U-Matic | Analogue tape format for professional use | 1969 | Broadcast, professional production | Good video quality, widespread use in industry | Bulky tapes, requires professional equipment | Standard Definition (240 lines) |
Betamax | Competing Analogue format to VHS | 1975 | Home recordings, professional use | Superior picture quality, smaller form factor | Limited recording time, fewer playback options | Standard Definition (250 lines) |
VHS | Analogue tape format introduced in 1976 | 1976 | Home recordings, movies, TV shows | Widely available, inexpensive playback equipment | Standard Definition (240 lines) | Low resolution, bulky tapes, degradation over time |
Betacam | Professional Analogue tape format | 1982 | Broadcast, studio production | High-quality video, widespread use in industry | Bulky tapes, requires professional equipment | Standard Definition (480 lines) |
S-VHS | Enhanced version of VHS | 1987 | Professional video production | Improved resolution and Colour accuracy | Limited availability, higher cost | Enhanced Definition (400-420 lines) |
Memory Cards | Digital storage medium for video data | 1990 | Camcorder recordings, digital cameras | Compact size, reusable, no moving parts | Limited storage capacity, risk of data loss | Varies (Depends on camera) |
MiniDV | Digital tape format for camcorders | 1995 | Home video, professional use | Compact size, digital quality | Requires digital transfer for editing | Standard Definition (480 lines) |
DVDs | Digital optical disc format | 1995 | Home video, movie distribution | High storage capacity, easy playback | Prone to scratches, limited recording time | Standard Definition (480-576 lines) |
DVCPRO | Professional digital tape format | 1995 | Broadcast, high-end production | High-quality video, robust construction | Expensive equipment, limited consumer use | Standard Definition (480 lines) |
DVCAM | Sony's variant of DV for professional use | 1996 | Broadcast, professional production | Higher tape speed for improved reliability | Cost, limited consumer equipment compatibility | Standard Definition (480 lines) |
HDCAM | High-definition digital tape format | 1997 | Broadcast, high-end production | High-quality HD video, widespread professional use | Expensive equipment, limited consumer use | High Definition (720 or 1080 lines) |
Digital8 | Digital format using 8mm tape | 1999 | Camcorder recordings | Digital quality, easy editing | Limited availability, obsolescence | Standard Definition (480 lines) |
Micro MV | Digital tape format for small camcorders | 2001 | Personal video recording | Compact size, digital quality | Limited availability, small tapes | Standard Definition (500 lines) |