Additional connectors
All camcorders have audio and composite-video output jacks to allow you to monitor during recording or playback. Other options
include stereo-audio, headphone, and S-video outputs; edit-control signal inputs (including LANC, JLIP, and Control-L) for
use with editing equipment or a suitable VCR; a "firewire" (IEEE-1394) port to connect to a computer or digital camcorder;
a microphone input; and, for camcorders that have still-image-capture capability, a USB or serial port to transfer saved still
images to the computer.
Analog input
Lets the camcorder record analog audio and video from other devices, such as a VCR or another camcorder. This feature can
drive up the price of a digital camcorder, since the unit must also have circuitry to convert analog signals to digital signals.
AV input
These let you record sound or images from another camcorder or VCR.
Backlight compensation
Ordinarily, when the light behind your subject is brighter than the light on your subject, the subject will appear silhouetted.
Backlight compensation increases the exposure slightly to make the subject more visible.
Battery life (min.)
The manufacturer's statement of how long the camcorder can continuously record images with the LCD viewer in use. "Not stated"
indicates the manufacturer's specification for battery life was not available.
Brand
Usually the name of the manufacturer.
Brand name
The "nameplate" of the model.
Built-in light
Provides illumination for close-ups when the image would otherwise be too dark, but it's no substitute for a well-lit room.
A built-in light is more convenient than a clip-on one. Many camcorders have an automatic setting for turning the light on.
Camera size
The relative size of the camcorder--compact, average, or large.
CCD pixels
Light from a camcorder's subject is focused by the lens onto a charge-coupled device (CCD), a sensor that converts light into
minute blocks of information, called pixels. A CCD's light-sensitive area is typically composed of 250,000 pixels or more.
A higher number of active pixels generally means a sharper picture but less sensitivity to light.
CCD size
A charge-coupled device (CCD) converts light into minute blocks of information, called pixels, to form the images on tape.
Almost all CCDs are categorized as 1/4-inch. A few are larger; the additional size generally produces more light sensitivity.
Some high-end camcorders have more than one CCD.
Computer link for stills
For camcorders that are Digital Still Capable, a USB or serial port to transfer saved still images to a computer.
Digital effects
Permits special effects beyond the usual, analog effects such as fading. Examples include cross-fades, wipes, overlaps, bounces,
and cross-dissolves. Found on both analog and digital camcorders.
Digital still capable
Some camcorders can take snapshots, much like a digital camera (though not necessarily of the same quality). The camcorder
can then be plugged into a computer and the images downloaded from the memory. Using a removable memory card (such as MemoryStick,
Compact Flash, Multimedia Card, or SmartMedia) you can transfer stills to a computer without having to connect the camcorder,
but you need proper card-reader hardware.
Digital zoom
Magnifies the image electronically (instead of optically). It can be very powerful, increasing a picture to more than 150
times its normal size, but the picture quickly becomes grainy because it's a simple enlargement, not the image as a lens would
view it.
Dimensions (in.)
The height, width, and depth of the camcorder, measured in inches, with battery and lens cap installed.
Edit search
Allows you to search for specific footage on the recording; very helpful when editing.
Editing software included
Some camcorders come with software that can be used to edit still pictures or video on a computer.
FireWire port
A FireWire (IEEE-1394) port is used to connect the camcorder to a computer, or to another digital camcorder for monitoring
or video editing.
Flexible LCD angle
The LCD monitor is adjustable so you can angle it, making it easy to view while you record.
Format
Format is based on the type of recording tape or disc that a camcorder uses and whether the model records in analog or digital
mode. Currently, there are at least nine formats: Hi8, MiniDV, MicroMV, Digital8 (D8), VHS, VHS-C, S-VHS-C, DVD-RAM, and DVD-R.
Key differences among these formats include picture quality, size of camcorder, and compatibility with a VCR or DVD. Except
as noted below, you can't play tapes from the camcorder in a VHS VCR; to view a recording, you use the camcorder's viewfinder
or connect the camcorder itself to a TV or VCR video input.
Here's a rundown of the formats:
Hi8. Uses a tape that's about the size of an audiocassette. Most models can also operate in 8mm format.
MiniDV. Uses a MiniDV tape (a little larger than a matchbox) to record images digitally. Some models produce exceeding high picture
quality. Tapes generally offer a shorter recording time than most other formats.
MicroMV. Sony's new digital tape format that uses cassettes smaller than MiniDV.
Digital8 (D8). Uses 8mm or Hi8 tape to record images digitally. Many models can also read 8mm and Hi8 recordings. Tapes generally offer
a shorter recording time than most other formats.
DVD-RAM. Records onto a little over 3-inch disc in MPEG-2 format, the same one used for commercial DVD. Discs are rewritable. Discs
cannot be played on most DVD players.
DVD-R. Records onto a little over 3-inch disc in MPEG-2 format, the same one used for commercial DVD. Discs are not rewritable.
Discs can be played on most DVD players.
Full auto switch
This essentially lets you point and shoot. The camcorder automatically adjusts the color balance, shutter speed, focus, and
aperture (also called the "iris" or f-stop with camcorders).
Headphone out
An output for connecting a pair of headphones to the camcorder.
Horizontal resolution
A technical specification that offers a rough guide to picture quality. Essentially, it represents how many of the vertical
lines that create the video image can fit in a picture before they blur together. The closer they can get before blurring,
the more lines of horizontal resolution there are.
IEEE-1394 Port
Now found on virtually all digital camcorders, this feature, also known as a "FireWire" or "iLink" connection, allows you
to transfer video data to a computer or another digital camcorder with little or no loss of quality. However, the other device
must also have an IEEE-1394 connection, and only some new computers are so equipped.
Image stabilization
Automatically reduces the shakes in a scene. Also called digital image stabilization (DIS), electronic image stabilization
(EIS), picture stabilizer, or steady shot. Most stabilizers are electronic (digital) and are found on both analog and digital
camcorders. Some camcorders have optical stabilization. Either type can be effective, or not. (Using a tripod is the surest
way to get a steady image.)
LCD size (in.)
Measured diagonally, it typically ranges from 2 to 4 inches.
Lux rating
Supposedly the minimum amount of light needed for the camcorder to produce a usable picture (the lower, the better). Because
there is no agreed-upon standard, it's an imprecise way to compare light sensitivity.
Macro focus
Allows you to focus on small objects from a close distance (say, less than 3 feet).
Manual controls
Allow you to override automatic settings and have more control over your recording. May include aperture, color (white) balance,
focus, and shutter speed. Useful for nonideal situations.
Max number of still pictures
Maximum number of still images that can fit on a tape (for a camcorder that can record still images).
Max shutter speed
Camcorders electronically adjust their light sensitivity in a way that models a film camera's shutter. All camcorders do this
automatically; some also have a manual override capability. Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second, related to
how long the CCD is active each instant when taking a picture. Standard speed is 1/60 second; some let you choose a slower
speed for creative b/w effects or for low-light scenes. The higher the speed (and smaller the fraction), the better the camcorder
can record high-speed action without blurriness or in very bright light. Slower speeds are also useful; they allow for artistic
effects or recording in dim light.
Microphone input
Jack for an external microphone to improve sound quality and prevent picking up noise from the camcorder. An alternative to
using the built-in mike.
MSRP price
The manufacturer's suggested retail price. Many retailers sell electronics for less than MSRP.
Night vision
Allows you to record in very dim or dark situations, using invisible infrared light that's emitted from the camcorder. The
picture is grainy and monochrome. Also called zero lux, nightshot, IR filter, or infrared sensitive recording mode.
Number of auto-exposure settings
Auto-exposure settings (Program AE) make it easy to adapt to different light conditions. For example, some camcorders come
with a "sand and snow" setting, which sets the exposure to record in very bright light. Other common settings include sports,
spotlight, portrait, and low-light. About six settings is typical.
Number of CCDs
Light from a camcorder's subject is focused by the lens onto a charge-coupled device (CCD), a sensor that converts light into
minute blocks of information, called pixels. Some high-end camcorders have three CCDs, which separate the picture into three
color components (red, green, and blue) to increase color accuracy.
Optical zoom
Allows the camcorder to fill the frame with far-away objects at the touch of a button. An optical zoom rated at 16x means
the camcorder can magnify the image up to 16 times the normal size.
Price
An approximate retail price.
Programmed recording
Allows a camcorder to be programmed to start recording at a specific time.
Quick review
This features lets you view the last few seconds of a scene without having to press a lot of buttons. It's handy for helping
you decide if you need to reshoot a scene.
Remote
A remote control is handy for operating the camcorder from a distance (say, to allow the user to be in the picture). It's
also useful in playback mode since all the buttons are easily at hand.
Replaceable battery
All camcorders come with a rechargeable battery and an AC adapter. The adapter can recharge the battery or power the camcorder
if an outlet is nearby (but generally not at the same time). Most models let you install a more-powerful battery than the
original. Commonly used battery types are lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride. A nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal
hydride battery that's repeatedly recharged when not totally drained may lose the ability to recharge completely. A refresh
switch on the adapter lets you fully drain the battery before recharging, to help maintain full running time.
S-video output
S-Video is a higher quality video connection than standard composite video input/output. Both of these outputs are used to
connect the camcorder to a television or VCR to watch and/or record information saved on a camcorder's tape (or disc).
Sound format
Camcorders may record with mono, stereo, or PCM stereo formats. Mono records onto only one channel, stereo onto two channels
(left and right). PCM stereo, found on digital camcorders, can either record at SP speed with 16 bits of information on two
channels (CD-quality sound, in theory) or divide the audio into four tracks by recording 12 bits on two channels, leaving
another pair of tracks free for post-production audio editing and recording.
Special features
These include special lenses or uncommon accessories. Refer to our latest camcorder report or the manufacturer's web site
for more information about these features.
Time and date stamp
The time and date are displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD, and can be set to record on the tape.
Time code
An automatic (and accurate) feature that records the frame reference on the tape in hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. The
information, which is recorded separately from the video and audio signals, makes editing easier. The time and date are displayed
in the viewfinder or on the LCD, and can be set to record on the tape.
Titling
Like the time and date, titling can be programmed to record on a tape. Most camcorders now have this feature, but its sophistication
varies. Some camcorders simply provide a list of pre-made or built-in titles, such as "Happy Holidays," to choose from. Others
allow you to set and save your own custom titles, such as "Sam's First Birthday Party."
Viewfinder type
Some cameras have a color viewfinder, others have a monochrome viewfinder, and some have no viewfinder at all (an LCD screen
is used to aim the camera with these models).
Warranty (months): parts/labor/in-home
A camcorder warranty typically specifies different time limits for how long the manufacturer will cover the cost of parts,
labor, and sometimes the CCD specifically, if repair is needed.
Weight (lbs.)
This is measured in pounds, and includes the battery and tape (or disc).
