Tips on Buying a Digital Camcorder
Last week on Sound Money Tips we wrote about the best free video editing software. This week we’re taking one step back and offering up some tips on how to get the best camcorder for the cash. Choosing a DV camera is very much like shopping for a digital still camera, and can be equally as challenging. There are easily more than a dozen features to consider, and even more models to choose from, with prices ranging from less than US$800 up to around $4000 for high-end semi-professional models. Before you cough up the moolah for a new moviemaker, keep your eye out for the following key factors:
1. Video Storage Format - There are currently five types available ranging from the most popular MiniDV, DVD disc, hard drive and flash-based camcorders, to the more obscure Digital8, and Sony's MicroMV. MiniDVs tend to be smaller and relatively more expensive (around US$1000) than Digital8, which has the advantage of playing back analog Hi-8 as well as standard 8 mm tapes. On the other hand, because the MiniDV is the most widely-available and easily transferable to PC, it’s easy to support. Also, it captures an impressive 500 lines of resolution, compared to around 400 lines for Hi8 camcorders. If you want to prep video for the Web, write to DVD, or VideoCD with little or no editing of video, a disc-based camcorder may be the ideal solution. DVD camcorder models are $1100 - $2400, with more expensive ones offering larger optical zoom lenses and high digital still image resolutions. But, dics are not as indestructible as you may think, and the price per MB is expensive compared to alternatives such as tape. As for hard drive-based cameras, they are cool because there is no need to reconvert footage for the computer, and editing from within the camcorder is a breeze. There's also the cost savings from not having to purchase additional tapes. Limitations include: the inability to add additional storage, and the relative fragility when compared to other storage options such as Flash Memory and CD-based media. There are also High Definition (HD) camcorders, but for now there are only three or four models available, with the cheapest priced at around $7,000.
2. Optical Zoom vs. 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. 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. 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.
3. LCD and Viewfinder - Most camcorders now come with at least a 2.5-inch color 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. Color viewfinders are now found on most digital camcorders, but you will probably end up using the LCD display most of the time. It’s a good idea to check out the LCD screen in daylight, if possible since some screens will wash out in bright sunlight, and you'll want to make sure you can easily see what you're recording in any conditions.
4. Auto Focus - These systems are great, although a manual focus option can be very handy in conditions such as low light or when focusing on a subject against a landscape. Available on most camcorders, the manual focus control can be found either as a ring on the lens itself or as a dual button system on the camcorder's body.
5. 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 or memory stick. 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. Some of the latest models have broken the megapixel image barrier and a few offering 3Mp still image capabilities, but most offer no more than 1Mp.
6. CCDs - Usually employed in semi-pro or professional camcorders, 3CCD (Charge Coupled Device) cameras tend to produce better and clearer images due to the use of three CCDs, the sensors which create a video picture by recording light intensity to recognize an image shape and levels of red, green and blue (RGB), instead of one. However, cameras with one CCD are often good enough for most consumer purposes. 3CCD camcorders ring in above the $2000-$2500 mark.
7. Lighting – Built-in lighting systems such as infrared allow you to record video in low light, as do long shutter modes.
8. Image Stabilization - This feature, on most latest digital camcorder models, helps correct image blurring due to the shaking of the camera during recording.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Program AE (Auto Exposure) - Allows the camcorder to set all the functions for shooting certain types of footage: Portrait, Sports, High Speed Action, Twilight, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, and Low Light, so that all you have to do is point and shoot.
12. Titling - Most video camcorders these days provide a titling feature in the camcorder itself; if you intend to edit the footage on a PC, avoid it. The title effects on many camcorders are quite limited and can't be removed afterwards.
13. Battery - Virtually all new camcorders use a rechargeable battery that lasts around an hour, so it may be a good idea to pick up a spare battery. For around $100, you can buy a longer-lasting battery, so factor that into your cost if you think you'll need it. Remember though, larger batteries add to the camera's weight.
14. Microphones – Front-mounted microphones get better results. Top-mounted microphones tend to capture the voice of the person using the camera, and drown out everything else. For the best sound, buy an external microphone ($100-150).
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