However, among a myriad of multi-use products, common sense seeks a video camcorder when video capture and memory is the primary need.
Expect to pay $100 to an upward of $3,000 for available camcorders. Obviously, price depends on efficiency of product and advanced features. Those with commercial or small business aspirations (Many businesses shoot commercials destined for YouTube, Facebook, etc.), seek advanced gadgets, while moms and dads, in need of something simple for taping children’s sporting events, may select a humbler hand-held option.
Regardless of one’s personal pursuits, get better acquainted with the process of buying a video camcorder.
Full-Featured or Pocket Cam
Those kindling a curiosity for film, with little money to invest in the hobby, do well buying a pocket camcorder; pocket devices offer most functions of a full model, yet limited in sight and sound quality. However, those who have higher expectations and experience working a camera prefer full-featured camcorders; to them, hand cams are child’s play.AVCHD or MPEG2 files, of superior quality as compared to hand cams with MPEG4 files, deliver professional-grade images. Expect to pay an upward of $250 for such products. AVCHD Progressive format models are heralded as ‘great quality,’ while the most avid ‘fanboys’ look toward models with 3D video ability, costing $1,000 and more. Most modern camera software is friendly to YouTube and offer users instant upload features.
Storage
Storage is not a problem for video camcorders of today’s standards. However, users need be diligent in transferring images and footage to SD cards or moving content to online editing software programs. Some products do not offer hard drive memory, making transferring to an SD card or computer hard drive a must. Pocket camcorders offer 8 to 16GB of memory, and most models accept SD cards. |
| Image Credits: desktopreality.com |
Megapixels
Novices to experts agree: the number of pixels dramatically influences viewing experience; there’s no exception. Therefore, experts suggest budgeting for a product hosting the most number of megapixels. While the ‘bells and whistles’ attract interest, the real value of video recording is revealed through the presence of added megapixels. As the title would have it, megapixels matter. A 680K lens, considered basic, should be one’s starting point.Zoom
There’s no (zoom) comparison regarding how a pocket camcorder and a full-size recorder zoom on subjects and settings. Those using cameras for commercial pursuits buy cameras with extensive zoom abilities.Sound
Video novices quickly focus on the visual aspect, but forget successful multi-sensory experience involves quality sound. Therefore, there’s no comparison between the low-quality sound a pocket camcorder provides and a larger model, some with 5.1 channel surround sound.One may intuitively compare sound quality, roving YouTube for clips professionally prepared and those seemingly uploaded with smart phones and hand cams. You can use video downloading software like YTD to get videos on your hard drive to study offline. Make sure to remember to respect IP with video downloads.
Advanced Options
Some experts scoff at the mention of extras, reminding that proper navigation of the camera works well enough. As suggested above, devote increased interest toward the number of megapixels. A camera offering great sight and sound is one’s primary need. Extras are often unneeded but come at a price. Additionally, editing software solutions enhance footage, making a number of on-camera functions obsolete.
Steven YoungAbout the Author:
Steven Young has used a number of camcorders in his lifetime. A passionate photographer, you can find his informative articles on a number of Internet blogs.