Buying a Camcorder

Wanting to buy a camcorder, but don't know where or how to start? Here's a quick guide: What are you using the camcorder for? If just for recording family events, view and erase, then just about any camcorder will do. If it's something to preserve important moments, then keep reading. Which format? Older formats: VHS-C, VHS or anything VHS. Newer formats to head toward: DV, MiniDV, DVCam. There are other formats that use DVDs (both regular and mini size) and hard drive storage. These are unproven and any some standardization still needs to occur. Any of the newer formats might be harder to playback on your TV, unless you either play it back from the camcorder or you have similar playback equipment for your TV. Now look at the specifications. Look for a 3-CCD camcorder for the best picture. Most camcorders that only have a 1-CCD chip will show vertical lines when you shoot at night or inside with bright lights (street lights or lamps, for example). The 3-CCD chip arrangement eliminates this and you'll be happier in the long run. Lens choices? You usually have to live with whatever the camcorder comes with, so double check the specs on this, too. Most of them have a zoom feature, but check that the zoom doesn't include the words "digital zoom" for this means that your picture is digitally enlarged (similar to using a computer to zoom into a picture). It's much better to have an optical zoom, plus a digital zoom option. Another often-overlooked concern is sound. Make sure that the microphone on the camcorder is not too close to other controls that you need to use while shooting. You'd be surprised when seeing some camera's controls are too close to the microphone. They tend to pickup hand movement, lens sound (zooming in and out) and wind sound. What else to look for? Think about the weight of the camera and the feel of it. Many camcorders are so light that they tend to make you have trouble when shooting something, for your natural movement can exaggerate the lightweight camera's view. Try one out before buying and make sure it feels comfortable in your hands. Look at the controls. Make sure the zoom, record and other features are easily accessible with your hands, as you may need to zoom out when following action. Finally, see if you can use a unit in a real world situation and do some research. See what your neighbors or your co-workers use. See if they are happy. Research a camcorder on the Internet. It's a great investment, but do you homework!