|
Home
News
Top Budget Camcorders
Top home movie camcorders
| |
Camcorder ratings major components depend on 3 major components: lens, imager, and recorder. The lens
gathers and focuses light on the imager. The imager (usually a CCD or CMOS
sensor on modern camcorders; earlier examples often used vidicon tubes) converts
incident light into an electrical (video) signal. Finally, the recorder encodes
the video signal into a storable form. More commonly, the optics and imager are
referred to as the camera section.
The lens is the first component in the camera-section's "light-path". The
camcorder's optics generally have one or more of the following adjustments:
aperture (to control the amount of light), zoom (to control the field-of-view),
and shutter speed (to capture continuous motion.) In consumer units, these
adjustments are automatically controlled by the camcorder's electronics,
generally to maintain constant exposure onto the imager. Professional units
offer direct user control of all major optical functions (aperture,
shutter-speed, focus, etc.)
The imager section is the eye of the camcorder, housing a photosensitive
device(s). The imager converts light into an electronic video-signal through an
elaborate electronic process. The camera lens projects an image onto the imager
surface, exposing the photosensitive array to light. The light exposure is
converted into electrical charge. At the end of the timed exposure, the imager
converts the accumulated charge into a continuous analog voltage at the imager's
output terminals. After scan-out is complete, the photosites are reset to start
the exposure-process for the next video frame. In modern (digital) camcorders,
an analog-to-digital (ADC) converter digitizes the imager (analog) waveform
output into a discrete digital-video signal.
The third section, the recorder, is responsible for writing the video-signal
onto a recording medium (such as magnetic videotape.) The record function
involves many signal-processing steps, and historically, the recording-process
introduced some distortion and noise into the stored video, such that playback
of the stored-signal may not retain the same characteristics/detail as the live
video feed.
All but the most primitive camcorders imaginable also need to have a
recorder-controlling section which allows the user to control the camcorder,
switch the recorder into playback mode for reviewing the recorded footage and an
image control section which controls exposure, focus and white-balance.
The image recorded need not be limited to what appeared in the viewfinder. For
documentation of events, such as used by police, the field of view overlays such
things as the time and date of the recording along the top and bottom of the
image. Such things as the police car or constable to which the recorder has been
allotted may also appear; also the speed of the car at the time of recording.
Compass direction at time of recording and geographical coordinates may also be
possible. These are not kept to world-standard fields; "month/day/year" may be
seen, as well as "day/month/year", besides the ISO standard "year-month-day".
And the Danish police have the speed of the police car in the units "Km/t" sic
(time being Danish for "hour").
Camcorder Ratings depend on what kind of user you are to current technologies.
* What kind of digital camcorder is best for me?
* Which video format should I choose?
* What else should I buy?
* How do I find a camcorder that shoots good photos?
* How do I get good sound?
What kind of digital camcorder is best for me?
Before you fall in love with just any old camcorder, you need to know precisely
what you're looking for, lest you realize somewhere down the road that you chose
the wrong machine. Ask yourself the hard questions, then match your needs to one
of these user profiles. To bone up on the audio specs that matter for your user
type, take a look at our section on capturing good sound with video. And for
information on High-Definition recording, read our Quick Guide to HD camcorders.
User profiles: Home and vacation moviemaker | Budget buyer | Trendsetter |
Independent filmmaker | Business videographer
Home and vacation moviemaker
I want to shoot birthday parties, baby steps, holiday gatherings, and school
plays. I plan to take my camcorder on vacations, so portability is important. I
don't need to do anything fancy, but I'd like the option of doing a little
editing and adding some basic effects. I'm looking for simple controls and easy
output.
The specs that matter
Lens type 10x or greater zoom controlled via switch or lens ring; electronic or
optical image stabilization
Sensor 1/6-inch or larger CCD; minimum 680,000-pixel effective (aka actual)
video resolution
Minimum illumination rating 7 lux or lower
Recording format MiniDV; mini DVD-R/RW/+RW/RAM; SD card; hard disk
Ports and connectors FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; USB 2.0; S-Video;
accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal
Exposure controls Automatic; exposure shift; programmed scene modes; backlight
mode; low-light mode
Focus controls Automatic; manual option via dial on camcorder body
Viewfinder and LCD Color viewfinder and 2.5-inch or larger color LCD
Multimedia Tape-based models: memory card slot for photo capture; MPEG-1 or
MPEG-4 video for Web and e-mail
Price $400 to $1,500
Cool features to look for Bundled video-editing software; digital effects;
fader; Webcam functionality; HD recording; 2-megapixel or greater photo capture;
remote control; touch-screen LCD; interval recording; analog-to-digital
conversion for digitizing 8mm or Hi8 video
» Back to top
Budget buyer
I can't afford to spend more than $600 on a camcorder, and I don't want a model
that uses pricey cassettes or discs. I don't need an advanced feature set or
compatibility with lots of accessories, and I don't mind a relatively bulky
design either. I just want a basic camcorder that's easy to use.
The specs that matter
Lens type 10x or greater zoom controlled via switch; electronic image
stabilization
Sensor 1/6-inch CCD; 680,000-pixel or greater effective (aka actual) video
resolution
Minimum illumination rating 7 lux or lower
Recording format MiniDV; mini DVD-R/RW/+RW/RAM
Ports and connectors FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); USB 2.0; A/V; S-Video;
microphone terminal
Exposure controls Automatic; exposure shift
Focus controls Automatic
Viewfinder and LCD Black-and-white or color viewfinder and/or 2.5-inch color LCD
Price $350 to $600
Cool features to look for Bundled video-editing software; digital effects;
fader; remote control; analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing 8mm or Hi8
video
» Back to top
Trendsetter
Who can put a price on coolness? Not me--I'm a technophile and want the coolest,
most cutting-edge features available. I want a slick device that will make
passersby look twice, and I'm willing to pay for it.
The specs that matter
Lens type 10x or greater zoom controlled via switch or lens ring; electronic or
optical image stabilization
Sensor 1/4-inch or 1/3-inch CCD or CMOS; minimum 1-megapixel effective (aka
actual) video resolution for SD, minimum 2-megapixel effective resolution for
HD; 2-megapixel or greater effective still-image resolution
Minimum illumination rating 2 to 7 lux (lower is better)
Recording format MiniDV tape; mini DVD-R/RW/+RW DL/RAM; SD card; hard disk
Ports and connectors FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; USB 2.0; S-Video;
accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal
Exposure controls Automatic; exposure shift; programmed scene modes; spot
metering; low-light infrared mode; built-in video light; pop-up flash for stills
Focus controls Automatic; manual option via dial on camcorder body or ring on
lens; spot focus
Viewfinder and LCD Color viewfinder and 3-inch or larger color LCD
Multimedia Tape-based models: memory card slot that supports high-capacity media
(SD, MicroSD, Memory Stick Pro) for photo capture; MPEG-1 or MPEG-4 video for
Web and e-mail
Price $800 to $2,000
Cool features to look for HD video support; simultaneous video recording and
photo capture; high-definition capture; Bluetooth and networking features for
wireless on-camera Web and e-mail access; digital effects; fader; Webcam
functionality; 16:9 aspect-ratio mode for wide-screen playback; remote control;
touch-screen LCD; interval recording; analog-to-digital conversion for
digitizing 8mm or Hi8 video; laser-assisted autofocus; compatibility with
portable printer for photos
» Back to top
Independent filmmaker
I'm planning a documentary or a creative video, and I want a camcorder that will
give me the advanced controls I need for shooting. I want excellent image
quality, and I need output in a format that is optimal for editing and applying
effects. I can do without consumer-oriented bells and whistles, but I need
compatibility with sound and lighting accessories--I want to shoot like a pro.
The specs that matter
Lens type Fixed lens with 10x or greater zoom or interchangeable lens system;
zoom control via lens ring and switch; optical image stabilization
Sensor Three 1/6-inch or larger CCDs or CMOS chips (1/4- or 1/3-inch
recommended); minimum 345,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution per
sensor, minimum 1.6 megapixels effective resolution per sensor for HD
Minimum illumination rating 2 to 7 lux (lower is better)
Recording format MiniDV tape, P2 card, external hard disk
Ports and connectors FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; S-Video; LANC;
accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal with volume control; XLR
ports or optional XLR adapter
Exposure controls Automatic; exposure shift; manual aperture and shutter
settings; selectable gain settings; zebra stripes to aid exposure adjustment
Focus controls Automatic; manual focus ring on lens and automatic override
button
Viewfinder and LCD Color or black-and-white viewfinder and 2.5-inch or larger
color LCD
Price $1,500 and up
Cool features to look for Progressive scan, HD-capable sensor; selectable frame
rates (24P, 30P, 60i); high-definition capture; SMPTE color bars; cam-driven
zoom and focus rings; onscreen focus reference numbers; selectable gamma curves,
black point, and zebra stripe pedestal; manual saturation and sharpness
adjustment; interval recording; customizable settings
» Back to top
Business videographer
Since dinner depends on the quality of my video, I need a camcorder that won't
let me (and my boss) down. I want to shoot at the office for important meetings
and presentations, as well as at other locations such as real estate properties
and onsite events. I want plenty of useful features at my fingertips, but since
I'm not a professional videographer, I need intuitive operation too.
The specs that matter
Lens type 10x or greater zoom controlled via lens ring and switch; electronic or
optical image stabilization
Sensor minimum 345,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution per sensor,
minimum 1.6 megapixels effective resolution per sensor for HD or one 1/4- or
1/3-inch CCD; minimum 690,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution
Minimum illumination rating 2 to 7 lux (lower is better)
Recording format MiniDV; hard disk, mini DVD-R/RW/RAM
Ports and connectors FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); USB 2.0; A/V; S-Video;
accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal
Exposure controls Automatic; exposure shift; programmed scene modes; backlight
mode; selectable gain settings; zebra stripes to aid exposure adjustment
Focus controls Automatic; manual focus ring on lens
Viewfinder and LCD Color viewfinder and 2.5-inch or larger color LCD
Multimedia For tape-based models: Memory card slot for photo capture; MPEG-1 or
MPEG-4 video for Web and e-mail
Price $1,000 to $3,000
Cool features to look for High-definition capture; Bluetooth and networking
features for wireless on-camera Web and e-mail access; digital effects; fader;
spot metering/focusing; videoconferencing functionality; 16:9 aspect-ratio mode
for wide-screen playback; remote control; touch-screen LCD
|