Digital Camcorder Buying Tips
If you're in the market for a digital camcorder, it's prudent that you arm yourself with a few tips before you buy otherwise you might end up with some thing that does not suit your needs. Below are a few guide lines that will help you along the way.
Take a Look at the LCD screen in daylight, if at all possible
Certain screens will fade out in bright sunlight, and you need to ensure your ability to easily see what you're recording under any circumstances. If you're unable to view the images on the screen in bright daylight, resort to using the viewfinder. Not only will using the view finder get the job done but it will do so without using up a lot of your battery power.
The lens's optical zoom ration is more important than digital zoom ration
With a digital zoom, the camcorder is merely making the image larger through the viewfinder as opposed to actually delivering a closer look. The optical zoom spec is more expedient in that respect and you'll want at least 10X optical zoom.
For Longer recording times buy an additional high capacity battery
The normal battery that comes with majority of camcorders usually only last an hour or so. For $50 to $100, you can purchase a longer-lasting battery, so consider that into your cost if you think you'll need it. There's nothing more frustrating than running out of power in the middle of recording an important event!
Front mounted microphones deliver better results
For the best audio it is better to buy a front mounted camcorder. The microphone has the tendency to capture the voice of the person using the camcorder rather than the event being recorded when the microphone is mounted on the top of the camcorder.
Best sound can be achieved by buying an external microphone
Factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone if the camcorder you're interested in buying has the ability to connect an external microphone as this will give you the best sound possible.
Play and familiarize your self with the camcorder's controls and features before you purchase
Ocassionally the smallest camcorders can be difficult to use, particularly if you have large hands. A bigger model may work better for you if it is more comfortable to handle.
Be sure to examine exposure controls and low-light options
All camcorders come with a completely automatic mode, but certain models have manual and semi-manual exposure modes. For eg, some models allow you to record at slower shutter speeds than others, or have aperture settings that permit more light to enter. Quite a few also offer scene modes, which you might be familiar with from digital still cameras. Low-light options also allow you to shoot in dark environments. Numerous camcorders come with an infrared light or a long shutter mode to assist in capturing images in the dark.
Wide-screen shooting capability and your format
Knowing which format the camcorder records in is very important. The most common formats used are Mini-DVD discs and MiniDV tapes but the most widely available format is the MiniDV tape. Also if you have a HDTV, you'll get a full picture with no black bars at top or buttom if you record with a wide-screen model.
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