Finally, we have the new kids on the block. While they are the size of a standard DVD, an HD DVD disc can hold 15 gigabytes while a Blu-ray can hold 25GB on single-sided blank media. Both want to be the standard for high-definition consumption, but neither can play in each other's player. For now, both the media and the machines they record on are expensive and harder to find than other formats, but both will come down in price and become more available.

An increasingly large part of the video workflow can now be handled using flash memory, from still image management to recording video clips without too much hassle. Therefore, we think it's worth mentioning a few of the more popular flash formats and applications.

Most Mini DV camcorders have an SD Card slot (unless you've got a Sony or a Samsung, then it will probably have a Memory Stick slot instead). These card slots are meant primarily for capturing still images, although the Canon XL2 can also write a file onto an SD Card that contains all of its settings, so that you can set another XL2 to behave exactly the same way.

There is also the occasional Mini DV camcorder that will allow you to capture compressed video directly to a flash memory card, although an entire range of camcorders exists that shoot exclusively to SD cards.

Other flash memory card formats, such as SmartMedia, CompactFlash and XD, have not gained much traction in the world of camcorders. However, we believe they are worth mentioning if you are importing still images from someone else's memory card. It's become increasingly easy to justify having a multi-format card reader on hand for all of the times when you need to bring in someone's stills on short notice (and if you haven't yet, you will).

The versatility of USB flash memory drives (call them thumb drives, keychain drives, lanyard drives, what have you) also can't be overemphasized. The USB 2.0 versions are fast enough for light video work, although you probably wouldn't want to edit your footage directly onto them. They are best used for sharing short video clips.

When choosing a camcorder, it's good to think about the recording format you will be using to record your projects with. Then, when choosing your media, consider its ultimate use, too.

If you're recording or burning to media for archiving, consider how long you expect that tape or disc will sit in storage. If you plan to pass on a project that needs to look clean and professional, consider printable discs, but remember that they cost more and require special printers or burners, which can go down when you need them most. If you're burning throwaway promotional discs, for instance, the cheaper and quicker the better. So keep your final finished project in mind before you take your first step, and choose the format that best suits you.

Charles Gross is the host of a show that covers the Broadway and Off-Broadway Theatre.

Although buying 50 DVDs on a spindle is economical, do you really save anything if you have to buy your own case? The answer is yes. I recently priced a stack of DVDs on sale at 30 cents a disc. I also noticed jewel cases for another 30 cents, costing me 60 cents for both disc and case. At the same store, discs with cases were going for $1.60 per disc. I also saw some DVDs with cases online for $1.10. The bottom line? Stack and save.