Camcorder Buying Guide

There is a wide range of camcorders available to buy online, with a variety of features and prices to suit most needs and budgets. Here are some useful hints and tips about things to consider when choosing a camcorder.

How to Choose the Best Type of Camcorder

Camcorders have evolved significantly since the 1980s, when video camera recorders were introduced into the mass market. Today's models of camcorder are less bulky and cumbersome than their predecessors, with better features and recording quality.

One of the key factors in your choice of camcorder should be its recording format. There are three main camcorder recording formats:

DVD: DVD camcorders use 8cm discs, which are compatible with most DVD players and computers for playback or editing. The main types of DVD used for recording are DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD RAM. The DVD-RW format is the most compatible and can be recorded over. DVD-R is as compatible as DVD-RW but can only be used once. DVD RAM discs are great for editing on the camcorder but won't play on many models of DVD player.

DVD camcorders use a high compression scheme in order to fit 20 minutes of footage on one disc. While they cannot hold as much information as MiniDV camcorders, they are of the same quality, and are easier to access for creating thumbnail scenes or chapters. Unlike other types of camcorder, you can simply record on to the DVD and then pop it into your DVD player for instant playback.

MiniDV: This is the most popular camcorder format. Launched in 1994, the MiniDV format is a digital tape cassette the size of a soap bar, offering a lightweight and compact design.

One of the reasons why MiniDV is so popular is that it is a versatile recording format. MiniDV camcorders allow frame by frame editing, have a higher recording capacity (with up to 90 minutes on one tape)

and connect easily to computers for editing, televisions for playback, and VCRs for storage.

MiniDV camcorders are easy to handle thanks to their lightweight design, and because they are small in size, they are ideal for holidays or whenever you want to film when you're on the move.

Hard Drive: Becoming increasingly popular for their ease of use and portability, hard drive camcorders record on to either a fixed or removable hard disc drive ' much like the hard drive in a computer. This makes it possible to store as much as 7 hours of high quality recordings and, as the technology improves, more hard drive camcorders are coming onto the market with even more storage space and better recording quality and features.

The main advantage of the hard disc drive camcorder is that it does away with the fuss of having to store tapes or discs. Once you've made a recording, you can keep it on the hard drive, or transfer it to your computer. Hard drive camcorders use the DVD-quality MPEG-4 digital movie format, and can even be used for producing high quality still photographs.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Camcorder

To get the most from your camcorder, be sure to choose a model with the features and specifications that best meet your needs.

Here is a selection of features and key points to consider when choosing a camcorder:

Dimensions: Camcorders come in various sizes. A smaller camcorder may not necessarily offer fewer features.
LCD screen: The LCD screen lets you look at the actual film while it is being made. It also doubles up as a playback screen when you're on location, and usually serves as a menu display.
Compatibility: If you want to use your camcorder with your computer and home entertainment appliances, make sure it is compatible.
Software: Camcorders often come with software that you can use on your computer to edit and enhance footage. Make sure this is compatible with your computer. More professional software packages are also available if you want to add a finer touch to your movies.
Night vision: This is a great feature that will enable you to film at night or where there is limited light, using infrared technology.
Image stability: An image stabiliser will stop the image from wobbling, so you don't need to worry about keeping a steady hand.
Zooms: Look out for camcorders with a high optical zoom range. While a digital zoom is useful, the quality goes down as the image is magnified, whereas an optical zoom maintains the quality.
Special effects: These can add to the overall impact of your footage. Special effects include mirror ball, sepia tone, monotone, and modes to stretch or narrow the picture.
Manual focus: Most camcorders will focus automatically, but from time to time auto focus will not appreciate certain objects, so manual focus puts you back in control.

Set a Budget Before You Buy a Camcorder

Once you've decided which type of camcorder you are interested in, it's worth setting a spending limit. By shopping around online, comparing camcorder prices between retailers, and taking advantage of special offers and discounts, you might even get a better model of camcorder for your money.

Camcorders bought online will usually come with a warranty, offering repair or replacement under certain conditions. Warranties are often free for new camcorders and last for around two years or more.