[aprilmommy0205]

I have a JVC mini DV camcorder that has given me lots of problems so I am in the market for a new camcorder. I am intrigued by the convenience of the mini DVD camcorders on the market. However, I called Apple today and learned that the mini DVDs may or may not work on my almost 3 year old emac. The Apple technician I spoke with said that since my emac loads via a tray, it may play the mini DVDs, but couldn't guarantee that with any degree of certainty. So, what has been your experience? Will the mini DVDs work with a tray loading computer or should I just stick to the camcorders with DV tapes?

[k_munic]

DVD is a delivery format, end-of-the-road, by concept not meant for further processing.

the iApps just support firewire connected miniDV camcorders (and a few stills with mp4 recording)...

to edit DVD you stumble into the following hurdles:
1) as the A tech told you, non-standard-shaped disk can damage slot-ins; you need a tray drive...
2) the mp2 needs conversion... some tools on the market. apple-mp2-plug-in (20$)+ free Streamclip, from here http://www.apple.com/downloads/macos...treamclip.html
or, more convenient, less options: DVDxDV, http://www.dvdxdv.com/DVDxDV.overview.htm
any many others...
3) converting mp2 into editable files is a lossy process; due to the nature of DVD, the computer has to "estimate" content...

after all that said:
want simplicity & convenience of the iApps? stay within concept/limits of it, get a miniDV camcorder.. a 3ccd offers superb pic quality (way much better then any DVDcorder)

[aprilmommy0205]

Thanks for your response! I was hoping to stay away from the tapes after the experience I had with my JVC DVR. However after reading a bit online, it seems as if my problem is inherent to JVC and not indicative of the quality of other DVRs.