Buy The Right Camcorder

Digital technology means that camcorders are no longer the bulky apparatus of old. Modern devices are portable, small and light. With so many to choose from at a range of prices, it can be hard to know where to begin when you shop, so we look at the key issues to consider before you buy.

It's best to visit a shop and try a camcorder before you buy, so you know how it feels. Assess whether it's comfortable to hold, for example if you are left-handed, and check that the strap doesn't rest uncomfortably. Button size and position is important too.

Point-and-shoot users who simply want to record family events and so on should find that most modern camcorders have the similar key features that they need, such as shot stabilisation. A higher optical zoom allows the filmmaker to get closer to their subject. Keener camera users will be interested in how easy it is to manually override a camcorder's default settings, such as exposure, to achieve a more effective shot.

To put your video onto computer, you can connect many camcorders to a PC via Firewire - the computer may have a socket already or you may need to purchase an adaptor card. Once you have done this you can convert your footage to DVD or VHS tape if you want to watch it on a television set. Bear in mind that the quality of analogue recordings deteriorates over time and number of playbacks, and this technology will soon be obsolete, so it's best to transfer to DVD.

If you have HDTV - high definition television - it's worth considering an HD camcorder, because the recordings should be sharper with more accurate detail and colour. This will only make a difference if you have an HDTV on which to play them back. This type of video takes up more space on DVD and you will need a fairly powerful computer if you want to transfer and edit your footage.

One of the main factors to decide on when buying a camcorder is what recording format you will use. This will affect the size and weight of the camcorder. Some offer both a hard drive and removable storage, ideal if you run out of room on holiday. Here's a summary of the four different kinds:

DVD

Recording Time: 20 minutes high quality to 40 minutes.

Size: 8 cm across, flat.

DVD price varies depending on disc format, which you should check carefully. Some you can record on only once - such as DVD-R - while others you can record on again and again - such as DVD-RW or DVD-RAM. If you just want to record permanently and watch via a DVD player, you can do so with DVD-R. DVD-RW or DVD-RAM play on computers only and not DVD players, but you can edit these, normally on the camcorder as well as a computer, although if you are keen to edit regularly DVDs are not the best option. A DVD camcorder can be slow to start.

Mini-DV Tape

Recording Time: 1 to one and a half hours.

Size: 6.5 cm by 4.8 cm, 1.2 cm deep.

Mini-DVs are digital despite being cassettes. Tapes are relatively inexpensive. They offer good quality, especially for editing on computer, so are ideal if you want to add effects and create a family movie from your footage. On the other hand, you can watch video or transfer to VHS tape directly should you want to, without a computer, by plugging the camcorder into your TV or VCR. Cassettes may not play in another camcorder.

Memory Card

Recording Time: It depends on card size - a 4GB card takes about an hour.

Size: A couple of centimetres across, flat.

Memory cards can be expensive. A memory card camcorder is usually small. They are good for sharing photos by email or website, but less flexible for editing.

Hard Disk Drive

Recording Time: 7 hours.

Size: Built into the camcorder.

A hard drive camcorder connects to your computer for footage transfer via USB, and is usually small and light. They are good for sharing photos by email or website, but less flexible for editing.

Best Buys

You don't need to spend a fortune to buy a decent camcorder. Which? tested 22 camcorders in December 2007 and January 2008, and rated each for video quality, ease of use, sound quality, still photos, features, autofocussing and battery life. 50connect have picked five Best Buys which were the top scoring across a range of prices and recording formats. They offer both quality filming and value for money. Remember that you may be able to save money by shopping around online.

£249 - DVD/Hard Disk

The Hitachi DZ-HS300E records on DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW DVD discs, and also has a 8GB hard disk which stores around 1 hour 50 minutes using the highest quality setting. Which? describes it as very good.

This camcorder or similar is available at Amazon.

£300 - DVD

The Canon DC230E produces good quality movies with great colour definition, even in low light levels. Which? commends its image stabilising system to make it look like you have a steady hand. Its powerful 35x optical zoom is perfect for filming wildlife close-up, though at such high levels of magnification a tripod may be necessary to prevent shakiness.

This camcorder or similar is available at Amazon.

£360 - Mini-DV

Video image quality from the Panasonic NV-GS320 is very good, producing clear colour and sharpness under dim and artificial light. Which? recommends it for indoor use, for example at parties.

This camcorder or similar is available at Amazon.

£480 - Hard Disk/Memory Card

Get high quality images from the Panasonic SDR-H250, with good clarity and colour reproduction whether you're filming outdoors or inside under artificial lights. Which? calls it one of the very best at recording in low light levels. Its 30GB hard disk stores over 27 hours of footage.

This camcorder or similar is available at Amazon.

£600 - HD - Memory Card

The Panasonic HDC-SD1 provides top quality HD movies with excellent clarity and good colour fidelity, according to Which?. The image stabilisation system corrects any camera shake, and it offers decent images even when the light fades.

This camcorder or similar is available at Amazon.

Web Links

www.which.co.uk

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