Yeah that's another issue... pricing
The miniDV tapes are going for 3.33 each(9.99 for a pack of 3).. well I use sony's and those are that much anyways. Each tape records ~60 minutes(sp mode)
I haven't looked too much so correct me if i'm wrong but i'm seeing between 8-13 bucks for a dvd.. and that's 30 minutes each(assuming you're doing full quality.. if it compresses the video more you can get more time in it but with lesser quality)