Here are some images to help you identify which video tape is which.
VHS-C
VHS-C tapes (above, left) are made from the same width recording tape as the old VHS tapes. To play them at home you need an adapter (above, right). This has aflap which flips open for you to insert your camcorder tape. The whole unit is put into a standard VHS player. They’re the thickest, bulkiest of the camcorder tapes.
Hi8, Hi-8, Digital 8 & Video 8
There were several variations of 8mm video tape ranging from Video 8 through to Hi-8 and finally Digital 8. All the tapes look the same, they’re about the size of a music cassette tape. Chances are if you have a camcorder its one of these - these cameras out sold all other formats put together.
MiniDV
These are the most recent tape based camcorders, the cassettes are much smaller than Hi8 tapes - they’ll fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
Recording Time
Within each physical tape format you could buy different lengths of tape, and this determines the recording time. VHS-C typically were 30 or 45 minutes, the other formats normally ran for 60 or 90 minutes.
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