How to Choose a Camcorder

Digital CamcorderAdmittedly requests for camcorders, once popular just a few years before, have dropped off now that smart phones and tablets can take pretty decent high definition video. That said, not all tablets and smart phones can outdo a well-equipped camcorder.

Even CNET says, “In fact, we haven’t reviewed more than a handful of 2012 models because the interest hasn’t been there from our readers.” Many camcorders have features that very few smartphones these day have from excellent lens to elongated battery life, to more control over results and much more.

According to CNET, the following are reasons to consider a camcorder in addition to smartphones and tablets are the following:

• Optical zoom and optical image stabilization
• Battery life
• Large, separate storage
• Better autofocus
• More control over results
• Better video quality
• Ability to accessorize with microphones, lights and so on

Therefore, below are several features you should look for and consider when shopping for your perfect camcorder:

1. Easy and Convenient: Consumer Reports extols the camcorder’s ability to fit into one’s pocket but still have the same powerful tools as larger camcorders: “Some (smaller camcorders) have 3D capability, GPS receivers for adding geographical identification (known as geotagging) or built-in, or pico, projectors. It used to be that camcorders were so big and bulky you needed a freight calculator to calculate shipping, but with the latest advanced in technology and competition from smart phones and tablet devices, enjoying a camcorder has never been easier!

2.  Variety: CNET says that camcorders offer a number of different models and types depending on your usage. For more professionals or hard-core amateurs, there are camcorders with serious bells and whistles with more sensitive sensors and powerful lenses that produce better video. They also have accessory shoes for mounting options like microphones. A growing number of the higher end models now support interchangeable lenses as well. You pay for it, though; these cost upwards of $800.

3.  Digital and High Definition: Consumer Reports says that unlike analog camcorders of the past, “…digital camcorders allow you to do a lot more with videos than simply play them back on your TV. You can edit and embellish them with music using your computer, then play your productions on your DVD or Blu-ray player or PC.” Likewise, CNET says, “Even the lowest-end camcorders from major manufacturers record HD-resolution video, though several models do allow you to record at standard definition, too.”

4.  Don’t Buy the Most Expensive One:  Look around because many are good despite the price: The ability to capture HD-quality video is probably within your reach. In fact, most models are priced between $100 and $800, although you’ll still find some models that cost more than $1,000. Many models rated by CNET and others have very good overall quality and produce either excellent or very good picture and audio quality. Most are also easy to use.

5.  Several recording formats are available: According to Consumer Reports, “Internal hard drives, on-board flash-memory, or removable flash memory cards like those you’d use in a digital camera, are the most common formats. Like MP3 players, many pocket models include on-board flash memory. Some models combine two storage options, such as a hard drive and memory card, for added flexibility.

6.  Action camcorders: If you like to watch a lot of sports and go to live games and such (where allowed) you can use what is called “sport and POV (point-of-view) cams” that have tiny mountable video cameras designed for hands-free recording, according to CNET. “This is one of the only segments of the camcorder market that’s actually growing,” CNET reports. They will run from $100 to $400.

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