The dvc digital camcorders are one of the most widely used digital devices, used for parties, online videos (Youtube), family memory’s, special events, etc.
However sometimes the digital video produced by the camcorder isn’t appropriate due to incorrect settings or simple a inferior device. This is why it’s important to ensure the dvd digital camcorder you purchase is suitable for the footage you are going to film. If a friend or family member asks you to film their special occasion make sure the footage you are taking it decent quality.
When first considering purchasing a camcorder you need to decide how much you are willing to spend. Once you have considered how much you are willing to spend, you should checkout Amazon and look for camcorders within your price range. Amazon is great because you can then use its sort feature (top right corner) and select Average customer review. This will then allow you to see the camcorders with the most user ratings, and what it scored out of 5. The more user ratings, and higher the rating then better the camcorder. I use the method when deciding to purchase any item. It’s great because once you find a high rated product; you can scroll down the bottom of the product page and read reviews from customers who have purchased the item.
However this isn’t all you should do when choosing which camcorder to purchase. One major you should check is the low light capability of digital camcorders. This is extreamly important if you are taking film inside/indoors were there’s much less light outdoors. I remember I had this problem with a Sony digital camcorder my parents purchased for overseas. When we purchased it, I tested it indoors, and it was terrible. The footage was extremely grainy and so we had to return the product.
Another important feature is computer connectivity. Don’t purchase camcorders with wireless connectivity, because the technology is relatively new, and they are hell a lot more expensive. Also the speed is less then cables, so I don’t really see the point. What you want is firewire connectivity. Its super fast, and most computers have this connection (just in case make sure your computer does before purchasing, I think you can buy inepensive firewire addons for your computer, so don’t worry too much if you don’t have one)
Finally, with digital camcorders try and get one which has at least 1/3 CCD stamped on it. If this is still too expensive, try to lower it to 1/4 CCD.
