Choosing a digital camcorder is very much like shopping for a digital still camera. There are easily more than a dozen features to consider, and even more models to pick from. So before you cough up money for a camcorder, take note of the following key features to look out for.
Video storage format
This should be the first feature on your checklist. There are currently five flavours available ranging from the more popular (MiniDV), the up-and-coming (DVD discs, hard drive and flash-based) to the more obscure (Digital8, Sony's MicroMV).
MiniDV, the most popular format at press time, is supported by many camera manufacturers, including Sony, JVC, Panasonic and Canon. Because MiniDV uses miniature digital videocassettes to store your video footage, the MiniDV camcorders tend to be smaller but relatively more expensive than their Digital8 counterparts. Most people also agree that the quality of the video is better on MiniDV but this really depends on the quality of the camera and the tape media.
Digital8 camcorders, while not as compact as MiniDV ones, are generally more affordable and have the added advantage of being able to playback analog Hi-8 as well as standard 8mm tapes. If your intention is to get an inexpensive method of capturing digital video or to upgrade from an analog Hi-8 or 8mm camcorder, the Digital8 format is probably your best bet, however do note that there are precious few Hi-8 models out there anymore.
The MicroMV was introduced by Sony in 2001, when the company launched the DCR-IP7E Network Handycam IP. Almost 70 percent smaller than the MiniDV tape, the miniature video storage format produces some of the tiniest camcorders. The quality of the video capture is also comparable to those on MiniDV, but expect to pay a premium for the ultra-portable form factor.
JVC is the first camcorder manufacturer to explore using hard drives as an alternative storage format. As the video would already be digitalised, there is no need to reconvert it for the computer. Editing from within the camcorder is also more of a breeze, not to mention the cost savings from not having to purchase additional tapes. As a family camcorder, hard drives are a smart choice, but if video quality is a concern or there is a need to shoot more than a couple hours' worth of footage at each outing, then the buyer should the choices mentioned above.
Optical zoom versus digital zoom
As with digital still cameras, the optical zoom of a camcorder determines the number of times a camera can magnify an image through its lenses. Take note that this is different from digital zoom which simply takes a portion of an image and enlarges it, resulting in a loss of quality. Optically zoomed images enlarge the picture without sacrificing quality.
Bearing this in mind, it is important to look at the optical zoom power rather than the digital zoom rating on the camcorder to determine the actual amount of zoom you need. In fact, we don't even recommend using digital zoom since it affects the quality of the video capture. Instead, look out for at least a 10x optical zoom lens which is commonly found on most camcorders today and would generally be more than sufficient for most users.
Quality wise, CNET Lab tests have found out that Carl Zeiss lens, which feature in several Sony models, appear to deliver exceptional image resolutions. If you are looking for a camcorder with high-quality captures, look for those using those lenses.
LCD and viewfinder
Most camcorders now come with at least a 2.5-inch colour LCD display which lets you view and playback the video/images you have captured quite comfortably. Those with 4-inch LCD screens provide a better view but they usually cost more and are generally bigger in size to accommodate the larger display.
Colour viewfinders are now commonly found on most digital camcorders, although some of the older or entry-level machines still use monochrome panels. However, viewfinders aren't the objective since you'll probably end up using the LCD display most of the time.
Digital still capture
Virtually all digital camcorders let you capture still shots and store them on the tape or directly into a flash memory card. These images may be low in resolution compared to what the current batch of digital still cameras can capture, but they offer the convenience of just carrying one device for both video and still capture purposes. Eventually, future models of camcorders in the next two years will be able to capture image resolutions which can rival that of digital still cameras.
3CCD: Usually employed in semi-pro or professional camcorders, 3CCD cameras tend to produce better and clearer images due to the use of three CCDs instead of one to create the full image. However, cameras with one CCD are often good enough for most consumer purposes.
Built-in lights: These lighting systems allow you to record video in low-light conditions but are generally not regarded as a good substitute for fine lighting.
Image stabilisation: You will most likely find this feature on most of the latest digital camcorders available. This helps correct image blurring due to hand shakes during recording.
Progressive scan: This feature allows the camcorder to capture a full frame of video rather than alternative lines of pixels (as in most standard camcorders), resulting in better-quality videos in fast action sequences. The difference is hardly noticeable in normal recording modes.
Video inputs: With these, you can convert video footage from your video recorder or another analog camera into a digital format for editing instead of using a video capture card.
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KG Shankar
02/03/2007 05:11 PM
Beautifully explained in simple form. The information was very useful.
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mr. meggs
20/04/2007 05:15 AM
I found the above information extremely interesting. Thank you.
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roger
01/07/2007 05:57 AM
very helpful. clear, concise and comprehensive. answered the important questions. was a tiny bit suspicious of your recommendation of sony
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peterha
26/08/2007 01:51 PM
what a very old report ('05 in the tech arena is outdated) get a decent dated report "What to look for in a digital camcorder"
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Techdude114
19/11/2007 01:30 PM
Thanks! Really helpful. Can but can you tell me what should be my minimum in an inexpensive camcorder?
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debasish
30/09/2008 07:06 PM
Very clear idea about the basics for a consumer.
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