Choosing a camcorder

Choosing a camcorder can be a confusing business. There are so many new formats coming out, and many different sizes. Many websites that perform general tests on equipment tend to give advice from the perspective of general specifications. There are several things to consider when you are purchasing a new camcorder.

What is the primary use going to be?

What are you going to be using the camcorder for? If you want a rough and tumble device for videoing the kids playing in the garden you will want something simple with mostly automatic functions. However, if you are also wanting to take a bit more care over your shots you will probably want something that can be controlled manually. Often purchasing a camera that is too simple can be a false economy.

High definition and 16:9 widescreen?

More and more cameras these days are capable of high definition. In the standard definition realm more cameras are now also capable of 16:9 widescreen. The two things are totally seperate. High definition has up to 4x the resolution and detail of standard definition. It is 16:9 widescreen by default. Traditionally standard definition has been 4:3 non-widescreen. In the professional arena in the UK and Europe standard definition cameras have been shooting 16:9 widescreen for a number of years now. Only now are the low level consumer cameras starting to catch on. A little too late if you ask me, since high definition is the way things are going.

High definition cameras are more expensive than the standard definition ones. But the prices are coming down all the time. To be frank I would advise people to go for a high definition model if their budget permits. This is maninly because in the amateur realm cameras are often used for recording family gatherings. High definition will serve you much better with a much more vivid and detailed picture, and as a result in the future when all television is high definition you will be glad you made that investment.

You can't really buy a new CRT television these days, and to be honest any standard definition picture looks pretty grotty on an LCD TV. High definition looks far better on such displays.

Recording formats and mediums

Eventually tape will die. There is no doubt about this. But I am reluctant to advise getting one of the new consumer tapeless camera systems such as those that record to solid state cards or disc. HDV tape is well established, and in my mind will keep your family memories safer than a consumer based writeable disc. With the solid state cameras that record to cards, you have to have somewhere to back that footage up to. And until writeable Blu-Ray or HD-DVD becomes common place it may be worth staying away for a while. Sometimes I think that the manufacturers forget that non-professional consumers don't want to be spending time using backup systems on their PC's or Macs. They just want to record the footage and keep it. Often without editing it.

What camera model do you recommend?

On a consumer level, to be honest picture quality is roughly the same across the board. Admittedly some exceptions do perform particularly well. Canons new HV20 being one example. More important for the casual camera user is the build quality of the device, and how comfortable it is to hold. If you envisage yourself using the camera more seriously it is worth spending a bit extra for a camera that gives you the functionality that you desire. Otherwise you just end up spending more down the line.

Accessories 

Don't forget to budget for a decent carrying bag or case. Another accessory that you may want to consider is an inexpensive on camera light. These fit to the accessory hotshoe on your camera. Usually I hate these things for anything but run and gun style shooting (which is what most casual camera users do). Consumer cameras are bloody awful in low light, and those infrared modes we see may be great for novelty or for performing raids in Bahgdad, but they really aren't great for videoing parties! An on board camera light could be a very useful thing to have if you are shooting a lot of dark and dingy party gatherings etc. As a casual video user you'll get more out of one of these than a tripod.

Speaking of which, yes I am going to suggest you get a tripod. I know quite a lot of you don't want to be lugging one of these things around.  Personally I wouldn't be seen dead without a tripod. No professional worth their salt would. But I realise that casual video camera users don't really care for getting picture perfect composition. All I'm saying is that if you do want to make your videos watchable to anyone other than yourself, a tripod is a must! 

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