JVC GR-DF550 Camcorder - MiniDV or SD Card

[Dougtron]

I just got a JVC GR-DF550 Camcorder for christmas but it didn't come with a MiniDV tape or SD memory card. I was wondering which I should buy or if I should get both. Is there a quality difference between the two and can I even just use a SD card and not a tape?

[slacker]

The miniDV is for video...
The SD card is for photos...
So I guess you may need both?

BTW, make sure to enable AGC with this one!

For pointers, you may want to visit
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/JVC-GR-DF550-Camcorder-Review.htm

Happy Shooting!
Mark

[Dougtron]

Now are there different types of MiniDV tapes, for different lengths or quality or anything like that?

[jaxxboss]

60-Minute in standard mode, or 90 minutes in LP mode.

[slacker]

There are many threads on the web which discuss the pros and cons of various brands. By volume, Panasonic(75%) makes the most miniDV tapes, followed by Sony(20%) and TDK(5%). All others are rebranded, i.e. Maxells are actually Panasonics. By consensus...

1. Stick with 60m SP mode
2. One brand is NOT drastically better than another
3. $2.50 TDKs from Costco are just as good as $5.00 Panasonics
4. Brands and types vary in their lubricant formulations. Therefore, for the good of the camcorder, whatever you use stick with one brand and type over the long haul.

[takeshi]

As mentioned above, you need both if you intend to shoot video and take stills with the camera.

A miniDV tape is a miniDV tape. The only different one I've seen is Panasonic's (I think) extended length tape which records about 80 minutes in SP. Definitely stick with one brand.