Digital Camcorder: Research your needs

In order to end up with the digital camcorder best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of digital camcorders are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a digital camcorder.

Research the Market: Digital Camcorder essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the digital camcorder market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Formats: The formats available are tape based (DV and Mini-DV), cassette based (Digital8), disc based (DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW) and flash card based (SD). Many digital camcorders come in the Mini DV (digital video) format. DV uses 1/4" (6.35mm) metal evaporated tape and comes in two cassette formats: standard full-size DV cassettes 4.9” x 3” x 0.6” (125x78x14.6mm) that hold three hours of video and Mini DV cassettes 2.6” x 1.9” x 0.5” (66x48x12mm) that hold one-hour of video. Mini-DV is compatible with any DVD player and allows you to edit from your computer.

Digital8 uses the same videocassettes as the older analog Hi8 equipment, but differs in that the audio/video signal is encoded digitally (using the industry-standard DV codec). Digital8 tapes are physically larger than mini-DV, and can use metal-particle or metal-evaporated media. The standard short-play (SP) recording time is 60 minutes, but this can be lengthened to 90 minutes on long-play (LP). Digital8 still remains a popular product for amateur productions, and Digital8 format is not technically inferior to mini DV, behaving exactly like a Mini DV camcorder.

DVD (digital video disc) is an optical digital disc using the same diameter platter as a CD, but holds much more data. A DVD-RAM is a rewritable DVD that functions like a removable hard disk. DVD-RAM media can be rewritten 100,000 times before it is no longer usable.

DVD-R and DVD+R are competing write-once formats for movies or data, while DVD-RW and DVD+RW are competing rewritable (re-recordable) formats that can be rewritten 1,000 times. For the average consumer, 1,000 rewrites is generally considered more than sufficient.

The latest marketed camcorders use SD (Secure Digital) cards which uses drives about the same size as a CompactFlash card in your digital still camera. SD cards allow increase in additional storage capacity, the camcorders to be pocket sized, and to record over an hour of high quality video.

Hard disk drive: Higher end camcorders generally have a built-in hard drive allowing you to record and store thousands of images without purchasing tapes or videos.

Optical and Digital Zoom: All camcorders are equipped with a zoom lens which is typically operated with a finger control. The typical optical zoom ratios will range from 10:1 to 26:1. Some camcorders also offer a digital zoom which further magnifies the image after the optical zoom is fully extended. The digital zoom enlarges part of the image to fill the screen and this does impact on picture quality. The specifications are not always clear between digital and optical zoom. You will want to look for the maximum optical zoom. A 10:1 ratio is fine for most purposes.

LCD Screens: Digital camcorders may come with both a viewfinder and LCD screen. The LCD screen affords you a larger view to see what you're recording and facilitates playback. Some screens do not work well in bright sunlight. Screen sizes vary from about 2 inches to 4 inches (5.1cm to 10.2cm).

Viewfinder: The viewfinder will allow you to view your picture without use of an LCD screen. Viewfinders do not drain your battery like an LCD screen so can be convenient in helping to conserve your battery.

Size and Weight Controls: Digital camcorders come in different sizes and weights. They generally weigh from less than one pound to three pounds (0.4 to 1.4kg). Some are tiny enough to fit into a pocket, and others are so large that you would seldom consider using it without a tripod. Lightweight camcorders are easier for travel and for hand held recording. However, the controls can be uncomfortable on smaller cameras especially for people with larger hands.

Image Stabilizer: This feature helps to reduce most of the shaking from “camera shake” when holding the camcorder to record. Most camcorders have electronic image stabilizers but some have optical stabilizers as well. Optical stabilizers use the camcorder's lens to compensate for external movement. Electronic image stabilization (EIS) uses internal circuitry to interpret the image after it has been captured. Both are effective, but optical provides better results and is found on more expensive camcorders.

Resolution: Horizontal resolution is a measurement of detail in a single scanning line of the video picture. The higher the resolution, the better the picture.

Batteries: Recording and playback time from a battery will vary, but most camcorders can record for at least one hour with the included batteries. If you will need longer recording time, higher capacity batteries are available. However, these batteries can cost one quarter of what you will pay for a low priced camcorder. Rechargeable and proprietary batteries are significantly higher priced than standard batteries and may not be as widely available.

Microphones: Microphones mounted in front tend to have better sound than top mounted microphones. Some camcorders may have zoom microphones which emphasize the voice/sound of the subject when the zoom lens is used. A few models have wireless microphones, which also have good sound quality. Finally some models have a socket for plugging in an external microphone.

Digital still mode: This feature allows you to take still pictures just as you would with a digital camera. The images are recorded on a memory card. If you will want to print digital stills, a camcorder with more megapixels will give you better picture quality.

CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) Chips: The CCD chip converts light into digital information. Most digital camcorders have one CCD chip, and produce excellent results. More expensive digital camcorders have three CCD chips. On the three chip models, incoming images are divided into three colors (red, green and blue) and each color is sent to its own CCD. This provides for more accurate rendering of colors and higher video quality. Serious shooters may consider the extra cost worthwhile.

Accessories: Digital camcorders vary widely in what is provided with your purchase. The key accessories to look for are power adapters (to plug your camera into an outlet), rechargeable battery packs, battery chargers and cables such as USB and A/V cables. Higher priced camcorders may also offer pouches, lens caps, editing software, earphones, holding straps, and remote controls.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a digital camcorder. For example, will you use the digital camcorder only for recording those special moments or is this a consuming hobby? Will you be making movies in low light? Will you use a tripod or hold the camcorder in your hand?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

Have you used a digital camcorder before?
	If you have used a digital camcorder, work out what you did or didn't like about the digital camcorder. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

How often will you be using the camcorder?
	Irregular users may not need special editing functions or higher priced camcorders with three chips.

Will you be holding it by hand or using a tripod?
	Camcorders can weigh from less than a pound (0.4kg) to three pounds (1.4kg), or more.

Will you be shooting in special lighting, i.e. low light?
	Camcorders may use infrared lights, slow shutter mode, or built in illumination to film in low light. Some also come equipped with night mode settings.

Is the size of the LCD screen important to you?
	Larger screens can be easier to see and help with composition.

Do you want to be able to take still shots with your camcorder.
	Not all cameras come with this facility.

Do you want special editing features, such as a built-in title generator, time and date stamp, and a time code?
	These features can increase the cost of the camera.

Do you already have video editing software?
	You will need to ensure the new camcorder is compatible.

Will this purchase be an upgrade from another camcorder?
	You might just want to upgrade to the latest model with additional features, but if you are changing formats you need to consider related issues like compatibility.

What recording media format do you prefer?
	Prices and recording time vary considerably between Mini DV, Digital8, and DVD formats.

What type of battery does the camcorder use?
	This can be critical in your decision, as not all camcorders will come with outlet power or a battery charger.

How much do you want to spend?
	The more features you want, such as editing, built-in title generators, and time and date stamps, will all add up to extra cost. Don't forget to factor in the additional expense of a bag (if not included), extra batteries, recording media, and any other accessories you may need, like tripods.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of digital camcorders and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.

Video Links

From a MiniDV tape to hard drive - Info
A quick tutorial on how to get video off your miniDV tapes to the hard drive on your computer using windows movie maker. Abit lengthy but informative if your having problems in this area. (8m 08s)