Camcorders can range from just a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
While camcorders have changed greatly over the years, moving from heavy, bulky contraptions requiring tapes and cords to sleek, pocket size digital devices, the purpose has remained the same. A camcorder helps preserve memories. When deciding which camcorder best fits your needs, you need to consider price, functionality, ease of use and reliability. A camcorder can represent a significant investment; therefore, it is important to choose one that you can depend on to capture life's moments.
Instructions
1. Determine what you will use the camcorder to do. A camcorder needed for recording friends and family probably does not need as many bells as whistles as a camcorder used for business purposes. If choosing a camcorder to shoot high-quality video, a high-definition camera is must; while standard definition would probably work for other purposes when budget is a consideration. There are also features like exposure adjustments and external audio that are necessary for camcorders used for recording soccer games, family holidays and other personal events.
2. Consider where you will use the camcorder. Once you have determined what you are going to record, think about how you will record it. For example, a child's sporting event or on-the-spot interview with a company president might be more practical with a smaller camcorder that can be easily carried. A smaller camcorder might also work better for vacations or other fun gatherings. If you are shooting lots of action or have to set up and tear down quickly, think about how you would practically accomplish that with the camcorder.
3. Pay attention to storage capacity. Depending on the model, some camcorders will record just one to two hours of video. That kind of storage may work for some users, but others may need to store many more hours of footage. If that is the case, look for a camcorder with greater capacity and, if necessary, the ability to add extra memory or a larger card.
4. Look at pricing. A camcorder that is right for you is one that is within your price range. For personal use, quality camcorders can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. When deciding on a video camera, also take into account accessories like tripods and microphones that are typically needed with higher-end video shoots.
5. Test drive different camcorders and choose one that is easy for you to use. Figure out how it performs functions like zoom and focus, and record and play back. Assess the camcorder's viewfinder. Also look at how you get the video from the camera to other outlets like a computer or television. Some camcorders have just a few controls, while others have many more options. Play around with camcorders at a store to find one you are comfortable using.
6. Compare features. Once you know the style of camcorder you need, it can come down to the choice between a few models. Read up and research how well the camcorder performs the functions you most need. Most importantly, look at video quality. For professional videos, features like image stabilization and lighting are also important and should be compared.
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