Archive for September, 2008

What You Should Know Before Buying a Camcorder

Monday, September 29th, 2008
camcorders
sue webster asked:


What You Should Know Before Buying a Camcorder

It seems everybody has a camcorder these days. It only stands to reason that if you want to capture those rare moments to reflect upon in your old age, you need to get one for yourself. Buying a camcorder can be likened to a child walking into a candy store; which one of the treats should be bought?

For What Will It Be Used

Some people want a camcorder so that they can upload videos on the internet, others want to record vacations, sporting events or outdoor activities, while others might use it to record their everyday lives and hope for a win on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Maybe you are going to be using it as a part of your business. There is a wealth of features you can choose from when you are camcorder shopping and knowing what your main use will be can make it easier to decide which one is right for you.

Prices, Makes and Models

Camcorders prices typically range from a standard model that costs $300 to a deluxe model with a variety of features for as much as $1200. Just because a camcorder has a high price tag doesn’t make it the best one for your purposes. For instance, if you are going to be using your camcorder to record events that happen quickly, you will want a model that is geared for that use. Slow events such as composed scenes and party shots will require a model with a different focus. Do you want to take still photos with your camcorder or do you want it just for recording family events?

How Much Do You Know

Another factor to consider before buying a camcorder is how much experience you have with photography, imaging and videography? What type of still camera have you used and do you have any further knowledge pertaining to video shoots? A rank amateur will need a model that is simple to use so that they can merely point and shoot their subject. For someone a bit more seasoned in the field, they will be able to manipulate a more complex camcorder than someone that is just a newbie.

In Conclusion

Before you set foot into the electronics department and begin to browse the offerings, do a little research. It is helpful to read reviews of the different makes and models available and set a budget for how much you will spend. The possibility of a new toy is exciting, but if you get it home and haven’t the first clue about how to use it, it will just sit in the box looking pretty and tempting you with its mystique.



Sandra

Which electronics store carries the lowest priced cameras and camcorders?

Saturday, September 27th, 2008
camcorders
Déjà Vu asked:


But still good quality? Best Buy always seems too high..and I dont think Wal-Mart carries the best quality..so what do you think?

Lloyd

Camcorders?

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
camcorders
kristen n asked:


I need a camcorder for a concert that im hoping to go to but I know nothing about them lol. I don’t want too big of one and the most money i can spend is $200. Im hoping I can get one that cheap that still has good quality. Does anyone know of any camcorders that are compact, cheap, but still have good quality and battery life for filming a concert? Also, I would like to be able to load videos to the computer and I know I don’t have a Mac computer. Sry if im too specific but can someoone please help me!!! (maybe a website or store too tysvm!!)

Ashley

Camcorders: Bring Alive the Happiest Moments of Your Life

Friday, September 19th, 2008
camcorders
Alden Jerry asked:


There are some moments in life which are priceless, such as a mother seeing her child standing on his/her feet for the first time and taking a few staggering steps; a father seeing his child getting married; or a person hanging out with his/her long lost friends. These are some moments that need to be cherished throughout the life. Unfortunately, capturing these joyous moments of life is not possible for every one. However, today it is no longer a difficult or expensive proposition for a person who wants to capture the most memorable moments of his life in the flow of time.

Camcorder is a device that allows the user to shoot and record the things that he always wanted to. It comes installed with the a VCR panel, that imparts the user an idea of what actually is he shooting and how can he make it more better. The video reproduced by this incredible machine is quite high on quality quotient. Even the sound quality is also very good, which makes it a more desirable machine to possess.

Camcorders can even capture both still and dynamic objects with ease. This is the main reason why people prefer it over the normal digital camera, mobile phone camera and video recorders. It does the much-needed justice to the imagination. This is why the quality is not at all affected while giving the steady look to the moving pictures. There are many companies such as Sony, Philips, Cannon, Nikon and also Hitachi in this field. The machines manufactured by these eminent names are rated as the best in the entire electronic device fraternity. These video recorders come in various shape and sizes, which is why it becomes more easier for the interested buyers to set their priorities clear and buy that machine that suits their budget and requirements.

Users of camcorders can certainly bank upon it in the times of social gatherings, dance parties, picnic or in an outing with friends. This is one device that will never let its name of the user down in terms of performance and perfection. What more, these machines come with abundant storage capacity, so from now on the user will not have to delete any of his memorable moments to make a space for others. Some camcorders also come with the memory expansion slot that adds more utility to them. For achieving better results in terms of quality, users can fall back on the zoom option and give a fine touch to the ultimate product.

Camcorder is one device that gives its users a certain kind of edge in terms of overall performance. It brings a sophisticated touch to the work of the users and makes it look more beautiful and complete in every sense. Prospective buyers can purchase camcorders from the various Online shopping portals in the most convenient manner. The Online shopping mode gives the buyers the much needed liberty that every customer desires for. Here they can not only buy but can also see, compare the deals offered by various portals without coming under any kind of sellers pressure. Another best part of purchasing through this Online mode is that the buyer can discharge the payment according to the payment mode he prefers is the best for him. These portals accept payment from all kinds of mode such as debit cards, credit cards or simply cash. They also give value-added service to their buyers such as free home delivery, free replacement in case of supply of faulty appliance and many more. This flexible and buyer-friendly approach makes shopping for any kind of device be it camcorders, a joyous experience.



Cathy

Whay does JVC asks high prices for its consumer camcorders?

Friday, September 12th, 2008
camcorders
Shahram J asked:


The price for JVC camcorders like Everio GZ275, GZ555, etc are higher that their peers from other companies like Sony and Panasonic. What does JVC offers for such high prices?

Vincent

Camcorder Cheat Sheet:6 Tips for Getting Better Audio

Sunday, September 7th, 2008
camcorders
Christine Peppler asked:


Most consumers purchase a digital video camcorder in order to upgrade their equipment and hopefully, produce better quality home movies. Unfortunately, the quality of the movies we record with our camcorder has less to do with the equipment and more to do with how well we record the video and audio in the first place.

The important role of good audio in any film is often overlooked. Many consumers don’t purchase an external microphone with their camcorder but instead rely primarily on an internal omni directional microphone which indiscriminately picks up and records sounds from the front, sides, and rear. This often results in a significant amount of “noise” and difficulty in discerning the voices or other sounds which home movies try to capture.

Without making a life study of film making, there are a few quick and simple things the average home movie maker can do to vastly improve the audio quality of films they record with their camcorder.

1. Move in closer to the subject or sounds which the film should capture.

This can mean using the zoom function less and instead, stepping nearer. When recording children, this can also mean getting down closer to their level from a vertical perspective. Getting closer with the camcorder not only allows the film maker to capture the sounds better but it helps to cut down on the amount of noise that will intrude from the background.

2. Home movies should be filmed in a quiet location when possible.

Controlling the environment is an obvious way of cutting down on the “noise” intrusion. Some environments in which we film may be naturally “noisy”; but assuring that the television is off, the dishwasher is not running, etc. certainly helps.

3. Engage the “wind screen” feature on the camcorder when filming outdoors.

The “wind screen” feature does exactly what its name implies; it helps to reduce wind noise. This is particularly useful at the beach.

4. Reduce noise by steadying the camera.

Jarring the camcorder around and moving about while filming can also create a great deal of noise. Using a tripod or another type of stabilization device can not only steady the picture but reduce noise.

5. Purchase an external microphone for your camcorder.

If your camcorder has a jack for an external microphone, this can be a great way of significantly improving the sound quality of your recordings. There are a variety of types of microphones available and each functions best in different situations. “Shotgun” microphones help to reduce noise by cutting out sounds from the side and rear of the camera and recording sounds primarily in front of the camera at a distance. For recording speakers/presenters, a lavaliere microphone is the best idea while Cardioid microphones record sound near, but directly in front of the microphone.

6. Reduce film maker noise.

This is common sense but the person with the camcorder in hand should remember to be quiet and avoid “fiddling” with the controls on the camcorder while filming.

Although none of these techniques are high tech, adhering to them can greatly enhance the quality of any home movie creation and allow owners to better enjoy their investment in a new camcorder.



Derrick

Can someone tell me about camcorders? DVD, Mini DVD, Digital?

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008
camcorders
Kristina asked:


I’m planning on buying a camcorder for Christmas and have no idea what to buy. Can you tell me the pros and cons of the different types listed above? My budget will be somewhere around $400, give or take a little. If I buy one that records onto the mini dvds, are these playable in regualar dvd players? Also, if they have a slot for a memory card, does this mean I can record onto the mini dvd OR onto the memory card? Thanks to the ones who answer intelligently! I will award the best answer in a day or so.

Mathew

***********Camcorders**************?

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008
camcorders
ione_thestar1 asked:


How do you ADD credits and FADE OUT and FADE IN to different sagements of a television show? Also, What special camcorders specialize in those features?

Chad

Good Camcorders that make and upload quality videos to youtube?

Monday, September 1st, 2008
camcorders
PL asked:


I’m looking for one, so if you could give me some ideas that would be great.

also, if you have links to your videos or any that you know of that use that camera, it would be extremly helpful!

Larry

Camcorder Batteries - Understand the Charging Requirements

Monday, September 1st, 2008
camcorders
Anna Woodward asked:


In recent years, manufacturers are striving to make the life of digital camcorder batteries longer. The newly available models of digital camcorders available today are manufactured with highly efficient batteries that give utmost satisfaction after usage to the end customer.

Many reputed camcorder manufacturing companies are competing to give a better power performance to the consumer. Miniaturization is giving rise to more problems, as it requires that a small battery remain charged for a longer time span. However, with the latest innovation and application of lithium ion chemistries, you can expect better results at cost-effective rates.

Most manufacturers do give a warranty of three years on their batteries. But the market is also crowded with less well-known but highly effective lithium ion battery providers with more life span. With increasing dependency on the original versions of lithium ion cells dying out, lesser-known brands are picking up pace in the market by maximizing efforts and revenue.

When purchasing a new video camera, it is crucial to be aware of all the functions and parts of the device to avoid any future problems. On average, digital camcorder batteries costs fairly $40-$60 or possibly more if it has an extended life.

- 4 Types of Camcorder Batteries Available:

1. Lead-Acid: Lead-Acids are reliable, inexpensive, and suffer from a number of drawbacks as they get discharged multiple times.

It’s necessary that lead-acids be fully charged or else they cease functioning if uncharged for long. Keep these in a cool, dark place and always recycle them properly as their content is extremely hazardous to the environment.

2. Nickel Cadmium (NiCd): These were among the most common type of camcorder batteries a decade ago. You can find them now in older models of video cameras. These have the capacity to handle higher loads and has long life with constant discharge pattern.

Nickel Cadmium delivers the same level of voltage throughout the entire discharge cycle and even let you know when the power is low. This type should be fully discharged before recharging, in order to avoid the memory effect that plagues this type of power cell.

It’s important to keep NiCds cool, dry and safe, though the contents are not dangerous but they are highly poisonous and bad for the environment.

3. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH): NiMHs offer 10 to 25% greater capacity than the NiCds, but are also prone to memory effect like NiCds. It’s necessary to allow complete discharge of NiMHs before recharge.

4. Lithium Ion: These new innovations offer quick charge times, have longer life span, steady discharge, light weight and are available in small size. Lithium ions offer more charge capacity than NiCds, and do not suffer from memory effect.

Lithium Ions are the most expensive type available in the market. Unlike other types, it’s required that these are fully charged.

Keep these cool, safe and dry from shock and recycle them before it’s discarded.

- Camcorder Care:

Learning to care for your camera after purchase is crucial to ensure performance and longevity. As any other electronic device, even a camcorder requires care and maintenance for effective functioning

* A slightly damp cloth should be used to clean the exterior. Avoid contact with water. It’s highly recommended to use cleaners suggested by the manufacturer.

* Protect from dust, dirt and scratches. Keep the lens covered with cap.

* Protect the lens. Avoid touching the lens with fingers as oil from person’s skin can gradually erode the protective surface. Avoid exposure of the lens to the sun and use ultraviolet lens filter for added protection.

* When operating, handle it gently. Tapes should not be forced in to facilitate loading.

* It’s important to remember that batteries shouldn’t be stored in the device itself. Allow to completely discharge before recharge.

* Do not overcharge.

Eventually all batteries complete their span of life and need a replacement sooner or later. As observed, no matter the brand or model, camcorder batteries do have issues of running down at the most crucial moment. So consider all factors with a careful understanding of the product requirements before purchase.



Chad