Camcorder basics:
» I've never used a camcorder — is it too complicated for a novice?
» I don't plan to edit my video on a PC. Can I still use a digital camcorder?
» My digital camera has a video mode — does that mean I don't need a camcorder?
» If my digital camcorder has a digital photo mode, can I use it as a digital camera?
» What's the difference between hard disk drive and flash memory camcorders?
» Do all high-definition camcorders record in 1080p?
» What is the difference between electronic, digital, and optical image stabilization?
Using a camcorder:
» How much recording time do I get with one charge of the rechargeable battery?
» How much recording time will I get with one tape, disc, hard disk drive, or flash memory card?
» What else will I need to buy in order to use my camcorder when it arrives?
» My high-def camcorder records in AVCHD — what's that?
» Why are there so many numbers to show how much video a camcorder can record and what do they mean?
Watching and archiving footage:
» How can I share my home movies with my friends and family?
» How do I transfer video from my camcorder to my computer?
» How can I play my tapes and discs through my TV?
» What is the best method of storing my videos?
» How big a hard drive should I get if I want to store my home movies?
Q: I've never used a camcorder — is it too complicated for a novice?
A: No way. If you can use a point-and-shoot camera, you can use a camcorder. Even higher-end camcorders have lots of goof-proof automatic settings — start with them, then try out the more complex features as you get more comfortable with shooting your own videos.
Q: I don't plan to edit my video on a PC. Can I still use a digital camcorder?
A: Absolutely. Editing on your PC is a great option for some folks, but not necessary. All camcorders have an audio/video output that allows you to connect the camcorder directly to your TV for playback. And mini DVD camcorders record to 3" mini DVD discs, which will play back on most newer DVD players and computer DVD drives. There are lots of choices when it comes to selecting a camcorder; see our article on choosing a camcorder for tips on what to look for.
Q: My digital camera has a video mode — does that mean I don't need a camcorder?
A: Your digital camera's video mode is a good substitute if you don't have a camcorder available, but a camcorder makes sense for extensive filming. Camcorders can generally do a better job of capturing detailed movement, and usually have larger lenses for capturing the light and detail required for natural-looking video. And while some newer digital cameras also offer HD video recording, you'll often find higher video resolutions (i.e. full 1080p video resolution) and get longer recording times with a camcorder.
Q: I see that most digital camcorders have a digital photo mode — does that mean that I can use my camcorder as a digital camera?
A: A digital camcorder with photo mode makes a nice stand-in when a digital camera isn't available. Right now, though, most digital camcorders can't deliver the higher resolution and greater photo-snapping versatility that digital cameras offer. If you think you're likely to get into digital photography in its own right, a separate digital camera is a wise investment. If you do decide to use your camcorder to snap photos, it's a good idea to get a separate memory card for photos and reserve the DVD or built-in memory for video-only.
Q: What's the difference between hard disk drive and flash memory camcorders?
A: Hard drive camcorders use rapidly rotating disks with magnetic surfaces to write and rewrite data. Flash memory camcorders, on the other hand, use tiny microchips within which the memory cells are erased in one simultaneous action, or "flash." Flash memory doesn't have any moving parts, so it's more durable than hard drive memory, and can record and access media faster. Given the small size of the microchips, flash memory camcorders can also be built smaller and lighter than other cams. However, since the technology in flash memory camcorders is still relatively new, you'll pay roughly twice as much per gigabyte of flash memory for the same amount of hard drive space.
Read more about the benefits of each in our full article on hard drive and flash memory camcorders.
Q: Do all high-definition camcorders record in 1080p?
A: No, some camcorders record at 1080i or 720p. These are all high-def and will look great on your HDTV. The difference between 720 and 1080 lies in how much data each displays on your screen at one time, and whether or not it's interlaced or progressive scan data. (Progressive scan data produces a full picture at a faster rate than interlaced, so you'll get twice as much video information per frame.)
1080p is the highest resolution available, and can often give you the smoothest, most detailed footage. If you're looking for a high-def cam to shoot mostly web content, then any video resolution at 720p should do. And most high-def cams that record in 1080p will also have a "long-play" or economy mode that records in 720p. Fortunately any HDTV can scale incoming video to fit its screen, so that your cam's video will look great regardless. See our article on HDTV resolution for more information.
Q: What is the difference between electronic, digital, and optical image stabilization?
A: Electronic and digital image stabilization both use electronic processing to reduce shakiness and blur after the image has been captured. Similar to digital zoom, digital image stabilization reduces image quality by producing a pixelated, grainy-looking image.
When choosing a camcorder, you should look for one that uses optical image stabilization. It combats camera shake by actually shifting the lens elements during filming, and produces a cleaner looking video.
Q: How much recording time will I get with one tape, disc, hard disk drive, or flash memory card?
A: That depends on several factors. Power-hungry features like zoom, image stabilization, and LCD viewscreens tend to decrease the amount of time between charges. Most of our camcorders will have battery-life estimates in the "Hands-on Research" section of our website, but these are only estimates. Actual battery life will vary depending on your particular camcorder and battery, and your recording settings and environment.
One nice feature of all newer camcorder batteries: they have no "memory" effect, so you don't have to run the battery down before recharging it. Some camcorders even interact with the battery to measure and display the remaining record time. Want to be sure you're not caught with a dead battery? Optional super-high-capacity batteries are available for many models, and a DC charger can be handy for recharging on the go.
Q: How much recording time will I get on one tape, disc, flash memory card, or hard disk drive?
A: This will depend on the video quality setting you choose, which is located in your camcorder's menu. Most Mini DV tapes can record between 60 (in standard play mode) and 120 minutes (in long play mode). Single-layer Mini DVD discs can capture between 20 (in high-quality mode) and 120 minutes (in long play mode), while dual-layer and double-sided mini DVD discs can record twice these amounts. Hard disk drives will vary depending on the size of the drive, but to give you an example, 30-gigabyte drives can typically give you between 7 and 20 hours, depending on the recording mode. Keep in mind, however, that most people don't record much more than 30 minutes worth of footage — any more than that is typically too long to watch at one time.
Q: What else will I need to buy in order to use my camcorder when it arrives?
A: You'll definitely need blank memory cards, tapes, or discs (unless your camcorder only records to built-in memory, like a hard drive). If your camcorder has an HDMI ouput, then you may what to pick up a mini HDMI to HDMI cable to share your high-def video on an HDTV. Carrying cases and extra batteries are nice for on-the-go recording. A tripod can really help steady your shots, especially if you're planning on filming faraway objects with your cam's high-powered zoom. We also offer chargers, video lamps, microphones, and more — take a look at our selection of accessories to see which ones suit the ways you plan to record.
Q: My high-def camcorder records in AVCHD — what's that?
A: AVCHD is a high-def video format that allows HD camcorders and some digital cameras to record video at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. You can also find it in some high-def video clips, on Blu-ray discs, and in some digital satellite TV broadcasts. It's also used with some portable video players, like the iPod® and PSP®. It's still a relatively new video format, so be aware that in order to play back video footage recorded in AVCHD, you'll either need to connect your camcorder directly to your TV via the A/V output, or you'll need to burn high-def discs for playback in an AVCHD-capable DVD player or Blu-ray player.
Q: Why are there so many numbers to show how much video a camcorder can record, and what do they mean?
A: When you look at a camcorder's specifications in the owner's manual, you'll usually see a few different estimates for how much video the camcorder can record. That's because most camcorders offer different recording settings, including a high-quality mode all the way down to a "long-play" or economy mode. For example, a 1080p high-def camcorder may have a few different HD video recording modes of 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720, and maybe a standard-def recording mode of 720 x 480. Within each mode you'll find super fine, fine, normal, long-play modes, and more.
The reason for having so many choices is that the higher the setting, the finer the quality of your video, but also the more memory you'll take up. So while you may only be able to record an hour of video at your camcorder's highest quality setting, choosing the lowest quality setting might let you record several hours of video. The setting you choose depends on what you want kind of video you're shooting and how you plan to use it. For example, you'll probably want to record your wedding at the highest quality setting, but if you're just recording your dog howling to post it on YouTube™, then you may want to save the memory and choose a lower setting.
A: It's the tiny metal piece on the top of the camcorder that lets you add optional accessories, like an external video light or microphone. There are two different kinds: "hot shoes" have the ability to transfer power through the accessory shoe to the additional device, and tend to use up some of your camcorder's battery; "cold shoes" require that the device get power from a separate battery, which will need to be replaced periodically. If you're buying a camcorder for some serious filming, it's probably a good idea to look for an accessory shoe, since external mics and video lights tend to be higher-quality than the tiny ones built into your camcorder.
Q: How can I share my home movies with my friends and family?
A: Posting your videos online is one of the easiest way to share your movies, as long as your relatives and friends have Internet access. Most video-sharing websites, like YouTube, have a maximum file size, so you'll want to check the site's requirements before you try to upload a video. You may have to decrease the video file size, and a number of different editing programs can help you do that. Another convenient method of sharing videos is dubbing to recordable DVDs. A single blank DVD is capable of storing two hours or more of studio-quality video, and most newer home players can play recordable DVDs. Check out our article on watching, sharing, and editing your home movies for more ideas.
Q: How do I transfer video from my camcorder to my computer?
A: Transferring video to your computer will depend on the type of camcorder you have. Mini DV and Digital8 cams typically use an i.LINK™ digital A/V jack while mini DVD, hard disk drive, and flash memory cams normally use a USB port. Before you purchase a camcorder, be sure to check your computer's input jacks and see which inputs it already has. Most newer computers feature one or more USB ports. Most older computers will have an i.LINK jack, although they're not as common in newer models. If your computer doesn't come with the input you need, it's quite easy (and relatively inexpensive) to add using an empty PC or PCI slot. (Transfer of digital photos, on the other hand, is typically accomplished via a USB connection, regardless of the type of camcorder you purchase.)
Also, keep in mind that most digital camcorders only provide basic video editing software. Before you buy a camcorder, decide what kind of editing you want to do, and look around for the appropriate application. For more information, see our article about editing digital video on your computer.
Q: How can I play my tapes and discs through my TV?
A: This will depend on the type of input(s) your TV has and the camcorder you'll be using. Some camcorders have composite (RCA-type) outputs, while others feature component video or an HDMI output. You'll want to use an HDMI or component video connection for the best picture quality. And remember, if you purchase a mini DVD camcorder, your mini DVD discs will play back on most newer DVD players and computer DVD drives.
Q: What is the best method of storing my videos?
A: Because tapes can wear out, DVDs can scratch, and hard disk drives can crash, your best bet is to make multiple copies of your memories in hopes that one copy will stand the test of time. Similar to storing digital photos, if you keep your files in more than one place, then you're more likely to have them for years to come. And don't postpone making those additional copies — if it's a project your planning "to get around to," you may be one hard-drive crash away from losing all of the footage of your family's early years together. Find out more in our article on watching, sharing, and editing your home movies.
Q: How big a hard drive should I get if I want to store my home movies?
A: As big as you can afford. External hard drives are great to have around the house, and can store everything from copies of your home movies and digital photographs, to important word documents and family records — so the bigger the better. Just remember that hard drives fail eventually, so it's a good idea to keep spare copies of your data on discs or memory cards if you can. And if you want to really ensure that your videos and photos stick around for years to come, consider storing your hard drive, discs, or memory cards in a fire-proof box or safe in a cool dry place. For more information, check out our article on watching, sharing, and editing your home movies
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