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Getting the Right Camcorder
By Christina Mulberry
I've written quite a bit about digital cameras and camcorders, their various features, technologies, and so forth. I've devised a few buying guides as well. However, I often encounter individuals who have a core concern that really whittles down the options to just a dozen or fewer choices. I'll cover some of these core concerns here. You can think of this as a kind of non-traditional buying guide for finding the right camcorder. --I want something small enough to fit in my pocket and super easy to use. This makes the task really easy. This person probably wants one of the pocket camcorders that have become so popular in the last couple of years. The Flip Mino HD, Kodak Zi8, Samsung HMX-U20, and Sony Bloggie are just a few of the options. These devices have simple controls and allow you to upload online with the push of a button. Their video capabilities are increasingly good but they don't have many of the higher end features. They tend to be at the lower end of the price range for camcorders, mostly under $300. Some of the older models that don't record in HD can be found for around $100. --I want something that I can take to the beach, a pool party, snorkeling, or kayaking with me. Many people love the outdoors. They want to be able to take their camcorder along to record events and not worry about the device being destroyed by a bit of moisture. Well, these people are in luck. There are of course, waterproof camcorders available, although not a large number that are affordable. The Kodak PlaySport is one of the newest options and it's very reasonably priced around $150. However, Sanyo and Panasonic also have some waterproof camcorders as well. Of course, these camcorders can also be used outside of the water and are also fairly rugged all around. Buyers need to understand however, that these devices are waterproof only to a certain depth. Generally about 10 feet is their maximum. -- I want to be able to get good video in low light. Both cameras and camcorders are dependent upon light to get good images. With a digital model, a good sensor, the right lens, some optical image stabilization, and a few other factors can certainly help. There are several camcorders on the market that will do a better than average job in low light and nighttime shooting situations. Sony probably has done the most in this area. Their Sony HDR-HC9 and Sony DCR-SR80 are just two examples. Of course, these models will be priced around $800 and higher. -- I don't want to buy both a camera and a camcorder. I want a camcorder that will also take good still pictures. Not a problem. A camcorder won't be able to produce the kinds of images a high end digital camera can, but they can do a pretty reasonable job if you choose the right one. A good lens, optical image stabilization, and a good sensor are what's needed of course. But you also want to look at camera functions. You'll want the scene modes, auto focus, flash, and so forth. You'll also want to be sure the optical image stabilization can be used when shooting stills. The Canon VIXIA HFS10 and Sony HDR-SR12 are just two possibilities. -- I want to be able to geotag my video. GPS on digital cameras has become quite popular with some individuals. If you travel a great deal it's particularly nice. Now there are also a number of good camcorders that offer this same ability to geotag what you capture, automatically set their clock no matter where you are, and identify your location. The Sony HDR XR200V and Sony HDR XR200V are two of the options. -- I want a camcorder that provides better audio. This is a tough one. A good, well placed microphone is important and not that many consumer camcorders have them. But some are certainly better than others. Of course, another important factor is what the user does to better capture sound and eliminate intruding noise. Stereo microphones, zoom microphones, and having a 3.5mm jack to attach an external microphone are some things to look for when shopping. For now however, the Zoom Q3 and Canon FS200 are two of the options. So there you have it. Some of the frequently voiced needs I hear and a buying guide that addresses them. |
The Best Pocket Camcorders
| The Waterproof Camcorder
| Finding a Low Light Camcorder
| Best Camcorder for Still Pictures
| A GPS Camcorder
| Finding Better Camcorder Audio
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Excellent overview. I have bookmarked this intel for when I next decide I want a new camcorder.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Good luck on your shopping excursion when it happens.
A well written intel with a wealth of information, Christina. Great external links.
Thank you for sharing.
Best wishes.
Frederick
The Geotag feature is so cool! I do not have one of those yet, but that would be a must for me if I were buying a new one.
Cool review of camcorders, i personally like the Kodak Zi8! It is just wow for the price and value for money.
The copyright for this content entitled "Getting the Right Camcorder" has been specified by the contributor as:
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This intel was contributed by mulberry
mulberry
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May, 2012
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