Camcorders Cameras Formats

Are you a little confused about all of the different types and features of camcorders cameras? Then look no further because a complete guide to buying camcorders is presented below. We will cover the different types of camcorders and some of the more popular brands.

What is a Camcorder?

The word camcorder is actually a combination of words, namely -- Video CAMera + reCORDER -- which is rather self explanatory. Camcorders combine the operation of a video camera with that of a video recorder. Many other electronic devices such as cell phones will also record video, but a camcorder’s sole function is to do just that, and it is able to record much higher quality video.

Types of Camcorders Cameras

A video camera is generally classified by the resolution that is used when capturing video footage. There are two kinds of video quality or definition - standard-definition and high-definition. High-definition video recorders are equipped with a high resolution image sensor and advanced recording techniques which provides a more detailed and higher quality image when viewed on an HDTV display.

The recording equipment utilized by the camcorder is then dependent upon what kind of medium is used for recording, which is described below.

MiniDV Camcorders

These devices employ a tape cassette for recording purposes. During its standard play speed, these video cameras will be able capture their best quality videos within a recording time of up to 60 minutes. The tape cassettes are rather inexpensive and are always going to be available in stock. One of the major drawbacks is that the cassette tapes must be handled with care since they can possibly become stuck or jammed if the recorder is dropped or shaken. Another issue is that when one plays a video clip, one will be unable to jump directly to a random interval on the tape. One will have to rewind or fast forward the tape in sequence to view a particular part of a video. A MiniDV camcorder will allow editing frame by frame.

DVD Camcorders

DVD video cameras support the DVD format that allows random access to scenes, and features compactness and durability. They use the same standard MPEG-2 video format that is used in commercial videos. DVD discs are also reusable but they are not compatible with standard DVD players.

Hard Drive Camcorders

Hard drive camcorder cameras are quite easy to use since they will record video onto a built-in hard drive. As a result, these random access hard drives are safe and quite resistant to external damage. You can also use removable memory cards to provide even more space for extra storage. Transferring files to your computer is simple and can be done by connecting the camcorder to a computer’s USB port. No video conversion will be necessary either, since the videos and are already stored in files that are computer compatible.

Flash Memory Camcorders

Flash memory stores video footage in digital format on secured digital memory cards. These memory cards allow one to record video anywhere from fifteen minutes up to around one hour. Those digital video camcorders that use non-removable flash memory will cost less than those that use removable flash memory cards.

Camcorder Brands

Since video recording equipment and camcorders cameras technology is growing quickly, many well known manufacturers are always coming up with new models to satisfy and attract consumers. Some of the more popular brands include Panasonic, JVC, Hitachi, Canon, Sony, Pure Digital, Sanyo and Samsung.