Whether you are visiting exciting locales this Summer — perhaps even Beijing for the Olympics — or just staying close to home — camping anyone? — there is likely to be plenty of fodder for a home movie. Gone are the days of old where dark, blurry and grainy film marked home films. Now you can create a professional-like movie with just a few presses of a button.
It may get a bit overwhelming sorting through all of the choice: from price points that range from below £150 to more than £3,500; an alphabet of recording types from HDV to HDD and DVD; and many kinds of zoom. But the key like with any purchase is to first try to sort out your needs — how you’ll be using a camcorder, in what conditions and how often.
The digital ‘mini DV’ format is really the best in class format. And if you add in the ability to change formats (such as to HDD and HDV) you have a camcorder used by the likes of professionals — from independent filmmakers to video journalists. But the top class of video cams can be great for the amateur too! The only downside is cost — the popular Sony Handycam® HVR-Z1E Mini DV Camcorder and Canon DM-XM2 Mini DV Camcorder both will run from £1,500 for the latter and close to £3,800 for the former. It may be worth the investment if you want the type of high-quality film that will last for years to come.
Back down to earth on the pricing scale and still in the digital mini DV format are some great camcorders. While just a single format, it’s the most popular one. There are dozens from manufacturers including: Samsung, Sony, JVC and Panasonic. The cost is about £200-300 and Features such as touchscreen LCD and a high-quality wide screen color viewfinder make them easy to use. DV tapes are also widely available.
The only thing to remember about camcorders is a dusty one is no good! So if you are going to invest in one, do use it, camcorders are great for documenting the important times in your life.
