Digital Camcorder Buying Tips
If you're in the market for a digital camcorder, it's prudent that you're arm yourself with a few tips before you buy otherwise you might end up with some thing that does not suit your needs. Below are a few guide lines that will help you along the way.
Take a Look at the LCD screen in daylight, if at all possible
Certain screens will fade out in bright sunlight, and you need to ensure your ability to easily see what you're recording under any circumstances. If you're unable to view the images on the screen in bright daylight, resort to using the viewfinder. Not only will using the view finder get the job done but it will do so without using up a lot of your battery power.
Examine the lens's optical zoom ratio rather than the digital zoom ratio
With a digital zoom, the camcorder is merely making the image larger through the viewfinder as opposed to actually delivering a closer look. The optical zoom spec is more expedient in that respect and you'll want at least 10X optical zoom.
Buy an additional higher-capacity battery for longer recording times
The normal battery that comes with majority of camcorders usually only last an hour or so. For $50 to $100, you can purchase a longer-lasting battery, so consider that into your cost if you think you'll need it. There's nothing more frustrating than running out of power in the middle of recording an important event!
Microphones that are mounted in the front get better results
When the microphone is mounted on the top of the camcorder, it has the tendency to capture the voice of the person using the camcorder rather than the event being recorded. In this regard it's better to buy a camcorder with the microphone mounted in the front.
Buy an external microphone for the best sound
If the camcorder you're interested in buying has the ability to connect an external microphone, then factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone as this will give you the best sound possible .
Play and familiarize your self with the camcorders controls and features before you purchase
Occasionally the smallest camcorders can be difficult to use, particularly if you have large hands. A bigger model may work better for you if it is more comfortable to handle.
Examine exposure controls and Low-light options
All camcorders come with a completely automatic mode, but certain models have manual and semi-manual exposure modes. For eg, some models allow you to record at slower shutter speeds than others, or have aperture settings that permit more light to enter. Quite a few also offer scene modes, which you might be familiar with from digital still cameras. Low-light options also allow you to shoot in dark environments. Numerous camcorders come with an infrared light or a long shutter mode to assist in capturing images in the dark.
Look for wide-screen shooting and know your format:
If you own a high definition TV, you'll get a full picture with no black bars at the top and bottom if you record with a wide-screen model. Also it is important to know the format the camcorder records in. Majority of camcorders record onto mini-DVD discs or MiniDV tapes. Bear in mind that MiniDV is the most widely available format which is a major boost if you find yourself short on tape while on vacation mainly because Mini-DVD discs are ofttimes difficult to come by.
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Digital Camcorder Shopping Tips
With all of the choices on the market, it can definitely be overwhelming choosing a digital camcorder. There are several things to consider when shopping. A lot of brands can now record in high definition, but, there are some limitations to having an HD camcorder, such as incompatible video editing software.
The amount of zoom should also be taken into account, but, not the digital zoom. The higher the digital zoom, the more the resolution is decreased, making for blurry, pixelated pictures.
The optical zoom, however, will actually let you zoom in on your subject without sacrificing the picture quality. The optical zoom and the digital zoom are often not differentiated clearly on the manufacturer's information. Keeping this in mind, paying close attention to the specs, and not being 'fooled' by a high digital zoom number on the camera box, will help to make sure you wind up with clearer zoomed pictures and videos.
Another thing to consider is the size of the viewing, or LCD, screen. The LCD screen is both the viewfinder and the playback screen, so having a large one would be beneficial. The cost will go up as the size of the screen goes up, however. On the subject of size, the size of the camcorder itself, along with the weight, are important things to consider. Most electronics for sale today boast of their tiny size. This has not always proven to be a good thing. If the camera is too small for you to properly hold onto, or operate the different functions, then you will want to think about getting a larger one.
A very important feature of a digital camcorder is the microphone. If you can hear more of the activity around the person filming than the subject, then this is definitely a good thing. One way to help alleviate this issue is to make sure you get a camcorder with a front-mounted microphone, as opposed to a top-mounted microphone. Some camcorders even come with audio zoom for the microphone, that zooms the audio when the picture is zoomed.
There are lots of different features to check out when buying a camcorder, like what kind of battery is needed and how long it will last. Doing some research online and asking lots of questions at the store will help you make an informed decision.
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Canon USB Cable IFC-400PCU for Canon Cameras & Camcorders
From the Manufacturer
Cable for transfering still images from the camera via USB port. Compatible models: EOS 20D, EOS 10D, DIGITAL REBEL, G6, G3, Pro 1, S1 IS, S70, S60, S50, S45, S40, S30, S500, S410, S400, S330, S300, SD300, SD200, SD110, SD100, SD20, SD10, A95, A85, A80, A75, A70, A60, A40, A20, A10, A400, A310, A300, A200, A100, OPTURA 400, OPTURA 500
Canon is a leader in professional business and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. By developing innovative, high-quality business solutions Canon makes it easy to create, manage, and share images and information better, faster, and more efficiently.
Canon BP-2L14 Battery for Canon HG, HV, ZR, Optura, and Elura Camcorders
Amazon.com
The Canon BP2L14 is a Lithium-ion battery for ZR100, ZR200, ZR300, Optura, and Elura camcorders. Charge and carry it as a spare for your camcorder, doubling your amount of uninterrupted shooing time. Lithium-ion batteries, unlike Nickel-Cadmium batteries, are free of memory effect, which can reduce the usable power of the battery over time. The Canon BP2L14 is compatible with the following Canon camcorder models: Elura 60 Elura 65 Elura 70 Elura 80 Elura 85 Elura 90 Optura 30 Optura 40 Optura 400 Optura 500 ZR100 ZR200 ZR300
Rechargeable lithium ion battery for use in select Canon Elura, Optura, and ZR Series camcorders * rated at 7.4V/1450mAh
Canon BP-808 Lithium Ion Battery for FS Camcorders
Never run out of power with this Canon BP-808 Lithium Ion Battery for FS Camcorders. It is rated at 890 mAh and is compatible with Canon CG-800 battery charger. Comes with a 30 day warranty.
Canon BP-819 Lithium Ion Battery Pack for HF10 and HF100 Camcorders
Take advantage of uninterrupted power with the BP-819 power pack. Times vary depending on camcorder.
Canon BP511A 1390mAh Lithium Ion Battery Pack for Select Digital Cameras and Camcorders
powers select Canon digital cameras and camcorders * rated at 7.4V, 1390mAh * 1-9/16"W x 2-3/16"H x 7/8"D * weight: 2.9 oz. * warranty: 30 days
Canon SCA60 Soft Carrying Case for most Canon Camcorders
When you are finished shooting with your Optura Xi, keep it in its own case along with all of your accessories. The SC-A60 Soft Carrying Case, the professional-looking option, is made with genuine leather.
