 | The CCD
Like a digital stills camera, all camcorders rely on a CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) to convert the light it receives into electrical signals to be recorded onto the tape. For superior colour reproduction look out for “3 CCD” models which feature a CCD for each primary colour, red, green and blue. Although more expensive they provide a better representation of almost all the colours we can see. |
| Resolution
Often the most important feature of a camcorder as the resolution determines how sharply images can be recorded. Describing the number of “pixels” on the CCD, the higher the number the better the sharper the recordings will be.
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 | Zoom Lens
Before you get carried away with the size of the zoom, remember only Optical Zooms offer the best quality, as a Digital Zoom will just enlarge the image and reduce its quality. More expensive camcorders will normally offer better optics.
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 | Outputs
All camcorders will offer a standard video output (composite) for connection to your home VCR or TV, but many digital camcorders also offer ‘Firewire’ (or i-Link) connections for superior quality. But make sure you have the right equipment at home to take advantage of this technology, such as a computer with a Firewire port or compatible DVD Recorder.
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 | Remote Control
A camcorder with a remote control will make playback on your TV easier as you won’t have to leave the sofa to operate it. It also enables you to control the camcorder while you’re in the shot, ideal for family gatherings.
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 | LCD Screen
An integrated LCD screen allows you to instantly playback the footage you’ve just recorded and share it with others. It also makes it easier to record in situations when using the view-finder may be difficult. Many of the camcorders options can also be changed using on-screen menus, much easier than by pressing lots of buttons.
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 | Digital Stills Capture
Just as many digital cameras can take short, low resolution movies, many digital camcorders can now capture images as well as movies. Many store these onto the tape but some now offer a memory card slot. Although the quality may not be as good as a stand-alone camera it saves you having to take both with you.
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 | Image Stabiliser
Unless you mount your camcorder on a tripod, it’s hard to avoid visible jerks and wobbles during filming. A Digital Image Stabiliser analyses the picture to sense the nature of the vibration and attempts to correct it before recording. The more sophisticated Optical Stabiliser uses a mechanical gyroscope system, this senses the vibration and actually moves the lens assembly to correct shaky images at source.
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 | Programmed Auto-Exposure
This facility ensures that, like any stills camera, the CCD received the right amount of light to capture the best image, automatically controlling the shutter speed and aperture accordingly. Some cameras also offer modes for recording in ultra-low light situations, ideal for capturing nocturnal wildlife, or increases the shutter-speed for recording fast moving objects with the minimum of blur.
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 | Editing
Most camcorders come with some basic form of editing, some offer the facility to re-arrange sections of the tape in a different order while others allow you to replace the sound-track of your home movie with another one, known as Audio Dubbing. However, more advanced functions may be available if you have a camcorder with a PC connection. Please note this will require suitable connections on your computer and additional software.
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 | Viewfinder
Basic models feature a black and white viewfinder while some models feature a colour option. This gives a better representation of what you’re recording and will make better use of the battery over an LCD screen.
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