I have never owned a camcorder and I am not sure what format to buy. I was considering the DVD since we are headed that way, but it seems minidv may be better.

Can someone please explain which is better and can I convert the minidv to a DVD? If so, what extra equipment will I need for my computer?

I was looking at the Panasonic GS200 for the minidv and the Hitachi 580 for the DVD.

Any info would be very helpful. I am wanting this camcorder for our baby.

Thanks.

Someone really should just write this information up and sticky it...

Anyway - the pros and cons of miniDV and DVD camcorders!

miniDV (pros)
-better overall picture quality (though whether most people will notice vs. "high quality" setting on DVD is questionable)
-cheaper recording medium
-less expensive cameras (vs. similarly equipped DVD cams)
-less hassle to edit
-less hassle to record
-relatively cheap recording medium
-wide range of prices/models

DVD (pros)
-easy to play back

miniDV (cons)
-equipment wears out
-harder to play back

DVD (cons)
-compatibility problems between DVD players and DVDs
-less recording time per disk than miniDV tape (in highest quality mode, about 20 minutes vs. 60 minutes).
-lower quality image
-more difficult to edit
-easier to screw up (i.e. forgetting to finalize disc)
-relatively expensive recording medium
-somewhat limited range, with most models being close to $1000


You can probably tell I'm not a fan of DVD camcorders... I'm sure they have some more redeeming factors, but miniDV is still, imo, the better choice (especcially if you want to edit or make copies).

To answer your other questions, then, there are two options:

If you just want to make copies of your miniDV tapes, you can purchase a DVD recorder which will take in the data, encode it, and produce DVDs. You can also plug the camera into a VCR and make VHS copies.

If you want to do some editing of the footage, you need a decent computer (most new systems can handle video), a FireWire port (aka iLink or IEE 1394), a cable, and some software. The camera will probably include some, I'd suggest buying better stuff - there are lots of options, and lots of them have free trials on their websites.

Then you just need a DVD burner, and you can make DVD copies of your editing footage. You can also export back to camera and make VHS copies through a VCR.

Good luck with your child, and your camera!

Is on another planet compared with mini dv!! your bias is affecting your judgement!!

Thank you so much for your detailed comments and taking the time to do that. It was very helpful.

Danielrp:

I asked this same question not long ago and the fine folks here helped to educate me. You might try a search on my name or the topic for more information including a link to a write up about transferring the tape to DVD.

Good luck. You have come to the right spot.

Hi Danielrp,

Like 'will91' I opened this same thread too, but just just a few days back, although I was a little more specific in my needs. Please read in this forum "Best Sports Cam? PV-GS200 or DZ-MV580A". ~ Daniel (pctwtf)

* I also found the DVD & manufacturer forums here very effective and people with 1st hand knowledge. Both machines will serve you well, the DVD more convenient, the PV200 higher quality and an asset to a videophile or potentially a small business application... optional lenses, hardware, accessories available to both. Make sure you don't rush on this and go to the store, hold the units for hand fit, try the controls and see how you feel about the performance. Check out many for comparison and to appreciatte the two you've narrowed to. You can also download the manuals, brochures & specs directly from the manufacturer website.
http://merchant.satisfusion.com/lib...ZMV550_580A.pdf
http://dvdcam-pc.support.hitachi.ca/
http://www.panasonic.ca/PDP/Operati...-200-oi-eng.pdf
http://www.panasonic.ca/english/aud...der/pvgs200.asp

* In my case, I converted my old VHS camcorder to DVD (just plugged it's output into a (cheap) Daytek DVD Recorder DVR-P30. That camcorder is permanently set on a tripod in my studio for recording events in-house. I am very happy with the quality & convenience. In 16 years of business I have yet to edit a movie, yet have made 100's. Just not neccesary for me (don't know where I'd find the time). However, I don't see why couldn't take the media regardless of format & edit it or have someone else edit it for you (software supplied, XP resident, various aftermarket). When I finally decided last month I needed a mobile unit, I too decided on either the PV 200 (best M-DV / package for buck) or the Hitachi 580 (best rated DVD cam). My eventual output in all cases will be DVD for archive & resale. My DVD players in my computers & home entertainment play pretty much any DVD/CD I stick in them, bought or homebrew. DVD players are cheap these days and buying a format-flexible reader will not set one back much. Current computer DVD readers in general handle all formats (compact DVD's too) and like their home entertainment counterparts are not expensive. Think of the Ram disc like a hard drive (100,000x rewrites). It can be viewed & files worked with in your (typical, current) PC's DVD drive via manufacturer's software or potentially made into an image file ready to burn to DVD (way fast). Both have removable media that can read straight into a card reader >PC

*Although both units are point & shoot the Hitachi is supposed to be a little more friendly. Without doubt the PV200 has better clarity, but will it matter to you? (There is a great post here by a fellow who did a DVD/M-DV comparison, with the result differences relatively mute) The reviews are very good for the Hitachi and in searching the net for negatives about this machine I most often found emotional comments on how great it is. You will find the same for the most part about the PV200. The PV200 is well supported by enthusiasts and much (way) in the way of optional equipment is available.

*A great page was posted by Mr. Dennis Vogel, a member here... suggest you read it... http://www.patmedia.net/dennisvogel/ ... how to make a DVD

*** If I was buying a camcorder for personal use I'd buy the DVD for the convenience. Running a small business the PV200 may be the better buy as a package (Mpeg 2, 4, better stills, 2 remotes, user support). For my business...
I'm still completing my homework... JMHO

Cheers ~ Daniel (pctwtf)

These threads may help:

Beginner's Camcorder Buying Guide

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MiniDV or DVD camcorder?
mini dvd vs mini dv
MiniDV vs DVD cam - Another Option
mini dvd vs mini dv
MiniDV or DVD camcorder?
Advantage vs mini dv?
DVD vs MiniDV
DVD Vs MiniDV continued
Advantage vs mini dv?
Need advice 1st camcorder - DVD?

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Rich