Sorry if this has been asked before but I am in the market for a camcorder upgrade from the Canon Optura 60 (mini dv).

I know there are several formats to choose from which makes it more confusing.

Needs...
I want the best picture quality possible.
I don't mind using the mini dv tapes because they are easy to archive and store, however I am open to other formats.

Is the tape format practically dead or is it still a prominent choice and will it be around for a while.

Any opinions? Thanks.

Sorry if this has been asked before but I am in the market for a camcorder upgrade from the Canon Optura 60 (mini dv).

I know there are several formats to choose from which makes it more confusing.

Needs...
I want the best picture quality possible.
I don't mind using the mini dv tapes because they are easy to archive and store, however I am open to other formats.

Is the tape format practically dead or is it still a prominent choice and will it be around for a while.

Any opinions? Thanks.I will take pity on you.

First of all, in this economic environment, do not use a credit card to buy a camcorder.

Second, do you want HD or SD? That is, do you want a High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition (SD) camcorder? (If you don't know what this means, you probably want SD.)

Third, don't buy tape or disc. (You can tell the salesmen this.)

I'll chime in. I am in the same market. My Optura 50 is recording but will not play back. Time to go HD.

I will take pity on you.

First of all, in this economic environment, do not use a credit card to buy a camcorder.

Second, do you want HD or SD? That is, do you want a High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition (SD) camcorder? (If you don't know what this means, you probably want SD.)

Third, don't buy tape or disc. (You can tell the salesmen this.)

I want HD.

I will take pity on you.

First of all, in this economic environment, do not use a credit card to buy a camcorder.

Second, do you want HD or SD? That is, do you want a High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition (SD) camcorder? (If you don't know what this means, you probably want SD.)

Third, don't buy tape or disc. (You can tell the salesmen this.)

+1, that would be my advice too. Avoid moving parts and spinning things - ie avoid HDD camcorders too.

I think there is enough choice in SD card camcorders now. SD cards are getting cheap too.

+1, that would be my advice too. Avoid moving parts and spinning things - ie avoid HDD camcorders too.

I think there is enough choice in SD card camcorders now. SD cards are getting cheap too.

Since I have a thing for Canon, would you recommend the HF 10, HF 11, or wait for any of the 4 new models coming out in a month or two. What the hell is the difference between the 4 new models anyways? Too many choices.

Thanks for your help.

Well the new ones coming out have amazing specs (and they look awesome too). If you are in the market for $1000+ cameras, and have the time, then by all means wait.

On the other hand, for what you pay, the HF100 is a great camera.