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Comparison of digital video camcorders

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When shopping for a digital video camcorder, there are several key features that make one camera different from the next.Fortunately, these key features are all simply listed as "specs" and you can do most of your comparison-shopping from the information available on the internet (or on the tags if you are shopping at a store).Compare the following key features and when you have selected a couple of cameras that might be right for you, try them out and see which one fits your hand better before making your final decision.

Price

One of the biggest differences between video camcorders is price.Most video recorders are prices somewhere around $500.However, there are some lower prices exceptions.The Hitachi DZ-BX35A for example, includes most of the options of the more expensive models for a price under $300.This is an exception and in general, the more you pay for a camera, the more options you will purchase.

Recording Format

The biggest difference in how video recorders work is in the recording format.You will find that there are three main ways of recording.By far the most popular is the MiniDV, which records on mini cassette tapes.Most cameras are MiniDvs and the recording quality from these cameras is the best.Another option that is becoming more popular is the DVD recording camera.These cameras record directly onto DVDs, which makes the videos convenient for immediate viewing.The quality of DVD cameras is improving and two of the DVD cameras topped the most recent Consumer Report Ratings.The final option for recording format is to record onto a removable memory device like a memory stick.These cameras are new to the market and haven't caught up yet, in quality, with the other two formats.However, the removable memory option makes video editing and sharing every bit as easy as editing and sharing digital photographs.

Optical Zoom

Optical zoom is important and it is surprising that some expensive cameras (over $700) don't have much while some of the less expensive cameras (under $500) have a lot.The optical zoom is designated by a number like 10X or 25X.If you buy a 10X optical zoom camera, you will be able to zoom in and take the video from a perspective 10 times closer than you actually are; a 25X optical zoom lets you take the video from a perspective 25 times closer than you actually are.This is important if you are going to be filming events or subjects from a distance.

Don't confuse optical zoom with digital zoom.The digital zoom is not nearly as important as the optical zoom, it basically just edits the picture and the same effect can be achieved through editing software.

LCD size

The LCD is the flip out monitor that allows you to see what you are filming.These monitors range in size from two to four inches and the bigger the better.Besides the size of the LCD, you will want to look at the image when you handle the camera in person.Some do a better job than others of reflecting the light than others do.It is very hard to shoot good video if you can't see what you're shooting because your monitor washes out in sunlight.

Camera size

Consider the dimensions and the weight of your camera before buying it.Some of the smallest cameras weigh around a pound; some of the bigger ones weight around three pounds.The smaller cameras will be easier to use and to carry around, the littlest ones you will be able to carry right in your purse, or even in your pocket.This is much more convenient than hauling around a camera bag and handling a big, bulky machine when you want to shoot video.

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