Un-reel

Digital video camera technology is constantly changing. The transition from analog to digital has been slow, with tape still being the standard. But, while the Mini DV tape may be the most popular recording media today, many experts tip that within a few years most of us will be recording direct to disk. Already several companies are producing DVD-based camcorders and with the introduction of Blu-Ray disks in coming years it seems the days of tape may be limited.

It's in this transitional phase that we take a look at the latest DV tech available. This month's Labs looks at eight mini-DV camera including one of the first 3CCD models, and three DVD models. While DVD models produce consistently high quality video and offer superior in-camera editing abilites because of the way the video is stored, they still cannot compte with Mini DV tape cameras on price, which evens the field.

We tested the 11 cameras in all sorts of conditions and while the quality varied, the overall standard was high, even among the low priced (sub $1500) cameras. In fact, the overall winner came in at a fraction under $1400 - half what you would have paid for an entry level camera a few years ago.

That can only be good for the average consumer, who is not only coming to grips with video production, but can finally afford it.