Buying a Digital Camcorder

Capturing unrepeatable moments has become popular all over the world, and publicly broadcasting embarrassing moments, something of an institution. Since introduction in the 1980s, camcorders have become more affordable, provide better quality recording, and an increasing range of useful features.

 

When browsing, and certainly before buying, consider the following, and determine which camcorder best suits your needs :-

 

Cost

The cheapest analogue camcorders (starting at ~ £250) now provide good quality recording.

However, for some purposes (eg. recording memories, making/editing videos as a hobby) a digital camcorder, giving superior quality, and editing flexibility may be preferable.

Reduce cost - consider models without the LCD screen - more a luxury than necessity, and can drain the battery.

 

Size

Camcorders are now available in very small size - ideal for carrying, but may be difficult to use. Many mobile phones have built in video-cams, but they do not replace a dedicated camcorder for recording images.

Try before you buy - handle various camcorders, check the comfort, weight (for recording with one hand), and ease of reaching controls/zoom lens.

 

 

Useful features

 

All camcorders should have several standard features including:

• Autofocus, with manual override for low-contrast shooting or poor light

• Re-chargeable batteries (Lithium-ion batteries are best as they are smaller, lighter, and can also be topped up whenever you wish)

• In-built microphone

• Fitting for use with a tripod

• Zoom lens (at least 10X)

Connections and sockets

Before you buy, check that the camcorder has suitable leads/converters to enable connection with your TV, VCR, PC. Sockets are also required for a microphone and headphone.

 

Connection of camcorder to TV to enable :-

 

playback of recordings (using leads supplied with camcorder).

 

 

Connection of digital camcorder to computer to enable :-

• editing of recordings

• special effects

• making copies

 

Additional editing accessories are available for more creative or professional film production.

 

An external microphone socket is necessary for :-

• recording sound that is beyond the immediate area, or

• erradicating operating sound of camcorder

 

Headphone sockets enable :-

• listening to the sound that is being recorded

• adjustment during recording (preferable to waiting for playback when it is too late to make changes)

 

The following should help clarify features that are available:

 

Quality of Sound

is important. An external microphone socket is useful where the built-in microphone provides insufficient sound quality. Camcorders offer 3 levels of sound quality:

 

 

1. Non-stereo recording

   • available on most basic models

   • records a fairly narrow range of frequencies (quite restrictive)

2. Stereo soundtracks

   • provide good quality hi-fi recordings

3. Digital camcorders
   • provide digital sound recording, with almost as much frequency/depth as a CD

Quality of Light

• To achieve good reproduction in low light (inside or outside), consider these features :-
• Low lux recording
• enables shooting in low light
• tends to lose colour and contrast
• images can appear grainy
• Built-in Video Lights
• useful for indoor shots after dark
• only really useful for brightening up objects within few feet of the lens
• Night-vision modes (Nightshot)
  • an infrared light
  • enable shooting in complete darkness (only really effective within few feet of lens).
  • restricted colour reproduction (ie. black-and-white or green-and-white)
  • automatic activation of recording when lens detects movement (an additional feature on some models)

Zooms

All cameras now have zoom lenses (enabling the subject matter to be brought closer). The magnification scale informs how close you can get.

In one sense, the greater the magnification of the zoom, the better the filming of distant objects ie. 20-50X is better than the standard 10X - some digital cameras can magnify 100s of times !

BUT (since the image comprises small squares (pixels)) very high magnification can result in coarse quality pictures.

 

Camera shake is increased the more you zoom - recording at 50X or more will probably need a stabilizer.

Additional Features

 

LCD screen

 

to view what you are recording

to review pictures/sound at any time

 

 

Self-recording LCD

View what you're shooting of yourself (by rotation of LCD viewfinder to the lens end)

 

 

Stabilisers

Movement stabilisers for reducing camera shake. Particularly useful when zooming in on subjects as small movements of the camcorder result in very jumpy pictures.

 

Assemble/Synchro editing to :-

 

• Easily edit footage on a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) from an analogue camcorder

• More easily edit footage on a PC (from a digital model)

 

 

Edit/retake

To automatically return tape to beginning of last recording section for a retake

 

 

Built-in editing system

To mark required scenes (by stop/start commands on the remote control handset) and copy to your VCR.

 

 

Flexizone

Enables an area in the viewfinder to be specified, by which focus and exposure settings are automatically adjusted

 

 

Auto white balance

Makes white colours record as white (without detrimental influence of surrounding light/reflective surfaces)

 

 

Fade in/fade out

An effect, for possibly the beginning/end of a scene

 

 

Digital stills facilities

Enables you to take still shots but the quality of photo is not as good as that taken with a dedicated still camera as the image resolution will not be as good as that generally available with a still camera.