Recently, we are using a smartphone, tablet or camera for video. However, the camcorder handles this task best of all. If you are thinking about shooting a holiday or some other significant event, then try to forget about the mobile device. Your choice should be exactly the video camera!
That's just how to determine the model? Is it worth overpaying for certain specifications? All this will try to tell this article. If you listen to our advice, you will definitely not lose! You will definitely buy that camcorder (amateur video cameras are often called just that), which will meet all your requirements.
Main rules of choice
Decide on goals
There are three main types of camcorders. The first are the action cameras - we will not discuss them in detail in this article. Such devices are primarily required for those for whom the most important thing is compact size. The second type includes amateur camcorders. These are standard devices that are attached to the palm of the user with a strap. They also have not the largest size. From each other, they differ in many characteristics, which will be discussed below. It is this video camera should be used to shoot a festive event. Often, these devices are buying and video bloggers. If you are looking for a device for professional video, you will have to look towards the third type. Professional camcorders are the most expensive, sometimes they are not endowed with some common functions, but in return they offer the highest quality picture. It can be compared with the video obtained by using a SLR camera. The disadvantage of such devices are large sizes, because of what they are never used by amateurs.
Rate your financial capabilities
The easiest way to select a video camera is to start with determining the price segment. You need to understand how much you are willing to spend on such a device. After that, try not to look towards models from a higher price segment. So you significantly reduce the number of video cameras offered. It remains only to look at the specifications, as well as, if possible, read reviews and reviews. It would not be superfluous to watch test videos that are in abundance on YouTube.
The camcorder must have an optical stabilizer.
In the early 2000s, a rare video camera had an optical or at least electronic image stabilizer at its disposal. Now the situation has changed. Optical stabilization system is not only the cheapest camcorders. They should not be considered in any case! After all, the presence of an optical stabilizer is the main advantage of a video camera over most smartphones and even some cameras! Believe me, it will greatly simplify your life when using the zoom. Some camcorders offer a 5-axis stabilization system — it’s the one that best copes with hand-shake and shaking when shooting on the go. But such devices are a bit more expensive.
Three matrices or optical zoom?
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The main dilemma that arises before a modern video camera buyer is the choice between the optical zoom and the number of arrays. The fact is that current devices can have three sensors at once. Each of them works in its own color range, which significantly improves the quality of the final image.However, the three matrices take up too much space, so the lens is not so large in the video camera with which they are allocated. As a result, these devices offer only 10 or 15x optical zoom. Stronger picture does not enlarge.
So how do you make this choice? It's simple. Try to imagine how often you will have situations when you need to visually zoom in the image 20-30 times. If you are going to shoot only home gatherings, then navigate in the direction of a larger number of matrices. If you want to use the camcorder on long journeys, it is better to get a device with multiple zoom.
Remember that sensors can be created using different technologies. Three CCD arrays will be inferior in image quality to a single CMOS sensor. Almost perfect image is given by three CMOS-matrix, but such cameras are very expensive, and it is quite difficult to find them on the shelves.
Resolution
In theory, for Full HD video shooting, there is a 4 megapixel matrix. And that is what cheap camcorders are endowed with. We can not say that it is necessary to fear such devices. But if you do not regret the means for a more expensive video camera with a matrix or higher resolution matrices, then you will definitely not regret it!
You should also remember that in Russian stores you can still find camcorders writing pictures in 720p resolution (HD, 1280 x 720 pixels). They should be avoided, despite the cheapness of such devices. You also need to make sure that the device writes a picture in progressive scan (1080p). If you use interlaced (1080i), then you will regularly reduce the resolution in order to get rid of annoying horizontal stripes. Finally, check out the video recording frequency. The ideal option is 50 or 60 frames / s (in our region a smaller parameter is usually used). Believe me, you will definitely feel the difference compared to the standard 25 and 30 frames / s!
Some time ago, video cameras capable of 4K video recording began being produced. But they cost a lot of money. Consider such a purchase is only if you plan to purchase a 4K TV and a powerful computer that is required for the installation of such content in the future.
Other selection criteria
If you want to try yourself in the camera business, you will have to fork out on a video camera with a focus ring. Usually they have professional devices, but you can find amateur camcorders that are not deprived of them. Only their value will not be amateur.
If you are a video blogger, you will need a microphone jack. Sound quality can not be neglected. Cheap camcorders do not have such a connector, and built-in microphones allow you to write only stereo sound. If you forget about saving, you can buy a video camera that can record sound in 5.1 format. If you have similar columns, you will be delighted with the result!
The remaining functions should not seriously affect your choice. You will rarely use the projector. Time lapse (accelerated video) is convenient to shoot only with an action camera. In terms of battery life, almost all amateur camcorders are equal - in any case, you will have to purchase an extra battery.
Most Popular Manufacturers
Production of decent camcorders are now occupied by only four companies. it Panasonic, Sony, Canon and Jvc. All devices have certain advantages and disadvantages. In particular, Sony products may have a pico-projector, which is able to display a picture on any flat surface. Panasonic camcorders have a better optical stabilizer. Canon also relies on the budget segment. This can be said about JVC, the devices of which are also astonishing with bright colors. As for action-cameras, other companies, including Chinese, are also engaged in their production. But the leadership is held by an American firm. GoPro. Somehow try to keep up with herSony, Sj, Garmin and some other manufacturers.
Common Customer Mistakes
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If you give in to the urge to choose a video camera at random, without even specifying its technical characteristics, you may encounter certain problems. For example, some buyers were unpleasantly surprised that the picture in motion seemed to be smeared along well-discernable horizontal lines. This suggests that the device writes the image in the leading. Another frequent complaint concerns sound. A person located four or five meters away may simply not be heard! That is why you need to read reviews and watch test videos - they allow you to assess the quality of the sound track.
Fortunately, you will not encounter such problems, because now you know how to choose a video camera. From now on, you know what characteristics you need to pay attention to. It remains to wish you to make a successful purchase!
