CAMCORDERS From Format to Features How to Search For and Find the Perfect Camcorder By: Shannon Noce, Staff Writer

CONTENTS

........Format

........Features

........Essential Extras

........Vital Accessories

FORMAT                                                                                       [ Top ]

The first thing to consider when choosing a camcorder is which format best fits your needs and your lifestyle:

MiniDV: A very popular camcorder format, MiniDV camcorders record in DV-format on MiniDV cassette tapes. These tapes are approximately 1/12^th the size of VHS tapes, allowing for compact camcorder designs. MiniDV tapes are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of recording sizes.  They are also capable of recording high quality video with 500 lines of resolution. You can expect superior audio and still image quality from these camcorders as well. MiniDV camcorders are also a great choice if you want to edit, as they are compatible with most video editing software.  

DVD Camcorders: Convenience is certainly an advantage of DVD camcorders.  You simply film, finalize, and then pop the disc directly into your DVD player. These camcorders record footage in compressed MPEG-2 format to either DVD-Ram or DVD-R/RW discs.  DVD-Ram discs offer more storage capacity and the ability to record more than once, while DVD-R/RW discs are generally more compatible with DVD players and your PCs DVD drive. Offering great quality digital recording, these camcorders are the perfect choice if you are looking for a way to quickly record and view quality home videos.

Hard Drive: No tapes, no DVDs, no hassles.  With a hard drive camcorder you keep recording until the camcorders hard drive runs out of space, which varies by model but is usually many hours.  Great for those on the go, you never have to worry about carrying along (or forgetting) recording media, because everything is done right in the camera.  Youll also get a small camcorder, without needing to compromise storage space, as its design doesnt need to allow room for recording media no matter how much recording room it has. These camcorders are great if you want to edit as well, as it is simple to load footage onto your computer via USB.

 

Hi-Definition: Hi Def is no longer just for the pros. You can watch in HD, why not record in it too?  With a Hi-definition camcorder youll introduce a whole new quality to the home movie.  Hi-Definition camcorders use the same miniDV tapes as miniDV camcorders, but with these camcorders youll get a more intense recording with over 1 million pixels displayed on your screen.  Hi-Definition camcorders utilize progressive scan to bring you at least 720 lines of resolution.  Youll also get incredible sound.  Try recording in widescreen 16:9 mode for a home video in the same format as the blockbusters on the big screen.  Suddenly everyone will be excited to watch your home videos!

FEATURES                                                                                    [ Top ]

While what features you need will depend on your personal preferences and what you plan to film, the following are some that are definitely worth considering:

 

LCD monitor:  A common but important feature, an LCD screen lets you easily review the footage youve just taken and also functions as an additional and often more convenient viewfinder.

Zoom: If you want to capture the action from any kind of distance, you absolutely need a camcorder with zoom capability.  Keep in mind that there are two very different types of zoom. An optical zoom lens provides true zoom by varying the focal length to make an image larger or smaller.  Generally, the larger the number the more flexibility you will have. A digital zoom, on the other hand, utilizes a computer processor to further expand the image. This is not the same as optical zoom and does not supply results as clear as an optical zoom. A good thing to know as well is that the higher the optical zoom, the more effective the digital zoom will be.

Autofocus: For those who like to shoot with ease, autofocus is a must. This feature adjusts focus for optimal sharpness. You get great footage without the worries.

 

Digital still capability: Why not have a camcorder that does it all? Camcorders with digital still capability enable you to take still shots in addition to filming. Theres no longer a need to bring along an additional digital camera, when you have a camcorder that captures still images that are just as impressive.

 

Image stabilizer: Shaky hands can definitely ruin footage, but there is really no good way to prevent them. When you choose a camcorder with image stabilizer, however, you can prevent this motion from ruining otherwise picture perfect footage.  Image stabilizers reduce the effect of camera shake for much more professional results.

 

Quick review: If you want to be able to almost instantly review all of the footage you have stored, look for a camcorder with quick review.

 

Full auto switch:  Great for anyone who wants to be able to capture great footage at a moments notice, a full auto switch automatically adjusts the shutter speed, focus, aperture, and color balance allowing you to start shooting much more quickly.

Preset auto-exposure settings:  Similar to the modes youve likely seen on digital cameras, these presets allow you to get the best footage possible in special lighting situations.

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS                                                                                    [ Top ]

Connectivity:  If you want to do any editing of your footage, you should definitely consider a camcorder with a FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection. This allows your camcorder to connect right to your PC for easy and incredibly fast transfer.

External Microphone: Unlike the built-in microphone, an external one wont pick up noise the camcorder makes.  These simply plug into the microphone jack, noticeably improving sound quality.

Ports:  The basic ports your camcorder should have are an A/V port for transferring footage and watching your footage on your television, and a USB port for digital transfer of footage to your computer. You can expect a MiniDV camcorder to have a digital video (DV) port as well. If youre thinking about adding that external microphone, be sure to look for a camcorder that has the port to accommodate it.  If there is something specific you want your camcorder to do, ask a salesperson what port youll need your camcorder to have and for his or her recommendation.

Built-In Light: If you anticipate filming in the dark or in any low-lighting conditions, consider a camcorder that provides some type of illumination. Simple but crucial, this may allow you to capture something you might otherwise miss.

Expandable Battery:  Generally the life of a camera battery is not a particularly long one.  You can always carry a back up, but since you are in the market for a new camcorder anyway it is a great idea to look for one that accommodates an expandable battery.  These batteries enable you to enjoy more shooting time so you never have to miss the end of the performance.

VITAL ACCESSORIES                                                                                  [ Top ]

Theres a difference between a product that works and one that lives up to its full  potential.  Before purchasing a camcorder, be sure to take a look at the following accessories.  Having the right ones makes a world of difference.
	Carrying case Take your camera everywhere and do it in style with a carrying case from Sixth Avenue Electronics.  Carrying cases do more than look good, they serve to protect your camcorder from dirt, dust, and more.
	Batteries & chargers There is never a good time to find out your battery is running low and you dont have a spare.  Avoid that frustration by adding an additional battery to you cart.  If the item youre considering uses a rechargeable battery youre in luck. Make sure your purchase includes a charger, though, and if not be sure to add one to your cart immediately.
	UV filter   No one likes to watch a video with glare, so ensure your videos dont offend by adding a UV filter to your purchase. You can reduce glare up to 30%, while protecting your lens.
	Mini DV tapes You never know when a performance might run longer than you expected.  Now is the perfect time to stock up on mini DV tapes.
	Recordable DVDs   You can never have too many DVDs.  Youre sure to need a bunch for all of the memories youre going to capture with your new camcorder, but dont forget you need even more for all of the copies your friends and family are sure to want of your great footage.
	Dont forget a warranty! Sixth Avenue Electronics takes the worry out of the shopping experience by offering up to 5 years performance protection on our products. Our network of national service technicians means your item is protected no matter how far away from one of our stores you might be. If your item is too big to carry well come to you, as all televisions 37 and larger are serviced in your home. Our warranties are fully transferable, because we are truly committed to servicing our products.
	Get it all in a BUNDLE 6ave.com provides bundles, so that you may experience a completely worry-free shopping experience. Our extensive product knowledge and research enables us to provide you with bundles that include everything you need for optimal performance of each product you choose.  By choosing a bundle, youll get all of the accessories you need while saving money.