In summary, digital video is far superior to analog video in all respects. The cost of digital camcorders is now nearly that of analog, so a new housing purchased today will almost surely utilize the digital format. You will find crisp, clear and impressive video images through the use of digital camcorders. Camcorder functions are controlled either electronically or mechanically. Both types offer extensive control of the camcorder, however not all camcorder functions are supported by electronic command.
Mechanical controls can actuate any function on the camcorder that has a button.
Electronic controls provide an electronic link between buttons you push on the outside of the housing and the camcorder. When you depress the record button, for example, the signal is processed through integrated circuits placed inside the housing, then sent to the camcorder via direct wire connection. There is no need to actuate the buttons on the camcorder itself. This allows the buttons to be placed in virtually any convenient location on the housing. Electronic controls generally add cost, and are more at risk for failure than mechanical controls, particularly in the presence of salt air or salt water.