Digital 8 Camcorder Tapes

A Digital8 Digital Handycam camcorder can record "digitally" using either a Hi8 or standard 8mm tape. Hi8 tape is recommended to achieve optimal performance. If a standard 8mm tape is used, the same camcorder should be used for recording and playback.

Hi-8 tapes used for Digital8 will yield 50% of the Hi8 recording time. In other words, a 120 minute Hi8 will give you 60 minutes of Digital8 recording capacity.

Sony P6-120 HMP 120 Minute Hi-8/Digital 8 Metal Particle Video Cassette

Price:

$4.50

Sony 8mm 120 minute Tapes

Price:

$2.99

Things you should know...
Although they are all digital camcorder tapes, Mini DV, MicroMV and Digital8 are three different tape formats and will not work in the same cameras. Please look at your camera and see if it says MiniDV, Micro MV or Digital8 on the side and then choose the appropriate button on the left.

Basic Comparison of Two MiniDv and Digital8 Format

Features Common To Both Formats:

Digital Video Recording, using the same compression/decompression standards.
PCM audio recording (1.2bit/1.6bit).
500 line video resolution capability.
640x480 resolution still picture resolution.
IEEE 1394 (Firewire, i-Link) computer interface.

MiniDV, Digital8 Format Differences:
Digital8

Uses HI8/8mm tape as the recording media (about $4 per tape).
Uses the same body design and size as a HI8/8mm camcorder.
D8 Format currently only manufactured by Sony.
Both Digital and Analog Video In/Out capability (Analog In/Out not available in Europe).
Maximum One Hour recording time on each tape (using a 120min HI8 Tape).
Can also playback Analog 8mm/Hi8 tapes.

MiniDV

Uses MiniDV (6mm) tape as the recording media (about $6 per tape).
Maximum Ninety minutes record time on tape in LP mode (using a standard 60min tape length).
Camcorders can be much smaller that Digital8 camcorders.
MiniDV format manufactured by several companies, including Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Sharp, and Sony.

Conclusion
To summarize, MiniDV and Digital8 are both good options, but for different reasons:
The Digital8 Option
If you are current owner of a Hi8 or 8mm camcorder, upgrading to Digital8 might be the option for you. Digital8 is a hybrid system that not only allows digital video recording, but also provides for playback compatibility with older 8mm and Hi8 tapes. Also, with the same computer IEEE1.394 interface as MiniDV, Digital8 is also compatible with a multitude of Desktop Video. editing options.

Digital8 camcorders also have analog video in/out capability (except European models), which enables one to make a digital video copy from any analog video source that has an RCA or S-Video output. Although most MiniDV camcorders also have this ability, this feature is often eliminated on the more entry level models.

The MiniDV Option
If you are starting from "ground zero" and are not concerned about compatibility with previous formats or have price concerns, then MiniDV might be a better choice. The Camcorders are smaller, and have a host of features for excellent video making. The most important factor has to do more with politics than technology, however. MiniDV is an industry standard that not only has a five year track record, but is supported by several major manufacturer's including Canon, JVC, Panasonic, Sharp, and, ironically, Sony (which supports both MiniDV and Digital8). This allows not only an abundant selection of MiniDV models, from tiny units not much larger than a pack of cigarettes to the large semi-pro 3CCD types used in independ film production and news gathering, but also allows for more flexibility for video duplication. The pro versions of MiniDV, referred to as DVcam and DVCpro are standards that are used in many commercial and broadcast video applications around the world. Unless Sony picks up more partners in supporting Digital8, it will eventually fall by the wayside, especially if the cost of MiniDV camcorders continue their downward spiral (some MiniDV camcorders already cost less than some of the Sony D8 models).

Last, but not least, although there are a couple of portable Digital8 VCRs, but they are expensive. Ironically, Sony, along with Panasonic and JVC have both consumer and professional MiniDV VCRs available (both desktop and portable) and, although expensive ($1.,000 and up), they are still available for those that feel the need and have the cash.

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