Camcorders

Camcorders  have become an integral part of the modern world. It is now possible for individuals to capture all of life's precious minutia on film, immortalizing any moment, from the birth of a child to the wedding of young lovers. The features on camcorders vary, as do prices. With costs for basic camcorders hovering around $300,  it is becoming more affordable to record memories for years to come. Avid videographers and budding filmmakers can spend up to $2000 on more advanced devices. Regardless of how much you have to spend, you should be honest about what you can afford and establish a budget right away. Once you understand what matters about buying a camcorder and start exploring your options, you'll be able to find the best model in your price range. Read on to learn more about finding a great camcorder to film life's precious moments.

Understanding how a camcorder works is the first step in shopping for one. Getting a better idea of the terminology and specifications, gives you an edge when faced with a salesperson who is just trying to sell you what's hot.

Latest & Greatest

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Camcorder Type

For the most part, camcorders today are digital. Some people still have (and love) their old VHS or Hi-8 tape camcorders, but these dying technologies with several limitations and downfalls. Want to hear more about the debate? Click here for more information. As for digital camcorders, here are the most common formats that are used:

Mini-Digital Video (DV)  Uses digital tape cassette called DV  or Mini DV tapes.  Footage must be uploaded to a computer to edit it. Video editing software  can be used to edit on the computer and a DVD burner  must be used to make a hard copy of the video. PROS DV format allows you to edit your footage on the computer before creating a DVD. Since many people edit their videos on the computer before making a final copy anyway, it makes sense to go with a DV format camcorder since it does the same thing as a DVD camcorder. CONS DV tapes are a pain when it comes to playback. Since they are tapes, that means having to fast forward or rewind when you want to find something. DVDs allow you jump from scene to scene with ease.	Mini DVD  Records footage onto a DVD. Once you finish recording, you can either watch it on a DVD player  or edit it on your computer to make a final version. PROS DVDs can be finalized right from the camcorder. When you are finished, can just throw it in the DVD player and watch what you recorded. This is great for people who don't have an interest in editing on the computer. CONS DVD camcorders record the footage in MPEG-2 format. MPEG-2 footage can easily be transferred to the computer, but is not compatible with most video editing software. MPEG-2 records "slower" (1 MB bit rate per second). Compared to DV recordings, which record at faster than real-time rates. DVD image quality will be lower than expected.	Hard Disk Drive  Records directly onto the device's hard drive, which may be able to hold up to 30 GB of footage or approximately 7 to 10 hours of footage. Often you can burn DVDs directly from the camcorder. PROS Top of the line technology. Never worry about carrying around tapes or DVDs. Easily upload the footage to a computer for editing or simply burn a DVD. CONS Expensive. Because these usually are high definition camcorders they tend to be quite costly.	MPEG 4  Sleek and lightweight. They record in MPEG-1 or MPEG-4 format files onto removable SD memory cards.  Simply insert the memory chip into your PC's card reader to upload footage to the computer for editing and burning a DVD. PROS Convenient and versatile. Very easy to transfer and save videos or still images and is the best bet for prospective webcammers. Cards can also be used interchangeably with certain digital cameras. CONS Space constrictions. SD memory cards can only hold so much. Just like with your digital camera, you'll have to constantly upload the footage to a hard drive or invest in multiple cards.

Features

• CCDs & Image Quality
• CCDs (charge-couple devices) are often referred to as chips.
• "Chips" vary in size and the bigger the chip, the better the image the camcorder will record.
• Typically, CCDs will be from 1/6" to 1/3". The better camcorders have 1/2" chips or bigger.
• You'll often see cameras that boast three CCD technology, the best there is so far to date.
• Such camcorders have not one, but three CCDs in it, one to detect each primary color.
• While more expensive, these camcorders will produce some of the best quality recordings.
• CMOS sensors are becoming more common on high end camcorders these days and offer high resolution and high-definition images.
• For more information on CCDs, please see this helpful article by Electronic News.

• Lux Rating
• A lux rating measures how capable the camcorder lens is in different lighting conditions.
• A very wide lux rating, say 10 to 100,000, means that the camcorder is capable of performing well in instances of pitch black and in glaring sunlight.
• The darker the setting, the lower you want the lux rating to reach.
• If you'll be shooting in darker settings, say at a backyard barbecue, a graduation ceremony or your niece's sixth birthday party. You need the camera to pick up as much light as possible to get crisp, clear, colorful images. Aim for a lux rating somewhere in the 100 to 1,000 range.

• Optical vs. Digital Zoom
• Two ratings: optical and digital.
• Digital zoom will always seem very high and salespeople will often talk about a camcorder's great digital zoom. But digital zoom just replicates the image you grab at the furthest optical zoom in the camcorder, resulting in blurry, distorted or noisy images.
• Optical zoom counts the most. If you enlarge an image taken with a 10x digital zoom, you'll get a distorted, pixilated and blurred image. But if you enlarge an image recorded with a 10x optical zoom, you'll get a clear, crisp image in comparison. For an inexpensive camera with impressive zoom, check out the Panasonic VDR-D200 DVD Camcorder with 30x Optical Zoom. 
• Don't forget to compare the zoom speed when testing camcorders. The smoothest moving zoom will look best when recording.

• Sound Recording Quality
• Microphones are tricky. Most are average at best and it's hard to really know how good they are unless you can test out recordings before buying. If you hear any ticking on a playback, that's a bad sign that the mic is picking up the motor of the camcorder or your fingers tapping on the buttons.
• If you plan to record things that are sound centric, such as dance performances, orchestral music or a piano recital, sound is important. make sure that you can get an external mic  for the best sound recording possible.
• Models that offer sound adjustment can help limit distortion. These are usually more expensive, but the sound quality will be much better.

• Ergonomics
• Camcorders don't weigh much, but it only takes a little shake to make you sea sick while watching a video. The lighter the camcorder, the less your arm will tire, hence less shaking.
• Consider how it feels in your hand. Are you able to get a firm hold on it with just one hand? Do you feel like you might drop it? How sturdy does it feel?
• Check where the buttons, knobs and zoom are located. Are they conveniently placed? If so, you won't have to shake the camera much to adjust them.

• Other Features
• Image stability is something that most camcorders have integrated into them as part of the package.
• Those with the best image stabilizers will tend to cost more.
• You always want to dish out a little bit more for improved stability, especially if you shoot in low-light situations.
• Big, clear LCDs are on nearly all camcorders these days.
• But do you also want a viewfinder? Not all camcorders have them.
• Keep in mind that the quality of the LCD screen is not relative to the quality of the recorded image.
• The only true measure of a camcorder's quality is what it produces in the end: the videos.
• Some camcorders now come with a slot for a memory card so that you can get even more storage possibilities. It could be useful in case you get caught without enough tape, DVD or remaining hard drive space.
• Still images on a camcorder? Don't bother. Get a real digital camera to take real pictures. A camcorder simply won't do the trick.

High Definition Technology

With everything shifting focus into high definition, it's no wonder that the camcorder market has followed suit. However, for years, as high definition models have trickled down into the consumer market, prices remained out of reach for most average Joes. Lucky for us, nowadays, high definition camcorders  are competitively priced to compete with other high-end camcorders. The questions is: should you, or should you not, invest your hard-earned cash in this up and coming technology? When comparing two models side-by-side, you might wonder what the big deal is about these new camcorders. They look the same, use the same recording media (usually Mini DV or hard disk drive), and offer many of the same features and effects. What separates the HD from the rest? The image quality. You can clearly see the difference standing in front of a high-def LCD television and a CRT television, right? The same can be seen if you compare footage from an HD camcorder and a regular digital. More Pixels: Pixels are the dots that make up a digital image. The more dots you have, the more precise and detailed an image can be. To put this in perspective, an average camcorder can produce as many as 100,000 to 700,000 pixels while an HD camcorder produces well more than 1 million for the same image. That means images can be up to 10 times sharper. Progressive Scan: There are two ways of reproducing images, which are made up of lines, either using progressive or interlaced scan. An interlaced scan, used on traditional digital camcorders, produces up to 480 lines (one solid, one filler) and progressive scan makes 720 lines (all solid). The result is a clearer, truer picture. Compatibility -- Do you already own an HD-ready TV? Do you want to create near professional-quality videos? Do you enjoy watching your movies in 16:9 widescreen because your television is made to display in this format? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then HD is for you. Having a high-def TV makes viewing HD videos all the better and because HD camcorders record in 16:9 format, you'll get Hollywood style videos in the comfort of your own home. Now that you see some of the benefits of going with a high-definition camcorder, are you ready to take the plunge? High definition is where it's at for people who have the money to invest in it and the television to go along with it.

Deciphering Your Needs

The two most important things to consider are your needs as a filmmaker and your price range. First, ask yourself how much you are able to spend: $200-$500?  $500-$700?  $700-$1000?  $1000-$2000?  Just because you can only afford something for $300, don't assume that you won't be able to get something good. Good is entirely subjective depending on your need. Find the description that best fits your style and see what features should be important for you.

Below is look at some of the options for each price range and videography style.

Budget Price: Less than $500  Simple, easy to use and cheap. No accessories, no manual controls. Can be bulky. Sometimes the viewfinder is in black and white instead of color. Look for bundles that include editing software to increase editing capabilities. Check out: Canon Elura 60.	Casual and Versatile Price: $500-$900  Plenty of auto features and programmable scene modes. High compatibility with other format types. Can also work as a web cam. Look for touch-screen LCDs, interval recording and analog to digital conversion. Check for software bundles. Check out: Canon Optura 500.	Ultra Compact Price: $800-$2000  Small, slick, and cutting-edge style that will make you look like a million bucks. Takes advantage of memory cards and other pint-size formats, image stabilization technology, and manual controls. Look for Bluetooth support, digital effects, simultaneous recording and image shooting. Check out: Sony Handycam DCR DVD7.	Semi-Pro Price: $1000-$3000  Delivers high-quality images and allows for Bluetooth and networking capability, plus video Conferencing via stills or video. Touch screen LCDs, wide screen playback, image stabilization and plenty of exposure control makes them well-rounded for professionals and semi-pros or the aspiring film student. Check out: Sony GL 2.	High-End Price: $1500-$5000  Plenty of add-on accessories available to make these professional quality cameras. Interchangeable lenses, progressive scan and variable frame rates. High resolution and versatile connectivity for easy editing. HD compatible and option of full manual override plus onboard editing. Check out: Sony HDR-FX7.

Features vs. Needs

You won't always need something that offers great stability if you'll only be shooting outdoors in bright light. On the same token, high quality audio might not be a necessity if the camcorder is only for general indoor use. What you buy and how much you spend for better quality features, all depends on what type of recordings you expect to make. Below is a breakdown of some things you will need for particular events or gatherings.

• Vacations or Sports
• Excellent battery life.
• Good ergonomics and a light, compact design. The more rugged, the better.
• Stability enhancements.
• Excellent zoom.
• Family Get-Togethers
• Excellent low-light performance.
• External light  mount.
• Good ergonomics.
• Stability enhancements.
• Recitals or Performances
• Top-notch low light performance.
• Tripod  mount.
• Good audio, stability and zoom.
• Audio options.
• Microphone  mount.
• Creative Enthusiasts or Film Students
• Manual controls.
• Audio options.
• Widescreen.
• Good zoom.
• Built-in effects and wide array of editing possibilities.

Video Reviews

Canon GL2 Mini DV Camcorder Submitted by: tarrina  Votes:2 Canon GL2 Mini DV Camcorder Submitted by: tarrina | Submitted on: 2006-06-21  Votes:2 | | close

Canon XL1 Camcorder Submitted by: midge  Votes:1 Canon XL1 Camcorder Submitted by: midge | Submitted on: 2006-11-27  Votes:1 | | close

Sony HDR-FX1 Submitted by: kplattner  Votes:0 Sony HDR-FX1 Submitted by: kplattner | Submitted on: 2006-07-12  Votes:0 | | close

Analog vs. Digital

There are two types of camcorders available on the market today: digital  and analog.  The most fundamental distinction between digital and analog cameras is in how they store moving images. Analog camcorders record film onto analog tapes of varying sizes and grades depending on the camera and digital camcorders record onto a hard disk, DVD or other detachable storage device. Below is a short comparison that will help you determine what kind of camcorder is right for you.

Digital Camcorders If current trends continue, digital camcorders  will soon completely replace the analog ones on the consumer market. In fact, Canon has already stopped making analog models altogether. Advantages Editing With a DV camcorder, digital recordings can be transferred to a computer via FireWire, so that footage and sound can be edited, copied, and emailed. With a DVD camcorder, you can edit directly on the camera, remove the disc, and then watch what you've recorded on your DVD player. Both methods are simple and easy. Image Quality Whether you use DV or DVD format, both provide better picture quality for playback because the footage is stored in a file format that won't be corrupted over time. Ergonomics They are smaller, lighter, and have more storage capacity.

Analog Camcorders If you a) have no interest in complex editing, b) don't have a DVD player,  and/or c) don't own a computer, then an analog camcorder  could be the right choice for you. Analog camcorders are the ideal option for the budget-conscious consumer (they usually run for less than $300) who doesn't need any high-quality video. Disadvantages Analog camcorders make editing on your computer a hassle because most are not compatible with current video editing software. In short, all editing must be done with old software or manually via a dual-deck VHS system. Picture quality is not as good and each time you transfer a video, you lose a little bit of picture quality. Top Models Despite the disadvantages, if you really want an analog camcorder try the Sony CCDTRV-338  or the Panasonic PV-L454

Multifunction Devices

These days, it's not easy to forget a digital device at home since they are all integrated. You've got your camera smartphone MP3 player PDA with built-in GPS and you're all ready to go. So when do we get all that plus the ability to record video? Now. Well, at least it's getting there.

Creative DiVi CAM 516  is an all-in-one camcorder, camera, MP3 player, webcam and voice recorder. Below are the features: 5.1 megapixel sensor camera. Supports MPEG-4 file formats. Average battery life is about an hour and a half to two and a half hours. An unimpressive 4x digital zoom. 1.7" LCD screen. 32MB internal memory. SD/MMC expansion slot for flash memory cards. Flash for still photos.

Nokia N93 : another multimedia powerhouse that is also a cell phone. 3.2 megapixel camera with a Carl Zeiss lens for stills. Video recording capabilities to capture up to an hour of video. 50 MB of internal memory and an expandable SD memory card. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, an infrared port and email support. Average cost is about $700-$800.

Related Products

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External Links

• Howstuffworks.com: A technical explanation of how camcorders work.
• Consumersearch.com: The ConsumerSearch's guide to buying a digital camcorder.
• eDistiller: Camcorder rankings based on user reviews.

International Resources

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