How to Use Camcorders to Make Life Easier

Getting Started With Camcorders

With the vast array of camcorders currently on the market, you don't want to blindly throw yourself into the dense coppice of the camcorder trade without narrowing down your options and understanding your choices. There are a number of things to consider when choosing the camcorder that's best for you. Consider your price range, whether you want a pocket-sized camcorder or a full-featured camcorder, and your lifestyle. For instance, if you're looking for a camcorder that you can carry with you at all times then you may want something light and small. If you're going on a beach vacation then it might be ideal to choose a waterproof camcorder that can capture those significant moments without fear of losing them all if your camcorder is accidentally submerged in water. You don't want to simply purchase the first affordable camcorder you come across without considering other essential details that can personalize and enhance your video recording experiences.

Types of Camcorders

The different types of camcorders range from small, budget-friendly devices to high-end video recorders with advanced features and crisp imagery. The type of camcorder that best fits your needs will depend on your available budget and the features you find necessary in a video recorder.

• Pocket Camcorders. These are the small, budget-friendly camcorders which are popular for uploading videos to social networking websites. They offer minimal features, but are lightweight and easy to carry with you at all times.
• GPS Enabled Camcorders. These camcorders are ideal for those who enjoy traveling and capturing their adventures on video. The GPS function allows users to track where the footage was recorded and tag it within the video. These types of camcorders are popular among people who enjoy traveling and sharing their adventures with others through video recordings.
• Standard Definition Camcorders. This type of camcorder gets the job done without offering a lot of extra features. Standard definition camcorders are ideal for simple family events and special occasions, but may fall short if you're trying to get a clear shot of your son hitting his first home run on the baseball field.
• Traditional HD Camcorders. These types of camcorders typically require a more loose budget than those previously mentioned. They offer better imagery and a wider range of features to get the most out of your video recording experience.
• Advanced HD Camcorders. These types of camcorders are the top of the line, offering the clearest videos and the most advanced features currently available on the market. The price can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

Camcorder Features

Camcorders all have one basic function in common and that is the ability to capture and save video footage. However, different camcorders offer an array of different features, depending on the type of camera and how advanced it is.

• Exposure Control. This features allows you to control the lightness and darkness of a video.
• Face Detection. This feature detects the faces of people being recorded and focuses on them, allowing for a more firmly fixed video recording.
• Image Stabilization. This feature is typically offered in camcorders that have longer zoom lenses. Image stabilization helps keep the video stable and less shaky.
• Photo Features. A camcorder with photo features allows the user to take still photographs using the camcorder.
• Video Resolution. This allows users to switch between standard or HD resolution. The higher the resolution, the better quality the video will be.
• Zoom Lens. Camcorders with a zoom lens gives users the option of magnifying their videos and recording things that are farther away. Having a longer zoom lens means that objects can be recorded at greater distances.

Camcorder Brand Names

There are a variety of brand names in the camcorder market including Bell and Howell, Cobra Digital, GE, HP, Intova, Kodak, Lytro, Polaroid, SeaLife, Vivitar, Apple, Arecont Vision, Better Light, Argus, BuckEye Cam, Axis, Bushnell, Contour, GoPro, Covert, Hunten, Cuddleback, EarthCam, IQinVision, Ken-A-Vision, Leupold, Microsoft, Motorola, Moultrie, Oncam Grandeye, Oregon Scientific, Panoscan, Primos, RCA, Reconyx, Sea and Sea, Uway, and Wildgame trail cameras.

Camcorder Shopping Tips

Here are some tips to make the most out of your shopping experience:

• Do your research before you make the purchase. Find the camcorder that not only fits your budget, but also provides all the features you find necessary.
• Think you've found the perfect camcorder for all your video recording needs? Read any customer reviews you can find before making your purchase. Find out what other people have to say about the product.
• Skip the unnecessary shipping charges and shop for your camcorder in person. There's no guarantee your expensive electronics will survive on a bumpy road or in the hands of strangers.
• Find out if your local electronics store allows customers to test out a product before purchase. Many stores keep a display of camcorders hooked to anti-theft chords which allow customers to get a feel for their new camera before they decide to fork over the cash.