subject: Analyzing Digital Video Camcorders [print this page] Jerome Lemelson invented the very first camcorder in 1980. This analog video camcorder was very heavy and bulky. Through the years, it has evolved into today's digital video camera, which is extremely lightweight and can fit into the palm of your hand. These digital video camcorders of today are so clear they rival even professional broadcast video cameras.
How They Work
Digital video cameras convert analog video into a digital format. Digital video camcorders take the analog information in the video camera and then translate it into bytes of data. Digital video is converted from moving images to a stream of zeros and ones. The digital video camcorder records the bytes of digital information on one of three items, a hard disk, a DV tape cassette or a DVD. From there you have the ability to transfer the video to your computer. You can then edit the video and e-mail it to friends and family.
Digital video camcorders come in a range of formats that include MiniDV camcorders that use a 1/4-inch tape, DVD models that record to three-inch discs and hard disk drive (HDD) camcorders that save video and stills to an internal hard disk. Compared to the quickly fading VHS and 8mm analog formats, digital camcorders boast the highest video quality and the best sound.
Many of today's most popular digital video camcorders are capable of capturing wide screen (16:9) video, specifically intended to match the aspect ratio of widescreen HDTVs. Most also allow you to take still shots, essentially giving you a digital camera as a bonus. However, the quality of stills captured by most digital camcorders can't compare with those of dedicated still cameras.
Digital Video Camcorder Lenses
The digital video process begins at the lens in the camcorder. The lens stores and then focuses light from the video that you are capturing onto the image sensor located behind it. Because the charge-coupled devices (CCDs) used by camcorders are capable only of measuring the amplitude of the light hitting the photodiodes on their surfaces, a system of filters is required to establish just what color that light is.
Digital Video Camcorder Viewfinders
The viewfinder plays a very important role inside the camcorder. Originally viewfinders were black and white, evolving into today's color LCD screens. The viewfinder's primary function is to frame what you are viewing. Today's models allow the shooter to add effects to their video via an LCD touch screen as they are filming. These camcorders not only shoot high definition video (up to 720 lines), they offer digital still image capabilities. You can capture crystal clear images with resolutions up to 1024 x768, perfect for family photos.
