Choosing the right media for you
The type of recording medium you want will depend on how you plan to use the material. If you don’t have time to edit your movies into a masterpiece and want to simply record, play back and share your memories with family and friends – then DVD is the way to go.
Do you need long recording time for the events that go for hours and hours? Then the Hard Disk Drive Handycam is a good option. Or do you just want to capture your precious memories in the finest detail? High definition on any format is available too.
To help you find the perfect model, jump online and check out Sony’s Handycams at sony.com.au. Here’s the lowdown on the two major formats:
D805
DVD
What’s it got to offer?
The DVD Handycam range stores video on 8cm DVD discs, which can store between 20 minutes and 120 minutes of video, depending on the recording quality selected and if double sided discs are used. You can buy either write once
Who does it suit?
The beauty of DVD is that you can take your recorded video straight out of your Handycam and play back on any DVD player, even your PlayStation®2 console – no
Hard disk drive (HDD)
What’s it got to offer?
This recording method will store your footage on a fixed hard disk drive inside the Handycam. This provides the camera with an extraordinary recording time. For example, the DCRSR80 Handycam (pictured above), has a 60GB hard disk which can record up to a massive 40 hours of record time before you have to copy the video from the hard disk to a PC.
Who does it suit?
If you want to go out and film all day long, this is the way to go.
The HDD Handycam also has a great capacity for fast transfers to PCs for editing and backup and it gives you fine control over quality and capacity balance too. Practically, it means you don’t have to cart around spare media with you when you are out and about or travelling.
You’ll need a computer for editing and transferring video to a final media such as DVD Unlike DVD Handycam, you can’t just take the hard disk out and put in another. On the flip side, you will get hour after hour of recording time for events that require recording stamina.
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EASY BUY GUIDE
DVD
Pros: Portable, very affordable, readily available, can be easily shared with friends and family. Flexible recording options
Great for: People who don’t have the time or desire to edit on a PC. You can use recorded video as is, taking the DVD out of the Handycam and playing it on a regular DVD player
HDD
Pros: Hour after hour of recording time, no need to carry media around
Great for:
High Definition
Pros: Captures every detail with stunning picture clarity comparable to real life images. Ensures your memories will be ready for the HD future (which is where technology is headed)
Great for: People who want the very best quality video images, amateur film makers and enthusiasts
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