This article lists several factors to consider when purchasing a new camcorder. It lists several different formats and features available for camcorders.
The most affordable camcorders on the market are analog. Most analog camcorders use the Hi8 format, though you can still find a few models that use SVHS-C and VHS-C. Hi8 cassettes can hold 120-300 minutes of footage. SVHS-C and VHS-C formats can hold 30-120 minutes of footage. Some models of analog camcorders can even be as small and easy to handle as digital camcorders. Typically, analog camcorders weigh about two pounds. Although slightly below the quality of digital camcorders, the picture quality of analog camcorders is generally good. Blank tapes for analog camcorders are relatively inexpensive.
Digital camcorders can be more expensive, but offer better picture quality and more features. Digital footage can also be edited on your computer. MiniDV camcorders are very compact and offer exceptional picture quality. These models are very common, so you will be able to choose from a wider selection if you decide to use this format. MiniDV camcorders use a unique type of cassette that usually holds about 60 minutes of footage at standard play speed. These cassettes are easy to find and are reasonably priced. You have to use the camcorder for playback with MiniDV models. It converts its recording to an analog signal that can be played on a TV or VCR.
Digital 8, also known as D8, is another popular digital format. This format gives you digital quality on Hi8 or 8mm cassettes. D8 camcorders record with a faster tape speed, so tapes will last half as long at standard play speed. Most D8 camcorders will play your old Hi8 and 8mm tapes.
Also available are digital disc-based camcorders. These camcorders record onto DVD discs that can be played back on your computer DVD drive or DVD player like a DVD movie. Recording time varies from 20-60 minutes per side. DVD-RAM discs can be reused, but are not compatible with most DVD players. DVD-R discs can be played on most DVD players and computer DVD drives, but these discs can only be used once. Discs for these camcorders can be much more expensive than the tapes for other types of formats.
There are also card-based camcorders that use a memory card to store digital footage. The models are extremely compact. The memory cards for this format can be expensive and hold 10-20 minutes of footage in the highest-quality recording mode.
After picking a price range and format, go to the store and compare several different models. Try them out to make sure they fit your hand and can be used comfortably. Try out the controls to make sure you understand them and that they are easy to use. Look at the LCD monitor to see if it is large enough in size and doesn't produce too much glare. You'll get the best picture by shooting outdoors or in a brightly-lit room, but many camcorders offer special features to help with lighting if you have to shoot in a dim-lit area. Optical zoom can be useful when shooting footage from a distance. The higher the number of optical zoom, the closer you can zoom in on objects. Look for a model with picture-stabilizing circuitry. This will help even the novice user shoot footage that is less shaky. For the most steady picture, however, it would be a good idea to get a tripod.
