Verticle TV & Music

Digital Camcorders: Tips for Buyers

Camcorders these days operate on digital technology, which means they are compact, light and easy to carry around. Because they are equipped with an array of high-tech features, digital camcorders allow even first-time users to produce some quite amazing video and still images. With all the different brands and models on the market these days, and technological advances happening constantly, it can get pretty confusing to navigate through all the technical specifications of each product, though. Here are some of the most important technical features you should check out before you buy:

Know the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom: Basic models come with digital zoom only, while more advanced camcorders have both optical and digital zooming. Although it does work perfectly well for most users, you should know that digital zoom doesn't give you a genuine close-up, and simply magnifies the image in your viewfinder.

Consider purchasing an extra, high-capacity battery: The battery supplied with the typical digital camcorder will only last an hour or so. Buying a spare battery with a longer usage time will give you the flexibility to film for an extended period without worrying about running out of juice. Remember that it will make your camcorder heavier to carry, however.

Avoid top-mounted microphones, or get an external mic: Look for a model with the microphone mounted on the front, and your sound capture will be nicely balanced. A top-mounted mic favors the camera operator's voice, so it is good for voiceovers. You'll get the best sound from an external microphone, though, so you might want to spend a bit of extra cash there.

Make sure the device is the right size for your hands: Because they have shrunk so much, some modern camcorders have keys and controls that are awkward to use if you have large hands. If your fingers aren't all that dainty, go for one of the larger models instead.

Be aware of the exposure controls: Just like the latest stills cameras, all camcorders now come with an automatic "point and shoot" mode. Many also give you pre-set scene modes too. If you enjoy having more control over light conditions and shutter speeds, look for a model that has manual or semi-manual exposure modes as well.

Look for low-light options for the ability to film at night: Certain models feature a long-shutter mode to enable you to shoot in poor light conditions, and some high-end camcorders, also come equipped with infrared light so you can operate them in complete darkness.

Shop around: Digital camcorders are available from many different retailers and electronics superstores, but some of the widest selections and lowest prices can be found online. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the bargains available from wholesale electronics outlets that ship directly to your home and offer all the latest features and specifications.

About the Author

Jamie Jansen is an expert author in the electronic products industry, and specializes in writing about the latest great-value consumer electronics such as digital camcorders, cellphones, tablet computers, digital cameras, LED light bulbs, watches and MP3/MP4/MP5 players from China.

Sony unveils hybrid Handycam camcorder

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Sony Handycam HDR TD10 64 GB Camcorder Black $698.99 Time Remaining: 10d 17h 49m Buy It Now for only: $698.99 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DSR PD150 Camcorder Metallic gray 550 $499.95 Time Remaining: 12h 14m

Sony hvr hd1000u handycam $778.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 38m

Sony Handycam HDR XR260V 160 GB Camcorder Black $535.00 Time Remaining: 10d 16h 23m Buy It Now for only: $535.00 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam HDR XR160 Camcorder 1080p 42 MP Black $150.00 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 38m

VMC 15FS AV A V Cable Cord for Sony Camcorder Handycam $3.72 Time Remaining: 19d 18h 19m Buy It Now for only: $3.72 Buy It Now

Sony HDR CX160 High Definition Handycam Camcorder Black $92.89 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 55m

Genuine Sony NP FV50 Handycam Camcorder Battery $10.99 Time Remaining: 26d 7h 32m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DCR VX2100 Camcorder Black $699.00 Time Remaining: 4h 55m Buy It Now for only: $1,099.00 Buy It Now

NEW SEALED Sony Handycam DCR SR68 60x Zoom 80GB Camcorder Free Shipimg $249.99 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 55m Buy It Now for only: $249.99 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DCR TRV330 Camcorder w Case Fantastic Condition Gently Used $99.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 10h 20m

Sony DCR SX45 Handycam 3 LCD Touch Screen Camcorder 70x Zoom Blue $164.89 Time Remaining: 25d 6h 44m Buy It Now for only: $164.89 Buy It Now

Sony HandyCam Video Hi8 CCD TRV67 w Steady Shot Night Shot $31.00 (26 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 59m

For Sony Handycam Camcorder VMC 15FS AV A V Cable Cord $4.50 Time Remaining: 10d 23h 37m Buy It Now for only: $4.50 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam HDR CX150 16 GB Camcorder Blue Excellent Condition $169.99 Time Remaining: 11h 24m

Sony Handycam DCR SX85 Camcorder Black Video Camera Digital Recorder US $149.95 Time Remaining: 25d 10h 54m Buy It Now for only: $149.95 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam HDR TD10 64 GB Camcorder Black $699.99 Time Remaining: 4h 35m Buy It Now for only: $769.99 Buy It Now

Sony DCR SX45 B Compact Handycam Camcorder Black $198.00 Time Remaining: 4d 3h 59m Buy It Now for only: $198.00 Buy It Now

Sony DCR SX85 Handycam Camcorder Silver $32.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 56m

SONY DCR TRV530 DIGITAL 8 HANDYCAM CAMCORDER $23.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 2m

Sony HDR CX190 Handycam Camcorder Battery Premium NP FV70 Battery $17.99 Time Remaining: 11d 8h 55m Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DCR TRV510 Camcorder Black Silver US region $62.88 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 42m

Sony Handycam HDR CX360V 32 GB Camcorder Brown $494.99 Time Remaining: 9d 16h 29m Buy It Now for only: $494.99 Buy It Now

SONY HANDYCAM DCR VX2000 CAMCORDER WITH ACCESSORIES INCLUDES CASE $400.00 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 43m

Sony HDR CX160 Handycam Camcorder Black 16GB SSD Full HD 1080p Bonus 4GB SD Card $269.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 9m Buy It Now for only: $269.99 Buy It Now

Sony DCR SR68 80GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam Camcorder Silver $47.80 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 55m

Brand New Sony Handycam HDR CX360V 32 GB Camcorder No box and no accessories $329.99 Time Remaining: 6d 14h 30m Buy It Now for only: $329.99 Buy It Now

Sony DCR SX44 Flash memory Handycam Camcorder Blue $26.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 55m

Sony Handycam DCR SX45 Palm Sized Blue Camcorder $198.00 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 27m Buy It Now for only: $198.00 Buy It Now

Sony DCR SX45 Handycam Camcorder Blue $16.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 11h 55m

NEW SEALED Sony Handycam HDR CX260V 16 GB Camcorder Midnight Blue $429.99 Time Remaining: 11d 7h 9m Buy It Now for only: $429.99 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DCR PC5E Camcorder boxed complete $55.36 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 29m

Sony LCS VA15 Carrying Case for Handycam Camcorder NEW $17.95 Time Remaining: 12d 11h 9m Buy It Now for only: $17.95 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam HDR XR160 Camcorder 1080p 42 MP Black $52.51 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 11h 37m

Sony Handycam DCR SR68 80GB HD Camcorder Red DCR SR68 R $134.09 Time Remaining: 11d 7h 15m Buy It Now for only: $134.09 Buy It Now

SONY DCR SR68 80GB HDD 27 SD HANDYCAM CAMCORDER $34.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h 14m

SONY HANDYCAM HDR CX110 HD DIGITAL CAMCORDER 25X ZOOM BRAND NEW $212.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 17h

AV A V Audio Video TV Out Cable Cord Lead For Sony Camcorder Handycam DCR HC28 e $6.63 Time Remaining: 17d 11h 51m Buy It Now for only: $6.63 Buy It Now

Sony HandyCam DCR DVD205 NightShot DVD Camcorder NTSC 12x Zoom Advanced HAD CCD $20.50 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 16h 49m

Sony Handycam DCR SX41 8 GB Camcorder Blue $70.00 Time Remaining: 4h 10m Buy It Now for only: $70.00 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DCR TRV350 Camcorder Black Silver VERY NICE $129.50 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 57m

Sony Handycam DCR SX45 Palm sized Black Camcorder $198.00 Time Remaining: 11d 23h 23m Buy It Now for only: $198.00 Buy It Now

SONY DCR DVD650 HANDYCAM HYBRID Digital Video Camera Recorder 60X OPTICAL ZOOM $110.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 43m

Sony Handycam DCR TRV250 Camcorder Silver PROFESSIONALLY REFURBISHED $149.00 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 13m Buy It Now for only: $149.00 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DCR TRV10E MINI DV CAMCORDER FAULTY SPARES REPAIRS PARTS $18.18 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 1h 13m

Sony Handycam HDR TD10 64 GB Camcorder Black $799.99 Time Remaining: 10d 16h 46m Buy It Now for only: $799.99 Buy It Now

NEW Sony Handycam HDR CX350V 32 GB Camcorder Brown $264.99 Time Remaining: 11h 24m

Sony Handycam HDR XR160 160 GB Camcorder Black BRAND NEW $389.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 23m Buy It Now for only: $389.99 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam DCR TRV460 Camcorder Silver $51.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 13m

BRAND NEW FACTORY SEALED SONY HANDYCAM DCR SX85 S CAMCORDER SILVER FREE USPS $204.98 Time Remaining: 27d 7h 22m Buy It Now for only: $204.98 Buy It Now

Sony Handycam HDR XR520V 240 GB Camcorder with VCL HGA07wide end conversion lens $530.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 53m

Sony Carrying Pouch for Handycam Camcorder (Black) List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $14.99 You save: $5.00 (25%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Bag in bag carrying pouch to protect your handycam camcorder.

Classy Style Minidv Handycam Camcorder Case for Canon Vixia Hf200 Fs11 Fs200 Fs10 Zr900 Zr 850 Zr 800 Camcorders (Multiple Colors Available) (Black) Sale Price: $14.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Now carry your camcorder with this classy Style Bag designed to fit small to medium size camcorder. Weather-resistant, thickly-padded case protects delicate equipment. Front internal pocket holds spare batteries and digital memory cards...

DVD Handycam Camcorder - 2.7LCD, 60x, 2-1/4x3-5/8x5-1/8, SR(sold individuall) Sale Price: $329.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description DVD Handycam Camcorder - 2.7LCD, 60x, 2-1/4x3-5/8x5-1/8, SR(sold individuall)

Waterproof Underwater HD Camcorder Housing Case for the Following Sony HD High Definition Camcorders: MHS-CM1 / DCR-SR 47 / 60 / 62 / 65 / 67 / 80 / 85 / 87 / 100 / 200 / 300 / DCR-SX 40 / 41 / 60 / HDR-CX 7 / 12 / 100 / HDR-XR 100 / 200 / 500 / 520 / HDR-SR 5 / 10 Sale Price: $57.41   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description It's a great opportunity to use your camcorder to video all the important moments in your life without having to fear the thought ofany possible damage. In the great outdoors there is the problem though that most of the places you want to take your camcorder - andtake video footage - there's the danger of substances like water or dust or dirt or sand coming in contact with your camcorder...

New SONY LCSVA15/B Soft Carrying Camcorder Case For Handycam Modern Design High Quality List Price: $66.32 Sale Price: $24.49 You save: $41.83 (63%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Camcorder case for HandyCam.

5 Foot Mini to Regular Gold Plated HDMI 1080p Cable For Sony HDR-XR100, XR150, XR200, XR350 HD Handycam Camcorder Sale Price: $6.09   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description 5 Foot Mini to Regular Gold Plated HDMI 1080p Cable For Sony HDR-XR100, XR150, XR200, XR350 HD Handycam Camcorder

Sony Wireless Bluetooth Microphone List Price: $229.99 Sale Price: $139.99 You save: $90.00 (39%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Never miss another scream of delight, another special stage performance, or another word on that special day. Capture sound from up to 100 feet away with the ECM-HW2 Bluetooth® wireless microphone for Handycam® camcorders...

Sony DCR-SX44 Flash Memory Handycam Camcorder List Price: $249.99 Sale Price: $227.00 You save: $22.99 (9%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description The ultra-compact DCR-SX44 features 4GB of embedded flash memory, which can record up to 3 hours of video, a built-in LED video light, as well as a professional-quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens, which delivers sharp, high-resolution images and powerful 60x optical zoom that lets you capture extremely tight shots, even from far away.