Picking the perfect HD camcorder can be a frustrating experience. That’s because it is completely overwhelming. There are so many things to keep in mind. Let’s hone that down a little.
First and foremost you need to have the end in mind. I know, I can hear you saying, “What the heck are you talking about?” Let me explain. And this really goes with any type of electronic device. Think about how you will use this device. Will it be for family gatherings or are you starting a wedding video business? Those two ends require much different HD camcorder types.
For most people, they will want something for everyday use. You know, things like videotaping family get togethers, soccer games, and vacations. So, let’s tackle that. Now, for most people, an HD camcorder is going to provide more than enough resolution capability for those types of occasions. You will be able to watch those videos, with joy, on your HDTV. And it will look awesome. So, resolution isn’t usually an issue. So, let’s look at those other things that will.
HD Camcorder Storage Type
If you didn’t know, HD camcorders utilize different storage methods. Each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. There are hard drive based HD camcorders, DVD camcorders (with flash add ons), miniDV models, and solely flash based HD camcorders. I will cover them in a separate post.
HD Camcorder Battery Life
This is one of the biggest issues. And, unfortunately, it’s one of the least looked at features. Take for instance, the very highly rated Sony HDR-SR12. This hard drive based HD camcorder has a 40 minute battery life! Now, the Canon Vixia HV30, a MiniDV HD camcorder has a 65 minute battery life. If battery life is uber important to you, you need to take that into consideration.
Image Stabilization
This is another really good one. Image stabilization simply corrects a shaky hand. I say simply, but it is pretty amazing technology. Think about how you are going to use your digital video camera. If it’s like most amateurs, it will usually be hand held. And, if you’re like most Americans who drink vast quantities of coffee, you will have to have really good image stabilization. And, trust me, not every stabilization is created equal. Some models are better than others.
Low Light Video Quality
Ahhh, this is another big one. Again, will you be taking a lot of night video? For most people, this is not a big issue. But, if you have a lot of night time video, in a darker house, then this can really be a giant issue. When looking for that perfect high definition video camera, check around to see what folks are saying about low light video quality. Some camcorders are really good and some right out stink.
Controls and Ergnomonics
An often overlooked feature that should be considered is ergonomics. How does the camcorder fit into your hand? Are the controls impossible to figure out? Believe me, there is a wide range in how the onboard controls are engineered. Some seem to be tailored to the customer and some seem like, well, an engineer made them.
Lens, Digital Processor, and Image Quality
You would be surprised how many low end manufacturers tout their HD camcorders, but use substandard parts for imaging. The lens is absolutley crucial for great image reproduction. The digital processor handles image clarity, color fidelity, etc. Canon seems to always be on the cutting edge of great digital processors. For instance, people love the image quality of the Vixia HF10. Quality parts = quality image.
Audio Quality
Another often overlooked feature is audio quality. How does the audio perform in wind? That’s a really important question. Think about it. A slight breeze at a soccer game will make audio unrecognizeable on some HD camcorders.
Size, Weight, Durability, and Price
I lumped all these together because they are pretty self explanatory. Most people want the smallest, lightest, most durable camcorder at the lowest price. You probably do too.
Happy shopping!