thecoalman - 4:53 am on Nov 28, 2007 (gmt 0)

AVI is not a format but a wrapper that can contain any type of video. Playback is dependent on whether the user has the correct codec installed.

Most/all DV cameras use a tape (which records in a digital format). As far as I know, all DV cameras include a firewire interface that you can use to transfer to your computer.

They all use tape except for some very expensive (as in you can purchase a house for the same price) professional cams. One thing to note is the MPEG4 video produced by still cams is in no way a comparison to DV video, it's not even close. Nice feature but not practical for anything professional or even home video where the event is important. They use non-standard resolutions and in some cases non-standard framrates. For those using non-standard frmaerates it makes the video almost useless except for video on your computer.

While on the subject do yourself a favor and keep right on walking when you see a DVD cam, tape is superior to them as well.