Understand Digital Video
Before you jump into the world of digital
video, it is important to understand the
difference between analog and digital video and
why analog video is no longer an acceptable form
of video if you are living in modern times!
Digital vs. Analog Video
Analog video uses an
electrical signal to capture images on magnetic
tape. The video tape formats associated
with analog video are
VHS,
VHS-C,
8mm,
Hi8,
Video8,
Betamax and
SVHS. A digital video signal is a pattern of 1’s
and 0’s that represent the video image. There is
no variation in the original signal once it’s
captured, and the image does not lose any of its
original sharpness or clarity---it’s an exact
copy of the original. Due to the major advances
in digital technology, it is highly recommended
by StashSpace that you shoot with a digital video
camera
and not analog video. Digital Video
formats include
MiniDV,
Digital8,
MicroMV,
DVCam
tapes
DVD and
mini DVDs
and hard drive based
camcorders.
Here’s why we recommend Digital Video over Analog
Video:
- Digital video
quality begins and remains digital.
No quality is lost when you copy your video.
Plus with digital video you can
capture video directly from
your digital camcorder to your computer via
FireWire. Analog degrades with each copy
and requires a special video capture card in
order to import video onto your computer.
- Digital video
resolution is higher than analog because you can choose how many pixels, some of which offer as much as 410,000 or more pixels per
Digital CCD (charged couple devices). No matter what
digital video format you choose, they all have excellent resolution quality. Although some digital formats have higher quality than others, the quality of analog can deteriorate only after 5 years.
- Analog recordings are highly susceptible to deterioration. Although a regular
analog camcorder may be cheaper in price, it is imperative to use
digital video with
digital camcorders so that preservation of your video lasts and remains in the best condition.
Digital video cameras are easy
to connect to computers making for easy video editing and
duplication. Plus the cameras have more
features, are lighter, and more compact.
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