Camcorder FAQs 
What is the difference between DV and DVD?
DV records data on a cassette tape whereas DVD records them on a disk. A disk cannot hold as much information as a cassette tape, which is why DVD uses a much heavier compression scheme than DVC, drastically affecting the quality of still image. On top of that, tape is more superior for time-shifting than a disk which is very limited in what can be recorded on it.
What is the difference between IEEE 1284 and IEEE 1384 standard?
IEEE is the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, an organisation that helps create many international standards. IEEE 1284 is a parallel printer cable standard whereas IEEE 1384 is the serial bus interface between VCR, TV, PC, DVD player, printer, camcorder and CD player.
Why go digital?
Recording video digitally delivers remarkably better picture quality, sharper images and better color reproduction. On top of that, digital copies of digital videos are unrecognizable from the original, which makes editing and image manipulation -- even at the level of the average camcorder user -- so much easier and with higher quality than that delivered by analog video technology.
What is the difference between analogue and digital video?
With analog video, light and sound are captured and recorded as electrical signals, transmitted as waves that can be represented by the up and down movement of a line. These signals look like mountain peaks and valleys, with variations in the height of the mountain and the depths of the valley, and variations in the distances between peaks and between valleys. With light, those variations are the differences between dark and very bright, as well as colors; and with audio, the differences are between no audible sound and very loud sound.
What is 16-bit and 12-bit when you mention sound quality?
In DVC, 16-bit sound is the highest quality sound, with the most data for the truest and fullest range of sound. With 12-bit, the sound quality is just slightly lower, because the amount of data gathered through the sampling and quantization procedures is lower than with 16-bit. However, because there is less data, it does not take up all the space available to audio on the tape. As a result, there are two two-channel channels which is beneficial to those who demand more of their equipment.
How different is DVD from DVC?
DVD uses quite a different technology. It's a disk, and like a music CD or computer CD-ROM, it offers superior random access to information stored anywhere on the disk. But a disk cannot hold nearly as much information as tape, which is why DVD uses a much heavier compression scheme than DVC.
While DVD was designed originally for playing back prerecorded movies (manufacturers are working on a standard for recording on DVDs), DVC was designed as a portable record/playback medium. This becomes evident when still frames are viewed. Because of the compression schemes used, DVC has the best still frame images, while a DVD still frame will not be as clear.
Why is RGB better than CYMG?
While some camcorders use filters that convert colours into CYMG, some Canon camcorders have a RGB Primary Color Filter, which automatically reads colours as RGB. Since all TV sets display in RGB, this gives Canon camcorders a distinct advantage in colour reproduction. Instead of needing to convert CYMG signals back into RGB – a step which degrades the colour signal – RGB signals remain unchanged, so colours maintain their original intensity, for richer, more vivid red, greens and blues.
What is so special about Optical image stabilization technology?
Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) leads the way in image stabilisation by continuously correcting camera shake even during the fleeting exposure time of a single shot. By working continuously, it samples and corrects image shake 900 times per second – 420 times more than comparable stabilizer systems. This constant action creates totally still, clear and blur-free images.
How does Electronic Image Stabilisation work?
Electronic Image Stabilising systems use an Adaptive Frequency Control to eliminate camera shake whatever the source. Whether handholding your camcorder while walking or driving in a car, Frequency Adaptive control guarantees shake free images no matter how challenging the conditions or difficult the filming.
Which is better? MiniDV or DVD?
In best quality recording mode, the MiniDV tapes used in Canon camcorders deliver 80 minutes of recording compared with just 30 minutes recording available with DVDs. What’s more, the 9Mbps maximum recording rate of DVDs seriously limits image quality when compared to the 25Mbps available with MiniDV systems.
Which is easier to edit? MiniDV or DVD recordings?
MiniDV tape recordings give moviemakers more versatility when editing footage. This is because MiniDV camcorders use a DV encoding system rather than the MPEG2 encoding of DVD camcorders. While MPEG2 encodes the movie frames in groups of 15, the DV system processes each frame individually, allowing users to extract any single frame they wish. The result is easier and more precise editing.
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