Introduction

At one time, buying a camcorder was easy because there were so few choices. Today, finding the best video camera can take quite a bit of work. From the different types of camcorders - flash memory, harddisk memory, HD camcorders, ultra portable "flip" camcorders, miniDV - to the different brands - Sony, Canon, JVC - there are quite a few different choices for you to make. The good news is that we here at IntelliReview want to help.

 

To do this, we have come up with this handy camcorder buying guide that should help make a complex choice a little bit easier. We'll first take a closer look at the different types of camcorders available. Then, we'll show you the different 'levels' of camcorders that are available depending on your needs. Next is a look at some features that should concern you. Finally, we'll give you some ideas on the better brands of camcorders that are available.

 

Types

In the beginning of video cameras there were a few choices, but today there are many different types that you can choose from depending on your needs. Knowing a little bit more about the types of camcorders available will help make your choice a lot easier. Camcorder technology is changing all the time and new technologies may be on the horizon, but these are the main camcorder types that you can buy today.

• Flash Based Memory - When talking about these types of camcorders, there are two main types available, both using flash memory cards.

• Mini Flip Camcorders - These flash memory camcorders are small, but powerful video cameras that can go with you anywhere.

• Full Size Flash Camcorders - There are also many larger sized camcorders that use flash based memory.

• Hard Disk Camcorders - These camcorders have a small hard drive to carry the video, meaning no tapes or memory cards to fool with. Space can be limited on some, so it may or may not work for you depending on your specific needs.

• HD Camcorders - High Definition camcorders refer to video cameras that can handle 720p or 1080p resolution. There is also a 1080i resolution, with the small "i" standing for interlaced, which deals with how the video is captured. As HDTVs are now standard, we highly recommend getting at least a 720p camcorder for better picture quality on HDTVs.

• Digital miniDV Camcorders - These camcorders use small tapes - miniDV tapes - but they have great, high definition video quality. They range in size and features as well as price. This is older technology, but it has been tested and refined over the years. One complaint from people who use tape machines is sometimes that you can hear a whirring noise if you don't have an external microphone. This is more of a problem on some models than others.

 

Important Features

 

These are some of the main features you're going to want to look at when deciding which one is best for you. If you are trying to save money, you may only be able to pick one of these areas for the camcorder to excel in. Higher priced camcorders may be great in two, three or all of the areas mentioned below, depending on how much you spend. That said, by concentrating on one area or going for a "decent in all areas" camcorder will help you start looking in the right direction.

• Video Format - There is standard video and high definition. When talking about HD camcorders, you have three options - 780p, 1080i, 1080p - in, roughly, the order of quality (depending on shooting conditions, etc.)

• Lens type / Zoom - Optical zoom is going to be better than digital zoom. Also, try to get something with image stabilization if you're going to be using the zoom frequently.

• Media - This refers to where the video is going to be stored - tapes, miniDV tapes, or the various types of flash memory cards.

• Ports - What kind of connections does the camcorder make? Check your other equipment and know your port needs before you start your hunt for the perfect camcorder.

• Viewfinder / LCD - If the viewfinder or LCD viewing screen is very small, it can be more difficult to compose your shooting.

• Photos - The ability to take good still pictures with a camcorder isn't a feature that everyone is after, but if it's important to you, make sure you find a camcorder that takes good still photographs with enough megapixels.

• Image Stabilization - Optical image stabilization is the best for non-shaky video, but digital image stabilization will work fine for some people too. Some cheaper camcorders lack image stabilization.

• Low Light Capability - Small camcorders tend to have poorer, grainier video in low light situations due to smaller sensors.

 

Profiles

 

Another way to make a smart decision about buying a camcorder is to choose from a variety of profiles that you may fit into. These are just general ideas and aren't going to fit everyone's needs, but they should give you an idea of what you're going to need to be able to take the kinds of video that you want.

 

• Student Camcorders - Depending on what grade the student is in, a consumer video camera is going to be powerful enough to take care of the tasks needed.

• Vacation Camcorders - People on vacation are most likely going to want to look more at the size of the camcorder and the media storage of the video camera. For vacationers and travelers, smaller is usually better so flip or full size flash camcorders work well.

• Kids' Play/Soccer/Football Ballet Camcorders - If you have children and love to videotape them, finding a camcorder with a good zoom and one that does well in low-light filming conditions (auditorium for a school play, for instance) is going to be your best bet. If you need to record a long time for a school play, a hard drive or miniDV camcorder would be a good bet.

• Party Camcorders - If you to just be able to capture a few moments at parties, you may be able to get away with one of the less than $150 camcorders, but it might be a good idea to go with a consumer level camcorder.

• Documentary Camcorders - Depending on where the documentary is going, you're going to want to get the highest quality possible. For this reason, getting a pro-sumer or even a professional level camcorder is recommended. The price is going to be higher, but the video quality is going to be worth it.

 

Price Range

 

Another way to go about deciding which video camera is going to be best for you personally is to take a close look at your particular video needs. Below is a look at some of the different "levels" of camcorders that are available. The price ranges may vary a little and should only be used as guidelines, but in general this should give you an idea of how much camcorder you are going to get for your money. There are some video cameras in the mid-range that compare favorably to more expensive camcorders, so it's not always all about the price.

• Fun Camcorders - Less than $150 - These camcorders are typically low quality, but offer novel features or a nifty design. Camcorders for children would fall into this category.

• Consumer Camcorders - $150 to $750 - At this level of camcorder, you can expect good quality, but not great. You can usually pick a camcorder with one or two features, but you may not find one that has everything you want at this price range.

• Prosumer Camcorders - $750 to $1500 - These camcorders have more features and better video quality than most consumer camcorders, but they still don't have high enough quality to be considered true video cameras that professional videographers would use.

• Professional Camcorders - $1500+ - These camcorders typically have a camcorder light, 3CCD sensor (1 sensor for red, blue, and green colors) for accurate color, and the ability to use an external light or microphone.

 

Conclusion

 

As you can see, there is quite a bit that you need to know about camcorders when shopping for them. Even after you know what you want or need, you are still going to have to sort through many products to find the very best value for your money. This is where we come into the picture. Our algorithm chooses the best camcorders according to consumer reviews. This means you can save time and just browse the best of the best. If you know what your needs are at this point, it is going to be very easy to find the camcorder that is best for you. See our list of top camcorders for specific recommendations.