Sony's line of digital camcorders currently includes two different formats: DVD and miniDV. DVD camcorders record data directly to DVD discs that can then be read by a standard player or computer. MiniDV uses videotapes to store digital information. When it comes to purchasing a Sony digital camcorder, many consumers wonder which of the two technologies is better.

In truth, there is no clear-cut answer, as each individual will be looking for different things. Nevertheless, as a rule of thumb, it is safe to assume that DVD camcorders are designed to optimize convenience, while miniDV generally offers slightly higher quality. Whether those differences are enough to make you swing one way or another when choosing a Sony digital camcorder is entirely personal. The fact remains that beyond the media to which a Sony digital camcorder records, the rest of the product's specs are what really matter.

The resolution of an image is determined by the type, size and amount of CCDs within the camcorder. The Sony PD-170, for example, provides an image that is close to broadcast quality and is equipped with three 1/3rd inch chips. The Sony DCR-TRV80 only has a single 2.1 mega-pixel CCD. Obviously, the two produce images at very different resolutions (hence the disparity in price), yet they both use miniDV tapes to capture them.

Is it truly necessary to capture images at the highest resolution? Once again, that answer depends on your needs. For someone simply trying to record a family vacation, the PD-170 may end up being more of a hassle, with many of its expensive functions going unused. Instead, a simpler yet effective product, such as the Sony DCR-TRV80 or DCR-DVD403, should be more than sufficient.