Getting started

What is a camcorder?

A device that records images in a manner that is similar to that of a digital camera. A series of images is captured by collecting light from a subject and focusing it on a photosensitive substance inside the device. In an old movie camera, that substance was film. With digital camcorders, it’s a light-sensitive imaging sensor (or multiple sensors), which converts the light into electric signals. The camcorder then internally converts those signals into video data, which it stores in one of a variety of media formats—miniDV tape, DVD disc, hard drive, or memory card. Audio is also captured and recorded simultaneously.

Types of camcorders

There are some analog (or non-digital) models available, but most manufacturers are only producing digital camcorders, which now account for the vast majority of new-model introductions and purchases. They generally offer fine picture quality and decent sound, and most are quite compact. Many weigh about 1 pound, and the smallest are closer to half a pound.

Unlike analog camcorders of the past, digital camcorders allow you to do a lot more with videos than simply play them back on your TV. You can edit and embellish them with music using your computer, then play your productions on your DVD player or PC. You can also e-mail recordings. Many video-editing-software suites also allow you to combine your video with digital stills, graphics, and text, expanding your creative possibilities.

Digital camcorders capable of high-definition (HD) recording are the newest arrivals, and this category is growing fast. Originally larger and heavier, digital models are becoming smaller and lighter, especially those that store video on removable flash-memory cards. But in order to reduce the “footprint” of the camcorder, some models have eliminated features such as a viewfinder. If you’ll be watching your video on an HDTV, it’s worth considering an HD camcorder, but be prepared to pay hundreds more for one.

New recording formats are also becoming more important. Camcorders store your video on mini tape cassettes, DVDs, internal hard drives, mini Blu-ray discs, or removable flash-memory cards similar to those you’d use in a digital camera. More models now combine two storage options, such as a hard drive and DVD or memory card, for added flexibility.

High-definition primer

The ability to capture HD-quality movies is probably within your reach. In fact, some HD models may be priced well under $1,000. Although many models we’ve rated have very good overall quality and produce either excellent or very good picture and audio quality, the most common weak spot was picture quality in low-light conditions. Most are also easy to use.

Most consumer HD models have either a 10x or 12x optical zoom. At maximum zoom, most camcorders display some image vibration because of hand shake or other factors. To compensate for that, all include an image stabilizer, which can do an excellent job.

HD camcorders offer the same variety of storage formats as standard-definition models: MiniDV tape, DVD, hard-drive, and flash-memory card. But you can also find models that combine formats, such as one that stores video on either a DVD or flash-memory card. So you can record longer clips on, say, a 16GB memory card and shorter ones on a DVD. Or take the video recorded on the card and burn it to a DVD.

Before diving into the world of high-definition DVD camcorders, be sure to acquaint yourself with the different disc formats. One point to keep in mind: The encoding that these HD camcorders use makes the discs compatible with only high-definition Blu-ray players or a computer drive compatible with Blu-ray discs. To complicate matters, one company, Hitachi, has recently introduced two camcorders that store HD video footage on mini Blu-ray discs. Besides player compatibility, another big difference between miniDVD and mini Blu-ray discs is storage capacity. You can record 15 to 20 minutes on the former, but up to an hour of HD video on the latter.

In HD, as with standard-definition camcorders, hard-drive models are the most expensive, although our tests showed that you don’t need to pay top dollar for the best performance. MiniDV tape and DVD models, comparable in price, were less expensive than hard-drive models. Flash-memory card models were among the least expensive and tended to be lighter and more compact than other types, although none have the viewfinders found on most other models.

One additional difference you’ll find with HD camcorders is that they will generally have an HDMI output, which stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. This interface is designed to be the best way to connect your camcorder to an HD television.

See also:

Blu-ray & DVD players

LCD TVs

Digital cameras

Digital picture frames