Betacam Digital video Players/Gravadores

How to Shop for Digital Betacam Recorders

First introduced in 1982 when it initially came to the introduction of home movies, there were two choices: VHS and Beta. However, long before these choices, Sony digital Betacam recorders were used to make quality home movies and were one of the first few ways that allowed a user to make them digitally. As the 1980s progressed, Beta tapes lost their spark in the home movie industry; however, digital Betacam products still maintained popularity for filmmakers. If you're considering a vintage or new digital Betacam product, there are a few things of note.

What Are Betacam Recorders?

Betacam recorders are also known as simply recorders or camcorders. These are handheld, reasonably portable devices that were constructed for amateur filmmaking or home movie making use. You can also look for recorders that are not necessarily cameras but just have a recording function. These types of "recorders" are similar to owning a video cassette recorder, or VCR, but use only Beta tapes. You can tape from television or other sources directly to the Beta tape. Some popular digital Betacam recorder models include:

  • Betacam (original)
  • Betacam SP
  • Digital Betacam
  • Betacam SX
  • MPEG IMX
  • HDCAM/HDCAM SR

The HD version of Betamax, which is either HDCAM or HDCAM SR, is a digital format often used for television production. It was introduced in 2003 and includes stellar audio as well as HD digital. Because of its digital quality, it is often used by professionals.

What Are Different Types of Betacam Products?

If you're trying to decide on a digital Betacam product, there are actually a few to choose from. Mainly, you want to decide if you want a camcorder, recorder, or both. Camcorders don't work necessarily well for video and are awkward to hook up to a home theater system, while a Beta player or recorder is perfect for home movies. Associated products include:

  • Beta digital player
  • Digital Betacam camcorder (movie camera)
  • Betacam tape

It's important to note that not all types of digital Betacam tapes work with all other products. Newer inventions may not work well with vintage devices, harming both the audio and the digital video picture quality.

How Is Digital Betacam Used?

Digital Betacam is still used in myriad ways including:

  • Creating of home videos and movies, having a vintage, authentic feel
  • Home movie making
  • Television video production
  • Amateur filmmaking
  • Integrated with home audio systems

While Beta is not a common choice for in-home viewing, because of its picture and audio quality, it remains a top choice with amateur filmmakers. While VCR and VHS tapes have been all but discarded, novices and professionals prefer Beta products not only for home movies, but for projects as well.

Categorias