Video Camera buying guide

The festive season is around the corner and those who are dreaming about that wonderful video camera to shoot your girlfriend with should really go through this.
Recently I bought one myself and was quite a bit disappointed after using it a couple of times. I knew I could have done better. So I decided to do some research and voila, here's an article on the same.

There are primarily two types of video cameras: one that stores the video analogically and the one which is more '0' and '1' oriented. Now if you ask an uber geek like me, I would go hands in for the digital type but there are certain things to be considered before buying either type.

They say that opposite poles attract but I guess this is an exception here. Though you can make VCD's or DVD's from an analogical type of Camera, there is a high probability that your picture quality will be distorted. In case of a digital type, you are free from that pain. However, Digital Type Camera are pretty expensive and proves quite troublesome if you wish to make a VHS of it. An analog camera is much better in that scenario. On the other hand, a digital type stores its video in MPEG-2 format which is allergic to editing but video from a tape can be edited by anybody like a pro.

Right, now that we have a pleasant introduction, let us dive deeper into the different types of cameras and their respective requirements:

1. Tape based camcorders
MiniDV tape-based camcorders are the most popular DV camcorder choice, with the first model arriving in the mid-1990s. A mini-DV cassette is of similar dimensions to an audio cassette and about half the size, with tapes priced from around $10 each. The tapes hold from 45 to 90 minutes of footage and capture an impressive 500 lines of resolution, compared to around 400 lines for Hi8 camcorder models.
The advantages of MiniDV include a proven tape format with widespread availability. Most PCs with a standard FireWire connection will automatically recognise a MiniDV-based camcorder in much the same way that a USB device, such as a printer or scanner, is recognised when connected to a USB connection.
In addition, Sony offers Digital 8 camcorders that allow you to use your old 8mm analog cassettes while also offering a direct DV connection to your PC, so you can store DV footage on 8mm tape. This solution could be a useful option for schools and learning institutions with a large collection of Hi8 and 8mm tape footage Note: don't be confused by 'tape'. For example, 8mm tape is not analog, it's just tape, ready to store whatever a device wants to send; remember the tape decks on the Commodore 64?
MicroMV, another Sony development, is the smallest DV cassette on the market, recording MPEG-2 video direct to tape. Many camcorders provide wireless connectivity to the Web and other Bluetooth devices. MicroMV-based camcorders are not as widely supported as MiniDV, and many video editing applications are unable to recognise the camcorder without a utility supplied with it. Investing in a MicroMV camcorder would not be advisable. Sony has only one MicroMV model available (as of April 2005) and seems to be quickly losing interest in MicroMV as a viable format.
Other DV tape formats include DVCam and ProDV, offering high-end features such as a more robust tape construction, lower compression ratio and an interchangeable lens system, specifically designed to appeal to professional moviemakers. These formats should only be considered when working within a professional environment, as prices for such camcorders start at around $10,000 and go much higher.

2. Disc based Camcorders
Tape is not the only option when it comes to DV camcorders, for there is a variety of different media including mini DVD discs, removable storage and even hard drives.
Panasonic, Hitachi and Sony have released DVD-based camcorders that can record from around 20 minutes up to 1 hour of MPEG-2 video (depending on the quality selection) directly to small 8cm DVD that can then be played directly in a home-based DVD player. However, there are not many options for consumers, with around a dozen choices available across the three companies.
The rewritable options include DVD-RAM for Panasonic camcorders or DVD -RW/+RW for Hitachi and Sony camcorders. It's important to determine the compatibility with your home DVD player before going with a DVD Camcorder, as users are presented with the same -RW, +RW compatibility issues that exist with PC-based DVD recorders. The latest DVD-based camcorders also provide support for write-once discs such as DVD-R and DVD+R, which means that, once finalised, the disc can be played on most DVD players without any trouble.
Hard drive-based camcorders, utilising a non removable drive (about the same dimensions as one used in a notebook) to store video straight to the drive, have been around for some time. Hard disk camcorders operate by storing captured video in either the MPEG-2 or MPEG-1 format. Limitations include the inability to add additional storage, as well as the relative fragility when compared to other storage options such as Flash Memory and CD-based media.
Thankfully, some companies have released models with enough capacity to compete with MiniDV-based camcorders for the average videomaker with drives about the same size as a CompactFlash card. JVC has released a couple of Everio camcorder models with 4GB hard drives. This capacity provides more than enough room for hours of MPEG-2 video. Much like flash memory, the drives are removable and can be easily replaced. These models are becoming more common.
Recent increases in storage capacities in removable memory such as Secure Digital (SD) cards and Memory Stick/Memory Stick Pro have led to the release of a series of pocket-sized camcorders that can record over an hour of high-quality MPEG-2 video.


Now that we are aware of the possible options available in the market, here's stuff that you should look out for before buying one.

Check out the LCD screen in daylight, if possible. Some screens will wash out in bright sunlight, and you'll want to make sure you can easily see what you're recording in any conditions. If you can't see the screen in bright daylight, look for a viewfinder. It can help get the job done without eating up a lot of battery power.

Look at the lens's optical zoom ratio instead of the digital zoom ratio. With a digital zoom, the camcorder is only enlarging the lens's image instead of really giving you a closer look. The optical zoom spec is more important--you'll want at least 10X optical zoom.

For longer recording times, buy a higher-capacity battery. The battery that comes with most camcorders only lasts an hour or so. For around $100, you can buy a longer-lasting battery, so factor that into your cost if you think you'll need it. (Remember, however, that larger batteries add to the camera's weight.)

Front-mounted microphones get better results. Top-mounted microphones tend to capture the voice of the person using the camera, and drown out everything else.

Buy an external microphone for the best sound. Factor in an extra $100 to $150 for an external microphone if you want the best sound possible. Of course, make sure your camcorder has a place for you to plug it in.

Try out the camera's controls before you buy. Sometimes the smallest camcorders can be difficult to use, especially if you have large hands. A larger model may work better for you if it's more comfortable to use.

Low-light options let you shoot in the dark. Many cameras offer an infrared light or long shutter mode to help you capture images in dark settings.

Know your format. Most camcorders use MiniDV, but other formats are available, such as Digital 8 and MicroMV. Keep in mind that MiniDV is the most widely available--a boon if you find yourself short on tape while on holiday.

By
Abhishek Dey Das
abhi2d@googlemail.com