How to pick the right Digital Camcorder?
About:Tips For Buying digital camcorder sony samsung digital camcorder digital camera sony camcorder best digital camcorder insignia digital camcorder digital camcorders buying guide jvc digital camcorder
Digital camcorders make shooting video and editing it on your home computer a breeze. You can create movies and output them to tape or DVD, or post them on the Web. Whether you want to record shots of your new baby or you dream of becoming the next great film director, this guide will teach you what you need to know before you buy.
Which format is right for you? With storage-based, MiniDV tape and Mini-DVD camcorders all clamoring for your attention, here's how to pick the best option for your needs.
High definition or standard definition? The world's gone high-def, but there are still some limitations to think about before you spend your hard-earned cash on an HD camcorder
Key features: Learn about digital camcorder basics, and find out how a digital camcorder can help you shoot in a variety of situations.
Key features
Screen: Having a large LCD screen built into the camcorder lets you more easily see what you're recording and facilitates playback previews. Be careful when considering a camcorder's screen, though -- some don't work well in bright sunlight, an environment in which you'll often use the device. Most camcorders come with both an LCD screen and a viewfinder, giving you the option to use either. The viewfinder can be useful if you can't see the screen in bright light; it also uses less power than the screen, extending the camcorder battery's life. Also, if you are considering purchasing a camcorder that can shoot in wide-screen (720-by-480-pixel) format, look for a camcorder with a wide-screen LCD, so it won't crop your view of the video you're shooting.
Lens: Every camcorder comes with a zoom lens that lets you get closer to your subject. Camcorder manufacturers don't always distinguish clearly between digital and optical zoom. The spec for maximum optical zoom is the more interesting figure: It denotes the maximum zoom that the camcorder can achieve by moving its lens elements. Most modern camcorders have at least a 10x optical zoom, which should be more than adequate for general purposes. A digital zoom, on the other hand, magnifies after the optical zoom is fully extended, and the camcorder then enlarges part of the image to fill the screen. This method leads to grainy, pixelated and generally unpleasant-looking images. At higher digital zoom settings, the quality is so poor that you often can't see what you are taping.
Image stabilization: All camcorders offer one of two types of image stabilization -- optical or electronic -- to reduce jittery video caused by shaky hands. With optical stabilization, the camcorder's lens mechanism moves to compensate for external movement. With electronic image stabilization, the image captured by the lens "floats" on the CCD, and the camcorder uses internal circuitry after the image has been captured to interpret the video. Optical stabilization usually provides the best results; in the past it was typically found in more expensive camcorders, but these days some moderately priced models have it, too.
Batteries: The amount of recording and playback time you get out of a battery varies, but most camcorders should be able to record for at least an hour with the included battery. Additional higher-capacity batteries typically cost from $50 to $100.
Microphones: Sound is almost as important to a video as the images. We've found that camcorders with microphones mounted in the front tend to produce better sound than those with microphones on the top of the unit; top-mounted microphones often pick up the voice of the person operating the camera, drowning out everything else. Some camcorders offer zoom microphones that emphasize the subject's voice when the zoom lens is used, and some also come with a socket for plugging in an external microphone. Either type of microphone can be very useful when you're recording presentations or speeches.
Still photography: Many digital camcorders can serve as digital cameras, saving still images to a memory card or to tape. Some can save images at the same resolution as a 5-megapixel camera (but watch out for models that produce interpolated high-resolution images from lower-resolution CCDs). However, none of the camcorders we've tested has performed as well at taking still pictures as a dedicated still camera -- they don't provide the same level of control or the same image quality.
Controls: We have found that smaller camcorders can be a little more difficult to use because their controls don't naturally sit where your fingers fall, particularly if you have large hands. Of course, heavy, bulky models can become tiring to carry, so strive for a balance.
Low-light modes: Many camcorders have the ability to film in very low light, whether with the help of an infrared light (which you can't see, but the camcorder can), a special slow-shutter mode that makes the most of ambient lighting, or built-in illumination from one or more LEDs. Some models offer all three methods. These modes can be very useful in poorly illuminated settings, but video captured with these tools enabled won't be as good as video captured in well-lit settings. For example, slow-shutter modes may cause moving subjects to smear or ghost.
Format: Most camcorders use the MiniDV and DVD formats, but models that capture high-definition footage to onboard hard drives and flash drives usually employ the AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format. AVCHD hasn't lived up to its full potential yet, as many video editing programs can't handle that format. What's more, you'll need a more powerful computer to edit your footage. MiniDV models still capture the best-quality video, but maybe not for much longer; newer AVCHD camcorders can record high-definition video at a bit rate of 24mbps, which translates into more recorded data per frame of video and sharper footage.
Wide-screen shooting: Several camcorders now allow you to shoot in the 16:9 aspect ratio used by HDTVs, even if the camcorders still shoot in standard-definition resolution. Note that some camcorders use a CCD with a native 16:9 orientation, so you get the full resolution of the CCD when you shoot in wide-screen format, whereas others use a CCD with a traditional 4:3 orientation and thus use only a portion of that CCD when doing wide-screen shooting.
The specs explained: Why should optical zoom matter to you? How much money should you be spending, anyway? Learn which specs you should pay attention to and why.The specs explained
While a digital camcorder's specifications don't tell the whole story, they can help you narrow your choices. You can use the camcorder's price, along with specs like LCD screen size, weight and type of microphone, to weed out the ones that won't work for you.
Keep in mind that while a big LCD screen and lots of extra features justify a higher price, ease of use and overall size are also important considerations. Even the lightest camcorder won't do you much good if the controls are too small for your hands; always try the camcorder out before you buy. Remember that the lightest cameras may sacrifice other features, and will often have a top-mounted microphone simply because there's nowhere else to put it. But weight may be an important enough consideration to justify these trade-offs.
Digital and optical zoom specs don't tend to vary much across categories, and thus aren't represented here. Most modern camcorders come with at least a 10x optical zoom. Don't pay too much attention to the digital zoom, which simply enlarges the image the lens captures. The optical zoom is far more important. In the semi-pro range, you can expect to get a lens with higher-quality optics.
Important: Weight
A camcorder's weight is a key factor in how easy it is to use; it affects whether you decide to carry it along on your outings. Weight is also one of the most important issues affecting camcorder price: Tiny camcorders often mean higher cost, at least in consumer models. And often those tiny camcorders will have less-capable lenses, fewer features and harder-to-use controls.
Important: Recording media
DVD and hard-drive models are fast becoming the most commonly available types; MiniDV models are growing more scarce, even though at this writing they still capture the best video quality and allow the easiest editing.
Somewhat important: Microphone placement
Look for a front-mounted microphone, if possible. But if you have to settle for a top-mounted mic, look for one with an audio-zoom function. Also look for the ability to connect an external microphone, especially if you anticipate shooting stationary subjects.
Somewhat important: Low-light modes
Special infrared or long shutter modes allow you to shoot in very little light. Higher-end models include battery-thrifty LED illumination built into the camera (but this method doesn't work nearly as well as a dedicated, external video light).
Somewhat important: Screen size
A larger screen makes it easier to see what you're recording and facilitates playback. But keep in mind that the screen size will take a toll on your camcorder's battery life, especially if the camcorder uses that LCD as its only viewfinder. Simply put, a big, bright LCD will drain your camera's battery more quickly. Although some models have whopping, 3-plus-inch screens, those big LCDs ultimately will make the camcorder larger, too. As for touch-screens, that's a personal call; many new camcorders offer access to menu items and playback controls via a touch-screen LCD, which may be good or bad depending on your preferences (and how clean your fingers are).
Minor: Ports
Most MiniDV camcorders have FireWire ports for transferring video to your computer; some models will also let you transfer video by using a USB 2.0 port (and if the camcorder captures still images, it will almost always let you transfer them via USB). Almost all models have S-Video-out and/or composite-out ports so you can view footage on a television, but some models also have S-Video-in and composite-in ports, which allow you to record from other sources such as older analog camcorders.
Digital camcorder shopping tips
Are you ready to buy a digital camcorder? PC World's recommendations can help you find a camcorder that's right for you.
Check out the LCD screen in daylight, if possible. Some screens will wash out in bright sunlight, and you'll want to make sure you can easily see what you're recording under any conditions. If you can't see the screen in bright daylight, try using the viewfinder: It can help get the job done without eating up a lot of battery power.
Look at the lens's optical zoom ratio instead of the digital zoom ratio. With a digital zoom, the camcorder is only enlarging the image in the viewfinder instead of really giving you a closer look. The optical zoom spec is more important -- you'll want at least 10x optical zoom.
For longer recording times, buy an extra, higher-capacity battery. The battery that comes with most camcorders often lasts only an hour or so. For $50 to $100, you can buy a longer-lasting battery, so factor that into your cost if you think you'll need it. (Remember, however, that larger batteries add to the camera's weight.)
Front-mounted microphones get better results. Top-mounted microphones tend to capture the voice of the person using the camera, drowning out everything else.
Buy an external microphone for the best sound. Factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone if you want the best sound possible. Make sure, of course, that your camcorder has a place for you to plug it in.
Try out the camera's controls before you buy. Sometimes the smallest camcorders can be difficult to use, especially if you have large hands. A larger model may work better for you if it's more comfortable to handle.
Check out exposure controls. All camcorders offer a fully automatic mode, but some models have manual and semimanual exposure modes. For example, some models let you shoot at slower shutter speeds than others, or have aperture settings that allow more light in. Many also offer scene modes, which you might be familiar with from digital still cameras.
Low-light options let you shoot in dim settings. Many cameras offer an infrared light or a long shutter mode to help you capture images in darkness.
Look for wide-screen shooting. If you own an HDTV, you'll get a full picture (no black bars at the top and bottom) if you shoot with a wide-screen model.
Pick the right format. MiniDV camcorders are still the best bet in terms of software compatibility, and buying an HD camcorder may mean you'll need to bulk up your computer and your video editing package as well. Don't expect to edit footage captured with an AVCHD camcorder using most video editing programs. What's more, you'll have to use an editing program that supports the MPEG compression format for mini-DVDs, or first convert the video into a format that the program understands.
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About:Tips For Buying digital camcorder sony samsung digital camcorder digital camera sony camcorder best digital camcorder insignia digital camcorder digital camcorders buying guide jvc digital camcorder
Digital camcorders make shooting video and editing it on your home computer a breeze. You can create movies and output them to tape or DVD, or post them on the Web. Whether you want to record shots of your new baby or you dream of becoming the next great film director, this guide will teach you what you need to know before you buy.
Which format is right for you? With storage-based, MiniDV tape and Mini-DVD camcorders all clamoring for your attention, here's how to pick the best option for your needs.
High definition or standard definition? The world's gone high-def, but there are still some limitations to think about before you spend your hard-earned cash on an HD camcorder
Key features: Learn about digital camcorder basics, and find out how a digital camcorder can help you shoot in a variety of situations.
Key features
Screen: Having a large LCD screen built into the camcorder lets you more easily see what you're recording and facilitates playback previews. Be careful when considering a camcorder's screen, though -- some don't work well in bright sunlight, an environment in which you'll often use the device. Most camcorders come with both an LCD screen and a viewfinder, giving you the option to use either. The viewfinder can be useful if you can't see the screen in bright light; it also uses less power than the screen, extending the camcorder battery's life. Also, if you are considering purchasing a camcorder that can shoot in wide-screen (720-by-480-pixel) format, look for a camcorder with a wide-screen LCD, so it won't crop your view of the video you're shooting.
Lens: Every camcorder comes with a zoom lens that lets you get closer to your subject. Camcorder manufacturers don't always distinguish clearly between digital and optical zoom. The spec for maximum optical zoom is the more interesting figure: It denotes the maximum zoom that the camcorder can achieve by moving its lens elements. Most modern camcorders have at least a 10x optical zoom, which should be more than adequate for general purposes. A digital zoom, on the other hand, magnifies after the optical zoom is fully extended, and the camcorder then enlarges part of the image to fill the screen. This method leads to grainy, pixelated and generally unpleasant-looking images. At higher digital zoom settings, the quality is so poor that you often can't see what you are taping.
Image stabilization: All camcorders offer one of two types of image stabilization -- optical or electronic -- to reduce jittery video caused by shaky hands. With optical stabilization, the camcorder's lens mechanism moves to compensate for external movement. With electronic image stabilization, the image captured by the lens "floats" on the CCD, and the camcorder uses internal circuitry after the image has been captured to interpret the video. Optical stabilization usually provides the best results; in the past it was typically found in more expensive camcorders, but these days some moderately priced models have it, too.
Batteries: The amount of recording and playback time you get out of a battery varies, but most camcorders should be able to record for at least an hour with the included battery. Additional higher-capacity batteries typically cost from $50 to $100.
Microphones: Sound is almost as important to a video as the images. We've found that camcorders with microphones mounted in the front tend to produce better sound than those with microphones on the top of the unit; top-mounted microphones often pick up the voice of the person operating the camera, drowning out everything else. Some camcorders offer zoom microphones that emphasize the subject's voice when the zoom lens is used, and some also come with a socket for plugging in an external microphone. Either type of microphone can be very useful when you're recording presentations or speeches.
Still photography: Many digital camcorders can serve as digital cameras, saving still images to a memory card or to tape. Some can save images at the same resolution as a 5-megapixel camera (but watch out for models that produce interpolated high-resolution images from lower-resolution CCDs). However, none of the camcorders we've tested has performed as well at taking still pictures as a dedicated still camera -- they don't provide the same level of control or the same image quality.
Controls: We have found that smaller camcorders can be a little more difficult to use because their controls don't naturally sit where your fingers fall, particularly if you have large hands. Of course, heavy, bulky models can become tiring to carry, so strive for a balance.
Low-light modes: Many camcorders have the ability to film in very low light, whether with the help of an infrared light (which you can't see, but the camcorder can), a special slow-shutter mode that makes the most of ambient lighting, or built-in illumination from one or more LEDs. Some models offer all three methods. These modes can be very useful in poorly illuminated settings, but video captured with these tools enabled won't be as good as video captured in well-lit settings. For example, slow-shutter modes may cause moving subjects to smear or ghost.
Format: Most camcorders use the MiniDV and DVD formats, but models that capture high-definition footage to onboard hard drives and flash drives usually employ the AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format. AVCHD hasn't lived up to its full potential yet, as many video editing programs can't handle that format. What's more, you'll need a more powerful computer to edit your footage. MiniDV models still capture the best-quality video, but maybe not for much longer; newer AVCHD camcorders can record high-definition video at a bit rate of 24mbps, which translates into more recorded data per frame of video and sharper footage.
Wide-screen shooting: Several camcorders now allow you to shoot in the 16:9 aspect ratio used by HDTVs, even if the camcorders still shoot in standard-definition resolution. Note that some camcorders use a CCD with a native 16:9 orientation, so you get the full resolution of the CCD when you shoot in wide-screen format, whereas others use a CCD with a traditional 4:3 orientation and thus use only a portion of that CCD when doing wide-screen shooting.
The specs explained: Why should optical zoom matter to you? How much money should you be spending, anyway? Learn which specs you should pay attention to and why.The specs explained
While a digital camcorder's specifications don't tell the whole story, they can help you narrow your choices. You can use the camcorder's price, along with specs like LCD screen size, weight and type of microphone, to weed out the ones that won't work for you.
Keep in mind that while a big LCD screen and lots of extra features justify a higher price, ease of use and overall size are also important considerations. Even the lightest camcorder won't do you much good if the controls are too small for your hands; always try the camcorder out before you buy. Remember that the lightest cameras may sacrifice other features, and will often have a top-mounted microphone simply because there's nowhere else to put it. But weight may be an important enough consideration to justify these trade-offs.
Digital and optical zoom specs don't tend to vary much across categories, and thus aren't represented here. Most modern camcorders come with at least a 10x optical zoom. Don't pay too much attention to the digital zoom, which simply enlarges the image the lens captures. The optical zoom is far more important. In the semi-pro range, you can expect to get a lens with higher-quality optics.
Important: Weight
A camcorder's weight is a key factor in how easy it is to use; it affects whether you decide to carry it along on your outings. Weight is also one of the most important issues affecting camcorder price: Tiny camcorders often mean higher cost, at least in consumer models. And often those tiny camcorders will have less-capable lenses, fewer features and harder-to-use controls.
Important: Recording media
DVD and hard-drive models are fast becoming the most commonly available types; MiniDV models are growing more scarce, even though at this writing they still capture the best video quality and allow the easiest editing.
Somewhat important: Microphone placement
Look for a front-mounted microphone, if possible. But if you have to settle for a top-mounted mic, look for one with an audio-zoom function. Also look for the ability to connect an external microphone, especially if you anticipate shooting stationary subjects.
Somewhat important: Low-light modes
Special infrared or long shutter modes allow you to shoot in very little light. Higher-end models include battery-thrifty LED illumination built into the camera (but this method doesn't work nearly as well as a dedicated, external video light).
Somewhat important: Screen size
A larger screen makes it easier to see what you're recording and facilitates playback. But keep in mind that the screen size will take a toll on your camcorder's battery life, especially if the camcorder uses that LCD as its only viewfinder. Simply put, a big, bright LCD will drain your camera's battery more quickly. Although some models have whopping, 3-plus-inch screens, those big LCDs ultimately will make the camcorder larger, too. As for touch-screens, that's a personal call; many new camcorders offer access to menu items and playback controls via a touch-screen LCD, which may be good or bad depending on your preferences (and how clean your fingers are).
Minor: Ports
Most MiniDV camcorders have FireWire ports for transferring video to your computer; some models will also let you transfer video by using a USB 2.0 port (and if the camcorder captures still images, it will almost always let you transfer them via USB). Almost all models have S-Video-out and/or composite-out ports so you can view footage on a television, but some models also have S-Video-in and composite-in ports, which allow you to record from other sources such as older analog camcorders.
Digital camcorder shopping tips
Are you ready to buy a digital camcorder? PC World's recommendations can help you find a camcorder that's right for you.
Check out the LCD screen in daylight, if possible. Some screens will wash out in bright sunlight, and you'll want to make sure you can easily see what you're recording under any conditions. If you can't see the screen in bright daylight, try using the viewfinder: It can help get the job done without eating up a lot of battery power.
Look at the lens's optical zoom ratio instead of the digital zoom ratio. With a digital zoom, the camcorder is only enlarging the image in the viewfinder instead of really giving you a closer look. The optical zoom spec is more important -- you'll want at least 10x optical zoom.
For longer recording times, buy an extra, higher-capacity battery. The battery that comes with most camcorders often lasts only an hour or so. For $50 to $100, you can buy a longer-lasting battery, so factor that into your cost if you think you'll need it. (Remember, however, that larger batteries add to the camera's weight.)
Front-mounted microphones get better results. Top-mounted microphones tend to capture the voice of the person using the camera, drowning out everything else.
Buy an external microphone for the best sound. Factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone if you want the best sound possible. Make sure, of course, that your camcorder has a place for you to plug it in.
Try out the camera's controls before you buy. Sometimes the smallest camcorders can be difficult to use, especially if you have large hands. A larger model may work better for you if it's more comfortable to handle.
Check out exposure controls. All camcorders offer a fully automatic mode, but some models have manual and semimanual exposure modes. For example, some models let you shoot at slower shutter speeds than others, or have aperture settings that allow more light in. Many also offer scene modes, which you might be familiar with from digital still cameras.
Low-light options let you shoot in dim settings. Many cameras offer an infrared light or a long shutter mode to help you capture images in darkness.
Look for wide-screen shooting. If you own an HDTV, you'll get a full picture (no black bars at the top and bottom) if you shoot with a wide-screen model.
Pick the right format. MiniDV camcorders are still the best bet in terms of software compatibility, and buying an HD camcorder may mean you'll need to bulk up your computer and your video editing package as well. Don't expect to edit footage captured with an AVCHD camcorder using most video editing programs. What's more, you'll have to use an editing program that supports the MPEG compression format for mini-DVDs, or first convert the video into a format that the program understands.
