Camcorder Terminology from A to Z

Buying a camcorder without knowing the proper terminology is like going into your wedding with having your vows memorized ? you?ll get through it, but it probably isn?t going to end well With that in mind, we present the following indispensable guide to the lexicon of the camcorder

Buying a camcorder without knowing the proper terminology is like going into your wedding with having your vows memorized ? you?ll get through it, but it probably isn?t going to end well.

With that in mind, we present the following indispensable guide to the lexicon of the camcorder. This information will help demystify the many features available, thus helping you make a more informed purchase decision.

8MM ? Smaller than most video formats, 8MM tape offers better quality than VHS recording, but not as good as digital formats.

Auto Focus - A feature that allows you to point at an object and have the camera automatically adjust to provide the clearest image of that target.

Backlight Control ? A setting that increases aperture when there is a strong light source behind the subject ? thus insuring that they will not be underexposed.

Compact VHS ? Smaller than standard VHS, this format is not used much these days. The resolution of a Compact VHS tape is the same as a standard VHS.

Digital 8 ? A higher resolution format that uses digital technology. Features resolution 20% higher than high-8 or VHS-C formats.

DVD Camcorder ? This unique technology allows the user to shoot digital moving images which can then be burned on to a DVD that is already in the camera. The resulting DVD can be taken directly to a PC for editing or DVD player for viewing.

LUX Scale ? Measures the amount of illumination in a specific area. An outdoor shot on a sunny day will be around 10,000 LUX, while an indoor shot will be between 1,000 and 2,000 LUX depending upon the amount of white light in the room.

MiniDV - This digital format offers outstanding audio and video quality. Tapes are small and can be played back using the camcorder and simple AV cables.

Night Shot ? A new technology new to consumer camcorders that allows the individual to shoot images without any available light source. The image generated will have a green, ?military? tint to it when viewed.

Photo Mode ? Many digital camcorders allow you to use the device as a still camera. Photo Mode is the selection on the camcorder that switches over to this feature.

Picture Noise ? Low image quality or grainy footage as a result of poor lighting.

Refurbished ? Some camcorders purchased online are refurbished. This refers to the process of reselling a used camcorder with replacement parts inside. Most refurbished electronics work like new, but may not be covered under manufacturer?s warranty.

VHS ? The oldest camcorder type currently in use. Large VHS tapes were once the industry standard and can be taken directly from the camcorder and played in a standard VHS video tape player.

Wipe ? A transition in which one image is moved off of the screen and replaced by another. Used in editing to create a more professional look for the finished movie.

Zoom ? The ability of the camcorder to create the illusion of bringing the subject closer or further away from the camera. More advanced camcorders have more powerful zoom capability.

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