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is fast becoming outdated, because you can only play back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camera used because their technology is now outdated.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.
About the author:
Chris Vorelli offers info on digital
camcorders, camcorder
reviews, Sony
camcorders , Canon
camcorders, & Samsung
camcorders and more. Reprint permission will all hyper links intact. © http://www.digital-camcorders-reviews.net/
