What are the pros and cons of camcorders that record directly to mini-dv?

What are the pros and cons of camcorders that record directly to mini-dv?

Tim Smith (Camcorder Training Specialist) gives expert video advice on: How do types of camcorders differ?; What are the pros and cons of camcorders that record directly to mini-dv?; What are the pros and cons of camcorders that record directly to DVD? and more...

When a consumer goes out looking for a camcorder the first format they're probably going see will be mini-dv. This format has been established enough for a long time so those cameras are at a very reasonable price point. This is a pro. That's a tape based format with a tape that records at best picture quality for full 60 minutes. It's a great value, it still records a great image, and has the ability to give you a great feature set at a price point. Again, it's tape based so you need decks and other peripheral equipment that you can buy with it. It's a great choice, especially for somebody who's beginning, but tape is still a long way from being replaced at this point in the consumer industry.