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Tips On How To Choose A Digital Camcorder
by Thad Pickering

Not too long ago digital camcorders were very pricey, and so most bought an analog camcorder instead, but as always technology marches on and what was expensive yesterday can be very affordable today. So it is with digital camcorders. They have a lot of advantages that make them the clear choice if you can afford it, and here are some tips on how to choose a digital camcorder:

* It's a good idea not to buy any camcorder until you have had a chance to actually hold and use it yourself. This is true because miniDV camcorders are the most popular camcorders out there, and they are so small that they may actually be too tiny for some folks with large hands to even use. They typically only weigh about a pound, and they can fit easily into the palm of your hand. So just imagine how difficult it can be for some to fiddle with the tiny controls and dials on these petite camcorders.

* Be sure that you understand the zoom feature and how it works so you get what you need when you buy. There two kinds of zooms used on digital camcorders, the optical zoom and the digital zoom. An optical zoom refers to the lens capability itself and zooms in on a subject before it is digitally recorded. The digital zoom is done by taking the digital image that has been recorded and magnifying it. What you need to know about this is that the optical zoom does not result in any video degradation, but because the digital zoom is just magnifying the image that is already recorded, you can easily begin to see graininess in the video image. So try to rely on the optical zoom as much as possible for most shots, and choosing a camera that has at least a 10z optical zoom should work fine.

* It good to try to get a digital camcorder that can also take still shots too as this makes it so much more convenient to take both video and stills at the same event. Otherwise, you would have to carry along both a digital camera and a digital camcorder at the same time and switch back and forth. But getting a camcorder that allows you to take still digital shots eliminates this hassle. Often the camcorder will even have a built-in flash for low light camera situations too. Most often the digital pictures are saved onto a removable media card that you can use to upload them to your computer and print them out later on.

A digital camcorder opens up lots of possibilities as it allows you to even transfer the video to your computer and add text or music if you like. In essence, you can become your own little movie director with the high quality miniDV camcorders that are available today.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including audio and video. You can find out more about digital camcorders review and cannon camcorders by visiting our Home Theater website.

Find books about filmmaking

The Guerilla Film Maker's Handbook by Chris Jones, Genevieve Jolliffe
"Absolutely indispensable.. "

Practical DV Filmmaking: A Practical Workbook for Beginning Filmmakers
Edited by Russell Evans
"Demystifies the creative process and makes filmmaking techniques accessible to complete beginners.."

Digital Moviemaking: All the Skills and Techniques You'll Need to Turn Your Passion into a Career Scott Billups
"an excellent reference for experienced filmmakers who want to produce industry-quality films using digital equipment.."

303 Digital Filmmaking Solutions Chuck Gloman
"film-school in a nutshell.."

Guerilla Film Makers Movie Blueprint by Chris Jones
“Amazing! Every film maker should have one..”

Film Production: The Complete Uncensored Guide to Independant Filmmaking
by Gregg Merritt
"I learned something new on every page.."

The Complete Film Production Handbook by Eve Light Honthaner
"This step-by-step guide covers the essentials of film production .."

Marketing and Selling Your Films Around the World by John Durie
A guide for Independant Filmmakers

Great Movies You've Probably Missed: Videos You've Got to Rent!
by Ardis Sillick, Michael McOrmick
"an excellent browse for hardcore cinephiles, casual movie buffs, and anyone who would like to be pleasantly surprised .."

Make money from your hobby
“Using your present hobby or favorite pastime as your business base has many benefits. Why? Because any business you decide to become involved in should be doing something you LOVE something you believe in, something that you would work at NO MATTER what income it would generate...” read more

More articles about filmmaking

Music for independant film

Storyboarding your movie

The ABC’s of DV moviemaking

Producing high quality video

How to get your movie online

The right way to raise money for a no-budget film

Film and video lighting on a low budget

Websites related to filmmaking

www.fvi.org.uk
IAC - the Film & Video Institute amateur movie making news, ideas, competition listings for film and video makers in Britain and beyond

www.exposure.co.uk
The internet resource for low-budget film-makers. Info on festivals, articles on film-making and links to useful stuff

www.raindance.co.uk
Offer training courses which aim to give individuals the tools to get out there and start shooting their film

Film & video courses / equipment

www.straightcurve.co.uk
Filmmaking courses by Straight Curve offer workshops in camera, lighting, sound recording, scriptwriting, health & safety and more.

www.planetdv.net
Planet PC are market leaders in the supply of video editing systems, bespoke streaming solutions and video editing hardware

www.filmcamerakit.com
New and used motion picture film equipment, 16mm, super 16 and 35mm movie cameras, lenses, accessories and more

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