The types of camcorders
If you are planning on purchasing a camcorder, you should be
familiar with the types of camcorders and how they can benefit
your specific needs. The formats of video cameras include, VHS,
VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Mini Digital Video (Mini DV), DVD and Digital
8. Each format has its pros and cons
VHS
The VHS format is the oldest type of camcorder. This type of
video camcorder is fast becoming outdated, because you can only
play back the video on a VHS VCR system. VHS camcorders are not nearly as clear as digital video camcorders that offer clear
video with 540 lines of resolution, VHS video cameras only offer
240 lines of resolution. They also weigh more and are much more
bulky, that dv camcorders. You can only find these video camera
used because their technology is now outdated.
VHS-C The VHS-C format offer 240 lines of resolution, just like
VHS. These analog camcorders come in a smaller size that the VHS
camcorder models, but use the same technology. The video tapes
used in VHS-C camcorders are much smaller in size than VHS, just
in a smaller camcorder design. VHS-C is considered old
technology and not used today in newer models.
8mm If you are looking to record more than 1 hour, then 8mm camcorders are perfect. These video cameras can
record up to 5 hours of footage and they offer better video
quality that VHS cameras. In order to view video from your 8mm
video camcorder, you need to connect the camcorder to input
jacks on your TV or your VCR system.
MiniDV
MiniDV, short for mini Digital Video off the clearest and most
vivid colors out of all the types of camcorders on the market,
and they're small in size only 4 inches in width and height. Mini dv camcorders can fit in the palm of your
hand, making them very easy to handle and transport. And if you
like editing your video footage you can connect dv camcorders to
your computer system. Transferring the video is a snap with the
FireWire connection. Once the footage is in your computers hard
drive you can burn it to dvd, add it to your web site or email
small clips to friends and family.
Digital8
Digital8 camcorders offer the best of both worlds, Hi8 and DV.
You can use 8mm and hi8 video tapes combined with the best image
quality found in digital camcorder formats. Digital8 camcorders
are larger and heavier than Mini DV camcorders, but they are
also cheaper in price. The Digital8 system offers 540 lines of
crystal clear resolution.
DVD Camcorders
The newest form of digital video cameras are DVD camcorders. These camcorders are small in size, just
like Digital8 and Mini DV camcorders. The big difference
compared to other camcorder systems is that DVD camcorders use
recordable DVD discs such as DVD-R or DVD-RW. The big benefit to
dvd video cameras is that they can be played on your home DVD
player, and of course the quality is the best you can find.
Price comparisons
If you want to buy the cheapest priced camcorder go for a VHS
analog camcorder, you don't get the same quality as digital
camcorders however if you plan on filming family vacations this
should be sufficient for your needs. Then there are DVD
camcorders, they are the most expensive of digital video
cameras, but at the same time, they are the newest technology
offering the best image and sound quality. Lastly is the mini dv
format, this is probably the best camcorder for the price and quality. Small in
size and reasonably priced. Review top manufacturers such as
Panasonic, Sharp, Canon and Sony which offer the very popular Sony Handycam.