On Wed, 1 Nov 2000 21:04:18 +0100, "Mikael Skogström" wrote:

>I'm considering buying a digital camcorder (PAL) and would like to know the following:
>1. Why are there two systems (mini-DV and Digital 8) and which seems to become the dominant one?
>2. Which one's the best, if there is a difference?
>3. Is Sony DCR-PC7 still to be considered a good buy, in case you're able to get your hands on one?
>4. Are there better choices?
>5. Is there a camera test you can refer me to (preferably published on the web)?

There are critical reviews of several Mini-DV camcorders
in an article on my web page, listed under the "I babble"
index. The PC-7 is included (briefly...;-). D8 was
introduced by Sony to offer less expensive Hi-8-based
camcorders that could record in Mini-DV format on Hi-8
tape, and also play Hi-8 analogue tapes. It is a "bridge"
format aimed at the low end of the market, and likely to
decline in the future...