Product MPN
Key Features
Analog camcorders record video and audio signals as an analog track on video tape (VHS, 8mm, Hi-8, etc.), and the media is cheaper to buy than digital. Unfortunately, every time you make a copy of a tape, it loses some image and audio quality. Also, analog camcorders tend to have fewer extra capabilities than digital camcorders. Analog camcorders record between 200 to 400 lines. Digital camcorders differ from analog camcorders in that they record information digitally, as "bytes." Digital video can also be downloaded, edited and played on a computer and posted to the Web. It can be recorded onto Flash Memory, Digital8 and MiniDVs, as well as other digital media. Digital video has a much better resolution than analog video, typically 500+ lines.
Each type indicates the method of recording, and the type of tape that the camcorder uses. Make sure the recording format of your camcorder is one that will play on the device you want to watch your recording on.
NTSC is the format used by American color television broadcast. PAL is the format used across much of Europe and many other parts of the world. PAL camcorders are not compatible with USA NTSC TVs. Make sure the camcorder you purchase is compatible with the color TVs you want to play your recording back on.
Recording System
NTSC / PAL
Of the two types of zoom available, optical and digital, optical zoom is far more important. Optical zoom uses the camcorder's lens to magnify part of the image without losing any image quality. Digital zoom also enlarges images, but loses some of the image quality.
Optical Zoom
Without Optical Zoom
CCD
A CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS (Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) sensor, records images by breaking them down into pixels of information. The more pixels a CCD has, the greater detail the images will have.
Number of Pixels
3000K pixels
LCD / Viewfinder
Some camcorders include a small LCD screen that displays the image that is being recorded.
Display Type
With LCD Screen
The LCD screen is measured diagonally in inches. A larger LCD panel is desirable for easier recording as well as better viewing when you play back your videos on the camera.
The viewfinder is the device on the camcorder that displays the recorded image as it is being recorded. Standard viewfinders display everything in black and white, but viewfinders with color displays are available on some more expensive camcorder models.
Color Viewfinder
Without Color Viewfinder
Lens
Of the two types of zoom available, optical and digital, optical zoom is far more important. Optical zoom uses the camcorder's lens to magnify part of the image without losing any image quality. Digital zoom also enlarges images, but loses some of the image quality.
Optical Zoom
Without Optical Zoom
Digital zoom takes part of the image and expands it. While this produces a larger image, it sacrifices the quality of the image. Optical zoom allows for enlarging the image without losing quality.
Memory Photography
When choosing memory, cost, capacity, and compatibility are all major factors to be considered. Make sure the type of memory you purchase is compatible with the camera you are purchasing.
Memory Card Type
SD Card, Built-In Memory, Multimedia Card (MMC)
This feature allows many newer camcorders to capture video clips in a format that's easy to send via e-mail or post online. These clips are small in size and do not offer top-quality resolution.
MPEG Movie Mode
Without MPEG Movie Mode
Interfaces
Output Interfaces
Composite (Video), Audio (RCA), USB
Power Supply
Camcorder batteries are rechargeable, usually with enough life for several years of use before needing replacement. All camcorders come with an AC adapter for charging, and do not require use of the battery if an outlet is nearby for use with the AC adapter.
Battery Type
3 x AAA Batteries
Dimensions
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories
USB Cable, A/V Cable
