CNET camcorder buying guide

Before you fall in love with just any old camcorder, you need to know precisely what you're looking for, lest you realize somewhere down the road that you chose the wrong machine. Ask yourself the hard questions, then match your needs to one of these user profiles. To bone up on the audio specs that matter for your user type, take a look at our section on capturing good sound with video. And for information on High-Definition recording, read our Quick Guide to HD camcorders.

User profiles: Home and vacation moviemaker | Budget buyer | Trendsetter | Independent filmmaker | Business videographer

Home and vacation moviemaker

I want to shoot birthday parties, baby steps, holiday gatherings, and school plays. I plan to take my camcorder on vacations, so portability is important. I don't need to do anything fancy, but I'd like the option of doing a little editing and adding some basic effects. I'm looking for simple controls and easy output.

Lens type	10x or greater zoom controlled via switch or lens ring; electronic or optical image stabilization
Sensor	1/6-inch or larger CCD; minimum 680,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution
Minimum illumination rating	7 lux or lower
Recording format	MiniDV; mini DVD-R/RW/+RW/RAM; SD card; hard disk
Ports and connectors	FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; USB 2.0; S-Video; accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal
Exposure controls	Automatic; exposure shift; programmed scene modes; backlight mode; low-light mode
Focus controls	Automatic; manual option via dial on camcorder body
Viewfinder and LCD	Color viewfinder and 2.5-inch or larger color LCD
Multimedia	Tape-based models: memory card slot for photo capture; MPEG-1 or MPEG-4 video for Web and e-mail
Price	$400 to $1,500
Cool features to look for	Bundled video-editing software; digital effects; fader; Webcam functionality; HD recording; 2-megapixel or greater photo capture; remote control; touch-screen LCD; interval recording; analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing 8mm or Hi8 video

Budget buyer

I can't afford to spend more than $600 on a camcorder, and I don't want a model that uses pricey cassettes or discs. I don't need an advanced feature set or compatibility with lots of accessories, and I don't mind a relatively bulky design either. I just want a basic camcorder that's easy to use.

Lens type	10x or greater zoom controlled via switch; electronic image stabilization
Sensor	1/6-inch CCD; 680,000-pixel or greater effective (aka actual) video resolution
Minimum illumination rating	7 lux or lower
Recording format	MiniDV; mini DVD-R/RW/+RW/RAM
Ports and connectors	FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); USB 2.0; A/V; S-Video; microphone terminal
Exposure controls	Automatic; exposure shift
Focus controls	Automatic
Viewfinder and LCD	Black-and-white or color viewfinder and/or 2.5-inch color LCD
Price	$350 to $600
Cool features to look for	Bundled video-editing software; digital effects; fader; remote control; analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing 8mm or Hi8 video

Trendsetter

Who can put a price on coolness? Not me--I'm a technophile and want the coolest, most cutting-edge features available. I want a slick device that will make passersby look twice, and I'm willing to pay for it.

Lens type	10x or greater zoom controlled via switch or lens ring; electronic or optical image stabilization
Sensor	1/4-inch or 1/3-inch CCD or CMOS; minimum 1-megapixel effective (aka actual) video resolution for SD, minimum 2-megapixel effective resolution for HD; 2-megapixel or greater effective still-image resolution
Minimum illumination rating	2 to 7 lux (lower is better)
Recording format	MiniDV tape; mini DVD-R/RW/+RW DL/RAM; SD card; hard disk
Ports and connectors	FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; USB 2.0; S-Video; accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal
Exposure controls	Automatic; exposure shift; programmed scene modes; spot metering; low-light infrared mode; built-in video light; pop-up flash for stills
Focus controls	Automatic; manual option via dial on camcorder body or ring on lens; spot focus
Viewfinder and LCD	Color viewfinder and 3-inch or larger color LCD
Multimedia	Tape-based models: memory card slot that supports high-capacity media (SD, MicroSD, Memory Stick Pro) for photo capture; MPEG-1 or MPEG-4 video for Web and e-mail
Price	$800 to $2,000
Cool features to look for	HD video support; simultaneous video recording and photo capture; high-definition capture; Bluetooth and networking features for wireless on-camera Web and e-mail access; digital effects; fader; Webcam functionality; 16:9 aspect-ratio mode for wide-screen playback; remote control; touch-screen LCD; interval recording; analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing 8mm or Hi8 video; laser-assisted autofocus; compatibility with portable printer for photos

Independent filmmaker

I'm planning a documentary or a creative video, and I want a camcorder that will give me the advanced controls I need for shooting. I want excellent image quality, and I need output in a format that is optimal for editing and applying effects. I can do without consumer-oriented bells and whistles, but I need compatibility with sound and lighting accessories--I want to shoot like a pro.

Lens type	Fixed lens with 10x or greater zoom or interchangeable lens system; zoom control via lens ring and switch; optical image stabilization
Sensor	Three 1/6-inch or larger CCDs or CMOS chips (1/4- or 1/3-inch recommended); minimum 345,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution per sensor, minimum 1.6 megapixels effective resolution per sensor for HD
Minimum illumination rating	2 to 7 lux (lower is better)
Recording format	MiniDV tape, P2 card, external hard disk
Ports and connectors	FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); A/V; S-Video; LANC; accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal with volume control; XLR ports or optional XLR adapter
Exposure controls	Automatic; exposure shift; manual aperture and shutter settings; selectable gain settings; zebra stripes to aid exposure adjustment
Focus controls	Automatic; manual focus ring on lens and automatic override button
Viewfinder and LCD	Color or black-and-white viewfinder and 2.5-inch or larger color LCD
Price	$1,500 and up
Cool features to look for	Progressive scan, HD-capable sensor; selectable frame rates (24P, 30P, 60i); high-definition capture; SMPTE color bars; cam-driven zoom and focus rings; onscreen focus reference numbers; selectable gamma curves, black point, and zebra stripe pedestal; manual saturation and sharpness adjustment; interval recording; customizable settings

Business videographer

Since dinner depends on the quality of my video, I need a camcorder that won't let me (and my boss) down. I want to shoot at the office for important meetings and presentations, as well as at other locations such as real estate properties and onsite events. I want plenty of useful features at my fingertips, but since I'm not a professional videographer, I need intuitive operation too.

Lens type	10x or greater zoom controlled via lens ring and switch; electronic or optical image stabilization
Sensor	minimum 345,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution per sensor, minimum 1.6 megapixels effective resolution per sensor for HD or one 1/4- or 1/3-inch CCD; minimum 690,000-pixel effective (aka actual) video resolution
Minimum illumination rating	2 to 7 lux (lower is better)
Recording format	MiniDV; hard disk, mini DVD-R/RW/RAM
Ports and connectors	FireWire (aka i.Link or IEEE 1394); USB 2.0; A/V; S-Video; accessory shoe; microphone terminal; headphone terminal
Exposure controls	Automatic; exposure shift; programmed scene modes; backlight mode; selectable gain settings; zebra stripes to aid exposure adjustment
Focus controls	Automatic; manual focus ring on lens
Viewfinder and LCD	Color viewfinder and 2.5-inch or larger color LCD
Multimedia	For tape-based models: Memory card slot for photo capture; MPEG-1 or MPEG-4 video for Web and e-mail
Price	$1,000 to $3,000
Cool features to look for	High-definition capture; Bluetooth and networking features for wireless on-camera Web and e-mail access; digital effects; fader; spot metering/focusing; videoconferencing functionality; 16:9 aspect-ratio mode for wide-screen playback; remote control; touch-screen LCD

There are several formats available in the world of digital consumer camcorders. In general, each type of cassette or disc is made to record video using a particular standard. For example, MiniDV cassettes record video using the popular DV standard or high-definition HDV, while some discs save MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 video. The type of format used influences the design and the feature set of the camera, in addition to affecting what you can do with the video once it's shot. Many camcorders use a flash memory card in addition to the main recording media to save still shots and Web-quality video clips.

Recording media: MiniDV | Digital8 | Mini DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and DVD-RAM
Built-in hard drive | Memory cards (SDHC, Memory Stick)

MiniDV

Most consumer digital camcorders use MiniDV cassettes, which record DV-format video. The DV standard produces high-quality footage that is superior to video recorded by consumer analog camcorders and can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality. Consumer and semipro camcorders that capture high-definition footage record HDV-format video on MiniDV cassettes.

Best for: Budget buyer; trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; independent filmmaker; business videographer.

Broad range of camcorders, from bargain to professional three-chip models

Widely supported by video-editing and -effects software

MiniDV decks and other hardware products widely available

CD-quality 12- and 16-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound capture and audio dubbing

Camcorders may be connected to TV for display or to VCR for copying

Some camcorders provide analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing older video

Camcorders can't play analog 8mm or Hi8 cassettes

Cassettes with built-in memory chip for indexing video segments are relatively expensive

Supporting manufacturers: Canon; Hitachi; JVC; Panasonic; Samsung; Sony.

Digital8

The Digital8 format records high-quality DV-format video on analog 8mm and Hi8 cassettes as well as dedicated Digital8 tapes. Like MiniDV cameras, Digital8 models can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality.

Best for: Budget buyer.

Camcorders have affordable prices relative to their feature sets

Allows CD-quality 12- and 16-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound capture and audio dubbing

Widely supported by video-editing and -effects software

Compatible decks and other hardware products available

Camcorders can play back analog footage on 8mm and Hi8 tapes

Inexpensive cassettes available (although the price of high-quality tapes is very close to that of MiniDV tapes)

Camcorders may be connected to TV for display or to VCR for copying

Some camcorders provide analog-to-digital conversion for digitizing older video

Larger cassette size requires bulkier camcorders than MiniDV

Analog tape recording time is cut in half when used by Digital8 camcorder (for example, a 120-minute Hi8 tape captures 60 minutes of Digital8 video)

Obsolescent format; small and shrinking selection of camcorders available

No cassettes with built-in memory chip for indexing video segments available

Supporting manufacturers: Sony.

Mini DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and DVD-RAM

Mini-DVD camcorders record high-quality MPEG-2 footage directly to a mini DVD-R or DVD-RAM and can deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality.

Best for: Trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; business videographer.

DVD-Rs can be played in home DVD players

Easy searching and random access to video segments

Convenient and stable format for archiving

Selectable image-quality levels, including high-quality variable-bit-rate recording

Both video and still images are recorded on disc (instead of on a cassette and a memory card)

Video recorded on DVD-R cannot be edited on a computer

Video on DVD-RAMs can be accessed only via a DVD-RAM drive

Relatively short recording times at highest-quality modes and unpredictable recording times with variable bit rate

Relatively expensive discs

Less reliable for live recording; a single bad bit can render an entire disc of video unrecognizable

Supporting manufacturers: Canon; Hitachi; Panasonic; Samsung; Sony.

Built-in hard drive

With camcorders that use built-in hard drives, you can record high-quality MPEG-2 footage and deliver more than 500 lines of horizontal resolution, depending on camcorder quality.

Best for: Trendsetter; home and vacation moviemaker; business videographer.

Relatively compact camcorder designs

Easy searching and random access to video segments

Selectable image-quality levels, usually including high-quality variable-bit-rate recording

Both video and still images can be recorded on one card (instead of on a cassette and a memory card)

Longest recording times

Need for separate hard drive or DVD burning for archiving

Unpredictable recording times with variable bit rate

Less support by advanced video-editing and video-effects software than for DV format

Supporting manufacturers: Canon; JVC; Panasonic; Sony.

Memory cards (SDHC, Memory Stick)

Cameras use these types of memory to achieve an ultracompact design. Because they record highly compressed video, they're best suited for gadget lovers who want to use their footage mainly on Web sites and in e-mail. Camcorders that record MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 to memory cards may be picky about the cards you use since those encoding schemes require the ability to write to the card more quickly than most standard cards can handle.

Best for: Trendsetter

Allows for very compact camcorders

Easy searching and random access to video segments

Selectable image-quality levels, including high-quality variable-bit-rate recording

Both video and still images are recorded on disc (instead of on a cassette and a memory card)

Relatively short recording times

Video is highly compressed

Supporting manufacturers: Panasonic; Sony.

In addition, most cassette-based camcorders incorporate an SD/MMC, MicroSD or Memory Stick slot for the purpose of storing still images and MPEG-1 or MPEG-4 video clips. Camcorders save photographs in the compressed JPEG format. For e-mailing and posting on the Web, MPEG-1 and MPEG-4 formats are best. Like Webcams, some camcorders can stream video in these formats directly to the Web.

If you buy a cassette-based camcorder, you'll probably be able to drop a tape in your camcorder and start recording as soon as you open the box and charge the battery. But before you can download the video to your computer for editing, you'll have to make sure your PC and software have the right connectivity. Many tape-based models and all tapeless models support downloading via USB 2.0, but you should verify that your operating system and hardware support it. Furthermore, though all models have a USB 2.0 port, some still restrict its use to downloading strictly from the memory card. You'll need to make sure your model really does use it for video. Otherwise, you'll need a FireWire connection. In that case, you'll definitely need to buy a FireWire cable (very few models bundle them), but you might also need to add an internal card to your PC.

Accessories: Essentials | Options

Essentials

To copy video from a camcorder to a computer
If your system has a FireWire/IEEE 1394 port, which looks like these... Four-pin FireWire Six-pin FireWire	...all you need is a FireWire cable with the matching connectors.
If you don't have a FireWire port, you'll have to add a FireWire adapter card.

Options

To take still photos (camera permitting)	Options	Best for which users?
	A memory card for saving those photos	Home and vacation moviemaker; trendsetter; business videographer
	A card reader for quickly downloading still images to the PC	Home and vacation moviemaker; trendsetter; business videographer
To edit video	Options	Best for which users?
	Quick-and-dirty editing software	Home and vacation moviemaker; trendsetter; budget buyer
	Professional-quality video-editing software	Independent filmmaker; business videographer
	Video display	Independent filmmaker, business videographer
To output video	Options	Best for which users?
	DVD-recordable drive (for creating discs playable in a PC or in a standalone DVD drive)	Trendsetter; independent filmmaker; business videographer
	VCR with S-Video input (if camcorder has S-Video-output connector) to create VHS tapes	Home and vacation moviemaker; business videographer; budget buyer

Everyone wants a camcorder that shoots great stills; after all, nobody wants to carry two devices that essentially perform the same task. Unfortunately, most camcorders use fast but low-resolution, high-noise sensors, which creates video that looks great on a television but pretty bad on a PC monitor or when printed as stills. Here are some clues to finding a happy medium.

The response: The short answer | The long answer

The short answer

These camcorders are becoming more common, though the ones that can capture 8x10-adequate stills generally have a resolution of 3 megapixels or more and are relatively expensive.

The long answer

It depends on how you plan to display the pictures.

Hint: If you're going to display the pictures at least 50 percent smaller than the original size, resolution doesn't matter much--opt for the camcorder with the best color.

The image on the left was shot with a camcorder (effective photo resolution is 3 megapixels), while the one on the right was shot with an inexpensive digital camera (effective resolution 7 megapixels). Both are displayed at least half size. Though the pictures show differences in white balance, each provides about the same amount of image detail.

Hint: If you want to print photos, you're still better off carrying a cheap digital camera. But for small prints, you'll probably get a sufficient amount of detail from a 2-megapixel camcorder.

Compare these stills from a camcorder (right) and digital camera (left) cropped in to look at the details. You'll see the noise and blurriness in the camcorder images that you won't spot in those from a camera--higher resolution, yes, but still far less expensive.

All consumer camcorders have built-in microphones, so even videographers on a shoestring budget can shoot talkies. Front-mounted mikes generally do a better job of capturing sound from a source in front of the camera and of rejecting the sound of the camera operator muttering than do small top-mounted units. If you'll be recording very quiet scenes, such as a baby sleeping, look for a camcorder that doesn't pick up too much motor hum through the built-in microphone.

Different types of videographers need different sound-capture capabilities, so look for the features that match your user type.

User profiles: Home and vacation moviemaker | Independent filmmaker | Budget buyer | Trendsetter | Business videographer

Home and vacation moviemaker

Camera features to look for:

• Built-in zoom microphone that "zooms" the audio along with the lens
• Built-in windscreen
• Audio dubbing for adding music or voice-overs
• Microphone jack for plugging in external microphone or other audio source
• Accessory shoe for mounting external microphone

Accessories to consider:

• External microphone for improved sound capture
• Headphones for discreet playback or checking sound-capture quality

Independent filmmaker

Camera features to budget for:

• Accessory shoe for mounting external microphone
• Audio-level controls
• CD-quality 12- and 16-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound capture and audio dubbing
• Built-in XLR ports or an optional XLR adapter for attaching pro audio equipment

Accessories to put in your grant application:

• Shotgun microphone for picking up subjects clearly without too much background noise
• Omnidirectional microphone for capturing sound from groups
• Boom poles and microphone stands
• Wired or wireless lavalier (lapel) microphone for documentary or interview subjects
• Headphones for monitoring audio-capture quality
• A good book on capturing sound with video; there's nothing quite as frustrating as getting lots of great footage with unlistenable audio, so make sure to do your homework before you get started.

Budget buyer

Camera features to hope for:

• Microphone jack for plugging in external microphone or other audio source
• Audio dubbing for adding music or voice-overs

Accessories to save your pennies for:

• External microphone for improved sound capture
• Headphones for discreet playback or checking sound-capture quality

Trendsetter

Camera features to show off:

• Built-in zoom microphone that "zooms" the audio along with the lens
• Built-in windscreen
• Accessory shoe for mounting external microphone
• Audio dubbing for adding music or voice-overs
• Headphone jack

Accessories to splurge on:

• Shotgun microphone for picking up subjects clearly without too much background noise
• Headphones for discreet playback or checking sound-capture quality

Business videographer

Camera features to plan for:

• Built-in zoom microphone that "zooms" the audio along with the lens
• Built-in windscreen
• Accessory shoe for mounting external microphone
• Audio dubbing for adding music or voice-overs
• Headphone jack
• Audio-level controls

Accessories to expense:

• Wired or wireless lavalier (lapel) microphone for interviews
• Shotgun microphone for picking up subjects clearly without too much background noise
• Omnidirectional microphone for capturing sound from groups
• Headphones for discreet playback or monitoring sound-capture quality