Typically when performance, design and technology improvements are made on electronic consumer goods their size is reduced so that they are more compact. For instance, the first radios were constructed inside big cabinets and needed radio vacuum tubes.  As time went by transistor radios were built that were more portable in nature. Nowadays, a radio can be the same size as a wrist watch.

Camcorders have also evolved in technology and size.  The early day camcorder required the unit to rest on an individual’s shoulder.  Today, camcorders can rest in the palm of a hand.  Specifically, a mini DV camcorder has many advantages.  These advantages include its being compact, available features, and the ability to perform editing features.

Compact

The obvious advantage to a mini DV camcorder is its compact size.  Being miniature in dimensions and in weight allows for its ease of use in being taken anywhere.  However, being small in size does not reduce its functional ability.  Technology allows for many mini DV camcorders to be fully equipped as their larger counterparts.

Features

Some features that are attractive for users of camcorders include a built in wide colored screen, use of digital effects, help screens, etc.  A mini DV camcorder uses mini DV tapes.

Other features of interest include the zooming capabilities, image stabilizer, MPEG movie mode, built in microphone, pop up flash, and the warranty.  The consumer should evaluate what features they wish their mini DV camcorder to be equipped with.

Research should be conducted based on reviews of performance of mini DV camcorder that compare different brands with one another.  This comparison research can be accomplished through various websites that offer a digital camcorder rating of different brands of a mini DV camcorder.

Additionally, the length of battery life between charges could be an important consideration when looking to purchase a mini DV camcorder.

Dual Purpose

An additional feature of most mini DV camcorders is their ability to serve in two functions.  One function is its performance as a camcorder.  This camcorder operates like a regular recorder that captures visuals and sounds from the event being recorded.

An additional function of the mini DV camcorder is that it can be used as a digital camera.  Functioning similar to a typical digital camera this feature takes still shots of people or objects being photographed. Significant features to research would be the memory card that is used to store your digital pictures and the number of megapixels.[tags]Mini DV Camcorder, DV camcorder, camcorders[/tags]