| Choosing A Camcorder |
| Monday, 08 September 2008 22:14 | ||||||||||||
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"Standard or High Definition?" |
Whether you are upgrading from an analogue camcorder, updating your digital camcorder or choosing a camcorder for the first time, the decision over what to buy may seem a daunting one, with so many models, features and formats available. 
| Media | Format (SD) | Format (HD) |
| MiniDV Tape | DV-AVI | HDV (MPEG2) |
| DVD | MPEG2 | AVCHD (MPEG4) |
| Hard Disk | MPEG2 | MPEG2 or AVCHD (MPEG4) |
Because of the use of different compression technologies, some of the formats listed above are easier to edit with than others. DV-AVI will be less taxing on your PC than the other formats. MPEG2 is the next in the list in terms of ease of use and compatibility, then finally MPEG4 (often referred to as AVCHD when used in Camcorders). Other older camcorder formats still exist, but are mainly found in the secondhand market. Two notable formats are: Digital8 - this is a Sony format which records DV-AVI onto Hi8 tapes. The video behaves exactly the same as MiniDV tapes, and is a useful format if you have lots of old Video8 and Hi8 tapes, as some of the models allow you to capture these old tapes into digital format straight to PC. Micro MV - another Sony format which uses tapes which are even smaller than MiniDV tapes. The video is recorded as MPEG2. There is general support for this format in editing software, but it is best to check your software before purchasing a MicroMV camcorder.
Other considerations - Camcorder features
Lens - probably one of the most important factors in image quality, look for a camcorder with a quality lens. Brands such as Leica Dicomar and Carl Zeiss generally provide a good level of performance.
Low Light Filming - the ability to film in all lighting conditions is often the real test of a good consumer camcorder. Look for camcorders with larger CCDs. CCDs are the sensors which pick up light information and convert this into a digital picture. The larger the CCD, the more sensitive it will be to light, therefore the better it will perform in low light levels. 1/3 inch is the largest generally in consumer camcorders.
Manual Features - if you want to be more inventive with your film making, or you want to take control of your camcorder to give you the best quality picture at all times, consider the controls your camcorder will give you. All camcorder will run in 'Auto' mode - some do this better than others. There will always be times when manual control will give you a better shot, but these controls need to be easily accessed to be useful.
Viewfinder - increasingly, this feature is being lost from camcorders, but personally I'd never be without one. In bright sunlight, LCD screens can be difficult to use, as the brightness is often not sufficient to see enough detail. Also, LCDs will consume more battery power than viewfinders, so if you are filming long shoots with limited battery power, you'll be glad for a viewfinder.
Attachments - at some point you may wish to attach video lights and microphones to your camcorder. Consider if your camcorder has an accessory shoe, and what type it is. Many newer Sony camcorders come with a proprietary shoe which only accepts Sony accessories which will limit your choice. Many modern camcorders also come without a socket to plug in external microphones, so if you want to use one, you'll need to check this.
Still Photos - many camcorders feature a stills mode. Although all camcorders produce stills which are inferior to dedicated digital cameras, it's always handy to have both features in one device, even if you only use the photos in your home movies.
Final Word
Be clear about your requirements. Think about what you intend to do with your camcorder, and how much editing you'll likely be doing. Consider the features you will need to use, and the connections you may need.
Go to your local retail store and try a few out, see how they handle and how easy it is to get to the controls. Check the size, although smaller may seem better, if it is too small, you may find it difficult to hold it steady.
Also, ready impartial reviews on the web. I recommend CamcorderInfo, as they are impartial (although they bias towards camcorders which offer manual features), and they provide good test analysis on the site.
It's also worth scouting the web for sample footage from different cameras. If you can find the raw footage from the camera, this is better, as you can then also test it in your favourite software and see how easy it is to edit, and if your PC is up to the task.
Useful Links
Cameras, Camcorders and Computers, Delivered free (UK) - www.tribaluk.com
Memory Card Comparison Site (UK) - www.memorycards.co.uk
