September 2006
New camcorders don't beat older models
Some models dip in performance or ease of use
Like most consumer electronics, digital video camcorders are becoming smaller and lighter, without skimping on features--or
taking more out of your wallet. While these developments might sound like good news, don't be swayed by the notion that newer
is always better. According to the findings in our latest Ratings of camcorders (available to subscribers), you might find better performance--and bargains--in older, soon-to-be discontinued models still on store shelves.
In our latest tests, the best performers among the new models didn't perform as well as the best performers from the recent past. .
What's going on? To rate camcorders, our engineers put each model through numerous tests to determine video quality, ease of use, image stabilization effectiveness, audio quality, and other important features. According to our testers, small differences in a number of these factors can add up to a lower overall score.
Take the shrinking size of newer camcorder models. Although less bulk and mass may seem appealing, the smaller the camcorder, the less room to fit knobs and switches on its body. So basic controls like the zoom lever might be more difficult to manipulate, or you might have to navigate using tricky menus or unlabeled multifunction, thumb-operated joysticks--all of which can lower a camcorder's ease-of-use score.
The bottom line
When shopping for a camcorder, don't rely on the sales rep's pitch that the latest model is just as good or even outperforms the previous one. By checking our frequently updated Ratings and Quick Recommendations, (available to subscribers), you can find out which models really do perform best. More important, our extensive testing can unveil hidden strengths and weaknesses that help differentiate closely ranked models.
In our latest tests, the best performers among the new models didn't perform as well as the best performers from the recent past. .
What's going on? To rate camcorders, our engineers put each model through numerous tests to determine video quality, ease of use, image stabilization effectiveness, audio quality, and other important features. According to our testers, small differences in a number of these factors can add up to a lower overall score.
Take the shrinking size of newer camcorder models. Although less bulk and mass may seem appealing, the smaller the camcorder, the less room to fit knobs and switches on its body. So basic controls like the zoom lever might be more difficult to manipulate, or you might have to navigate using tricky menus or unlabeled multifunction, thumb-operated joysticks--all of which can lower a camcorder's ease-of-use score.
The bottom line
When shopping for a camcorder, don't rely on the sales rep's pitch that the latest model is just as good or even outperforms the previous one. By checking our frequently updated Ratings and Quick Recommendations, (available to subscribers), you can find out which models really do perform best. More important, our extensive testing can unveil hidden strengths and weaknesses that help differentiate closely ranked models.
