Taking a video camera along on a hike might seem like overkill to some, but the camera I carry doesn’t add very much weight. The Canon Elura 50 weighs under a pound even with an extended battery. It uses MiniDV digital tapes that are also very lightweight and small.

Sony has a new tape format that is even smaller, called MicroMV. These tapes are 70% smaller than MiniDV tapes. The only problem with using a MicroMV camcorder is that much of the video editing software currently on the market doesn’t work with MicroMV tapes. This is likely to change in the near future, but its definitely something to consider when buying a new camcorder.

If MicroMV tapes don’t bother you, then Sony has a new model shipping in November called the DCR-IP1. This camcorder weighs a mere 8 ounces and is the size of a deck of playing cards!

As with digital cameras, there are new models of video cameras being produced seemingly everyday, so some research is definitely in order. I’d recommend a trip to dvspot for up to date information.