Camcorder buying guide

With recent advancements in technology, filming using a digital camcorder is a much better all-round experience. Early camcorders were very large in size and rather heavy to carry around – the digital age has eradicated these bulky models. However, digital technology offers many more advantages in addition to size. You can now get a wide selection of features, and sharper, more defined images – at much lower prices.

The majority of new camcorders also allow you to record in high definition – this option is great if you already have a HD ready TV – you can watch back your videos in superb HD quality. The media used to record on has also changed – tapes have been replaced by DVD’s, or you can opt for a hard drive or memory card storage method.

Digital advantages

• Smaller, lighter and more portable size
• Good PC compatibility and connectivity for quick transfer of recordings
• Able to edit on camcorder or using editing software (model dependent)
• Easy transfer to DVD for TV/PC playback
• Still photo mode available
• Record on multiple formats

Recording formats

A number of recording formats are available, the most common of which being the DVD, hard drive, memory card and flash memory;

DVD

Blank DVD’s are approximately 8cm in diameter, therefore are slightly smaller in width to pre-recorded DVD’s, however, they can be played back on the majority of DVD players or PC/Laptops. Blank DVD’s are available in three formats: DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM.

Tip: When you are purchasing your blank DVD’s, it’s important to note that DVD-RAM discs cannot be played back on some DVD players. However, along with DVD-RW discs, they provide you with the option of editing your film while it is in the camcorder, rather than transferring files to your PC, then editing using software. DVD-R discs are cheaper to buy, but can only be recorded on once. Generally speaking, the majority of DVD camcorders will accept more than one disc format.

DVD benefits

• Simple to use, you can record directly onto 8cm DVDs
• Easy playback on TV or PC
• Good quality recordings
• Good choice of formats - DVD-R, DVD-RW or DVD-RAM
• Ability to access chapters/scenes as per pre-recorded DVD
• Reasonable recording time (approx. 20 minutes on the highest-quality setting, or 40 minutes using a double-sided disc)
• Good PC formatting options
• Compatible with the majority of DVD players, computers and games consoles

Hard Drive

Many camcorders have the option to record straight onto an internal hard drive. As these models do not require physical media, they are lighter and smaller in size, allowing for easier portability. Hard discs are generally up to 60GB in size and some models also allow you to use a memory card for even more storage.

Hard drive advantages

• Good quality recordings in DVD or HD quality (model dependent)
• Excellent recording time (approx. 7 hours on the highest-quality setting)
• Very high quality still shots

Memory card

Most camcorders with memory slots will use either SD or MemoryStick media to store images and videos. As they do not require physical media, they are much lighter and smaller in size.

Memory card advantages

• Good quality recordings in DVD or HD quality (model dependent)
• Good recording time (approx. 3 hours on the highest-quality standard definition setting, using a 16GB SD card)
• Very high quality still shots
• Quick, easy transfer to a PC - videos are recorded as a file (average transfer time is just a few minutes for an hour of footage)

Flash memory

Flash models are very small in size - they are highly portable and very easy to use. They generally offer fewer features than their counterparts, but for quick filming they can be a great low-cost option.

Flash memory advantages

• Relatively low in cost
• Simple to use – ‘point and shoot’ method
• Quick, easy transfer to the Internet

Additional features

If you are looking for a digital camcorder, it’s a good idea to compare the options available with each model - here are a few features to consider;

Image quality

This is determined by the resolution of the CCD, the lens, optics and the recording media used. Generally speaking, a camcorder with 3 separate CCD will give you optimal colour reproduction and a better image quality, though for every day non-professional usage, a single CCD will be sufficient.

Image stabiliser

if you intend to use your camcorder on the go, or are shooting moving objects, you will ideally need a tripod, or the Image Stabiliser feature. This option is available using either digital technology or optical stabilising lenses, and will practically eliminate shake.

Zoom type

There are 2 main zoom types - optical and digital. Most camcorders use optical zoom to reach ranges of around 10 - 20x. Digital zooms reach between 300 - 400x.

Manual focus

This is recommended if you are shooting scenes/images that lack detail, of you require the option to focus on specific areas.

Accessories

Most camcorders will be sold with a number of accessories, such as an AC Adapter, a lead for PC connect, hand strap, carry case, editing software, spare memory card and a parts guarantee.

And here are a few of the more advanced features to look out for;

LCD

LCD screens allow you to playback your shots on the camcorder, for easy and quick editing.

Night vision recording

This allows you to film in total darkness, using infrared technology.

Auto exposure

The AE option allows you to film under a number of pre-set conditions i.e. portrait, landscape, sports and sunset.

Special effects

The ability to add a number of effects to your recording, such as black and white, sepia and even stretch/slim mode.

Analogue connectivity

This feature allows you to digitize your old analogue tapes.