If you're interested in camcorders you've no doubt come across a variety of different models that use differing formats. The two major formats are those of Mini DV and Flash Card based cameras.
Mini DV tapes are small cassettes that have become one of the most popular formats to record on. They are used for allocations ranging from home videos to even some professional quality independent films. The SD cards that Flash based cameras record onto are a digital memory card used to store data, commonly used in a variety of different applications in the electronics world.
It seems as though a major factor in one's typical decision making is the price. Flash based cameras are typically of a lower price and feature less quality of recording that that of Mini DV ones. The advantage, aside from the smaller price point of these cameras, is that they film onto a format that maintains its integrity regardless of how many times it is recorded onto. Mini DV tapes are just like the antiquated VHS cassettes of years ago. With age, and if one records over the same footage tie and time again, the tape will not be able to withstand recording quality video onto it.
If you need to transfer video off of these cameras the Flash camera definitely wins on the side of ease. Even Grandma can just eject the SD card and put it in the computer to e-mail to the rest of the family. With a Mini DV camera, however, one would have to attach a cable, which is often sold separately, to even consider transferring video to a computer.
However, there are exceptions to this. Many lower end models of Mini DV camcorders lack the quality of their middle ground counterparts. Whereas some of the higher end camcorders that record onto flash memory cards are comparable to, if not capable of exceeding, the quality of typical Mini DV camera.
So, if you're wanting to shoot a video to help you break into the independent film scene, Mini DV would seem to be what you're looking for. If you just want to shoot some family videos on a budget a Flash Based camera is likely the best choice for you.
But, you should keep in mind that camcorders come in a variety of models and one shouldn't be hasty in making up their mind. Regardless of the general features and benefits of Flash based and Mini DV camcorders, there are a lot of different features in each and every model out there and it's not a bad idea to check reviews of them via the internet prior to making an expensive commitment to owning some new, state of the art electronics.
