Features to look for in a camcorder
If you're on the look out for a new digital camcorder then you need to know what type of features to look for. It's easy to get confused and hard to make sense of all the specifications. Looking for the right features is the key in finding the best camcorder for your needs. While you compare digital camcorder reviews and ratings, there are some items to consider.
You should have a general idea of what you need the mini dv camcorder for. Do you need a video camera for home movies? Or are you looking for a professional camcorder, for your next feature film? Think about what you are looking for so your camcorder comparison shopping won't take as long.
Zoom
All digital camcorders have a zoom feature. Older analog camcorders only had optical zoom, but new digital video cameras have both optical and digital zoom. There is a difference between these two types of zoom. Optical zoom physically lengthens the lens,and will still give your videos high image quality. However digital zoom basically blows up the scene in a digital format. The problem with digital zoom is that when you zoom in on a subject the video becomes pixilated and blocky with little squares giving the video a blurred and distorted look.
If you're wondering which zoom is better and more important, optical zoom. The more distance that your optical zoom can do, the more flexibility that you have when focusing in on a subject. I suggest a minimum of 10x optical zoom for most consumers.
CCD Sensors and Resolution
The video quality in a dv camcorder is dependant on the CCD, which is an abbreviation for charged-coupled device. The CCD is an image sensor that converts light into pixels to produce images; your digital camera works in the same way. You can find camcorders with one CCD or three CCDs. One CCD camcorders are less costly however you will compromise the color quality in the video. 3 CCD camcorders on the other hand provide the best color quality. The reason being is that there are 3 CCDs. Digital camcorder models with three CCDs (one each for red, green and blue) give your video the most vivid colors possible, but the price is more than 1 CCD video cameras.
Viewfinders & LCD Screens
It's important to find the best possible viewfinder when comparing camcorders. The viewfinder is the heart of the camcorder without it you can't see what you are filming. Viewfinders cam in black and white, if you buy a cheap camcorder you will be stuck with a black and white screen. Personally I like my color screen, you can see the exact color and video quality as it will appear in the video. Sizes for LCD screen range from 2 to 4 inches across.
Digital Video Editing & Still images
Almost all newer digital video camcorders have FireWire (IEEE 1394). This feature enables you to transfer digital video footage from your camcorder to your computer system in the fastest possible way. The newest models even have the ability to take digital still images and video and transfer them to your computer for emailing to friends and family.
About the author:
R Gazzo offers info on where to find the best digital camcorders. You can read camcorder ratings as well as camcorder reviews
Written by: Richard Gazzo
Consumer Reports On Digital Cameras
Dv camera 4 features , You shop when you digital zoom summary when shop look out Buying a digital camera digital camera comparisons selecting a digital camera choosing a digital camera
Feature: Excerpt: Take Control of Buying a Digital Camera
Choosing a DSLR camera is less about model trade-offs and more about finding a total system that works the way you do. This excerpt from "Take Control of Buying a Digital Camera" helps readers determine the best camera for their needs and provides a detailed guide to buying a digital camera with looks at the latest trends, camera models, and pricing.
Digital Camera Question (devilskater)
Hey mates, I was thinking of buying the Canon EOS 350D. It is the camera of the year 2006 ... and the price is pretty sweet. However, I have a question ... I heard one can buy JUST the camera body (without the lenses), which would be...
Fujifilm E510 Digital Camera Reviews
Canon powershot a510 review 7 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical zoom And free shipping buy 1 get 1 free color camera phones Click here to check neat image Search camera photo electronics all products item information explore this item buying manufacturer canon cameras us discover similar items in camera photo custome info product specs accessories product description customer reviews see more by this