Digital Camcorders
You’re going for a trip to New Zealand this coming summer. Instead of just taking still pictures with your digital camera, you want to record every step of your journey so that your family and friends can watch this beautiful country up close. What do you have to know before forking out a little bit of money to buy some of the best digital camcorders so that every little detail is taken care of?
Digital Camcorder Buying Guide
1) Recording Medium
There are 3 main types of video recording media that digital camcorders use namely MiniDV, Disc-Based (Mini DVD) and Hard-Drive Based (Microdrive).
a) MiniDV digital camcorders use miniaturized tape cassettes that are capable of recording DV-format video delivering 500 lines of horizontal resolution for up to 60 minutes of high quality video at standard play (SP) speed. By using the camcorder for playback, you are able to watch from a TV or record to a VCR simply by using an S-video input jack or HDMI to get standard or high definition pictures respectively. Frame-to-frame editing can also be done with video editing software on computers. The downside is there is no random access mode, only fast forward when viewing.
b) Disc-based digital camcorders make use of mini DVD (8mm) discs to record high quality MPEG-2 video that can be played back on DVD player at home. They are able to record up to 20 minutes on DVD-R, DVD±RW or DVD-RAM (dual layer) media when selecting highest quality settings. Though the videos can be edited by using video editing software, they are not "frame accurate" hence less control due to compression. Fortunately though they are durable, compact and able to select random access mode upon viewing.
c) Hard-drive based digital camcorders use micro, built-in hard drives to record MPEG-2 videos. They are convenient since the hard drives are fully insulated from external shocks and with no media to carry along, makes great traveling companion. They come in 30GB - 60GB hard drive capacity and able to record up to 2 hours of highest quality videos. Transferring videos to computers are a snap via USB and FireWire and can be edited using video editing software although like the Mini DVD digital camcorders, there is less control due to compression.
2) SD or HD?
Most digital camcorders sold today are standard definition (SD) models but are slowly being swamped with high definition (HD) digital camcorder models. These HD type digital camcorders use higher resolution image sensor along with cutting-edge and advanced recording technology to bring out the best in video recording. HD digital camcorders also record in wide screen (16:9) format hence playback is best viewed using HDTV.
3) Resolution
Expressed in terms of pixels, the higher the effective pixel count a CCD/CMOS produces, the better will be the recording video image. For home videos, an effective pixel count of 300,000 is more than sufficient. For professional videos, look no less than 600,000 effective pixel count for best result.
4) Zoom
Just like digitals cameras, there are 2 types of zooms found on digital camcorders - optical zoom as well as digital zoom. Don’t waste your time looking at digital zoom which tends to increase the pixel size of an image (not the image though) hence lowering the picture quality as a result. You should be concerned with optical ("true") zoom which enlarges an image size (hence the picture quality), which depends on the lens. In digital camcorders look for at least 10x optical zoom for best video quality.
5) Image Stabilization
You know that when recording scenes, it’s not often possible to keep your hands totally shake-free hence sometimes you’ll get blurred videos. With image stabilization, your digital camcorder will record sharp videos that will provide hours of enjoyment for the whole family.
6) LCD Screen & Viewfinder
As with digital cameras, digital camcorders do come equipped with an LCD screen that can be flipped open to let you view what you are going to shoot. LCD screens do use up battery power and as a result the bigger the LCD screen the faster the battery will be used up. The sweet spot appears to be 2.5" - 3.0" screen which would give you significant viewing window just before shooting.
You should also be concerned with a viewfinder, the small window that lets you see the image as you are about to shoot. A viewfinder is best used in place of LCD screen in bright sunlight that would otherwise glare the screen. Using the viewfinder also saves battery and hence helps prolong battery usage time for video recording.
7) Manual Or Automatic Focus?
Automatic focus automatically adjust the digital camcorder to capture maximum sharpness hence you do not have to do anything else - just point and start recording. Manual focus may be needed in certain conditions such as in low light. It’s good if the digital camcorder comes in both focuses so that you can have variety of focus in every possible conditions for best recording experience.
Styles
There are 5 different styles of camcorders available right now namely vertical, horizontal, compact, ultra compact and combo. For home and vacation uses, it is sufficient to go for compact or ultra compact digital camcorder depending on your budget. For those that likes to keep up with fashion, combo styles offers much unique design that are sure to please the eye.
Digital Camcorder Reviews & Ratings
We received the best digital camcorder reviews from professional testers at Camcorder Info, CNET, Consumer Reports and PC World. Professional reviewers there reviewed some of the best digital camcorder models from top-quality makers such as Canon, JVC, Panasonic and Sony. Digital camcorder ratings based on HD picture quality, low-light picture quality, ease of use, image stabiliser and audio quality determines the best digital camcorders in their class.
Best Digital Camcorder (MiniDV)
Digital Camcorder Reviews #1: Topping the list with superb digital camcorder reviews from pros and consumers is the best rated Sony HDR-HC7 6.1-MP MiniDV HD Digital Camcorder. For the ultimate in HD video recording, look no further than this Sony digital camcorder that puts absolute control in your hands in more ways than you could ever imagine. See the world up close sharp and clear through this best digital camcorder from Sony that features 10x optical carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens and 6.1-megapixel 1/2.9" ClearVid CMOS sensor with Super SteadyShot. 2.7-inch 16:9 widescreen touch panel SwivelScreen LCD color monitor lets you see everything up close before recording, up to 270 degrees.
Digital Camcorder Reviews #2: Two thumbs up with impressive digital camcorder reviews from experts and consumers is the best rated Canon HV20 3-MP HD MiniDV Digital Camcorder. For the ultimate satisfaction in video recording, look no further than this stylish Canon digital camcorder to give you advanced features that you crave for. This best digital camcorder from Canon features 3.0-megapixel CMOS sensor, 10x optical zoom lens with DIGIC DVII image processing engine at HD recording modes to ensure superior color and detailed images that is a joy to behold. Comes in 2.7-inch LCD screen. Able to record up to 63 minutes of HD videos.
Best Digital Camcorder (Hard Disk)
Digital Camcorder Reviews #3: Shooting its way to the top with excellent digital camcorder reviews from pros and consumers is the best rated Sony HDR-SR7 AVCHD 6.1-MP 60GB HD HDD Digital Camcorder. For everything you need to shoot flawless & high-definition videos, it has to be this Sony digital camcorder. This best digital camcorder from Sony features 6.1-megapixel ClearVid CMOS sensor with Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens providing 10x optical zoom and coupled with Super SteadyShot image stabilizer at HD mode for rich and stunning videos of exceptional clarity. 2.7-inch widescreen Clear Photo LCD color display screen with SwivelScreen technology makes viewing for recording at any angle a pleasure. Records in 60GB hard drive. Includes manual autofocus for more adventurous shooting options.
Best Digital Camcorder (Flash Memory)
Digital Camcorder Reviews #4: Propelling itself to glory with outstanding digital camcorder reviews from experts and consumers alike is the best rated Panasonic HDC-SD1 Flash Memory HD Digital Camcorder. You could do no wrong with this Panasonic digital camcorder that makes high-quality, crystal clear audio/video recording such a breeze. This best digital camcorder from Panasonic features Advanced Pure Color Engine & together with 3CCD HD image processing circuit to produce exceptionally rich and vibrant images for all to enjoy. Includes Optical Image Stabilizer for shake-free recording. Records into SD/SDHS memory card. At just 2.92 x 2.64 x 5.40 inches and weighing 0.95 lbs, it’s the world’s lightest digital camcorder!
Digital Camcorder Reviews #5: Equally exceptional with exciting reviews from digital camcorder pros and consumers is the top rated Sony HDR-CX7 AVHCD 6.1-MP HD Flash Memory Digital Camcorder. Bring joy to the whole family with this Sony digital camcorder that’s light on weight but heavy on features. 6.1-megapixel 1/2.9" ClearVid CMOS sensor with 10x optical Carl Zeiss lens and Super SteadyShot optical imaging stabilizer creates remarkably detailed and clear video when recorded on HD mode. 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD color display with touch panel SwivelScreen technology lets you view what you’re about to record with utmost precision. At just 2.75 x 2.75 x 5.25 inches and weighing 450g, it makes for great outdoor traveling companion.
Resources: Camcorder (Wikipedia)