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It began with a question from Texas Mama. She needs to move up to a digital camcorder but doesn’t know what to buy. I understand, it can be a challenge. What most people want is to create a video that will share a memory, a concept or a situation.
The final goal is not buying a camcorder; it is to record a moment in time. I want to try something a little different. There is no such thing as a typical user but what if we looked at buying a camcorder from the perspective of the kind of video you would want to create?
Which Camcorder Is Right For You?
That depends on your needs, the kind of video you want to create and your skill level. It does no good to purchase a $200 digital camcorder if you cannot transfer the video from the camcorder to your computer. So whether you are low tech or you tend to drool at the mere thought of a HD dSLR videos you might have to start with a self-assessment.
If you don’t like to read the manual or wade into complicated menus you don’t want to buy top of the line. If you love photography and know the difference between an ISO and a f-stop you might not be happy with a point and shoot camcorder.
Talking Head Videos – Camcorders from $50 to $99
Your basic needs are:
- Keep it affordable
- Easy to record video and to upload
- Simple video editing with the software doing most of the work
For indoor talking head videos you can get away with an inexpensive camcorder provided you have enough light. The cheaper the camcorder, the more light it will need. You want to look for a model that has a flash memory card slot.
If the camcorder only has internal storage that can be a hassle. It is also a problem if you want to continue recording or, if you are a Mac user, can’t use PC software.
These devices are probably going to be standard definition 640x480 video recorders. Not a deal breaker for simple web videos.
Recommendations
If I had to recommend an inexpensive camcorder from an known quality computer vendor, I’d go with the Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam. This is a web camcorder that delivers.
I’d suggest not going lower than the $50 range. Between $50 and $98 you will find brands like DXG, RCA Small Wonder, and Vivitar. These are sold in places like Costco, WalMart. Sometimes they appear in drug stores or places not known for selling cameras for much less than their listed retail price. There are issues with very inexpensive camcorders. You might luck out and find a winner. I’m telling you, it is a gamble.
Cautions
I’m not a big fan of cheap camcorders. Customer support is almost non-existent. A few of the vendors do not have a support web site that you can visit for assistance. The software that comes with many of the camcorders sometimes is just plain awful. In other words, you might need more than basic computer skills to troubleshoot non-mechanical problems with these types of digital camcorders.
Video Editing Software
For newbie or low-tech users, free video editors like Windows Live Movie Maker (Vista and Windows 7 only) and the iMovie/iLife suite on the Macintosh side might be more effective in simple editing of videos, upload to YouTube and creating DVDs than the software that comes with the camcorder.
Just In Case Video - $150 to $399
You don’t want to record all of the time. You do want to a record a special day at the beach or your experiences at Burning Man.
You are seeking:
- Standard or high definition video isn’t that important but you’d like the choice
- Still photo mode
- Decent battery life
Recommendations
You were made for the current wave of web camcorders. The Flip, Creative Vado HD 2nd Generation, JVC's Picsio and Sony’s Webbie HD camcorders might be what you need.
Cautions
The newer digital camcorders use MP4 or ACVHD video format. This means you will have to make sure that you have a video editing program that can import and properly render that file format. You either have to work with the included software or take the time to learn a new video editing program.
Also, these digital camcorder use SDHC memory cards (except for the Sony.) If you have an older computer with an standard SD card slot it may not accept the newer SDHC cards. You’ll need a card reader to
