lionel@eiffel.DEC (Steve Lionel) (07/29/85)
There have been several inquiries lately about the 8mm video format. While I can't provide detailed technical specs, I have been following this format for a while and can give a quick summary of what's available. The 8mm video standard has been agreed to by just about all of the firms in the video business, so we won't see format wars on the VHS vs Beta style. However, this does not mean that all 8mm products are equal. The video signal recorded on an 8mm tape is basically the same as on VHS and Beta. Because of the narrower tape, it is not to be expected (unless there's some interesting breakthrough) that even the best 8mm recorder can produce a sharper picture than your average Beta VCR. The current "top" model, the Sony CCD-V8, has been tested at about 250 lines, which is the same as most Beta, and a few VHS VCRs. Audio can be recorded by as many as THREE methods: conventional linear low-fi, AFM recording ala Beta Hi-Fi (but mono), and PCM digital stereo. Of these, only the AFM audio is required by the standard, and thus far, its the only one that's been implemented. Sony has announced plans for a tabletop recorder with PCM audio for the fall, though, and it reportedly also provides the ability to record PCM stereo audio only for up to 24 hours on one tape - with video, 2 hours is the maximum. From what I've seen, there are really only two distinct 8mm camcorders on the market. The first, from Matsushita, was introduced under the Kodak Kodavision name, but is also available (with variations) as GE and Quasar. Reviews of the Matsushita camcorders have faulted them for poor video performance, both in color rendition and resolution, plus they are said to be difficult to use. The other model is the Sony CCD-V8 which, as I said earlier, performs as well as many 1/2" VCRs, and its color is said to be excellent, along with being very convenient to use. The one drawback of the current Sony model is the lack of autofocus, but my dealer says that an autofocus model is expected in September. Sony has also announced a "Mini-8" camcorder (with no playback) that is EXTREMELY small, but you lose many features (such as auto-focus or even being able to see the focus in the viewfinder). Canon and Sanyo have 8mm separates that may be attractive to some. Myself, I am undecided between the convenience of 8mm and the superior video performance of Betamovie (I am not considering VHS.) I have used all three Betamovie models, with and without autofocus, and like the autofocus for my application (mostly "home movies"). I have not yet had the opportunity to try one of the 8mm units, but expect to within a couple of months. If I got a Betamovie, I'd need a second VCR to do dubs (but, of course, SuperBeta makes very GOOD dubs). If I got 8mm, I wouldn't need another VCR, but might have to compromise on video quality (but not audio!). We'll see. Steve Lionel
jml@drutx.UUCP (LeonJM) (07/30/85)
One other note about 8mm. Tapes are generally going for suggested retail price. A 90 minute tape is about $17 even in the discount places. I know wholesale is about $9, however. As with other kinds of tape, the price should come down when (if?) the format catches on. John Leon AT&T ISL - Denver ihnp4!drutx!jml