Camcorders

Camcorder types

First of all, there are 2 kinds of video information

Analog:  VHS, S-VHS, 8mm, Hi8, BetaDigital: 

Digital:  Tape (MiniDV & Digital 8), DVD, Hard Drive

Analog is fast going the way of the 8-track player because of easy-to- use and affordable computerized non-linear editing (NLE) and affordable digital camcorders.                                                                       

MiniDV has become the most popular consumer digital camcorder, because it’s inexpensive, easy to carry and change-out in the field, will hold up to 83 minutes of high-quality recorded video, and is compatible with most NLE  systems.                    

Other Digital formats. DVDs recorded in the camera typically hold 30 minutes. Hard drive cameras have to be downloaded onto a computer when they’ve reached their recording limit. A Digital8 camera records digital tape. It also plays analog 8mm and Hi8 tapes but is not supported by many video editing programs.                                      

What to look for in a new camcorder

All camcorders process light through a CCD chip. Get a camera with the biggest chip you can afford. Better cameras have 3 CCD chips. 

  • Digital recording—miniDV, Digital 8, DVD, or hard drive
  • Microphone jack
  • Headphone jack
  • Firewire (IEEE 1394) in and out connection16-bit audio

You can buy a 1 chip miniDV camera with these features for under $1,000. Features like digital zoom and low-light capacity are pretty much useless. Unless you plan to edit in your camera, special effects are not necessary either—better do that stuff with an editing program where you can try something and undo if you don’t like it. Manual focus will give you more control over the focus.

Camcorder care

Your camcorder will give you years of good service with proper care. Clean the lens with blown air or lens brush. If you must clean the lens with lens cleaner, use a soft cloth rather than lens tissues. Use head-cleaning cassettes only when the camera tells you to. Don’t expose the camera to harmful conditions

  • Extreme temperature
  • Blowing sand or dust
  • Direct sunlight
  • Moisture
  • Magnetic fields (stereo speakers, fluorescent lights, tv)
  • Damaged tape

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