Differences Between Mini DV Camcorders and Mini Digital Camcorders

Not so long ago, video recording meant carrying bulky video recorders with large flashlights and power supply with long cables for plugging into nearest AC power source. Not anymore. The arrival of digital camcorders meant carrying the entire unit on one's shoulders. But still they were considered too bulky for travel purposes and were not that popular. Mini digital camcorders have changed the entire scenario. They are so compact that they can be held in one's palm and their lightweight means they can be a travel companion wherever one goes. The popularity of video recording particularly among teenagers has gone up tremendously with their introduction into the market.

Mini DV camcorders are manufactured by several companies like Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Toshiba, JVC, Hitachi, Nikon, Olympus, Sharp and others who also make traditional camcorders. For a casual user, both mini DV camcorders and mini digital camcorders may appear to be same. But mini DV camcorders are actually different from mini camcorders in their functionality.

Difference between mini DV camcorders and mini digital camcorders

Professional video photographers generally prefer to use mini DV camcorders as they use superior video compression technology. The video quality of mini DV camcorders is usually better than normal mini camcorders. Mini camcorders are used by both amateurs and professionals alike when portability and ease of use are the overriding factors. They do not involve such hassles like frequent changing of tapes or the storage media. Mini digital camcorders use various storage media like hard drives, tapes, multimedia cards etc. while mini DV camcorders use only tapes, CDR/CDRW, multimedia cards, and DVDR/DVDRW. The storage capacity of mini digital camcorders with hard disks is higher than mini DV camcorders. This is the principal difference between the two.

Mini camcorders are comparatively of recent origin in relation to mini DV camcorders. Initially mini DV camcorders were storing videos in large VHS tapes, later on in smaller cassette tapes and now use latest technology DVDs for storage.

Professional mini DV camcorders that are in the higher end of the range have special features like high optical and digital zoom, interchangeable lens, use image stabilization technology and have USB ports or Firewire for high speed data transfer to computers. Both mini DV camcorders and normal digital camcorders are almost similar in appearance and hence a cause for confusion. Only a study of the technical specification would reveal the difference.

Mini camcorders have become increasingly popular in recent years both for hobby use and also for security reasons. Being so small, they are easily concealed and can be set up to keep watchful eyes over your house and family while you are away.

Company Introduces New Type of Security Camera That Looks At Things Differently

Exalt Connects Video Surveillance System for California Department of Forestry ... - MarketWatch (press release)

Exalt Connects Video Surveillance System for California Department of Forestry ... MarketWatch (press release) The video surveillance system currently features tower-mounted cameras covering El Dorado County, and it will be expanded to include additional surveillance ... and more »

Purdue installing exterior security cameras - Journal and Courier

Purdue installing exterior security cameras Journal and Courier The camera system is also expected to save the university money by acting as a deterrent to vandals, Cox said. “One of the things that Purdue suffers from ... System will monitor busy campus areasPurdue Exponent all 7 news articles »

California updates video surveillance for forest fires - Central Valley Business Times

California updates video surveillance for forest fires Central Valley Business Times Vicom says the system's multiple cameras connect to broadband Ethernet radios that transmit video back to a command center in Camino. ... Vicom gets into the long-distance bizSecurity Systems News Vicom Wireless Deploys State-of-the-Art Fire Detection and Surveillance System ...Marketwire (press release) all 7 news articles »

California State University, Monterey Bay Selects INX to Implement and Expand ... - MarketWatch (press release)

California State University, Monterey Bay Selects INX to Implement and Expand ... MarketWatch (press release) CSUMB has deployed a campus wide security camera solution based on Cisco System's Video System Operation Manager (VSOM) in order to monitor the campus and ... and more »