Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:33 am
When digital video cameras made their appearance, there was rivalry between two formats – mini-DV and Digital8.
Digital8 was an automatic choice for Sony Video8 and Hi-8 users who wished to switch to digital video.
Digital8 is backward compatabile and supports Video8 and Hi-8.
What’s the difference between the two? Which format is superior?
Format Type : Proprietary or Universal
Digital8 is a Sony proprietary format.
Mini-DV is a universal format, Video cameras were manufactured by such electronics giants as JVC, Panasonic, Sharp and Canon.
Video Resolution
Both mini-DV and Digital8 has a video resolution of 500 horizontal lines.
Mini-DV, however, can be used with video cameras that supports 3-CCD which gives superior picture quality.
There are no 3-CCD Digital8 video cameras.
Audio Quality
In terms of audio quality, both mini-DV and Digital8 support two 16-bit audio tracks.
Mini-DV, however, has the added capability of supporting four 12-bit audio tracks which allows for audio dub.
Digital8 can’t support audio dub.
Video Playback Support
Mini-DV supports only the playback of digital video.
Digital8 support the playback of analog and digital video.
Video8 and Hi-8 tapes (both analog video) can be played back through a Digital8 camcorder and converted to digital video through a Firewire connection.
For a recap of what you’ve learned check out the video below.
