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How to Buy a Camcorder
How to Buy a Camcorder Microphone
How to Buy a Camcorder Tripod
Before deciding to buy a camcorder, consumers need to make a number of choices related to both recording format and special options/features.
Recording Format:
An analog format camcorder is an older technology and is larger in size. Image quality is generally not as good as a digital format camcorder and editing is not possible. On the other hand, if cost is the primary consideration for a consumer, they should buy a camcorder with analog format.
Digital format allows for a smaller, lighter camcorder. They allow still shots to be taken although still image quality is never as good as that taken with a regular digital camera. Editing is possible with a digital camcorder and no image quality is lost when making copies. Consumers who are searching for the highest quality video and audio should buy a camcorder with digital format.
· Mini DV provides a digital recording format resulting in higher quality audio and video than either 8mm or Hi8. A mini DV camcorder is currently the most popular on the market. These cameras can be plugged directly into your computer to download video.* A digital camcorder can be connected to the TV to play and can also connect to your VCR for the purpose of copying but they can not play old 8mm or Hi8 tapes
· A Hard Drive camcorder records to a built in hard drive and no tape or disc is required. A HDD camcorder tends to be more durable. Video is downloaded directly to your computer but can be copied to tape or DVD after the fact: for this reason, those who are not tech savvy should probably avoid this type of camcorder.
· Digital 8mm records in digital format on 8mm tapes. This type of camcorder allows you to also playback old 8mm and Hi8 tapes. They can be connected to your TV to play and can also connect to your VCR for copying purposes. A digital 8MM camcorder is bigger and heavier than the Mini DV type of cameras.
· A DVD camcorder records directly to a small DVD. Consumers simply need to be sure that they buy a camcorder which will be compatible with their other equipment. (For instance, that the DVDs will play in their DVD player.) DVD-R discs can not be erased and can be played in most DVD players. DVD-RW and DVD-RAM allow more in camera editing but aren't compatible with some DVD players. Image quality on DVDs does not degrade over time. It is anticipated that DVD camcorders will overtake MiniDV camcorders as the most popular in the future as tapes give way to more durable and compact formats.
· A Memory Card camcorder is ultra compact but produces lower quality images and allows for shorter recording times.
* Video capture cards are needed to download video to your computer.
Keys to Image Quality:
· CCD size; a larger "charge-couple-device" gives the effect of producing more light. For instance 1/4" is significantly better than 1/6". A camcorder with 3 CCDs versus just one is also capable of greater image quality.
· Resolution: 340,000 pixels is better than 250,000. However, beyond this, there is little significant increase in image quality.
Features to consider:
The internal microphone on a good camcorder can provide adequate sound but in many cases it picks up a significant amount of noise and unwanted sound which distorts or masks out much of the desired sound. For optimal sound recording with a camcorder an external microphone is recommended. Thus, those wanting optimal audio should buy a camcorder which has a jack for an external microphone.
The type of microphone that functions best is dependent upon what type of recording you wish to do. Below is a description of the various types of microphones and related terminology you will hear when shopping for these devices:
A tripod is probably the most critical accessory to consider when buying a camcorder. They provide the stability needed to get good video and audio. Less camera movement means better film.
Here are some hints as to features to consider when purchasing a camcorder tripod.
Sturdiness
If the function of the tripod is to steady the camcorder a sturdy base is necessary.
· Dual-stanchion legs provide good stability as they have two poles on each leg.
· Tripods put together with nuts and bolts tend to tolerate wear and tear better than riveted ones.
· The true test of a tripod is to set it up and apply firm downward pressure to assure there is no flexing, bending, or collapsing.
Ease of Set Up
Leveling
Tripods can also help keep a shot level.
Weight
Because using a tripod is critical to a great looking movie, buyers want to be sure that they won't mind carrying it anywhere. However, stability and strength should not be sacrificed for portability.
· For a really lightweight but strong tripod, look for the ones made of titanium, carbon fiber, or a similar lightweight material.
Smooth Movement
The camcorder tripod should allow for flawless panning when following action.
· Ball heads on the tripod can provide the smoothest motion while panning. Using the head on a tripod before making a purchase can help buyers assure it has smooth, jerk-free movement.
Balancing
· For more advanced film makers, a tripod with adjustable counterweights can help balance the camcorder as various lenses which can change the weight distribution are attached to the camera.
Consumers need to determine what type of filming they will be doing and then identify the features that will be most important for those situations.
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