How to Choose A Camcorder

 Remember those old home movies taken with a huge camera and shown on a projector?  When camcorders were introduced they were an expensive but alluring alternative to the old-fashioned movie camera and projector.  Modern camcorders are an affordable, convenient way to memorialize important moments in life.  Understanding the available options can help shoppers decide the best camcorder for their needs. 

Media Type 
While their availability is limited, users can find older analog camcorder models for about $200 to $300.  These have a somewhat worse quality picture than digital camcorders  and allow users to play a tape back in a VCR. 
Digital camcorders can give users the same ability but offers higher resolution and the opportunity to edit video on a computer.  Basically there are three different media types – tape, flash and DVD. 

• tape camcorders records to digital videotape;
• flash camcorders don't use tape or DVD but record video to a flash media card; and
• DVD-recording camcorders that record video directly to a DVD disk in three different formats, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM (both accommodate in-camera editing) and DVD-R, which does not support in-camera editing.

Camcorder Functions 
Besides different media options, there are many optional functions to choose from when purchasing a camcorder, such as: 

• manual control, which allows the user complete control, and/or automatic control that allows a user to “point and shoot”;
• low light performance to take videos in a variety of lighting conditions;
• optical and digital zoom lenses for close-ups;
• manual audio control to adjust sound;
• widescreen  mode to convert videos to a 16:9 aspect ratio so they look like motion pictures;
• playback through a viewfinder or LCD screen that folds out so users can see what they film before connecting to a television or showing a DVD; and
• image stabilization for times when a tripod is not convenient to use.

If a user purchases a pricey camcorder, they will want to explore warranty options.  Many camcorder models come with a one-year limited warranty and purchasers can usually buy and upgraded warranty to cover additional time, parts and services. 

Popular Brands and Prices 
The most popular brand of camcorder today is Sony.  Other brands frequently used include Canon, JVC, Panasonic and Hitachi.   
The cost for a camcorder ranges from $200 to $2,000, depending on the features and type of camcorder chosen.  For older analog models, the cost is anywhere from $200 to $400.  A lower end DV camcorder with decent quality home video and 25-32X zoom runs between $300 to $500.  Middle grade DV or DVD camcorders, including certain high definition models, cost between $500 to $1,000.  For high end cameras that can be used for formal productions, the price ranges from $800 to $2,000. 

Camcorder Batteries 
When a camcorder is purchased, it should come with at least one battery, a charger and the cables for connecting the camcorder to a television.  A camcorder battery is rechargeable, just like a cell phone battery.  Most batteries average about 300 to 400 lifetime charges.  The battery  life is affected by how often it is used.  Having an extra battery is advisable in case a battery unexpected loses life during important filming. A battery usually lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours of use. 
Users can choose to purchase extended life batteries, also known as high capacity batteries.  These batteries have a time capacity of 3 to 5 hours and take less time to charge.  There are also super extended life batteries available that have a capacity of 6 to 12 hours recording time.  Extended-life batteries are most costly but offer the advantage of additional recording time.   
Camcorder batteries are rated in milliampere hours (mAh) and the higher the mAh number, the longer the battery will last per charge.  The top quality camcorder battery today is lithium-ion because it is the lightest in the market and last the longest. 

Taking Quality Films With a Camcorder 
Having a great camcorder is just the first step toward creating fantastic films of friends and family.  A few simple shooting tips can help new users get terrific films: 

• minimize the use of the zoom function in the beginning to avoid blurry films;
• slow zooming is more interesting to watch than a quick zoom;
• a tripod helps new users keep the camcorder stable;
• users should avoid special effects unless they are seasoned film makers;
• beginning should film where there is plenty of light; and
• always take extra film because it can be edited out later but a lost moment can never be recaptured.

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