How to Buy a Digital Camcorder

Tips for buying a digital camcorder

1. Your first consideration when buying a digital camcorder should be how you plan to shoot and edit your recordings. Digital camcorders are popular because you can transfer your footage to a computer and edit them frame by frame with any number of video editing software packages. Essentially, you can cut out the bad shots, put the events in the order you want them, add music or voice over and then transfer your new movie to a CD, DVD or videotape. If you think you will simply be shooting footage and then storing it on CDs or on your hard drive, with a minimum amount of editing, then you may want to go with a less elaborate, and less expensive digital camcorder. On the other hand, if you plan to use the digital camcorder often and to make movies with it, you will want one of the more expensive models with semi-professional features.
2. Prices for digital camcorders range from about $400 to several thousand dollars. Consider how you often you will use your digital camcorder and for what purposes, and then try to match the features and quality you want with a price you can afford.
3. Think about format. The majority of digital camcorders come with some kind of videotape recording format, such as MiniDV or Digital-8. More and more digital camcorders, however, record the raw footage to DVDs that are inserted into the camera. And there are digital camcorders that simply record footage and then wait for you to transfer it to whatever format you prefer via a laptop of desktop pc.
4. The LCD screen that allows you to view events as they are being recorded and to review previously recorded footage should do two things. It should give you a clear image in daylight and it should be large enough to let you see what you recorded. Test the LCD on any digital camcorder that you are considering.
5. A primary consideration for digital camcorders is lens zoom abilities. All digital camcorders come with some type of zoom capabilities, but you want to make sure that you have optical zoom options, which actually brings the subject closer. Digital zoom options only enlarge a pre-existing image, which can result in significant blurring. A digital camcorder with 10x optical zoom feature should be more than adequate for most people.
6. Be sure to investigate how well a digital camcorder records in dim light. Also test sound quality. The microphone on a digital camcorder should at least be external. If you plan on shooting your own movies, you need to seriously consider a digital camcorder with microphones mounted on a flexible arm attached to the camcorder.

Caution

Digital camcorders use a great deal of power, which is why batteries normally only last an hour or so before needing a recharge. Learn the battery capacity for digital camcorders you are thinking about purchasing and see if you can buy longer lasting batteries for a little more money.

Where to buy a digital camcorder

Choose a digital camcorder from one of these fine Web retailers--

B&H Photo-Video sells many models of digital camcorders. Shop by format or brand.

Amazon offers every digital camcorder format, including tapeless models.

Find digital camcorders in every price range at Best Buy. Also pick up some accessories.