Since the mid '90s digital technology began to put pressure on analogue camcorders in both professional and amateur fields. Through their higher picture quality, better compatibility with PCs and the easier and more comprehensive options for editing, DV camcorders prove themselves to be the logical choice when looking for something to replace that old 8mm model. Because DV camcorders can use the same analogue connections as VHS and Hi-8 to connect to a television, there is no need for a computer when viewing video. The DV camcorder can function therefore as the recording and playback device for DV video. Firewire offers the option of transferring video between camcorders and computers or editors with no loss of quality. Videos can be taken from the cassette, edited on a PC and transferred back to cassette with no loss of data or quality. DV currently exists in four formats, depending on the size of the tape the format will be DV-Full Format, MiniDV, MicroMV or Digital8, the video and container format used is the same for all versions. DV Full Format is used primarily by professionals. If you intend to take a lot of close ups pay attention to the size of the optical zoom. For a higher quality video, the resolution and quality of microphone are the deciding factors and for ease of use go for a lighter camcorder with a larger display. Camcorders that will be used a lot on the road will benefit from a longer battery life and more robust case. Many models offer various ways to transfer and view video, alongside a Firewire connection, some models include a USB port, as well as the usual analogue connections such as S-video and composite.
