Are you ready to buy a digital high definition (HD) camcorder? Sometimes simply thinking about the purchase of a high-tech gadget can seem daunting. Here we'll discuss the basics of how to buy a camcorder. Particular points to look for and a few specific, top-selling brands will be touched on in this article.

The Breakdown

A digital camcorder combines a digital camera and a video recorder into one unit. The recording is then uploaded to a computer operating system such as Windows or Mac for editing. Most camcorder manufacturers design their product to work within these operating systems. Carefully read the specifications in order to ensure that your current software can edit a recording.

An HD camcorder refers to video having the capability to capture images in high resolution in order to create a high definition video you can share with others. HD has one to two million pixels per frame; this is roughly five times the amount of standard definition camcorders. Newer digital devices are HD equipped with a variety of resolutions from which to choose. The higher the resolution, the more crisp and clear the image.

Shopping Tips

Try it before you buy it! Test the controls of several models and feel the weight and balance of each in your hands. A larger model might be better for someone who has big hands. Sometimes small camcorders can be hard to use because the buttons and features are fitted so closely together.

Correct Format: You have to know your computer’s operating system, whether Windows or Macintosh. A MiniDV Camcorder is currently the best on the market when it comes to software compatibility. If you’re purchasing an HD camcorder and you don’t know your operating system, you may end up having to update your computer and video editing software. You’ll need a video editing program that can support MPEG compression.

Optical Zoom Ratio vs. Digital Zoom Ratio: It’s important to take a look at the lens's optical zoom ratio. The digital zoom enlarges the image in the viewfinder. The optical zoom gives you a closer look at the image itself. An optical zoom specification of 10 times, or 10X, zoom is good.

Internal or External Microphones: Front-mounted microphones deliver better sound recordings than an internal microphone. An internal top-mounted microphone usually captures the voice of a person using the camera and drowns out other sounds. You can purchase an external microphone if the camera you choose has everything else you like, but excludes the microphone. Be sure that the camcorder has a place to plug in an external microphone.

Exposure: All digital HD camcorders have fully automatic modes and some have semi-manual exposure modes. Try out different light exposures and test the results. Bright lights, dusk, dark, low light, flashing light, all of these will factor into exposure, so you may want to become familiar with the different modes of shooting with a certain device before purchasing.

Popular Brands of Camcorder

SVP makes the T900 HD 720p Ultra-Slim Black Digital Camcorder. It has MP3, camera, 270 Degree Flip and LCD. You can capture clear and smooth 1280 x 720p high-definition video at 30 frames per seconds then upload to YouTube with software that’s included. This is a very small camera and is good for the armature videographer.

Aluratek Cinecam HD DV is a handheld digital camcorder. It offers a 5.0 megapixel and 20X zoom. The display is 3.0 inches and you can connect straight to your computer to transfer pictures and videos. This is a good intermediate camera at an intermediate price.

More advanced users or those who want a more advanced camera may be interested in the JVC - Everio X High-Definition Digital Camcorder with 2.8" LCD Monitor. This camera has a lot of features including 5X to 8X optical zoom and 200X digital zoom. The 2.8inch LCD monitor has high speed processing, and image stabilizer to prevent shake and vibration and a lot more.

So Many Choices

Many choices are available to today's videographers. Don’t settle for a cheaper camera that may not have all the functions you need; keep looking for a camera that offers everything you want. You will just have to upgrade later if you settle for a cheaper version now. Take your time and get the right digital HD camcorder the first time.