How to choose a camcorder

For a newbie, purchasing a camcorder can be an expensive and complicated process, what with the numerous different camcorders out there. But it's really not that difficult. Here's how we help you straighten things out.

Your shooting requirements

Camcorder types:
Digital video camcorders come in various formats, from MiniDV and DVD to hard drives and flash memory cards. It is vital to know what each can offer as the format you choose often determines the design, features and price of the camcorder. In most cases, it also affects the way you process the video after it is shot. Let's take a closer look at some of the popular camcorder formats available today. (For this guide, we will be focusing on only digital camcorders as analog camcorders are slowly being phased out.)

MiniDV:
One of the most widely supported formats in the market today, MiniDV camcorders are popular among consumers for their affordable price and compatibility with video-editing software. It is also believed that the MiniDV format captures good-quality video. In terms of size, MiniDV camcorders are often smaller than DVD camcorders but not as compact as those using flash memory cards for storage. One of the advantages of this format is that you can find the tapes easily in stores, which makes it really convenient to buy when one runs out of recording media.

DVD:
DVD camcorders have in the last few years grown in popularity and can be commonly found in the product lineups of most major manufacturers. The convenience here is that video footage is recorded directly onto DVD recordables (and DVD rewritables) and these discs can be played back on a computer or standard DVD player deck. However, DVD discs are often associated with relatively short recording times (especially at high-quality modes) compared with other formats. DVD camcorders also tend to be larger in size.

Hard drive:
After a slow start in the industry, hard drive-based camcorders are finally starting to find their way into the mainstream market. Though this format is still relatively more expensive than DVD and MiniDV, hard drive camcorders are generally quite compact and can store a lot more video footage. The fact that you can access any part of the footage on the drive also gives it an edge over the MiniDV format. The tradeoff is that you are limited by the memory capacity of the hard drive. Once it is full, you'll have to transfer the video content to a PC before you can resume shooting.

Memory card:
Camcorders using flash memory media for storage are slowly gaining momentum in the market. They are usually very compact in terms of design and are relatively more rugged than the other formats since flash has hardly any moving parts. While earlier flash-based camcorders were often not considered as real camcorders due to their lower-quality video capture, recent product releases with improved features have proven that they can compete with the other formats. Lower prices and higher capacity in memory cards also work in the favor of flash memory camcorders. Note: Most digital camcorders these days are equipped with an additional flash memory card slot for storing still images and low-resolution video.

Should you go for an HD camcorder?:
High Definition (HD) camcorders produce footage which is typically sharper due to their higher resolution, but they may not be for everyone. For a start, HD camcorders are generally more expensive than their standard definition (SD) counterparts. Video content from HD cams also tends to be relatively more tedious to render (a powerful PC will be needed) and output, and is currently compatible with only a few editing software.

Camcorders are like digital still cameras in that a higher capture resolution doesn't always translate to better-quality images. It often depends on the other components of the camcorder, such as the lens, sensor and image processor. So keep the above considerations in mind when considering an HD camcorder.

Smaller isn't always better:
While size and weight are key factors to consider, getting the smallest and lightest video camera out there may not always be the best solution. For one thing, the most compact camcorders usually cost more. The tiny form factor also means tradeoffs in terms of features. For instance, most ultracompact camcorders sport only top-mounted microphones due to the limited space on the device. (Front-mounted microphones are generally known to produce better sound.) The LCD screen is usually smaller, too, and chances are there may not be a viewfinder.

More importantly, the smallest video cameras are often known to be less comfortable to hold. The controls also don't sit well with the natural grip of the hand, making ultracompact camcorders harder (and sometimes frustrating) to use, especially for those with large hands. That said, a heavy and bulky camcorder will probably tire your hands quickly. Remember that unlike digital still cameras where you can just shoot and go, using a camcorder will require you to hold it up to capture the footage, which can be tiring with prolonged usage.

Key specs that matter:
Camcorders generally come with a long list of specifications which can be very confusing and really don't give you the full picture of the product. However, looking out for the key features can often help to narrow down your choices.

• Microphone placement: A camcorder's ability to capture good sound is important. Those with front-mounted microphones generally perform better than those with top-mounted microphones. So watch out for camcorders with zoom microphones that emphasize the voice of the subject you zoom at. There are also those which come with a jack for plugging into an external microphone.
• Lens: You should be concerned only with the lens' optical zoom capabilities, which is typically at least 10x for most camcorders in the market today. Don't let the high digital zoom ratings advertised by manufacturers influence your purchasing decision. Shooting with digital zoom often results in grainy and generally poor-quality images.
• LCD screen: Get an LCD monitor that's relatively large so you can see what you are shooting at and view your playbacks comfortably. You'll also want to test the camcorder screen to ensure it performs well under strong sunlight if you plan to shoot outdoors frequently. Most new camcorders come equipped with a widescreen display to facilitate shooting in the widescreen format.
• Viewfinder: Not all camcorders these days come with a viewfinder. It is useful for shooting in bright conditions where your LCD screen will be washed out. Viewfinders also consume less power than LCD display, which helps conserve battery life.
• Image stabilization: There are two main types of image stabilization technologies currently available. Electronic image stabilization crops the image to reduce jerkiness and is commonly found in many camcorders. Optical image stabilization, which is often considered the better of the two, "floats" the lens mechanimism to counter the external movements.
• Digital still capture: If you are planning to capture still images with your camcorder, you'll want a sensor with at least a 3-megapixel capture resolution. This should offer enough image resolution for printing as well. However, it should be noted that the quality of still images from camcorders tend to be of lower quality than dedicated digital still cameras.
• Connectivity: Most camcorders use either FireWire or USB 2.0 for transferring video to the PC. You will typically find S-video and composite-video ports for connecting to a TV for playback of the footage, though some of the newer HD models also offer HDMI connectivity.



If you're shooting outdoors a lot, invest in a good carrying case and tripod.
• Low-light modes: Camcorders are often fitted with features such as an infrared light, long shutter mode or LED light for shooting in low-lighting conditions.
• Essential accessories: There are several accessories which allow you to get more out of your camcorder. Besides extra DVD discs, MiniDV tapes and flash memory cards, an additional battery is always good to have especially for long shooting sessions. A compact and light tripod may be worth investing, too, if you want to keep your videos free of jerky footage. Most camcorders come with bundled software for video editing, but you'll probably need to buy other compatible software packages if you want more creative control. For those who shoot outdoors frequently, a good carrying case is essential as it helps to protect the camcorder and other accessories from the elements.

Your budget

Like digital still cameras, prices of camcorders have dropped significantly over the past few years. An entry-level digital video (DV) camcorder a couple of years ago would have cost at least S$1,000, but now you can probably get it at half that price and with better features. That's not all. Vast improvements in camcorder technology have also made the product smaller, lighter, more powerful and yet easier to use. Thus, it is not difficult to see why many consumers these days are looking to buy a camcorder, be it for recording memorable vacations or precious family moments. For the newbie, establish your budget first, then understand the types of camcorders out there and which suits you better. Make sure you get the most for your money. The ideal camcorder should be one with a good balance of features, price and form factor. Once you're established the above, do go to the store and try out the video camera before buying.