The era of shoulder-mounted video recorders that recorded on big VHS tapes is long gone. Camcorders are highly advanced and portable these days. Camcorders transform the typical film recorder into cinematography by providing a wide range of recording features. There are numerous factors to consider when purchasing a new camcorder.
Check out the shopping guide before you purchase it to help you find the camcorder that’s right for you! Various companies offer the appropriate camcorder for you, whether it’s for a family gathering or if you’re an aspiring Hollywood filmmaker.
Stabilizer for Images
If you’re doing lots of hand-held shooting, this is a wonderful feature to have. A camcorder with image stabilization reduces much of the shaking that occurs when recording. It is achieved by automatically reducing much of the shaking while holding the camcorder when shooting a scene. Although some models offer both, most stabilizers are either electrical or optical.
Flip-Out LCDs
Most modern camcorders have this style of the viewer. Some, like HDTVs, have a screen with a large aspect ratio (16:9). You’ll even find an LCD touch-screen on certain higher-priced camcorders. LCDs are also useful for analyzing videos you’ve taken, and they’re often more convenient to use than an optical viewfinder.
Because there is no optical viewfinder and some LCDs are hard to use in sunlight, it may be challenging to see what you’re filming on a bright, sunny day. The diagonal screen sizes range from 212 to 4 inches, with a bigger screen available as a step-up option on higher-priced versions.
Even though an LCD viewer consumes batteries more quickly than an optical viewfinder, you won’t get much recording time while using it, but you’ll be able to see what you’re recording. It’ll be a lot easier to record now.
Camcorder with Memory Card
The number of videos users can film employing digital formats at the greatest quality level utilizing Secure Digital or memory cards depends greatly on the card’s storage capacity, ranging from 4GB to 128GB and more. You must be familiar with transferring using a computer or backing up your video—the same with hard-drive types.
However, some camcorders come with built-in, non-removable flash memory. The internal flash storage capacity can range from 8GB to 96GB. Internal flash memory and memory card flash memory are also available in some models.
3D features
Some camcorders are capable of capturing 3D images or video. Moreover, the camcorder may take two different images or (employ software to produce them) to represent the left and right eye from different perspectives. There is a sense of depth created by the variations between those two photographs. You should keep this feature in memory if you wish to produce videos and showcase them in 3D.
Editing features
Action mode, Landscape mode, Night mode, Portrait mode, and more settings modes are available on all video cameras. However, some entry-level cameras may include additional modes specific to the brand or model, such as Scene Intelligent Auto, or Guide, that will guide you through the camera’s operation.
Learning to photograph in aperture mode, the shutter-priority mode, and perhaps even better, shooting in manual mode is the ideal way to go. However, when you’re first starting, having the camera assist you with certain modes may be helpful.
The auto will work when you’re not deploying aperture, shutter, or manual modes. However, this isn’t a deal-breaker, though it’s something to consider.
Many cameras also have fast editing capabilities, allowing you to apply filters, make automatic adjustments, or change the exposure settings directly from the back screen.
Autofocus
This camcorder feature allows you to modify the sharpness to your liking. Some versions have a manual focus override, which can be useful in tricky settings like low light. It’s sometimes possible to choose which part to focus on in the viewfinder. You will be able to adjust the depth of field and have more control due to this.
Zoom
This is usually done with a finger—press one side to zoom in, and the other side enlarges the picture. How quickly the zoom changes is determined by how firmly you press the switch.
Zoom Optical
Optical-zoom ratios typically range from 10:1 roughly to 50:1—or are mentioned in specifications such as 10x or 50x optical zoom. Like a camcorder, the zoom is based on optical lenses, thus the name “optical zoom.” If you’re shooting lots of videos and your client will be far away, get a video camera with a lot of zooms and decent image stabilization.
Zoom in with digital technology
Many digital cameras also have a digital zoom that may increase the zoom ratio to 400:1, sometimes more, although at a lower image quality than optical zoom.
Wi-Fi
When it pertains to sharing your work, there are a few things to keep in mind. Wi-Fi camcorders are really useful. You can wirelessly transfer your images and videos to your computer, instantly back them up on a hard disk drive, or directly upload them to a social media platform.
Switch to Full-Auto Mode
Point-and-shoot flexibility is provided by this controller, which goes by various names depending on the manufacturer. Shutter speed, color balance, aperture, and focus are all automatically adjusted by the camcorder (also termed as “f-stop” or “iris” on camcorders).
Waterproof & Rugged
The waterproof and rugged models are said to be able to survive falls and withstand moisture. These are the best if you intend on doing lots of shooting outside or frequently visiting the beach!
Viewfinder
Most camcorders no longer have an electronic viewfinder, but some higher-end versions do. This enables you to frame a shot without having to use your screen. This can save battery life and is useful when the LCD is washed out by harsh light.
In conclusion
Purchasing a new camcorder is a significant investment, and you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best video camera for your needs. You may get a better understanding of what you’re getting for your money by comparing the sensor size, megapixel resolution, lenses, and other specifications of each video camera.
You’re quite well on your way to becoming a professional filmmaker!
