Product MPN
Key Features
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.
Recording Format
Flash Media
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.
Most camcorders only come with one CCD (charge coupled device), which is the image sensor for the camcorder. Some digital camcorders come with three CCDs, which increases the color and detail accuracy of the picture by recording the red, blue and green colors individually.
Memory Still Resolution
0.31 Megapixels
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.
CCD
Most camcorders only come with one CCD (charge coupled device), which is the image sensor for the camcorder. Some digital camcorders come with three CCDs, which increases the color and detail accuracy of the picture by recording the red, blue and green colors individually.
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
680K 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
With 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.
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.
Lens Focal Length
2.3 - 23 mm
Video Modes
All camcorders that record the video footage on tape have different recording speed options. The three most common speeds are standard play (SP), long play (LP) and extended play (EP). SP is the basic speed, and it increases exponentially with LP and EP. A slower speed does not necessarily create bad picture quality; however, using a slower speed can limit certain editing options during playback.
Recording Speed
SP, XP, LP
An image stabilizer removes most of the shakiness typically seen on handheld video cameras. This feature has also been called Electronic Image Stabilizer (EIS) or Steady Shot.
Image Stabilizer
Digital Image Stabilizer
The minimum light requirements for recording are measured in lux. Lux ratings can range from .3 to 7. Low ratings, even on cameras with low lux requirements, will rarely produce a good picture. You should generally try to shoot in levels of 300 lux (daylight) for the best results.
Audio
Camcorders come with one of three audio formats: mono, stereo, and PCM Stereo. Mono records onto only one channel, while Stereo records on 2. PCM stereo is a digital standard, and can record much more sound information than either mono or stereo.
Audio Format
5.1 Surround Sound
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, SDHC Card
Many camcorders are capable of taking still pictures, much like a digital camera. These pictures can usually be stored directly on the camcorder's tape, but some newer model camcorders include a flash memory card for storing the still images separately.
Digital Still Shot Mode
With Still Shot Capability
Memory Still Resolution
0.31 Megapixels
For cameras that have digital still shot mode, this is the number of still images the camera is capable of storing at any given time.
Max Still Image Size
640 x 480
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
With MPEG Movie Mode
Interfaces
Output Interfaces
Composite (Video), Audio (RCA), USB 2.0
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
Proprietary Li-Ion
Dimensions
Miscellaneous
Family Line
Panasonic SDR
Included Accessories
Software, USB Cable, A/V Cable, Hand Strap, AC Power Adapter, Battery Pack
