Camcorder Media

Your Guide To Common Camcorder Media

By The Vann’s Editorial Team

Hi8

An analog (not digital) 8mm tape that can record video. Usual recording time: 120 minutes.

Digital8

This is a tape that will record a digital video format onto a 8mm tape (same quality as a MiniDV). Usual recording time: 60 minutes.

MiniDV

This is an even smaller tape (roughly the size of a small post-it), that can record a digital video format. Usual recording time: 60 minutes.

DVD

This is a disc 8cm in diameter (smaller than traditional DVDs, but can still be played in your DVD player), which records in a digital video format. Usual recording time: 20 minutes.

Microdrive

This is a type of miniature hard drive (postage stamp size) that can record a digital video format (same quality as a DVD) and is removable. Usual recording time: 60 minutes.

Hard Drive

This is the same exact thing you have in your computer, only in your camcorder where it can record a digital video format (same quality as a DVD). Usual recording time: 5 hours.