Replying to MiniDV help

I've got an old miniDV camcorder lying around that I'm gonna try to start using if I can get it to work (canon optura 60); seems like it can store video on both miniDV and an SD card. I know using an SD card would be way easier, although I'm kinda interested in messing around with using miniDV. Just conflicted over spending money on tapes if it's not guaranteed I'll be able to convert to a computer.

Anyone got any tips on converting tapes or know if there would be any differences in video quality between SD and miniDV while using the same camera?