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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, an analog format camcorder might be something to consider. These devices are being phased out of the market however.

• 8mm records on small tapes but requires users to hook the camcorder up to their TV for playback as the tapes will not fit directly into a VCR.
• Hi8 also records on tape but produces higher quality audio and video than 8mm.  Hi8 is also more expensive than 8mm.

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. 

·        Mini DV provides a digital recording format resulting in higher quality audio and video than older formats.  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.

·        A Hard Drive camcorder records to a built in hard drive and no tape or disc is required. An HDD camcorder tends to be durable and have technologies to avoid damage to the hard drive due to drops or falls. 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.

·        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 Flash Memory camcorder is ultra compact but produces lower quality images and allows for shorter recording times. Some of these devices have built in flahs memory and some have only removable memory (cards and memory sticks.) Some camcorders are hybrids: they have both hard drives and flash memory.

* 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. Of course some camcorders record in HD versus standard definition. HD is a higher quality recording.

·        Frame rate: frame rate helps to determine how smooth your video will look. Clearly a frame rate of 30 frames per second is going to have smoother movement than one recording at 15fps. May amateur film makers also like a 24p mode to give their films a more professional quality.

Basic Features to consider:

• If you want the highest possible audio quality, buy a camcorder with an external microphone jack and get a shotgun or other microphone.
• Image stabilization is an important feature especially if you will be moving around while filming.  You will hear the terms electronic, digital, and optical stabilization.  Optical stabilization is a more expensive feature and is far superior to digital stabilization in its effectiveness and ability to maintain image quality.  Some devices have dual image stabilization; both optical and digital.
• If you want maximum control over image quality, you will need buy a camcorder with manual focus and exposure controls, the ability to obtain faster shutter speeds, and special exposure modes.  Special effects and fade options aren't used routinely but in some circumstances allow much more creativity.
• Zoom. Look for Optical Zoom. Digital zoom merely crops off portions of a picture and then enlarges remaining portions of the image electronically which can erode image quality.  Optical Zoom however, increases lens length and maintains image quality.
• Viewfinders.  Eyepiece viewfinders can be black and white or color.  An LCD viewfinder offers the advantage of allowing the user to more easily view what they are shooting without holding the camcorder to their eye.  Anyone wanting a greater ability to move around while filming should buy a camcorder with a swivel screen.

The internal microphone on a good camcorder can provide adequate audio 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:

• Omni directional:  When you buy a camcorder, it generally has an internal microphone which is omni-directional.  They pick up sound from in front, to the sides, and behind the microphone.  All sound is equally emphasized, thus they tend to get unwanted sounds as well; from internal camcorder noises, breathing from the operator, movement of controls, the wind, conversations behind the camcorder, televisions playing in the background, etc.  These devices are good however when the user wants to record all sounds in a room or in a group of people, and function adequately when there is very little ambient or background noise.
  
  
• Uni-directional:  These devices pick up sound directly in front of the microphone; they help to eliminate background and extraneous noise and are used in instances where a single speaker is the focus of the recording.
  • Shotgun:  These microphones are generally uni-directional and are used to pick up sound from where they are aimed.  These devices pick up sounds from a distance; used in situations where the microphone is not in the picture.  Many consumers choose these microphones for use with their camcorder when filming home movies.
  • Lavaliere:  These can be omni-directional or uni-directional but are most often used when recording individual speakers.  They clip to the clothing.  They can produce unwanted noise due to bumping and rubbing of fabric across the surface.
  • Hand held: Similar to Lavaliere microphones, these are often used for individual speakers/singers and can reduce unwanted noise.  They can be held, placed on a stand, or attached to a boom and held out of the way.
    

• Bi-directional:  These microphones are sometimes used in recording situations where there are two people speaking or playing music and there is one microphone to pick up the sound.
  
  
• Cardioid:  These devices pick up sound primarily in front of the microphone, and to the sides but not from the rear.  They are used to record sound that is close; within 1 to 2 feet of the microphone. These are also selected for use with a camcorder by some home movie makers.
  
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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

• If faster set up is critical, look for lever locks versus twist locks on the legs.

Leveling

Tripods can also help keep a shot level.

• A bubble level on the tripod helps users see when the camcorder is level.
• It is also advisable to get a tripod that allows height/length adjustment of each of the legs independently.  This can assure a level set up even when shooting on uneven ground.
• If a lot of outdoor filming is planned, tripods with a spike should be considered to help stabilize better in these situations.

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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