How to Buy a Camcorder

Immortalize Your Magic Moments!

New technology has reached a point where price no longer determines whether you choose analog over digital when buying a camcorder. Digital camcorders are amazingly affordable and provide superior picture quality. Their digital format makes them easier to store, edit, and share electronically with friends and family.

In this article, you will learn about:

types of digital camcorders:
key features to consider, and
essential accessories

Digital 8 Camcorders

Digital 8 camcorders record a digital signal onto an 8mm digital video tape. The format is useful to those who have previously owned an analogue 8mm camcorder as they can still play their old tapes, but film digitally going forward.

This format is only available in Sony camcorders.

Mini-DV Camcorders

This format records digital video onto a digital video tape and is currently the most popular format as recordings can be easily exported to a computer and edited. Some Mini-DV camcorders can also convert VHS tapes to a digital format when they are connected to a VCR.

DVD Camcorders

DVD camcorders record digital video onto a DVD and can conveniently be played back in a DVD player immediately after recording. For the most part they record in mpeg-2 which may or may not be editable depending on whether your computer reads the format, and you have the applicable software.

HDD or Hard Disc Drive Camcorders

HDD camcorders record digital video directly onto an internal hard drive. Most have the capacity to record up to 7 hours or more, making them ideal for consumers wishing to film events without having to switch out tapes. Once the drive is full however, content must be downloaded before the camcorder can be used again.

Camcorders (view all)
Sony's HDRHC9 HDV... $149.96 at The Source	Canon VIXIA HF200 Flash... $749.99 at Canon eStore Canada	Canon VIXIA HF20 Dual Flash... from $769.99 2 stores

Feature Facts

A camcorder's price will be a good indicator of how specialized the unit is. How you intend to use the camera should be your guide on how comprehensive the features need be, and ultimately what your budget should be.

Recording Media: as laid out above
Zoom: focus on the magnification of the camera's Optical zoom. Optical zoom gives you a clear picture, while digital zoom will pixelate your image.
Image Stabilization: optical stabilization means that the lens mechanism moves to compensate for movement, while electronic stabilization means that the camcorder uses internal circuitry after the image has been captured to interpret the video. Optical stabilization is said to provide the best results.
low light Modes: some cameras support the ability to film in low light situations with one or more of the following means: infrared light, slow-shutter mode or built-in illumination from LEDs.
Microphones: try to opt for a camera that has the microphone positioned to the front of the camera, or one that offers a zoom microphone that will zoom in on the sound from the subject when the zoom lens is used. It is also advisable to invest in a unit that facilitates an external microphone. Top mounted microphones tend pick up the videographer's voice, which will over-power the sounds coming from the subject.
Screen Size: a larger LCD screen is useful for filming and playing back video although some models can be washed out in sunlight so it is important to test the camera outdoors if you are able to. LCD's also use up a lot of power, so a camera that provides both a viewfinder and LCD is the best choice.
Size, Weight & Controls: handle the camcorder and test the controls to assess whether you can effectively use them without moving the unit too much. Small cameras are light, compact, and highly portable, although consumers with larger hands may find the controls hard to maneuver. Larger cameras may have more functionality but may not be as easy to carry with you.

Accessorize!

Must haves for every-day users include a good case to hold your camcorder snuggly in place, spare batteries, additional media (tapes, DVDs etc.), and a tripod.

Accessories (view all)
PANASONIC VWVBG260 BATTERY... $199.99 at Henry's	DW-100 $229.99 at Canon eStore Canada	Sony MSMT16G 16GB Memory... from $91.59 2 stores