Duplicate tapes can be made without any loss of quality. Most digital camcorders also let you take still pictures, but they can't be easily printed. Because of very large storage size of digital video data, digital camcorders store video on tapes, making it harder to transfer video to a computer. Sony has introduced Digital 8mm format which stores video on 8mm or Hi8 tapes. Digital8 camcorders can also play back analog 8mm or Hi8 video.
Most camcorders use nickel-cadmium batteries.
You should recharge them when they are fully drained or they may lose some of their capacity. Some camcorders have features to prevent this from happening. Almost all camcorders have a visual indicator of how much power is left and come with the AC adapter for recharging the batteries and direct indoor use. Some models have an alkaline battery holder for emergency power from regular batteries. Nickel-cadmium batteries usually last about an hour.