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Connections
As you move up the camcorder food chain, models offer increased connections for input, output, and accessories. Many compact models offload some connectors to a dock, so if you plan to connect to a friend's TV or want to offload video while traveling, make sure the connectors you need are on the camcorder and won't be sitting on your desk at home.
| Video playback | |
|---|---|
| Composite | Standard definition; lowest-quality connection |
| S-Video | Standard definition; higher quality than composite. If you want to dub video from an old VHS or Digital8 camcorder to a MiniDV, you need an S-Video connector that supports both input and output. |
| Component | High definition; high quality. Manufacturers frequently bundle component cables with HD camcorders because they're analog and cheaper than the more compact but smarter HDMI cables. |
| HDMI/mini HDMI | High definition; high quality. If you record xvYCC video you must play it back over HDMI. |
| Audio input and output | |
|---|---|
| Headphone jack | Essential for recording in noisy environments when you need to know what the microphone is picking up. |
| Microphone minijack | For replacing the oncamera microphone, usually when you need higher quality or a more directional pickup. |
| XLR connector | Generally found on professional camcorders. A larger, but better designed connector for a more noise-free mic pickup. |
| Download | |
|---|---|
| USB | All tapeless camcorders connect via USB and mount as a storage device when connected to a PC or Mac so that you can easily copy the files. You can also download video from some tape-based devices via USB if the software supports it. |
| FireWire | Many tape-based devices use FireWire connections for video download. |
| Accessories and control | |
|---|---|
| Accessory shoe | These tend to be proprietary to each manufacturer, and are primarily useful for adding video lights and microphones. |
| LANC connector (aka Control-L) | Local Application Control Bus System; on higher-end and pro models. Unlike wireless remotes, wired LANC remotes allow for tripod-based control (such as zoom controls on the tripod handle). |
