Flash memory vs Hard Drive Camcorders

Are flash memory camcorders better than hard drive camcorders? Well that depends on what you want out of your camcorder. Flash camcorders come in High Definition models as do hard drive camcorders. Flash camcorders compress their video but hard drive camcorders do not, so they have the advantage there. However you'd hardly be able to tell the difference. Flash memory camcorders are more rugged than their hard drive counterparts. Let's take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Digital Camcorders the Good and Bad

Flash memory camcorders use compact flash memory usually an SDHC card. This memory is relatively cheap, but still more expensive per gigabyte of storage when compared with hard drive memory. The advantages are quicker read and write times (make sure you get at least a class 4 card) and they're removable, you don't have to empty the camera before adding more video. Check and make sure you camera has a removable flash drive before purchasing, not all do. Flash memory drives have no moving parts so they're less susceptible to shocks and drops than a hard drive. Hard drives also won't work above certain altitudes, no big deal if you live at sea level, but important if you go hiking and mountain climbing. The disadvantages are compressed video, it won't look quite as good, but the difference is not big depending on the camera. Lenses also play a big part, a flash camcorder with a good lens will probably look better than a hard drive model with a poor lens. The download speeds are about the same so neither camera has an advantage there.

Video Length and Quality

The biggest advantage that the hard drive camcorder has is it's ability to take longer videos. However once the hard drive is full, that's it until you empty it, you can change it out. You can get over 20 hours of video in Long Play mode with some models, but the quality won't be as good – thus diminishing one of the biggest advantages of choosing a hard drive camcorder over a flash memory camcorder. Most reviewers say that the hard drive models fare better in low light situations, but many times that's a factor of the lens. The Canon VIXIA is one of the best rated high definition camcorders and it's a flash camcorder. It's also twice as much as a typical hard drive camcorder which brings us to the next point.

Camcorder Price vs Cost

If you want to spend less money, then hard dive camcorders will probably come out ahead, but is price the same as cost? Most people look at two items, compare the price then buy the cheapest. Let's take a look at cost of ownership though. Suppose you have a hard drive camcorder that cost $200 and a flash camcorder that cost $300. Let's suppose your hard drive model lasted 3 years. Remember they're more delicate, and the kind of movement a camcorder is subjected to isn't good on a hard drive. Now because your flash model has no moving parts it lasted 5 years. Which was a better deal? Well the hard drive camcorder cost you $5.50 per month of use. The flash model cost you $5.00 per month – it's actually cheaper in the long run. Now these figures are just examples, nobody has done a study on camcorder life that I know of. Still when looking at the all the advantages and disadvantages between two cameras, it's a more accurate way to determine cost.