 |
|
| Things To Know Find the right digital camcorder to meet all your recording needs. | |   | What's the difference between a digital and a non-digital camcorder? | | Digital camcorders have several notable advantages over their non-digital (analog) predecessors, offering more convenience and flexibility, and making it easy to capture great looking video footage. | | | | What is the difference between analog and digital recording formats? | | | Is digital video easier to save, edit, and transfer? | | With a digital camcorder, you have much greater creative freedom and control over your footage. The video can be transferred right onto a computer, where it can be edited, shared through email, posted online, and burned onto DVD. | |  | | | Are there significant differences in image quality between digital and analog video? | | One big advantage of digital camcorders is that they record video with a higher resolution compared to analog. This results in more detailed images and brighter, more realistic colors. Unlike analog recordings, digital video retains its resolution and color fidelity over many years, ensuring a crisp, clear picture no matter how many times it's replayed. Additionally, a digital recording can be copied over and over again without image degradation, whereas analog video experiences quality loss each time it's copied. | |  | | | | What are the key features of a digital camcorder? | | Digital camcorders come in all shapes and sizes, with a range of features designed to provide easy, effective recording and beautiful, professional-looking images. Here's a breakdown of the most important features to consider. | | | | Lighting/Low-light Performance | | Lighting is an important factor in getting great image quality and color reproduction when recording video. In low light situations, the picture can look grainy and unfocused, so it's important to make sure your camcorder is getting adequate light. Having a camcorder with a good low light performance (7 lux or lower) can really make a difference. The lower the "lux," the better the camera performs in low-light situations. Many Panasonic models also come with a feature called "MagicPix," which is a setting you can select to brighten up dimly lit locations without using a flash. | |  | | | Image Sensor (CCD) | CCD stands for charge-coupled device. It's a small sensor that detects the light coming into your camcorder and then converts that light into a video signal. The better your camcorder's image sensor, the higher the quality of the images it produces. The average CCD ranges from 1/3-inch to 1/6-inch. Bigger sensors are able to capture more light and reproduce colors with better accuracy.
Most consumer camcorders use just one CCD. But some newer, more advanced camcorders – including many Panasonic models – offer the broadcast industry standard 3CCD technology. 3CCD camcorders utilize three separate sensors, one for each of the three colors that make up the full light spectrum – red, green and blue – so there is absolutely no light lost in the recording process. The result is natural-looking video with more vivid, lifelike hues and brighter, clearer images. | |  | | | Image Stabilization | Camcorder shake is often hard to avoid when taking handheld shots, so manufacturers have developed image stabilization (I.S.) technologies to compensate. There are two categories of I.S. technology, Electronic Image Stabilization (E.I.S.) and Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.). E.I.S. detects motion on the CCD (see above) and compensates for it electronically. This method always results in some loss of image quality.
Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), on the other hand, uses gyrosensors to detect jitter, microcomputers to calculate compensation needs, and tiny linear motors to instantly adjust lenses to stabilize your video. It's a much more precise technology, and results in footage that's sharp and clear, with no image degradation. O.I.S. also works in concert with a camcorder's zoom feature, stabilizing the image as it is enlarged. | |  | | | Lens | Digital camcorder lenses come in all shapes and sizes, some with more professional features than others. Some camcorders even allow you to change lenses to suit your changing needs. For example, if you're shooting fast-moving or faraway subjects like sporting events or animals in a safari, you might opt to use a telephoto lens. For group activities or panoramic scenes, a wide-angle lens lets you capture more of the picture.
Your camcorder's lens also determines important factors like exposure, focus and zoom. Exposure (aperture and shutter speed) is the measurement of how much light the lens lets in. For users who have studied filmmaking or photography, setting exposure manually provides a great way to control the appearance of video footage. But most casual camcorder users tend to set their exposure to automatic, so that they can concentrate on getting the best shot. Focus is also usually set to automatic, but can be controlled manually if desired. To learn more about zoom, see the following section. | |  | | | Zoom | A camcorder's zoom feature allows you to get up-close and personal even when shooting faraway subjects. With a digital camcorder, there are two types of zoom: optical and digital. Optical zoom works by adjusting the camera's lens as you zoom in, preserving natural, sharp image quality. Digital zoom, which kicks in after the optical zoom is fully extended, uses the camcorder's internal computer software to magnify the image.
Because digital zoom works by expanding an image's pixels, the video output can appear grainy and fuzzy. That's why it's important to have a camcorder with a high maximum optical zoom – so you can get closer without using the digital zoom feature and compromising image quality. Most consumer camcorders offer an optical zoom of at least 10X, and some Panasonic models even provide an optical zoom up to 32X. | |  | | | Built-in Microphone | | Good sound can make a big difference in the quality of your video. Every camcorder now comes equipped with a built-in microphone designed to capture close-range sound. Some cameras also offer a zoom microphone, so that voices sound sharp and clear even when you zoom in on a subject from a distance. It's also possible to add an external microphone to your digital camcorder if you want to shoot even more professional-quality video. However, built-in microphones have become significantly more advanced in recent years, some even recording in 5.1-channel surround sound. | |  | | | Resolution | | Resolution refers to the depth, clarity and amount of detail in your video. Video resolution is determined by the camcorder's CCD sensor(s), which measure and record light. The size and quality of the camcorder's CCD(s), and the amount of pixels on the CCD image sensor, will greatly influence the quality of your recording. Some cameras have just one CCD, and others feature the broadcast industry standard 3CCD, which is able to provide a higher resolution, leading to a clearer, more detailed picture. | |  | | | Aspect Ratio | | Aspect ratio, which is usually either 4:3 or 16:9, refers both to the dimensions that video footage is shot in, and the dimensions of TV screens – video shot in 4:3 aspect ratio fits a standard screen size, and 16:9 aspect ratio is formatted for the dimensions of a widescreen TV such as a plasma or an LCD. Some camcorders allow you to switch between standard and widescreen aspect ratios. | |  | | | Automatic and Manual Controls | | Planning on shooting in a range of environments and lighting conditions? Some camcorders have pre-set, automatic exposure, or "scene modes" (night, sunlight, candlelight, sports, etc), which let you instantly choose the right settings for many different situations. For those who want more advanced control over lighting, focus, shot composition, or other elements, consider a camcorder with some manual features (like a lens-mounted focus ring and exposure settings), or with the option to turn automatic settings on and off. | |  | | | LCD Display and Viewfinder | | An LCD (liquid crystal display) is the small playback screen on a digital camcorder. LCD screens usually range from 2.5" to 3" wide, and allow you to preview footage in real time as you're shooting (you can also choose to look directly through the camcorder's viewfinder). Many camcorders also allow you to control settings and access frequently used operations right from the LCD screen. | |  | | | Still Photos | | The large majority of digital camcorders can now shoot and save digital still photos, some with resolutions topping 3 megapixels. There are now even some "hybrid" cameras and camcorders designed specifically to do both. | |  | | | Web Cam | | Do you plan on using your camcorder to videoconference, share videos or post a video blog? Some camcorder models include a built-in web cam feature that allows you to connect the camcorder to your computer, direct it at yourself, and conduct a video chat or conference. | |  | | | | Should I look for specific features depending on how I will use my camcorder? | | A great starting point for choosing the right camcorder is to imagine how you intend to use it. Are you a novice, a hobbyist, or an expert? Will you be shooting indoors, outdoors, or both? Do you prefer a basic point-and-shoot model, or a camcorder with more advanced manual settings? Read on to find out which features are most important for typical camcorder uses. | | | | Which features are best suited for ease of use and point-and-shoot recording? | | One amazing thing about today's digital camcorders is that you don't have to be an expert to make great-looking home videos. If you're a novice or if you just don't want to bother with manual controls, look for a camcorder that will manage all the settings (exposure, focus, flash, etc.) automatically. Camcorders that have "scene" modes give you some control over how the picture looks without having to learn the complicated inner workings of the camera. With "scene" modes you can change the camcorder's settings based on your shooting situation, such as "night," "sports," "party," etc. Another important feature to look for is some type of image stabilization technology like E.I.S. or O.I.S., which will help you keep your shots steady even when your hand shakes. | |  | | | What should I look for if I'll be shooting mostly indoors? | | Two of the most important features for indoor video recording are great low-light performance and great image stabilization technology. There's often a lack of light in indoor environments, and good low-light performance (7 lux or lower) will help to compensate. Good image stabilization technology is especially important in indoor situations when you would be less likely to set up a tripod. Since the lack of light forces the camcorder's shutter to stay open longer, blur can be a problem. With O.I.S., you can get crisp, clear shots even with shaky handheld shooting situations. Another thing to look for if you'll be shooting indoors is an LCD playback screen that allows you to control its brightness level, so that you can make the screen easier to see in low lighting. | |  | | | Which features should I consider if I will be shooting mostly outdoors or taking my camcorder on vacation? | Now that digital camcorders come in such small sizes, it's easy to take them wherever you go. If you will be traveling around with your camcorder, it's important to choose a model that's lightweight, portable, and durable. Also, make sure your camcorder has a long battery life (you can also carry extra battery packs).
A large optical zoom (12X or higher; some Panasonic models even offer 32X optical zoom) will help you capture faraway subjects with great depth and clarity, and an image stabilization technology like O.I.S. will minimize the hand shake that can be a problem with handheld shots, especially when you're on the move. LCD screens can be difficult to see in bright light, so choose a model that allows you to control the LCD's brightness level. | |  | | | Are their any features better suited for shooting performances such as concerts, plays and ceremonies? | | There are a few key features to look for if you anticipate using your camera to shoot performances in a theater, auditorium, or concert hall. First, make sure your camcorder has great low-light performance: 7 lux or lower, the lower the better. You should also consider a model with a large optical zoom range (over 12X) to capture subjects on stage, as well as high-quality audio and a surround sound mic that zooms with your lens. When shooting performances, many people like to use a tripod to guarantee a steady shot, so make sure that your camcorder also has a tripod mount. | |  | | | What if I want to record sporting events or other fast-moving action? | | If you intend to record high-speed action, look for a camcorder with great motion processing technology that lets you render fast, complex motions with precision. An image stabilization technology such as O.I.S. minimizes blurry shots caused by hand-shake. A large optical zoom range helps you get great close-up shots without any loss of image quality, especially when an image stabilization technology like O.I.S. keeps your shots steady while you zoom. | |  | | | What features are helpful if I plan on using my camcorder for business purposes, such as videoconferencing, training, and seminars? | | Since most business activities occur indoors, it's important to get a camcorder that has great low-light performance (7 lux or lower). Automatic settings and "scene" modes make it easy to handle settings such as exposure and lighting, so that you can concentrate on the business at hand. A surround sound mic that can zoom with your lens is useful if you'll be shooting conferences and lectures. You might even consider a camcorder with a port for an external microphone. If you plan on doing videoconferencing and/or podcasting, web cam compatibility (see above) is a practical feature. | |  | | | Are there advanced consumer camcorders that can be used for independent filmmaking? | | Digital camcorders, with their amazing flexibility and versatility, are a great way to produce high-quality movies without the cost or complications of film. If you intend to shoot professional quality footage, it's a good idea to invest in a camcorder that offers a full range of advanced features and capabilities, and you may also want to purchase additional hardware like lights and external microphones. Your camcorder should be equipped with features like great low-light performance (lower than 7 lux), large optical zoom (12X or greater), and Optical Image Stabilization technology. It should also have 3CCD image sensors, which is the broadcast industry standard (as opposed to 1CCD). A large, high-resolution LCD screen will help you frame the best shot possible, as well as play back footage as soon as you finish recording. | |  | | | | What are the different recording formats? | Unlike analog camcorders, which record to videotape, digital camcorders capture footage on one of several different media types, called recording formats. The four main formats are MiniDV, DVD, SD Memory Card and Hard Disk Drive (HDD), and some camcorders can record to multiple formats. | | | | MiniDV | | The most common format, these lightweight camcorders store data on small MiniDV tapes that hold about an hour's worth of footage. Video can be transferred via FireWire or USB cable to a computer desktop, where it can be edited, saved, and burned onto a DVD. The main advantages of MiniDV camcorders are their relatively small size and high picture quality. Some MiniDV camcorders are also able to record in High Definition. | |  | | | DVD | Less common than MiniDV models, these newer camcorders record data directly to DVDs and smaller discs known as MiniDVDs. There are a variety of recordable DVD formats (such as DVD-R/DL, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM), but many newer DVD camcorders, including all Panasonic models, can record to several or all of them.
A key advantage of this type of digital camcorder is that DVDs don't require rewinding and fast-forwarding. Each recording session is saved as an individual track, which makes it easy to jump between scenes or portions of footage. Another advantage of the DVD formats is its ease of playback. A DVD can be inserted directly into almost any DVD player and viewed immediately. DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs are rewritable, which means they can be erased and recorded on again and again. | |  | | | SD Memory Card | Some digital camcorders record onto an SD Memory Card, a recording method similar to digital cameras. There are several advantages to this format. First, it allows for an extremely small and lightweight camcorder (some weigh as little as 2 grams). It's easy to carry extra SD Memory Cards with you, since they're small and light and can stand up to rough environmental conditions.
Uploading your footage onto your PC is simple and straightforward. You don't need to connect any cables – just insert the SD Memory Card into a card reader. Additionally, some HDTVs – including many Panasonic models – now come equipped with built-in SD Memory Card slots, so you can insert the card from your camcorder directly into your TV and view your footage. Some SD Memory Card camcorders even record in High Definition. | |  | | | Hard Disk Drive (HDD) | | Many newer camcorders have an internal hard disk, meaning you never need to insert a tape or DVD; data records directly onto the camera. Some hard disks can hold up to 30GB of data, the same amount as about 22 DVDs. You'll need to empty the camera's hard disk periodically when it fills up, but there are many benefits to having a hard disk camcorder. You can record continuously for up to 27 hours without changing a disc, tape or other recording media, and you can also jump between scenes without fast-forwarding or rewinding. Transferring the video footage is very easy, as you can hook up the camcorder directly to your computer or DVD Writer, and archive it on DVDs or an external hard drive. You can also connect the camcorder directly to your TV to watch the footage immediately. Some newer HDD camcorders are even able to record in High Definition. | |  | | | | What are the advantages of having a High Definition (HD) camcorder? | TV broadcasts, movies, video games, and the TVs that play them are fast transitioning to High Definition (HD), so manufacturers are now offering HD camcorders that allow you to record significantly higher quality footage. Whereas Standard Definition camcorders record 480 horizontal lines of pixels, High Definition captures 1080 lines, which makes for stunning, ultra-clear footage. HD camcorders are easy to connect to an HDTV set (such as a plasma or an LCD) for playback. All it takes a single HDMI cable to get the signal running from your camcorder to an HDTV. | | | | How can I upload, edit, watch, and transfer my videos? | | Once you've shot your digital video footage, there are many options for watching, sharing and adding your own personal touches through editing software. | | | | What cables do I need to upload my footage to my computer? | | Digital camcorders are built for compatibility with your computer, so it's easy to upload video footage. Most camcorders that record onto MiniDV or Hard Disk Drive require only a single cable (FireWire or USB) to attach the camcorder to a laptop or desktop. If your camcorder records onto DVD, you can take the DVD out of the camcorder, insert it into a computer, and upload it that way so you can edit the footage. Some camcorders record onto an SD Memory Card, which means you can upload the video using an SD Memory Card reader. | |  | | | How can I edit my video footage? | | Many computers now come equipped with basic photo and video editing software that's free and easy to use. You can make your own DVDs complete with chapters, titles, and even some basic effects. For more experienced editors, you can also purchase advanced software that lets you add a whole range of visual and sound effects to create a very professional quality movie right on your own computer. | |  | | | How can I copy my videos for storage or to share with friends? | There are several ways to store and share your home videos. You can upload the footage to your computer (see above), edit it as you like, and burn the video to a DVD. It's also possible to copy a compressed video onto a CD-ROM, which makes it easy to share with anyone who has a computer. Compression minimizes video size, but also cuts down on image quality in the process.
You can easily connect your camcorder to a DVD Recorder through a DV input cable or HDMI cable, and transfer your video onto a DVD. Another way to share footage is to convert a short snippet of video to MPEG format with video editing software. Then you could email it to a friend or upload to a web server like YouTube and view it on your browser. | |  | | | How can I watch my videos? | | To view your footage immediately after shooting it, you can use the camcorder's LCD screen. Later, there are several ways to watch your footage. You can plug your camcorder directly into your TV or DVD Player using a FireWire or HDMI cable. You can upload it to your computer (see above), edit it as you like, and burn the video to a DVD. You can then watch the DVD on your computer, DVD player, DVD recorder or (if recording in HD) Blu-ray Disc™ player. Some digital camcorders record directly onto DVD. In that case, you can just insert the DVD directly into a DVD Player or Recorder, and press play to watch the footage. If your digital camcorder records onto an SD Memory Card, you can insert it right into an HDTV with a built-in SD Memory Card Slot to watch your video. | |  | | | | What additional hardware and accessories might I want or need? | | Depending on the type of digital camcorder you have and how you will be using it, you may need to purchase some additional hardware and accessories such as extra battery packs, a camera bag, and maybe even a tripod and lights. | | | | Additional Storage Media | | MiniDV tapes, DVDs, SD Memory Cards and other devices for storing data may be needed for a long day of shooting, or when you're on vacation and don't have time to stop and download all your footage to a computer to free up more memory. Filming at higher resolution consumes more memory; if you're aiming for extremely high video quality, be prepared with sufficient backup memory options. | |  | | | Battery Packs and Chargers | | The battery life of a camcorder varies depending on make and model; find out how long yours lasts and what's included automatically with your purchase. It might be a good idea to travel with an extra battery pack so that you have a backup in case your battery runs out in the middle of shooting. Stock up on extras as needed. | |  | | | Tripods and Lights | | There's a huge array of professional add-ons designed to help you take higher quality footage, and no matter what model of camcorder you own, compatibility is rarely an issue. Tripods add stability and allow hands-free recording, especially when taping long, slow-moving events like concerts, plays and recitals. Check to see if your camcorder comes with a tripod mount. Because good lighting is an essential element in creating high quality video, you may want to consider professional lighting for some situations. However, camcorders with 7 lux or lower are able to perform well in even low light situations. | |  | | | Bags and Straps | | Some camcorders don't come with a bag and strap, but you'll find that both accessories are extremely useful. A strap allows you to be more carefree with your camcorder without risking losing or dropping it, and a bag will protect it when it's not in use, and also serves as a safe place to store extra battery packs and recording media. There are many stylish and functional bag and strap options available for digital camcorder models of every size. | |  | | 
 Recording Formats are the various methods by which data is encoded and stored. The following are some of the standard formats: - Video Home System (VHS) is the standard format for analog videocassette recorders (VCRs).
- 8mm video is a format with an eight millimeters wide tapestrip. The format was originally developed as a cheaper alternative to 16mm film.
- Hi8 is a higher quality version of the 8mm video format. Hi8 yields a clearer picture than 8mm video.
- DVD-R is a DVD recording format readable by most DVD players. A DVD-R disc can only be recorded onto once.
- DVD-RW is a DVD recording format similar to DVD-R, but it can be recorded over many times without losing quality.
- DVD+R DL is a double-layered version of the DVD-R recording format, which can hold almost twice as much data.
- DVD-RAM is a rewritable recording format for DVDs generally perceived to be the most error free and efficient for computer usage. DVD-RAM also allows for specialized recording and playback features, such as "Chasing Playback."
- MiniDV is a recording format used in digital camcorders that yields video with a picture quality comparable to that of Hi8 or 8mm video.
| | | Video Home System (VHS) is the standard format for analog videocassette recorders (VCRs). | | | 8mm video is a format with an eight millimeters wide tapestrip. The format was originally developed as a cheaper alternative to 16mm film. | | | Hi8 is a higher quality version of the 8mm format. Hi8 yields a clearer picture than 8mm video. |
| | MiniDV is a recording format used in digital camcorders that yields video with a picture quality comparable to that of Hi8 or 8mm video. | | | Digital Video Disc (DVD) is the video storage format largely responsible for replacing VHS cassette tapes, due to a smaller size and higher resolution. DVDs are virtually identical to CDs in size and shape, but are capable of holding significantly more data. They are available in several formats, most notably DVD-Rs (DVDs which can be recorded on once) and DVD-RWs (DVDs which can be recorded on multiple times). | |
 | Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card | |  | | Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards are a widely used format for flash memory in portable devices like digital cameras and handheld computers. When you take a picture with a digital camera, that data is stored on the camera's SD Memory Card, a postage stamp-sized flash memory drive that can be popped in an out of your camera or other compatible devices. SD cards are available in 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, and 512 MB, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 GB. |  SD/SDHC memory card | | | A Hard Disk (drive) is a medium for the storage of large amounts of digital data. Electronic devices that contain internal hard disks are able to store and access data without needing portable disks or cassettes to do so. Hard disks also allow for the high speed accessing and processing of data. | | | High Definition (HD) is a television and movie display technology that offers a significantly higher image quality than Standard Definition and features a wide screen format and surround sound capabilities. High Definition boasts either 720 or 1,080 lines of resolution (presented in either interlaced or progressive scan format), and uses a 16:9 aspect ratio (width:height), which is wider than the 4:3 ratio of standard televisions. | | | Lux is the metric unit for the measure of visible light (illuminance) on a surface. The term is often used as a means of describing the sensitivity to light of different cameras. Higher quality camcorders have a lower minimum level of illuminance in lux to record a satisfactory image. | | | Optical zoom is a camera feature that magnifies the size of an image through lens adjustment without degrading picture quality. This feature should not be confused with digital zoom, which performs the same function, but sacrifices resolution. Optical zoom requires the moving of a lens forward or backward. |  normal image |  12x Optical Zoom | | | Digital Zoom is a feature found in many digital cameras and camcorders that takes a portion of the image's data and enlarges it, producing a magnification similar to the effect achieved using a telephoto lens. This process, however, is different from the magnification produced using an optical zoom, and the stronger the digital zoom, the more the image will degrade. | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom (note blurriness) | | | A Megapixel is the term for one million (1,000,000) pixels. A pixel is the smallest element of a digital image. When viewed up close, digital images will appear as a grid of pixels. Pixels are often referenced when describing the resolution capability of a device - the more pixels per inch, the higher the resolution, and the more detailed and clear an image will appear. | | | HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a new high quality standard digital connection between A/V devices, such as a cable TV set-top box, DVD player or A/V receiver, and a digital television. HDMI offers exceptional video and audio quality with a single quick-disconnect connector. It supports multi-channel digital audio transmissions and component video color spacing for true rendering of HD video. HDMI supports the HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) standards, allowing transmission of copy-protected digital content to your display. |  HDMI cable | | | MPEG is the Motion Picture Experts Group industry standard of video and audio compression. The term is usually followed by a number, indicating which form is being referenced. MPEG I, is used in video CDs and provides a 352x240 dots per inch image, 30 frames per second, 15-bit color and CD-quality sound. | | | Blu-ray Discs (BD) are high-density optical discs that store digital media, most notably High-Definition video. They are gaining in popularity due to their superior image quality and their ability to hold substantially more data than standard DVDs. Blu-ray Discs use a blue-violet laser instead of the infrared lasers used for DVDs and CDs. |  | |  |
|
|
PRINT PAGE
