subject: Finding the Best Flash Memory Camcorder [print this page] Professional digital camcorders were once toys attainable only by professional videographers or people with a lot of money to spare. Today, with technology constantly evolving by leaps and bounds, it is more affordable than ever to purchase a high-quality flash memory camcorder. There are many things to consider when shopping for a digital video camera. Before setting out to find a bargain on a professional digital camcorder, set yourself a price range and make a list of features you would like the camera to have. Prioritize the list from the most to least important aspects of your potential hard drive video camera.
Perhaps the most important feature of a digital camcorder is the quality of the video it records. While lower-end models may have grainy and unfocused pictures, newer and nicer models offer much higher quality video. Some affordable flash memory camcorders even have the capability of recording in High Definition. A typical feature you will find on a hard drive video camera is a zoom feature. There are two different types of zoom: optical and digital. Optical zoom uses lenses to make objects appear larger, whereas digital zoom merely enlarges distant objects digitally. Optical zoom by nature results in a higher-quality picture and is preferable to digital zoom in a flash memory camcorder. Most cameras also feature internal memory. The internal memory of a camera allows it to record without having to insert a tape, memory card, or other storage device. While some professional digital camcorders have fairly large internal memories and can record much footage, others have extremely small hard drives. These cameras will also have a slot for an SD memory card or other removable storage to make up for their lack or internal data storage. Remember also that the higher the picture quality of your digital video camera, the larger the finished file size, so plan accordingly when looking at memory options.
When comparison shopping for a professional digital camcorder, in order to find the best flash memory camcorder, it is important to compare features between cameras as well as price. Before comparing prices, make sure that the cameras you are comparing have the same or comparable features so that you know you are getting a true apples-to-apples comparison. Consulting your prioritized list of desired features will help ensure that you do not spend too much buying a camera loaded with options that you don't need or won't use.
