Must Have Checklist Choosing a Digital Camcorder

This article provides excellent advice to help individuals select a digital camcorder.

Shooting video with a hand-held camcorder has taken on a whole new life with digital technology. Once tasks only professionals could do - transferring, editing, enhancing, copying and distributing video - can now be done by anyone with a digital camcorder and a relatively new computer.

While less expensive models are perfect for shooting video to be published on the Web - video sharing sites, social networking sites, etc. -- mid-range models provide a higher quality which is great for family videos and travel diaries. High-end models are capable of shooting almost-cinema-quality video.

There are many options and prices ranges available when it comes to camcorders, and choosing one can be overwhelming. Here's a checklist to make the selection process easier:

Features of a Digital Camcorder

- Shoot video footage and store it in digital format for easy editing, viewing, backup and DVD burning

- DVD-quality video is standard; high-definition video requires a camcorder that can shoot in 720p or 1080i format

- Lenses typically feature 10x to 35x optical zoom; digital zoom is less important, and will crop an image

- Optical or digital stabilization reduces shaky video; digital stabilization tends to noticeably degrade images, while optical stabilization typically doesn't

- Stereo-quality audio is standard for camcorder microphones; some higher-end camcorders can record in 5.1 for home theater quality; front-mounted microphones do a better job when it comes to capturing sound related to the subject (top-mounted microphones tend to allow the voice of the videographer to override other sounds); external microphones provide the best sound

- Built-in screen for viewing recorded and edited video; standard size is 4:3, a larger 16:9 LCD screen is recommended for shooting hi-def or wide-screen video, or for videographers who prefer a larger screen for easier viewing

- Scene modes, low-light infrared and other exposure controls allow for better lighting and clarity, similar to digital cameras

- Edit video footage with on-camera tools or computer software

- On standard battery power, most camcorders last up to 1.5 hours, while some extended life batteries can last longer than two hours; multiple batteries are recommended compared to larger batteries, which are heavier

- A built-in sensor captures video and still images. In most models there is one sensor, and larger ones are better; high-end models may use three separate Red/Green/Blue sensors for better color

- Transfer recorded video to TV with S-video or composite cable (if high-definition video and a hi-def TV, the output is HDMI); transfer recorded video to computer with USB or FireWire

- Some digital camcorders are waterproof for shooting underwater on rainy days, in swimming pools, or while canoeing or snorkeling

- High-end camcorders can take high quality still images like a digital camera

Video can be stored on:

- Tapes: least expensive; good for standard and high-definition, but can be a hassle to transfer to DVD; most commonly available while traveling on vacation, etc.

- Mini-discs: inexpensive; insert directly in to camera and the DVD player like a CD; video editing usually done on camera; each disk only stores up to around 2.8 GB

- Hard drive: can hold up to 60 GB of video at once; connects with computer to transfer video

- Flash memory: using the same technology as flash, jump or thumb drives, internal or removable storage cards allow for smaller, lighter handheld digital camcorders; storage capacity is around 8 GB

When possible, buy for the future. Look for camcorders that allow for easy expansion of memory, battery power and add-ons like high quality microphones. Make sure the camcorder and the software that comes with it are compatible with the computers, TV, DVD recorder, etc. with which it will be connected.

Yung Trang leads the team behind Techbargains.com, one of the most visited online shopping deal sites. Techbargains has been featured in PC World, and the Wall Street Journal. The site was founded in 1999 and is best known for the quality of its Dell Coupons, Newegg Promo Codes, and Staples Coupons