Product MPN
Key Features
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.
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
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.
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
1.8 - 108 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, LP, HQ
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
With 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.
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
Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro
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
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. This number shows the actual resolution when recording in this mode.
MPEG Movie Mode Resolution
720 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
Dimensions
Warranty
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories
USB Cable, A/V Cable, AC Power Adapter, Battery Pack