Camcorder Recording Methods

Shopping for a new camcorder can be confusing.  There are several different recording methods, but what is the right one for you?  What type of memory should you use?  Of the three choices, each one has its own strengths and weaknesses.  It all depends on how you want your new camcorder to perform.  With this article, hopefully, you will be able to find which video camera works best for you.

BUILT IN MEMORY

There are two choices here: A Hard Drive or Flash Memory. This is the same type of memory that you might find in your computer or your MP3 player.  The difference is that a Hard Drive has moving parts and your Flash Drive is solid and doesn't have any moving parts making it harder to break.  Flash memory can also be used in lighter camcorders and accesses your media faster.  So why don't you just buy a Flash memory video camera?  Depending on your needs, Hard Drives are generally cheaper to buy and they can store a lot more memory.  You'd have to decide on what is best for you.

HARD DRIVE

Pros: Larger amount of storage, inexpensive compared to Flash Drives, great for travelers.
Cons: Not as durable as a Flash Drive, camcorder is typically larger than Flash Drive.

FLASH DRIVE

Pros: Smaller size, more durable than hard drive, and great for travelers.
Cons: Less storage than hard drive, more expensive.

EXTERNAL MEMORY

If your memory isn't built in, then you have to choose one of the options that allows you add your own memory. There are several types of external memory that you can use. Choosing one of these is really based on your personal preference. My first camcorder was an external memory type and I had no problems with it.  Below are the types of external memory you can use with different camcorders.

MEMORY CARDS

Memory cards are an external Flash memory.  This type of memory is also used in digital cameras so you might be familiar with it.  It comes in the form of SD cards and memory sticks. If your camcorder uses this type of memory, you can easily just pop out the card and stick it into your laptop for fast upload to the internet.

Pros: Easy memory cards to transfer info and share with others.
Cons: Doesn't have the storage capacity of internal memory camcorders.

DVDS

An older type of storage media, the mini-DVD disk (DVD-R and DVD-RW) and DVD-RAM disks are cheaper to use and can be played on home DVD and Blu-Ray disc players in your home and on your computers.  While the media doesn't last as long as other forms of storage,

Pros: Common storage useable in a variety of players. Inexpensive.
Cons: Limited amount of storage. Can be damaged.

MINI DV TAPES

This is a compact, reusable format of storage. Mini DV camcorders record video to pocket-sized Mini DV tapes.  What people look for in this type of storage is the precise way that you can edit the video.  They allow for frame by frame editing right from the camera, which many people find as a true benefit.

Pros: Inexpensive storage with precise frame by frame edits.
Cons: Limited amount of storage.

MULTI-FORMAT CAMCORDERS

The final types of camcorders offer a flexible means of recording your video. Typically, these type of camcorders have two of the other options, although, some have three formats that they can recording media. You will find that the majority of these use internal memory and some form of external media.  With the added freedom, you won't have to worry about running out of storage space.  You will find that many of these camcorders also allow you to edit on the camera, itself, and then transfer the information to external disks.

Pros: Flexibility of recording methods. Additional storage.
Cons: Heavier and more expensive.