Format Fight: HDD vs Flash Memory in Relation to Camcorders

What to go with? I can't decide. I'm not doing MiniDV because that format is on the way out, and I'm not doing Mini DVD because of the way the camera burns to disc while recording, so this leaves me with Hard Disk Drive or flash memory. I'd like something that is reasonable in up front cost, but also beneficial in ownership cost. I go over, briefly, what I know in terms of hard disk video cameras versus flash video cameras. Be aware I do NOT consider myself an expert and welcome any info that someone wishes to provide that I may not already be aware of.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Camcorders
• Canon
• Disk
• Drive
• Flash
• Hard
• JVC
• Memory
• Panasonic
• Samsung

[2Old4Toys]

Just 2 yrs after you made this upload, Flash card overtake HDD Camcorders. Remarkable that it's simply a no brainer now cost is not an issue for Flash.

[rml695]

@2Old4Toys Agreed. 

[Allura41]

Just wondering what camcorder you ended up buying?Im in the same dilemma now...not sure which to buy..i want to make vlogs on youtube so im concerned about quality.

The canon fs200 has caught my eye.

[rml695]

I got a PowerShot SX10 IS which has stereo video recording capabilities.

[rootbrian]

ESD (Electric Static Discharge) can disable flash memory completely.

I sacrificed an old compact flash memory card, sparked it once using a BBQ igniter and since then, it doesn't work at all.

I did the same with an old hard disk with a few MB's in data errors once, it still works.

All it did was stall the motor for a few seconds and make the disk read/write tone arm act as if the disk was being defragmented.

[rml695]

I did hear something about how if a complete failure of the memory medium occurred, that the odds of complete data loss is more common in flash but what are the overall odds of a failure rate occurring? I think in flash it was less likely than in HDD.

[bakonfreek]

I like HDD better because both can have substantial data loss...flash can go corrupt, HDD can crash. I prefer HDD because I got the camera and 64GB of memory for $100 cheaper than the flash...go with HDD if you want memory, go with flash if you drop the camera a lot.

[hobocamptheater]

many people say that flash will take over and have completely killed hard drives by 2017.

but I know that there are a few advantages over flash

if flash is slightly damaged it loses everything and no longer works while if that happens to a hard drive it has a much better chance of staying alive.

I know that you have already concluded but I just wanted to say.

NOTE: your voice reminds me of a guy (screen name: filmnstuff) (this is not an insult just something that I wanted to say)

[jeedo2006]

thank you very mach

[user12119]

I still prefer MiniDV.

[joeythegeek1942]

but for the Camcorder side of things, for video or even HD video, use an HDD, if its just pictures and low quality video, just get a 4GB SD card. for youtube videos, i would just go for a webcam or the Flash memory. Great videos, keep it up...

i'm trying to get all of my software on SD cards(CD's on the 2GB, and DVD's on the 8GB). and its also a good move for me because for christmas im getting an asus Eee PC, and i have to give my dell to my sister, which doesnt live with me.