Most families buy a video camera to record and preserve memories of family and children. Many people record their vacations and special events on video tape. Whatever your reason, eventually the time comes when you want to buy a digital video camera, and you need to know what the best camcorder is, and you want to read some camcorder reviews. However, before you get to that point, you need to consider a few things: budget - how much do you want to spend on a camcorder?; needs - what are the primary things you plan on doing with the video camera? There are big differences between a $300 video camera and a $1200 video camera, and big difference between a pocket size camera used for shooting quick vacation scenes and a professional video camcorder capturing scenes in low light or at high speeds.
With that as a starting point, you need to then understand some camcorder basics before beginning your research for the best camcorder model for you. Let's start with digital movies vs. digital photos. Many camcorders now include functions for snapping digital photos as well as video, but these are generally low-quality, 1 or 2 mega pixel shots (compared to 3, 5, or 8MP in many consumer digital cameras these days). At this point in time, DO NOT plan on using your video camera as your primary digital still camera - the quality is just not there. So focus on the VIDEO capabilities of the camcorder first, and consider any still photo functionality as a bonus.
Video Camera basics: digital camcorder specs
Another key consideration is size of camera. A small camera that you can throw in a backpack or purse means you are more likely to carry it with you and get more shots. If you are planning professional shots with a tripod, then a small camera is not your priority. For most people, a good, small, palm-sized camera will do the trick, while the ultra-tiny ones often set you back a few hundred additional dollars. Whether it is a vertical or horizontal design is really a matter of personal preference, not technical merit. Pick out something that is comfortable in your hand and easy to operate. (View HD camcorders here).
Next consider image quality - this is determined by the CCDs (charge coupled devices) which are essentially light-sensing chips that capture incoming light and encode it digitally. Professional cameras have always user 3 CCDs, one for each primary color, while consumer cameras have used a single CCD. This results in professional cameras having sharper, brighter, more realistic colors. Recently, consumer cameras with 3 CCDs have fallen below $1000. If you plan on capturing HD video or need near-professional video results, look inot a 3 CCD model. CCD size also affects image clarity and color reproduction, with professional cameras having 1/2" or larger CCDs, and consumer cameras having more like 1/6". Optical zoom is another thing to consider - most digital camcorders offer at least a 10X zoom, allowing you to get close detailed shots.
Media format is another consideration - most digital camcorders use MiniDV digital casette tapes, which means fast forwarding and rewinding to access video after you record it. Some Hitachi cameras (mainly) offer Mini DVD-R format, burning movies onto a write-once miniature DVD that can be played back in your home DVD player using an adapter. We generally frown upon this storage medium though - unless instant playback on a DVD player is your goal, you can do the same with a MiniDV camcorder and video out cables connected to your TV. Coming soon will be more cameras using digital storage on mini hard drives (like the iPod) or on flash memory chips - then video tapes will go the way of audio casettes - into the tech graveyard!
Once you've recorded your movie, most people want to import it to a computer for digital video editing - that means you want a 1394 Firewire connector on your camera, allowing you to connect directly to your PC and control access to the MiniDV tape via your computers software controls. Almost every camera made today has a firewire connector - confirm before buying. Image stabilization is another important function - nothing is worse than a jerky handheld camera. Image stabilization electronically counterbalances your movements and results in a much steadier image, but of course a tripod is essential for any shot meant to be steady - even the slightest jiggle will show up when attempting to record a static shot.
LCD viewing screens - most camcorders come with large color LCD screens for composing your shot or viewing what you have already filmed. Make sure you can see the LCD even in full sunlight, and look for ones with built-in touch screens for improved navigation and access to functions without a lot of buttons all over the camcorder. Browse the best selling digital camcorders here.
Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.
BUYING GUIDES
model for you. Let's start with digital movies vs. digital photos. Many camcorders now include functions for snapping digital photos as well as video, but these are generally low-quality, 1 or 2 mega pixel shots (compared to 3, 5, or 8MP in many consumer digital cameras these days). At this point in time, DO NOT plan on using your video camera as your primary digital still camera - the quality is just not there. So focus on the VIDEO capabilities of the camcorder first, and consider any still photo functionality as a bonus.
