Best Camcorder | Buying Guide : Things to consider while buying a Video Camera

Buying a camcorder can be complicated. Our camcorder guide organizes the process of buying one into clear steps that will help you make the right decision.

This guide will give you all the information you need to buy a consumer video camera in a clear and concise manner. We will look at the features of the camcorder and the different considerations you may have before you actually purchase the product. This guide seeks to educate you so you can get the camcorder that is perfect for your requirements.

Resolution

The resolution indicates how many pixels are in the footage, with more pixels offering greater clarity and detail. Where just a few years ago the decision was between standard definition and high definition, the question is now high definition or 4K. 4K resolution means the longest side has about 4,000 pixels—that’s nearly 4x the resolution of HD. Most HD camcorders have a 1080p resolution, though there’s a few that still use the lower quality 720p.

While 4K is a big boost in quality over HD, the footage has to be viewed on a 4K screen or monitor to take full advantage of higher quality. Both 4K TVs and monitors are becoming more common, and even YouTube now allows some 4k videos. Watching a 4K video on a regular TV gets you just regular HD footage—something consumers should consider before spending more on a 4K camcorder.

Sensor Size

Digital videos are recorded on a sensor inside the camcorder—the size of that sensor plays a big role in the video quality. Larger sensors are needed to capture a higher resolution, but sensor size can still vary among camcorders with the same resolution. Some 4K camcorders have a large 1” sensor while others use a smaller 1/2.3”. Just remember when comparing two camcorders with the same resolution that bigger is better.

The sensor also plays a role in shooting videos in limited lighting. A larger sensor is able to gather more light, so a camcorder with a large sensor will produce better low light images than a camcorder with a small sensor. Low light scenarios are where you’ll see a big difference by opting for a larger sensor, so if you plan to shoot a lot of low light footage, like at a concert or in a high school gymnasium, a large sensor should be a priority.

Sensors on camcorders tend to be a bit smaller than those used on cameras for still images. A 1/2.3” sensor is good for a mainstream camcorder, but just average for a point-and-shoot camera. Larger 1” sensors have been around for a few years on cameras, but are just now being used in camcorders.

Memory

Speaking of memory, that’s another good factor to consider. Most modern camcorders will record to either an SD card (or a mini SD card) or internal flash memory. The difference between the two is largely convenience. With enough built-in memory, you don’t have to buy an SD card or even remember to bring one with you. High-end camcorders with large bit rates and a high resolution will have large file sizes and fill up an SD card much faster. Big SD cards can get expensive, so camcorders with built-in memory are often worth a little extra cash.

Zoom

Zoom can make a significant impact on your videos, especially when shooting sports or wildlife. But all zoom is not quite equal. Like in image stabilization, optical is the better option over digital or electronic. Optical zoom works by adjusting the camera’s lens, where digital zoom simply crops the image. Some manufacturers also use an intelligent or smart zoom, which is a type of digital zoom that doesn’t degrade the image as much, but still doesn’t measure up to the optical option.

How much zoom do you need? Again, that depends on what you shoot the most. If you want a close-up of a person or object thats in the same room, a 5x to 10x zoom is plenty. Shooting sports from the stands or a performance from the back of he auditorium requires a much bigger zoom, at least 25x.

Flip-Out LCD Viewer

This type of viewer is common on all full-sized camcorders but few action cams. Some come in a wider aspect ratio (16:9), often called a wide-screen LCD, that is similar to the ratio found on many HDTVs. (Some higher-priced camcorders include touch-screen LCDs.) LCDs are useful for reviewing video and can be easier to use than an eyepiece viewfinder. But LCDs are difficult to use in sunlight—a drawback of models that have only a display and no eyepiece.

Screens vary from 2½ to 4 inches measured diagonally, with a larger screen offered as a step-up feature on higher-priced models. Because an LCD viewer uses batteries faster than an eyepiece viewfinder, you don’t have as much recording time when the LCD is in use.

Image Stabilizer

This feature automatically reduces most of the shaking that occurs while you hold the camcorder. Most stabilizers are either electronic or optical, although some models have both. Either type is effective; though mounting the camcorder on a tripod is the surest way to get steady images. Tip: If you’re not using a tripod, try holding the camcorder with both hands and bracing both elbows against your body.

Check the LCD

Most measure about 3 inches on the diagonal, but some are larger. However, few action cams have any type of display. Some displays on full-sized models suffer from too much glare, making them difficult to use outdoors in bright sun. Check the display in the store to make sure you’re satisfied with the usability of any model you’re considering. But note that most LCDs look fine indoors. In full, midday sunlight, viewing performance will vary greatly from model to model.

Lighting

You won’t always be shooting in bright light. Using the default mode, we found that models varied in quality when shooting in dim light. Most full-sized HD camcorders captured at least good-quality video in low light, but some had excellent quality. Note that many camcorders have settings that can improve performance but can be a challenge to use.

Audio quality

We look at how accurately the built-in microphone records and whether the sound file is free from noise or hiss. Action cams often lack decent audio quality. A few advanced models include a jack for using an external microphone, which can improve sound quality.