Digital Camcorders

Types & Features of Digital Camcorders

A Camcorder can simply be explained in three words - “video camera recorder”. A Camcorder is an electronic device that has both video camera and video recorder in a single unit.

A digital camcorder gives you high video quality as they record across a wide colour spectrum. The main difference between the analog and digital camcorder is that digital allows you to take as many copies as you would like without having to sacrifice the video quality. Audio quality is also better when compared to the analog ones.

Before getting to know some of the general features of the digital camcorders, let us first know what are the types or the formats in which the digital camcorders are available.

Types of Digital Camcorders :

Digital camcorders come in different types just to suit different purposes. Different types promise comfort to different users by giving them the ability to choose the memory and the medium of storage. The following are the types of digital camcorders :

1. Mini DV
2. Micro MV
3. Mini DVD-R and DVD-RAM
4. Hard Drive
5. Digital8
6. Flash Memory

Mini DV : It is the most popular type or the format. This type of digital camcorders use Mini DV cassettes that record DV format video. They are small, inexpensive but capable of recording high definition video.

Micro MV : Micro MV cassettes are smaller than Mini DV cassettes and record video in MPEG-2 format instead of the common DV format. The biggest advantage of Micro MV is in the size. Smaller the tapes, smaller the camcorders. So camcorders that use the Micro MV cassettes are the smallest and the most portable. However, they are more expensive than the Mini DV cassettes.

Mini DVD-R and DVD-RAM : These type of camcorders record data in DVD disks instead of the digital videotape. This provides more control and flexibility over the data stored. The problem with this type is that it requires special formatting of the disc to use it on television and computers.

Hard Drive : This type of camcorders have hard drives in them thereby having more memory. They are very easy to use. Editing, adding, deleting can be done very easily. Although hard drive camcorders are one of the expensive models, they preserve the video quality when it is transferred to the computer.

Digital8 : In this type of camcorder, video is recorded in analog tapes. They give the users the advantage of having digital video while using the analog tapes that are inexpensive when compared to the DV tapes. Nevertheless, digital8 camcorders are day-by-day decreasing in consumption as people prefer the Mini DV format the most.

Flash Memory : Camcorders that record store the video or the data in the memory stick. A computer is required for the file to be retrieved. Video can be recorded according to the storage size of the memory stick.

The above are the types of camcorders. Apart from these, there are combination or the combo camcorders that has the ability and features of more than one type mentioned above. In simple terms, it is a combination of two or more types.

Now let's move on to the features.

Features of Digital Camcorders :

The following are the features present in the digital camcorders :

1. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
2. Charged-Coupled Device
3. Microphone
4. Light
5. Zoom
6. Self-Timed Recording
7. Audio/Video Inputs
8. Quick View

LCD : Display screen feature that shows what you are recording and also what you have already recorded (playback).

Charged-Coupled Device : Feature that coverts the light entering the lens into a digital signal.

Microphone : External microphone plugged in the camcorder that helps reduce noise generated by the camcorder itself.

Light : Feature that is useful when shooting videos in dark.

Zoom : Feature to zoom or enlarge the object being recorded. There are two types of zoom - Optical and Digital Zoom. Optical Zoom enlarges the image or the object and maintains the quality. Digital Zoom enlarges the pixels giving it a grainy effect thereby reducing the quality.

Self-Timed Recording : Feature that allows you set the time to start shooting videos automatically when you want.

Audio/Video Inputs : Feature that allows you to record videos from other camcorders and VCRs.

Quick View : Feature that allows you to see last recorded video without much complexity.

There are many more features like giving special effects, auto recording, remote controlling, image capturing and so on.

With so many flamboyant types and immaculate features, the digital camcorders are bound to be the current video recording trend.

Buying Guide

Are you confused on getting a high storage capacity camcorder? Presented here is a complete buying guide of the camcorder that can answer all your queries relating to video camera.

The section explains,

• Types Of Camcorder

• Camcorder Brands

What is a camcorder ?

The word camcorder meaning, Video CAMera+ reCORDER itself explains us what it does. It combines operation of video camera and video recorder. Many other devices like cell phones can also record videos, in order to differentiate, the camcorder is been referred as a device having recording as its major function.

Types Of Camcorder

The video camera is classified by the resolution used when capturing a footage. The definition of the video camera are of two types Standard definition and High definition. The difference with the high definition video recorder is that they are equipped with high resolution image sensor, advanced recording techniques and more detailed image when viewed on the HDTV. The recording equipment is divided depending upon what medium is used for recording. Lets us know some of them in brief.

MiniDV Camcorder

This instrument employs tape cassettes for recording. At standard play speed, the video camera can capture the best quality videos with a recording time of about 60 minutes. The tape cassettes are quiet cheap and are always available in stock. The major drawback is that, the tape cassettes have to be handled with care since it could stuck up and get jammed while shaking the camcorder. When you playback the video clips, you cannot directly jump at random intervals on the tape, instead you will have to fast forward or rewind it. The MiniDV video recording instrument allows you to edit frame by frame.

DVD Camcorders

The DVD video camera supports DVD format that features random access to scenes, compactness and durability and uses the same standard MPEG-2 video format as used in the commercial videos. The DVD disc are reusable but are not compatible with DVD players.

Hard drive Camcorders

These video cameras are easier to use since they record videos into a small built in hard drive. The random access hard drives come built in and so it is safe from external damage. Removable memory cards provide even more space for storage. When connected to computer through the USB, the camcorder makes it easy to transfer files. No conversion are necessary since the pictures and videos are already stored in computer compatible files.

Flash Memory Camcorders

The flash memory uses Secured Digital memory cards that employs digital formats for storing the videos. You can enjoy recording videos from 15 minutes to up to about one hour. Upcoming digital video cameras come with non removable flash memory that are rated cheap when compared to removable flash memory cards.

Camcorder Brands

Since video recording equipments are growing fast and popular among the public, many branded manufacturers have taken steps in releasing new attractive models to the user. The branded manufacturers include JVC, Hitachi, Panasonic, Canon, Sony, Pure Digital, Samsung and Sanyo among which Sony leads the market on releasing many models with unique formats in each.

Finally, you have landed in the site that has got genuine reviews and exciting discount offers to help you get the right camcorder that you were looking for. So what are you waiting for ? Browse through and take home what you want.