Key features:-
· It does not matter how many features your camcorder has, unless you are comfortable with its size, weight and shape, and you can see and operate all the main controls on the unit, you will be wasting your money.
· Digital camcorders have huge advantages in these areas over analogue camcorders but if your choice is not easy to hold and operate it will not matter how small and light is, you will find it really difficult to get the pictures you want.
· The ability to get closer to your subjects can make a huge difference. The optical zoom ranges are the most important. These move the image closer by internal lens movement.
· Some camcorders will allow you to override default settings to get the effect that you want rather than the one the camcorder "thinks" you want. Changing default settings can be difficult on some models, but advanced users can get more from their machine by exploiting these features - a manual focus override, for example, can be extremely useful in low light situations
Some digital camcorders can be used to take digital stills. These are stored on a memory card and can be transferred to a PC for further use. Most digital cameras will provide better quality pictures but it may be a useful additional feature on your camcorder if you don't have one. Digital camcorders are extremely compatible with your computer as well as your TV. You can hook up to your computer either via USB cable or Fire wire (IEEE 1394). Then you can edit your still photos and your movies right on your computer, using editing software.
