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While the miniDV digital camcorder may soon be put out to graze, there is still some life left in the actual miniDV cassette tape, which this camcorder type is actually named after, as the new generation of HDV camcorders are still using it to record up to 90 minutes of high definition footage. Not bad for an old timer! I think you can see the signs when Sony only announces two miniDV camcorders for 2008 with very little upgrades from previous models. The The DCR-HC52 ($249 MSRP) and DCR-HC62 (See pictured right - $299 MSRP) offer few surprises, but provide decent enough video quality for those on a budget. Panasonic had one new miniDV digital camcorder release, the PV-GS90 ($279.95 MSRP). JVC has given us two with the GR-D870 ($249.95 MSRP) and GR-D850 (See pictured below - $229.95 MSRP), which at least had some new features added and Canon has done themselves proud with three new offerings, the ZR900 ($249 MSRP), ZR930 ($269 MSRP), and ZR950 ($279 MSRP). So the format may be dying (or dead!), but does that mean you should avoid them like the plaque? No, I don't think so. MiniDV digital camcorders may be old news, but they still have a lot to offer the consumer. Ridiculously low prices for a start! With everyone else clambering for the more expensive DVD and high definition models, prices have plummeted for the miniDV camcorders. Of course, where miniDV doesn't stand up so well is in the fact that you have to rewind and fast-forward tapes to see the bits you want. In a time when everyone wants something right now, the same comparisons can be made between video tape and DVD's, except that the picture quality is better and not worse. But convenience will always triumph. You just need to look at the popularity of DVD camcorders to see that. A classic case of style over substance as the consumer was more than willing to sacrifice some picture quality for an easier life. AVCHD of course is the final straw and one that will break the miniDV digital camcorder back. Instant accessibility with outstanding picture quality. It's by no means perfected yet, but it ain't far off! I think miniDV camcorders are still a viable option for the average user, especially with prices as low as they are. There may not be many new miniDV models coming out this year, but the manufacturers will be supporting the format for some time to come, so you needn't worry about lack of support in the foreseeable future.
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Good video quality for another. The DV compression rate is 3x faster than mpeg-2 used in SD DVD camcorders and results in much better picture quality.
