When I started this column I thought it would be as easy to
decide about a camcorder as it was for a digital camera.
But NO! There are many more options to consider.
So here is a summary and some places to go for more information.
In general:
1.
Decide which features you want and need before you start looking,
and omit those that you don't. You'll be surprised how small
the selection becomes.
2.
Try not to buy a camcorder based only on its advertised specs.
Instead, go to a dealer and hold it your hand. You can tell
that a camcorder is right for you simply by the way it feels
and whether your fingers can reach all of the important controls.
3.
Check the size and the functionality of the camcorder's LCD
screen. Make sure it is large enough and bright enough to
be usable in sunlight. Then check the internal viewfinder
display and make sure it's clear enough to use when you're
not relying on the swivel screen.
4.
Turn the camera on and listen carefully. If it's noisy when
you zoom or record, that sound will usually be picked up on
your tape as a distracting buzz.
5.
All camcorders ship with rechargeable batteries, but ask the
dealer or check the manufacturer's claims to see how long
the battery will last on a full charge. Some camcorders even
list the remaining battery time in the viewfinder. The
battery that comes with most camcorders only lasts an hour
or so. For $50 to $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.)
6.
Pick the camcorder that includes the best lens you can afford.
Better optics always translate into better image quality.
Don't expect to increase zoom range later by adding an optional
adapter lens, which will tend to reduce image quality and
low-light performance.
7.
Camcorder microphones vary widely in quality and function.
Many have a windscreen to reduce noise, and the best ones
have a built-in zooming mechanism that narrows the pickup
pattern as you zoom the lens. 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.
8.
An external microphone jack is a real plus for serious videographers.
Where can I go to get all my questions answered you might
ask. Here is a great site that will help you: http://www10.activebuyersguide.com/ Click
on ‘Electronics/Camcorders’; then choose the ‘Decision
Guide’ – it’ll walk you thru a 6 step process!
What about prices? Once you’ve narrowed it down
to one or two cameras, check http://www.pricescan.com to check
prices.
Web Browsers – I’ve finally given up on Microsoft’s
Internet Explorer! I have now switched to Mozilla’s
Firefox as my tool to browse web sites. Why? Because
it does something that makes my life easier! Instead
of going thru my IE Favorites and one-by-one opening them,
each in a new browser; Firefox allows me to save a whole bunch
of web sites as ONE thing. Then when I choose that favorite
it opens them ALL in multiple tabs in ONE browser for me.
So I’ve ones for ‘politics’; ‘computer
problems’; my wife’s favorite sites; and more.
Give it a try and you’ll forget IE forever: http://www.mozilla.org/
choose the latest Firefox version!
