Today, digital devices have almost completely replaced analog ones: audio cassettes were replaced by optical disks, photographic film lost ground to matrices, and soon the same thing will happen with videotapes. Therefore, when choosing a camcorder, special attention should be paid to digital models. It is recommended that you keep the following specifications in mind when purchasing this unit.
Instructions
Step 1
The first thing to check is the recording format, it can be of several types: Digital 8, mini DV, micro MV, DVD and Mpeg4. Camcorders working with the first three formats still record information on cassettes, but at the same time with stereo sound and digital quality.
• Digital 8 is suitable for people who still have Hi8 recordings. Such devices will allow you not only to view the existing records in the old format, but also to digitize it and convert it to Digital8. Recording in such video cameras is made on 8 mm film.
• Cameras in mini DV format use smaller cassettes, therefore, the unit itself is much lighter. However, the quality of video and sound recording even increases.
• Camcorders using Micro MV format compress video to Mpeg2. That is, the devices are getting smaller, so before buying such a camera, check how comfortable it is to hold it.
• DVD cameras record video directly to DVD discs, allowing you to watch video as soon as you remove the optical media from the device.
• One of the best options - video cameras in Mpeg4 format. In this case, all information is stored either on a flash-card or on a hard drive.
Step 2
The next thing to look out for is optics. This is one of the most important parts of a camcorder. In the manufacture of a lens, various companies can use not only their own developments, but also equipment from other manufacturers. For example, Panasonic uses Leica Dicomar optics in their cameras, while Sony uses Carl Zess optics.
Step 3
The viewfinder is for observing, choosing the most correct angle and working with special functions. It is of two types: mirror and optical. The disadvantage of the latter is that a slightly shifted picture will be displayed on such a viewfinder. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a camera with a SLR device. In addition, pay attention to the presence of an LCD display, it will allow you to shoot video even if shooting from hard-to-reach places.
Step 4
When buying a camera, check out a spec such as Zoom. Using it, you can shoot objects that are at a great distance from you. For amateur photography, a 10x zoom is suitable, and for higher performance a special tripod will be needed.
Step 5
It is advisable to buy a camera with a large diagonal matrix, this will allow you to make high-quality recording in low light. In addition, look at the resolution of the matrix, the quality of shooting depends on this characteristic.
Step 6
The stabilizer will help you avoid image shake when recording. Every model comes with a standard gimbal, but professionals advise to choose cameras equipped with an optical device.
