Choosing a Camcorder

August 03, 2010, By Steve McFarlane 1 comment

There is a dizzying array of features to consider when choosing a camcorder. From high-end models for professionals that cost thousands to budget-priced models targeted at social videographers, there is much to choose from. If you try to make a decision without researching your options, chances are you will simply buy what looks good instead of what would be right for you. Instead, ask yourself “what features do I really need?” and then use that answer as your guide to finding the right solution.

Connections

Ensure that the model you choose connects to the devices you want it to. If you need to play videos on a TV, choose a camera with composite, S-video, HDMI or similar connectors, and ensure that the camcorder has USB and FireWire ports to easily copy files to a computer for editing.

Optical Zoom

The higher the optical zoom the camera has, the more you can pull up a scene without sacrificing video quality. On the other hand, digital zooming magnifies the scene by reducing video quality; optical zooming is better than digital zooming any day.

Digital vs. Analog

Generally speaking, low-end digital camcorders are just as good as the best analog camcorders in terms of video quality. In addition, finding a solution to edit your analog videos on a computer is much more difficult, if not impossible. For these reasons, it's better to choose a digital camcorder instead of an analog model.

Storage Media Type

The type of media that the camera uses will affect the size of the camera as well as what you do with the footage once it is recorded. You may want to make a decision based on whether you already have storage media that you want to continue using, as well as how much storage capacity you’ll need. For example, MiniDV tapes hold a lot of footage but they are more bulky than memory sticks.

Display Screen

Choose a camcorder with a large enough LCD display, at least 2.5 inches diagonally. Also check what the visibility is like in direct sunlight. This is of great importance if you will be using the camera outdoors where direct sunlight makes it difficult to see what is on the screen.

Ease of Use

While many cameras will have more features than the average user will need, satisfy yourself that the menu layout and organization won’t frustrate you. Try to navigate the menus to find the features and settings that are most important to you in order to establish how easy the camcorder is to use.

Exposure Controls

Exposure controls such as exposure shift, manual aperture and shutter settings, selectable gain settings, and zebra stripes create special effects or adjust the camera to take the best videos under various conditions. While the number of options available on many cameras is more than some users need, ensure that what you need is available.

Video Format

While 1080i/p or 720p high definition is a must-have for business videographers, 720p or VGA is good enough for Internet video.

Video Editing

If you are a professional videographer you may want to buy stand-alone video editing software, but if you just want to put in a few transitions and do other light editing, consider buying a camcorder package that comes with video editing software.

Besides the features mentioned above, there are many others to consider, including picture-stabilizing circuitry, selectable frame rates and progressive scan – to name a few. But beyond the basics mentioned, the selection process doesn’t need to be daunting. After you have decided on the features that you absolutely need, let your eyes and hands make the final decision. If the camera suits your taste and feels good in your hands, then it is probably right for you. 

Steve McFarlane is a freelance writer and editor. He is a contributor to Six Apart Media.