Camcorder Tips: Do you know everything you need to know? part. 1
Helpful camcorder tips from expertise about everything you need to know before buy a new camcorder
Well here I put some info that might help you when you decide to buy a new camcorder. I hope it'll help you...
1: Which media does the camcorder use?
In other words: when you press rec. button does the camcorder record its video to? This is a good way to classify camcorders. The most popular media is MiniDV, little cassettes that are the media of choice. MiniDV records the highest quality video than the DVD disc because there is virtually no compression.
The are several ways you can record your movies in your camcorder:
The MiniDV
The DVD disc
The Micro MV
Memory cards and Macro drives
Analog Tapes (Hi-8, 8mm, VHS-C)
The DVD camcorder is easy to rec. and play, but there is not comparison with the camcorders what use MiniDV if we talking about a quality video.
So is your choice, quality video or “rec. and play” ( with this, I mean, record your movie and put into your dvd player to watch it, without the pass your movie into a dvd disc first)
There is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ media; every type has its benefits and drawbacks. MiniDV is best for editing, DVD best for instant gratification, SD fine for those who already have large cards and are after a very small or stylish cam. If you want a suggestion, I would suggest that you stick to MiniDV to be on the safe side; the latest camcorders are exploring another types of media (but with an expensive price) and that’s why you’re more likely to get a good deal in MiniDV camcorders.
To see more about media types click here
2: How many hours can I record with just one battery?
Generally the comcorders’ batteries don’t last much. I’d probably say like an hour. I recommend carrying a backup battery, because when you out there with your cam, you maybe want to record for more than an hour, right?, I always record more than two hours, when I am going to my son soccer game, i don’t want to miss a thing. But another solution is to purchase an additional battery that’s designed to provide longer life.
Some camcorders, designed for extreme style or portability, have batteries tucked away underneath behind a door or latch, or hidden inside the body. If you’re totally new to camcorders or don’t have much experience shooting, we don’t recommend getting one of these style-over-substance models first. Pick a camcorder with room for an expandable battery if you can, to give you plenty of time to shoot while you’re still learning.
In my experience wit these beauties are if you have the money, buy a guaranteed from your suppliers, is a good idea, because the batteries don’t last long, I mean its time-life could be one year and half depending how much are you use it (just imagine your cellphone’s battery, what happen after one year?, you can’t talk for more than one hour without charging it again) and with a guaranteed of two years, you can replacing the old one for a new brand one.
3: what kind of accessories are available?
Listen carefully. The list of accessories shouldn’t affect your decision to purchase a particular camcorder, but you should still be aware of what’s out there. Why? That new camcorder is merely the centerpiece of your upcoming technological entourage. You’ll probably need to buy media for it, like MiniDV tapes or DVD discs; you might want a camera bag, a tripod for steadier shots, a white balance card, accessory lenses… you get the idea. You might not be buying this stuff now, but you probably will someday, and you should inform yourself of what’s ahead.
4: Can I see that thing for a second?
This is a good question, because it’s easy to get caught up in all of the cool gadgetry offered by many of the newest camcorders. However, it’s also important not to forget about ergonomics.
Holding it for a second, or maybe for two or three, or better if you need to buy something else, go around the store with the camcorder to see if you can hold it for long times (no just kidding), but it’s a good idea to hold it and see this is right for your hand.
Make sure that little machine handles as good as it looks. Are the buttons and switches easy to reach? Are they big enough? Do the camcorder feel balanced? Can you find your way around the menus on the LCD screen without a map? Your potential purchase needs to feel at home in your hands. Play with it until you’re satisfied you have a feel for the model. Don’t let the salesperson rush you.
5: Do you know what cable is for what hole and what are they for?
Most camcorders should have at least two holes (ports), to connect cables to: a USB port, for digitally transferring footage to your computer(sometime instead a USB, it comes with a firewire, that make the same thing like the USB), and an A/V port, for transferring footage with the old analog method that televisions use. MiniDV camcorders will also have a DV (digital video) port. The camcorder you’re after probably has few other ports as well.
Some camcorders will have a composite port, which is basically an A/V port in a different shape that takes a different type of cable, one that has one plug going into the camcorder but breaks into three plugs coming out: two for audio and one for video. An S-Video port is also like an A/V port, but better. Some will have a fixture on the top called a shoe, designed for holding accessories like lights and microphones and Some camcorders will have a port for flash media dedicated to capturing still photos.
So are you not crazy yet?, if you want to know which camcorder it’s better? well, if you’re going to buy your first camcorer, the most simple the better, but inn general, the more ports (and the more options) the better.
One more thing, make sure that the microphone you want to buy have a microphone built in, I mean, just imagine your passing your video to a dvd disc but without a sound... so don’t forget ask to the sales person for this import matter before decide which one you want.
