What features are important when looking for a digital video camcorder?

Question

What features are important when looking for a digital video camcorder?

Answer 1

Get a branded lens from a company that makes lenses. Like the Carl Zeiss lens on a Sony camcorder, or a camcorder by Canon. Digital zoom is worthless if the optical quality is poor.

Mic in socket so you can attach an external mic and avoid the 'echo chamber' effect using the camcorder's built in mic.

Availability of higher capacity batteries for longer recording times.

MiniDV or HD MiniDV as these produce the best results. Hard drive / DVD or SSD use too much compression and this can lead to lossy footage.

DV-in socket or DV in/out if you decide to record your finished movies back to a MiniDV cassette.

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Also pay attention to getting a good tripod with a fluid head as this will allow you to do really smooth long very slow pans.

Standard cheap tripods are fine but at really slow speeds, they jerk around.

And source a decent cardioid microphone. You can make a boom from a pole for painting ceilings. Make sure you get a wind shield as well for recording out doors.

hope this helps. Happy shooting!