subject: A Digital Camcorder Buying Guide [print this page] A camcorder is a great way to document the important events and experiences of your life just as they happen. Of course pictures are great for some things, but nothing beats a high quality recording of audio and video from a special event. Because digital camcorders record information that does not degrade over time you can actually watch it years later and it will seem like just yesterday.
It is a good idea to check out all necessary information about camcorders from relevant websites or catalogs. It is a very expensive product and for some consumers it will be 'once in a lifetime' deal. Of course there are enthusiasts and professional photographers who acquire latest models periodically.
Video is often shot while a person is moving or has to walk, and watching a viewfinder allows you to still see where you are going much better than is possible when using the eyepiece. You can also shoot from angles high above your head or low down to the ground and still keep an eye on the action as you film if the LCD screen can be tilted.
Look for a digital camcorder that uses at least a 10x optical zoom, although 15x or 20x is even better. There are two types of zooms used on digital camcorders, optical and digital. The optical zoom is the lens itself zooming in, and it produces a nice sharp image throughout it's focal range usually.
You need to decide just how much you are willing to spend for this item. Once you have set your budget for a camcorder, look for the best ones that are in a price range that fits your budget.
Another factor that should be checked out right away is the size of the camcorder. This is also important because you must be able to hold it steadily while taking footage of an event. The buttons should also be conveniently located in a place where you do not have to jostle the camera just to press one button.
