What is the difference between Digital8, Hi8, VHS, VHS-C, SVHS, 8mm and DV cameras?
• Digital8: These cameras record the video digitally (with digital hardware) and store the data on 8mm tapes. This is similar to the DV cameras in that they both capture digitally, however the Digital8 tapes are less expensive. Most Digital8s have the option of exporting the DV through FireWire. Most Digital8s can play regular Hi8 tapes (backwards compatibility.) Resolution is about 500 lines. Tapes hold around 2.5 hours (if recorded digitally). • Hi8: The Hi8 records to 8mm tapes (like the Digital8) but the quality is much lower (with about 270 lines of resolution.) The Hi8 tapes can hold as much as 5 hours. Hi8’s never have DV/FireWire out. • VHS: These cameras have one single advantage: the tapes can be played in your VCR (assuming you still don’t use Beta!) Resolution is 250 lines, and they can hold as much as 6 hours (in EP mode, if the camera supports it). These cameras tend to be very large and heavy. These never have DV/FireWire out. • VHS-C: This camera uses a smaller version
