a music CD, the DVD camcorder allows you to index and jump to specific scenes of your recorded video (called "direct access" or "instant random access"), which saves recording/editing time and valuable battery power.

MiniDisc
MiniDisc technology is much like DVD, except that the discs are smaller. Thus far, the MiniDisc camcorders are limited to shorter recording times and slightly lower resolution. MiniDisc allows you to index and jump to specific scenes as well as copy scene segments and repeat them anywhere in the video.