Basic Format Questions

[munickster]

'MiniDV' camcorders can be either SD or HD, correct? Is HDV simply a term for the HD version of MiniDV?

Thank you,

Dick

[Steve Grisetti]

MiniDV camcorders are standard DV, which produce DV-AVI files when captured.

HDV camcorders, which are also tape-based, are hi-def video in MPEG2 format.

HDV camcorders can also be set to DV mode, however, and you can capture standard DV-AVI files from an HDV tape.

Make sense?

[Bobby]

But not all miniDV camcorders are HD capable, if that is part of your question.

[munickster]

Yes, that makes sense. I had been looking at the Crutchfield web site and they use the term MiniDV for all MiniDV tape-based camcorders, whether HD or not. I want a tape-based HD camcorder, so your information helps a lot.

Thanks, guys.

Dick

[Chuck Engels]

There are two types of DV Tape, MiniDV and DV PRO.
DV PRO is larger and the tapes run faster than MiniDV (only about 42 minutes instead of 60 per tape because the tape moves at a faster speed).DV PRO is a bit larger too.

MiniDV is the consumer and ProSumer brand of DV camcorder, affordable and smaller, easy to use.
The same MiniDV tapes can capture HDV or SD, it doesn't matter.

[Steve Grisetti]

And, all that said, if you want a tape-based hi-def camcorder, you want an HDV.

[Chuck Engels]

HDV yes, but also MiniDV

[RJ Johnston]

The Canon HV-30 is a HD camcorder that records on MiniDV tape. I just downloaded the user manual yesterday from Canon's web site.

[munickster]

The HV-30 is one I'm considering. It seems to get pretty high marks here and with the price at $599 with free shipping at B&H, it's becoming more attractive all the time.

Dick

[jackfalbey]

You can't go wrong with the HV30. My HV20 (previous model) records absolutely beautiful hi-def HDV video onto tried-and-true MiniDV tapes. The camcorder performs very well on auto settings for the casual shooter, and offers a good range of manual control for the indie filmmaker. You'll find a wealth of info about the HV20 & HV30 over at www.hv20.com.