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Choosing a Travel Camcorder
By Christina Mulberry
Traveling is something that millions of people enjoy but seldom get to do. Taking a camcorder along can help preserve the memories of the places, experiences, and people encountered while away. Although many camcorders can record good video, there are a few things shoppers might want to consider before choosing a travel camcorder. Certainly, any camcorder selected will be used for non-travel purposes as well, so core features need to be considered first. A device with optical image stabilization, a good lens, adequate zoom, high frame rate, and so forth will always be important to think about. Better devices will also include a built in video light, numerous scene modes, and an external mic jack for creating better video and audio. However, if the camcorder will be used for travel purposes, there are some specific features that will make it even more suitable in these situations.
-- Optical image stabilization A tripod can certainly help reduce camera shake and the resulting jitteriness of the video recorded. Carrying a compact tripod is smart, but most travelers won't want to deal with toting around the extra equipment. As mentioned above, optical image stabilization is important in any instance when hand holding a camcorder, but when traveling it is critical since it is rare that a tripod will be used.
-- Size and Type of Camcorder Most travelers will want a very portable device when they're on the road. Something that packs away in a small space and isn't a burden to carry. A hard drive camcorder tends to be heavier and a DVD or or mini-DV camcorder tends to be bulkier than a flash memory camcorder. Flash memory camcorders are often preferred for travel due to their compact size and light weight. A flash memory camcorder also tends to tolerate travel because it doesn't have the moving parts that can easily be damaged by being bumped around. In addition, there won't be disks or tapes to tote around. They will have some built-in flash memory and a card slot for a memory card which is much smaller than disks and so forth.
-- Memory That built-in flash memory and memory card makes a flash based camcorder great for portability. Shoppers however, do need to be sure they know how much filming they will be able to store with the available memory. There's nothing worse than running out of storage space mid-trip. Information about how much built-in memory is available, what type of cards the card slot will accomodate (high capacity?) and the resolution of recordings are important. High resolution is good but it takes up more memory as well. Taking along more memory cards or making plans to download can certainly help remedy concerns.
-- Battery Life Taking along extra batteries and/or a battery charger is a must. However, before choosing a travel camcorder, shoppers would be wise to compare how long the camcorder will operate on a single charge.
-- Still Photos Of course when traveling, having the ability to take still photos is also desirable. Most travelers don't want to deal with more equipment however. Luckily, many camcorders are capable of also capturing still images. They don't have the same capabilities as a standalone digital camera, but they can often do an adequate job. For the best still images, shoppers will need to be sure they know the camcorder's capabilities specifically related to those shots. For instance, will the zoom work when taking still photos, is there a flash, what is the resolution or effective megapixels for photos, and so forth? Two to three effective megapixels for still images would be a good minimum.
-- GPS Sometimes knowing where a piece of video was shot or a picture was taken can be difficult after the fact. A camcorder with built-in GPS can identify location and automatically tag images/video so that this information doesn't rely on a person's memory. This also allows the device to automatically set the time no matter what time zone the traveler ventures into. -- Special Filming Needs Some travelers have specific filming needs that should be considered. If you snorkel or want to film near the water, then a waterproof camera could be a smart choice. These devices can operate just fine even when submerged. Buyers just need to know the specific qualifications of the camcorder they're considering. Some are waterproof to 3 feet, others 10 feet or more. There are a limited number of waterproof models, so waterproof camcorders are generally selected only when filming in such conditions are a specific need of the user. Another specific filming need might be low light shooting. If a great deal of video will be shot in the late evening or inside darkened churches, museums, and so forth, then a camcorder that performs well in low light conditions might be considered. These camcorders tend to have larger lenses, larger aperture, and sometimes a larger, low noise sensor. Optical image stabilization is also a must. Most people won't buy a travel camcorder and a separate device for "everyday" use. However, if a buyer knows that their camcorder will be used a great deal for traveling, then some of the features listed above should be considered before making a purchase. |
Best Camcorders for Still Pictures
| The Waterproof Camcorder
| Finding the Best Low Ligh Camcorder
| GPS Camcorder Models
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I am NOT a technophobe, but I bought a Mino HD and it has done everything I can imagine for me, even take still shots and they look great.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Pocket camcorder are great. They are so affordable and now so many of them film in HD. Maybe if I drop some hints I'll get one next Christmas ;)
It isn't fancy, but my little digital camera takes short segments of video so occasionally I snap something interesting.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
My camera has to suffice as my camcorder as well. I'm not a multiple gadget kind of person.
i really think a tripod is important. I found a lightweight one on eBay that is remarkable.It folds up so small that you can tuck it in a backpack. Granted, the light weight means it is less stable than the heavier ones, but even so, its better than not using a tripod at all. Good intel, thanks.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
I agree completely, a tripod is definitely extremely important.
Boy oh boy... Isn't technology wonderful? Of course, Christina, I am severely technology challenged. I wouldn't know what I was looking at anyway...
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
It's only wonderful to the extent that it works, and does so without confusing or frustrating. If I have to take a college course to understand it, I generally take a pass on it.
Thank you for sharing all of this great information, Christina. Coming from the days of the Kodak Box Camera, I am electronically challenged. I can take some digital camera pics, if my wife downloads them to the computer.
Keep up the good work.
Best wishes.
Frederick
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
My computer accepts memory cards, so the process is simple. Insert the card, then click yes when the little box pops up on the computer screen. Gotta love it. ;)
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This intel was contributed by mulberry
mulberry
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May, 2012
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