HDD VS Flash VS miniDV camcorder. Which is better?

[vid83]

I have a miniDV camcorder since 2005.

Now the technology is HDD and flash.

A long time ago I've read that HDD and flash media camcorders are bad compared to miniDV tapes because of the compression.
What about now? Has it improved any?

HDD can fail because of the mechanical parts. Ignoring this, which is better: HDD or flash media?

How does HDD and flash compare to miniDV? Which of these will be the dominant type of camcorders: HDD or flash?

[filmboss80]

I have had flash drives fail within 2 years of use. Hard drives, of course, can fail as well. My well-stored miniDV tapes have endured for several years. The DV video on the tapes has much less compression than HDV or AVCHD, but standard-def DV is ultimately a doomed format, and manufacturers may abandon miniDV tape in 3 to 5 years. Nothing is perfect, and you must know the pros and cons of each format. Also, be prepared to transfer raw footage to whatever future formats will come about. (I had to do that with old 1-inch open-reel and 3/4" u-matic tapes years ago.) That's the nature of the beast.

[jugeo]

This site still leans to miniDV for HD because of the ease of archiving and editing.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/d/Reviews&level_b=Camcorder&level_c=HD.htm

[Rudyard]

I never get the mechanical bits may fail argument. MiniDV also has moving parts doesnt it and flash by its very nature will die after a certain period of time (unlses the tech has changed).

From a general users perspective, I bought a HDV cam for myself cause I have an interest in video editing and like to keep my originals like negatives and wanted HD.

We bought a miniDV cam for my sister 2 years ago who has no video interest other than shooting the family and watching it back. I wish I went HDD for her in heinsight for ease of capturing to PC and she tapes over originals anyway.

More recently we bought a HDD cam for my father in law as he is in the same boat as my sister and it has been a perfect fit. Looked into the flash cameras but the memory cards were very expensive and the cameras more as well.

[JohnnyMalaria]

I have a miniDV camcorder since 2005.

Now the technology is HDD and flash.

The technology also includes HDV which, physically, is identical to DV. Of the consumer formats, this is by far the most prefered option for event videographers, documentary makers etc.