Tips For Buying A Digital Camcorder
Saturday, April 5th, 2008If 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.
Look at The LCD Screen in Day Light if you can
You need to ensure that you can use the LCD screen under any lighting conditions as certain screens tend to fade out in bright sunlight. Use the view fiinder if you’re unable to view the images on the screen in bright day light. Using the view finder will not only get the job done but also extend your battery life.
The lens’s optical zoom ration is more important than digital zoom ration
Optical zoom actually delivers a closer view of the image as opposed to digital zoom which merely makes the image larger through the view finder. It’s important to ensure that the camcorder has a minimum of 10X optical zoom.
Buying an additional high capacity battery will ensure longer recording times
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!
Microphones that are mounted in the front get better results
When the microphone is mounted on the top of the camcorder, it has the tendency to capture the voice of the person using the camcorder rather than the event being recorded. In this regard it’s better to buy a camcorder with the microphone mounted in the front.
For best sound buy an external microphone
For the best sound possible, factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone if the camcorder you’re interested in has the ability to connect an external microphone.
Before you purchase become familiar with the camcorder’s controls and feathures
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.
Examine exposure controls and Low-light options
Even though all digital camcorders come with a fully automatic modes certain models are equipped with manual and semi-manual exposure modes which allow you to record at slower shutter speeds, allow you to adjust the apperture settings to permit more light to enter as well as a low-light option to be able to shoot in the dark using infrared light or long shutter mode.
Look for wide-screen shooting and know your format
If you own a high definition TV, you’ll get a full picture with no black bars at the top and bottom if you record with a wide-screen model. Also it is important to know the format the camcorder records in. Majority of camcorders record onto mini-DVD discs or MiniDV tapes. Bear in mind that MiniDV is the most widely available format which is a major boost if you find yourself short on tape while on vacation mainly because Mini-DVD discs are ofttimes difficult to come by.