Digital Video Cam or Camcorder...What's the difference?

[bwind22]

I want to get a DVX-200 eventually, but I'll need to scrape together a few grand first. I'd definitely recommend starting with something smaller like a Sony.

[bloodrayne]

Holy COW!...This is a LOT of information to digest (and I understand about HALF of it :p)

Thanks to all of you for the help and info

I think I'm in a bit over my head

I'll let you guys know what we end up with...There's apparently quite a bit to consider.

THANKS! :)

[Despare]

Originally Posted by ManchestrMorgue

But camcorders that shoot to DVD store in MPEG2 (obviously, so they can be played on a DVD player).

MPEG4 files (I just pulled one up)

[ManchestrMorgue]

Originally Posted by Despare

MPEG4 files (I just pulled one up)

It shoots to DVD in MPEG4 format? or it shoots to the SD card in MPEG4 format and the DVD in MPEG2 format?

[Despare]

Originally Posted by ManchestrMorgue

It shoots to DVD in MPEG4 format? or it shoots to the SD card in MPEG4 format and the DVD in MPEG2 format?

It can shoot to the DVD in MPEG4 if you do not finalize the disc. If you don't finalize it basically the DVD just holds the data like a card (I haven't tried it with anything but RW discs but I'm sure if you used a regular DVD-R it would be MPEG2).

[ManchestrMorgue]

Originally Posted by Despare

It can shoot to the DVD in MPEG4 if you do not finalize the disc. If you don't finalize it basically the DVD just holds the data like a card (I haven't tried it with anything but RW discs but I'm sure if you used a regular DVD-R it would be MPEG2).

Oh ok I was wondering about that. I didn't realise that it would shoot to disc in a format not suitable for a standalone DVD player.

How do you find the MPEG4 quality compared to MPEG2? I would imagine it is a bit better?

Some of the new high def camcorders that shoot to cards in MPEG4 have amazing picture quality.