November 19, 2010
Revised November 19, 2010. Copyright
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 Are you ready to buy a digital
high definition (HD) camcorder? Sometimes simply thinking about the
purchase of a high-tech gadget can
seem daunting. Here we'll discuss the basics of how to buy a camcorder.
Particular points to look for and a few specific, top-selling brands
will be touched on in this article.
The Breakdown
A digital camcorder combines a digital camera and a video recorder into
one unit. The recording is then uploaded to a computer operating system
such as Windows or Mac for editing. Most camcorder manufacturers design
their product to work within these operating systems. Carefully read
the specifications in order to ensure that your current software can
edit a recording.
An HD
camcorder refers to video having the capability to capture images
in high resolution in order to create a high definition video you can
share with others. HD has one to two million pixels per frame; this is
roughly five times the amount of standard definition camcorders. Newer
digital devices are HD equipped with a variety of resolutions from
which to choose. The higher the resolution, the more crisp and clear
the image.
Shopping Tips
Try it before you buy it! Test the controls of several models and feel
the weight and balance of each in your hands. A larger model might be
better for someone who has big hands. Sometimes small camcorders can be
hard to use because the buttons and features are fitted so closely
together.
Correct Format: You have to know your computer’s operating system,
whether Windows or Macintosh. A MiniDV Camcorder is currently the best
on the market when it comes to software compatibility. If you’re
purchasing an HD camcorder and you don’t know your operating system,
you may end up having to update your computer and video editing
software. You’ll need a video editing program that can support MPEG
compression.
Optical Zoom Ratio vs. Digital Zoom Ratio: It’s important to take a
look at the lens's optical zoom ratio. The digital zoom enlarges the
image in the viewfinder. The optical zoom gives you a closer look at
the image itself. An optical zoom specification of 10 times, or 10X,
zoom is good.
Internal or External Microphones: Front-mounted microphones deliver
better sound recordings than an internal microphone. An internal
top-mounted microphone usually captures the voice of a person using the
camera and drowns out other sounds. You can purchase an external
microphone if the camera you choose has everything else you like, but
excludes the microphone. Be sure that the camcorder has a place to plug
in an external microphone.
Exposure: All digital
HD camcorders have fully automatic modes and some
have semi-manual exposure modes. Try out different light exposures and
test the results. Bright lights, dusk, dark, low light, flashing light,
all of these will factor into exposure, so you may want to become
familiar with the different modes of shooting with a certain device
before purchasing.
Popular Brands of Camcorder
SVP makes the T900 HD 720p Ultra-Slim Black Digital Camcorder. It has
MP3, camera, 270 Degree Flip and LCD. You can capture clear and smooth
1280 x 720p high-definition video at 30 frames per seconds then upload
to YouTube with software that’s included. This is a very small camera
and is good for the armature videographer.
Aluratek Cinecam HD DV is a handheld digital camcorder. It offers a 5.0
megapixel and 20X zoom. The display is 3.0 inches and you can connect
straight to your computer to transfer pictures and videos. This is a
good intermediate camera at an intermediate price.
More advanced users or those who want a more advanced camera may be
interested in the JVC - Everio X High-Definition Digital
Camcorder with 2.8" LCD Monitor. This camera has a lot of features
including 5X to 8X optical zoom and 200X digital zoom. The 2.8inch LCD
monitor has high speed processing, and image stabilizer to prevent
shake and vibration and a lot more.
So Many Choices
Many choices are available to today's videographers. Don’t settle for a
cheaper camera that may not have all the functions you need; keep
looking for a camera that offers everything you want. You will just
have to upgrade later if you settle for a cheaper version now. Take
your time and get the right digital HD camcorder the first time.
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