Camcorders are smaller and more portable than they have been in the past. (Canon FS200 shown above)

The who, what, and where of finding the right camcorder

Today's digital camcorders are smaller and more capable than ever before. They come in all shapes and sizes, and there's a camcorder to fit almost any need or budget — from a basic entry-level camcorder to higher-end models that record high-definition footage. When shopping for a camcorder, you'll want to ask yourself three questions:

1. How much control do you want over your footage?
2. What features are important to you?
3. Which format makes the most sense for you?

To help you answer these questions, we'll go over the issues of camcorder controls and features. Then we'll briefly talk about which format is right for you. Finally, on the next page we'll talk about some of the extra conveniences that'll make your filming experience even better.

Get control over your home movies...or not

The kind of camcorder you choose will mostly depend on what you want to do with it. If you just want to shoot short clips or post videos on a website, then a basic camcorder will do. However, if you'll be filming important events to save for your children or distribute to friends, or if you want dabble in amateur film making, then you'll need a little more control. Once you figure out what you want to use your camcorder for, then you'll have a pretty good idea of where to start.

Fully-automatic or manual — how much control do you want?

As simple as point and shoot
Every camcorder does a pretty good job in automatic mode, which lets you turn the camcorder on and start shooting right away. This can be especially helpful when you won't be the only person using the camcorder. If that's the case, look for a camcorder with an "Easy" recording mode. This lets novices (even kids) capture video without getting lost in a confusing menu or accidentally turning the picture blue.

Let your creative side loose
If you want to get more creative, be sure to check for manual controls. Most camcorders offer some manual options, but higher-end models offer finer setting choices — from selectable exposure (aperture) and shutter speeds within the menu to manual focus dials and rings located on the lens barrel. You might also consider a camcorder that lets you expand your shooting possibilities. For example, some models come with an accessory shoe or input that lets you connect an external microphone or a video light.

What's important to you?

Now that you know how you want to use your camcorder, it's time to figure out which specific features you want. This will help you narrow down your search even further.

Get in close with plenty of zoom
If you'll be filming children on the move or clips of wild animals on your next camping trip, you may want to consider a camcorder with a high-powered optical zoom. This will let you get close to your subject without interrupting them. If you think you'll be doing a lot of closeups, then also look for a camcorder with optical image stabilization. This feature will help keep your video steady as you zoom in, even if your hand is shaking.

Capture the action in low-light
Think about possible recording locations, too. Do you plan to record video only during the day, or at dawn and dusk, too? For low-light scenes, you may want to check out a camcorder with a night mode and/or video light. You won't be able to film in complete darkness, but some cams can help you get a sharper, clearer picture in dimly lit situations — like the very last inning of a Little League game on a summer night.

Use your camcorder to snap photos as a backup
A digital photo mode will let you take still images without switching to a camera. While it's no substitute for a digital camera, it'll let you get a quick snapshot when you need one. Some camcorders offer a separate photo mode and video mode, while others also offer a combined mode. This "simultaneous" video and photo mode is usually the most convenient for taking photos.

Web-friendly camcorders are designed to help you easily shoot and post video clips on the web. (Kodak Zi6 shown above)

Post your videos on YouTube™ or Facebook®
If you want to quickly capture and post videos to file-sharing websites like YouTube™, then look for a "web-friendly" camcorder. These camcorders record video in a format and size that's compatible with most sites' standards. Some regular camcorders also offer a web mode in addition to a standard recording mode, as well as software for posting videos on the web.

Get the best video quality
Higher-end camcorders typically deliver the best image quality. That means high-quality materials, lenses, and internal processors, as well as better image sensors that make high-def filming possible. A high-definition camcorder will give you the best video quality available from today's consumer camcorders. High-definition camcorders record in impressive widescreen 1920 x 1080 resolution, which is comparable to most high-def TV programming that you'll view these days. So if sharing your memories on your new HDTV sounds like something you might want to do, then it's worth it to check out a high-def camcorder.

Testing, testing...can you hear me now?
A cam's built-in mic is often overlooked, but it's very important if you want to get great sound. Most basic camcorders will record in mono, while mid-range camcorders tend to give you stereo sound. Either will suffice for most people, but if you've got a nice home theater system, then consider a higher-end camcorder that records in surround sound. It'll really add oomph to the video of your kid's baseball game when you can hear the cheering in the bleachers behind you.

Geo-tagging — the traveler's best friend
One of the newest camcorder features worth checking out is built-in geo-tagging. Camcorders with this feature use a built-in GPS system to tag your videos with not only the date and local time of your recording, but also the location of where you shot the video. So when you get home from your month-long trek around Europe, you won't have to spend multiple hours sorting through your videos just to find one 2-minute clip that you took at the Eiffel Tower.

Breaking down the camcorder formats

Camcorders can be categorized by their "format," or the media they use to store video. You have four main options: tapes, discs, memory cards, or built-in memory. Below is a quick chart to help you get a general idea of the differences between these cams, and who they're best for. Click on each camcorder format for more detailed information on that type of cam.

* Transfer of photos or movie clips stored on a memory card may occur via USB, but transfer of video occurs via i.LINK.