Before cameras used digital storage devices, the most popular storage device used was an 8mm MP camcorder. 8mm tapes used magnetic tape to record video and audio data. Analog video formats are Video8 and Hi8. Hi8 video format is an improved Video8 video format and records videos with better detail. The Hi8 tapes can also be used for digital formats. Different capacities that Video8 and Hi8 are available in are 60, 90, 135 minutes PAL-SP video format and 180 minutes NTSC-SP video format.
An 8mm MP camcorder tape made for digital recording is called Digital8. Digital8 is available in 90 minute PAL-SP/NTSC-SP tapes. Digital8 is now the most commonly used 8mm MP media in an 8mm MP camcorder. Digital8 records videos in digital format. But with the onset of large capacity digital storage devices, 8mm MP camcorders are considered entry level camcorders. It’s among the cheapest camcorders around. For people that are used to the use of 8mm tapes, using 8mm camcorders is best. After recording videos one can easily label the tape and store it to be edited later.
Some benefits in using 8mm tapes include the better quality of video and audio among low end and even medium level digital camcorders. Entry level to professional filmmakers prefer camcorders that use 8mm tapes because of the quality of audio and video it offers. It has brighter video and doesn’t present the stop motion effect that many digital cameras have. It also has better low light performance.
Further development of 8mm MP camcorder has been stopped since 2005 due to very low demand in the market. The more compact larger capacity digital camcorders have dominated the market. 8mm camcorders are regarded as inferior technology and the more techno-savvy market prefer the use of more advanced technology.
The advantages of other digital camcorders that use storage devices like hard drives, DVDs, flash memory, and memory cards may outweigh the benefits of 8mm camcorders, one can still use them for a specific job. If one has a limited budget and wants a video camera that is easy to use and has very good audio and video quality, then 8mm camcorders are best to buy.
You don’t need to worry that you won’t find any equipment to be used with the 8mm camcorder. The technology and device is still widely used today because of its quality and durability. After all, its uses in professional filming are still widely preferred by the film and television industry.