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twotimesadingo · 11-03-2003, 06:04 PM

I worked for Best Buy for 3 years selling digital camcorders and such, so I'll offer a few guidelines:

Optical zoom is much more important than digital zoom, so buy a camera that features a good glass lens (Sony camcorders have Zeiss lenses, the best on an out-of-the-box camcorder), and a high optical zoom rating. Digital zoom degrades the quality of your picture by enhancing individual pixels (if I remember correctly).

Software in the box is fairly extraneous; most are equal and do the same things. If you want to do exceptional things, you need to pick up additional software after purchase. THere's really no way to circumvent this, to my knowledge.

Do not buy a digital camcorder for its ability to take a digital still; the last time I checked, a $300 digital camera has a CCD of significantly higher quality, and will thus take a better pic.

Inputs are very important. All digital camcorders that I worked with utilized the Firewire port (1394) to transfer video, and USB to transfer the low-quality digital stills. Make sure your comp. has a Firewire input, though if it doesn't, they are easy enough to add.

Make sure your camcorder has a steady-shot mode. Most do, but surprisingly, some do not. This can make it difficult to use in certain situations.

Not all "night-shot" modes are created equal; some utilize infrared technology, some use a variation of slow-shutter technology, and some combine them. I personally prefer Sony's infrared, or Canon's combination, system. Canon gives full color, though you can't move the camcorder too quickly or the picture streaks because of the slower shutter, while Sony can give you full color through its "Super Nightshot" mode, though it still seems a bit washed out to me.

Overall, I prefer Canon and sony camcorders. The only camcorder I would actively avoid is JVC, based on the number I saw returned or serviced.

11-03-2003, 06:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
twotimesadingo Psycho Location: that place with the thing	I worked for Best Buy for 3 years selling digital camcorders and such, so I'll offer a few guidelines: Optical zoom is much more important than digital zoom, so buy a camera that features a good glass lens (Sony camcorders have Zeiss lenses, the best on an out-of-the-box camcorder), and a high optical zoom rating. Digital zoom degrades the quality of your picture by enhancing individual pixels (if I remember correctly). Software in the box is fairly extraneous; most are equal and do the same things. If you want to do exceptional things, you need to pick up additional software after purchase. THere's really no way to circumvent this, to my knowledge. Do not buy a digital camcorder for its ability to take a digital still; the last time I checked, a $300 digital camera has a CCD of significantly higher quality, and will thus take a better pic. Inputs are very important. All digital camcorders that I worked with utilized the Firewire port (1394) to transfer video, and USB to transfer the low-quality digital stills. Make sure your comp. has a Firewire input, though if it doesn't, they are easy enough to add. Make sure your camcorder has a steady-shot mode. Most do, but surprisingly, some do not. This can make it difficult to use in certain situations. Not all "night-shot" modes are created equal; some utilize infrared technology, some use a variation of slow-shutter technology, and some combine them. I personally prefer Sony's infrared, or Canon's combination, system. Canon gives full color, though you can't move the camcorder too quickly or the picture streaks because of the slower shutter, while Sony can give you full color through its "Super Nightshot" mode, though it still seems a bit washed out to me. Overall, I prefer Canon and sony camcorders. The only camcorder I would actively avoid is JVC, based on the number I saw returned or serviced. __________________ I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and all your demons. I'll be the one to protect you from a will to survive and voice of reason. I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and your choices, son. They're one and the same I must isolate you, isolate and save you from yourself." - A Perfect Circle