How to choose a digital video camera

More and more modern camcorders are manufactured with the ability to record in digital format. A choice of analog video cameras does not make sense, especially given the prices that are almost identical, digital video cameras are not much more expensive.
Recording Format Camera
Camcorders can record in digital formats such as Digital 8, mini DV, micro MV, DVD, Mpeg 4. At the camcorders that work in the first three formats is still applied to the tape recording, but now in digital quality.
Camcorders with Digital 8 recording format is preferred by those who still remained in the recording of analog Hi 8. These cameras make it possible not only to see the video in Hi 8, but also to make the digitization of Digital 8. Record in Hi 8 and Digital 8 is in on the 8-millimeter film, but only in the second case, and in digital quality with stereo sound. Price camera, recording at Digital 8, is quite low. But if you choose the first video camera, and inexpensive, it is best to pay attention to the format mini DV.
Camcorder recording format mini DV smaller in size and weight, because it uses less tape (tape width of 6.35 mm) than for the Digital 8. But it is a little more high-quality digital video and stereo sound. These video cameras and tape them to produce many well-known manufacturers (Sony, JVC, Panasonic, Samsung), so the problems with supplies should not arise.
Micro MV format is superior in quality as the previous video compression used in standard Mpeg 2. These cameras tape two times smaller than the mini DV or Digital 8. Therefore, camera format Micro MV turned out quite compact. But when choosing a video camera, try as far as is comfortable to hold her hand. The small size can deliver a lot of inconvenience for a large hand, the more so because the buttons are too close to each other.
DVD-Video are recorded directly onto a DVD-R/RW discs. The main advantage is that the recorded video can be viewed directly on the DVD-player, it is easy to rewind to the desired point. But the size of most DVD-Video are dictated by the size of the disk, so make it fairly compact fails.
Among modern cameras, you can choose a recording format Mpeg 4. As the media uses the hard drive or flash-card. All entries are overwritten without any problems from the camcorder to a computer for further editing or burning to disc.
Optics (lens) camera
One of the main elements of each camera is always optics. In the production of cameras firms can use either your own design or use lenses from other manufacturers. For example, JVC camcorders is its own optics, as well, Sony has chosen for its camera optics Carl Zeiss. Leica Dicomar optics selected by Panasonic to be installed in your camcorder.
Viewfinder cameras
Monitoring the video, select the required angle and various settings - for this use the viewfinder, optical or mirror. Minus the optical viewfinder is that you will see in it a picture that is different from the recording - there is a slight shift in direction. For this reason, better to choose a camera with a mirror viewfinder.
The viewfinder can also be black and white or color. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so before you choose you need to know these details. Black and white viewfinder is preferable, since they can be more accurately adjust the sharpness. The advantage of the same color viewfinders in their natural color reproduction, white balance settings (in some models of the excess luminosity released by hatching).
No modern camera can not do without the LCD display, which is often very convenient to use as a viewfinder. Especially convenient is the display when shooting from awkward positions, for example, when recording a video concert, holding the camera above your head.
Increase (optical, digital) camera
As for cameras and camcorders made for shooting objects at different distances. In such situations, the approach will be useful to increase / objects. The increase is implemented using object capabilities of optics and electronics.
Choosing a camcorder first and foremost pay attention to optical zoom (optical zoom). Zoom in / out is by moving the lens, the coefficients can reach values ​​of 10 to 25. In most situations, would be enough camera with 10 x optical zoom. The coefficients of 20 and above requires a tripod, because such an increase will be seen shaking hands. So choose a camcorder with a large optical zoom is impractical. In addition, you overpay for the features that are not always able to take advantage.
Digital zoom is not as important when choosing a camcorder. Large values ​​of the digital zoom is used purely for marketing purposes. First, using the digital zoom is a loss in quality, so it is desirable to disable the function. Second, again as at high magnification will be very noticeable the slightest vibrations camcorder. So whether you choose a camera with a 200-fold or 500-fold digital zoom is not critical.
CCD (CCD) camera
Passing through the optics, the image falls on the light-sensitive elements (CCD), the output image which is converted into an electrical signal.
The most common are video cameras in the matrix diagonal 1/4 "(6 mm) and 1/3" (8mm). It is better to choose a camera with a CCD larger diagonally, because, having a higher sensitivity allows shooting in low light conditions.
Resolution is measured in number of the matrix of photosensitive elements (pixels). In order to avoid grain is desirable to have as a higher resolution, but the minimum necessary to 500.000 pixels (0.5 megapixel). If you want to choose a camera with the ability to take pictures, you should pay attention to the model with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels.
At the camcorders also use the technology of the three CCD arrays (3CCD), mainly in the professional apparatus, although there is a model of "simple", such as Panasonic NV_GS-300. If you are using this technology is the layout of the light passing through the lens to red, blue and green components, each of which is processed by a separate matrix. This allows for better color reproduction, reduce color distortion. Camcorders with three matrices by features of the technology a little bit larger in size and cost significantly more. So for shooting home movies would be better to choose among models with the same matrix.
Image stabilizer Video
Choosing a camcorder, it is important to take into account such factors as the image stabilizer. It helps to avoid vibrations when recording video images (such as trembling hands). At the moment, what would you choose a video camera on it will be installed in any case, the stabilizer. But! Businesses are opting for a camcorder with an optical stabilizer, for amateur photography is quite enough, and electronic.
Electronic stabilizer uses a portion of the CCD, the data which are processed by the processor. This helps to avoid oscillation in the picture frame, but the quality is lost, because not all elements of work to create an image.
Optical Image Stabilizer works by an additional lens group. With the help of special sensors, data is transmitted to the processor of the camera direction, velocity and amplitude of the oscillations. The processor, based on these values, controls the lens group stabilization so that the image does not go beyond the CCD, ie, remained motionless. Under this system, increases energy expenditure, but given the quality of the received, the lack of it becomes insignificant.
Sensitivity of the camera
If you shoot video in low light, it is best to choose a camera with high sensitivity. Unit of measurement sensitivity - suite. A good indicator of the camera is the ability to shoot at the object illumination of 0.1 lx (this corresponds to a situation of minimum illumination). The specifications of this parameter is usually overestimated. Increases the sensitivity camera allows aspheric optics, it is better to choose among these models.
If you often shoot in low light, you can also choose the camcorder with a built-in light area light or to install it.
The sound on the camcorder
Modern cameras allow you to record stereo sound, and sound in Dolby Digital 5.1 format on DVD-camcorders. Choosing a camcorder, you should pay attention to such details. First, it is possible to connect external microphone, one or even two. The second point is a sound recording on two channels, which allows you to make comments or to add background sound to an existing account.
Batteries for camcorder
The parameters of the selected camera battery operation time depends on a single charge. At the time, of course, will influence and mode of operation, which uses a video camera, the power consumption of nodes.
To date, Li-Ion and Li-Pol batteries have replaced Ni-Cd and NiMh batteries. Choose the battery for the camcorder is not necessary, since released for the use of only a certain type of battery. You can select only the battery capacity. Included with the camera can take a small battery capacity, so it is desirable to immediately purchase a second battery, designed for longer battery life. Note also that while the standard battery, the manufacturer, in fact, will be less. This is because the parameter is specified for the most economical mode without zooming, LCD display, viewing recorded video.
Connecting a camcorder
To communicate with other devices, video cameras are equipped with various connectors.
S-Video connector for connecting to a TV and VCR. With it you can watch videos on TV directly and copying to the VCR.
Almost all video cameras present IEEE 1394 (FireWire, I.Link or DV). Its main application - data transfer to PC or other digital camera. If you choose not only a video camera DV-output, but the DV-input, you will be able to use the camera as a VCR, ie View and record video from other devices.
The USB port at first used only to send a picture, but now with faster USB 2.0 standard and can transfer video data.
To implement linear editing requires assembling connectors (for Sony - a connector LANC, from Panasonic - Control-M). With these connectors can be synchronized with the video camera and editing deck VCR.
It is also desirable to have a connector for external microphone and headphones.

Choose your camcorder is better not to maximize the functional equipment, and to recruit the necessary functions. It is possible that you do not need a 20-fold increase, or, for example, photography is not necessary because planning and buying digital camera. Therefore, whether or not to overpay? It is better to choose the difference in the amount of camera accessories. For example, you definitely need to transfer the case most camcorders, as well as extra batteries, tapes or discs, cables, and possibly the charger.
Save reasonable and make the right choice!