I've been looking at the specs of the D8 cameras currently on the PAL market (academic interest, only). There are currently 4 models available. Only the most expensive one of these will play 8 and Hi-8 tapes.
For me, the ONLY raison d'ĂȘtre for D8 was the backwards compatibility to the A8 tapes. Now, this is achievable only if you pay more than you would for an entry-level Mini-DV camcorder. The other three are low-cost, sure, undercutting the cheapest Mini-DV, but with really minimal features and doubtful long-term quality. I suppose that the marketing ploy is that purchasers will feel they have to change to something better after 18 months or so and will want to stick with D8 for compatibility reasons.
I really don't understand why Sony are perpetuating this bastard format, which appears to be less and less attractive and has lost a lot of the market share that it did have, initially.
For me, the ONLY raison d'ĂȘtre for D8 was the backwards compatibility to the A8 tapes. Now, this is achievable only if you pay more than you would for an entry-level Mini-DV camcorder. The other three are low-cost, sure, undercutting the cheapest Mini-DV, but with really minimal features and doubtful long-term quality. I suppose that the marketing ploy is that purchasers will feel they have to change to something better after 18 months or so and will want to stick with D8 for compatibility reasons.
I really don't understand why Sony are perpetuating this bastard format, which appears to be less and less attractive and has lost a lot of the market share that it did have, initially.
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