CONTENT
- 1 Main technical characteristics of video cameras
- 2 How to choose the right camcorder - editorial advice
- 3 Review of the most popular camcorder manufacturers
- 4 The best camcorders for home and outdoor photography
- 5 How to buy a video camera inexpensively
Main technical characteristics of video cameras
A modern video camera, especially a professional one, is a very complex product containing a bunch of chips, boards, lenses, functions and capabilities. Some are better to use for filming on the street, some? for rooms, others can even create a 3D effect. It all depends on the characteristics of the internal filling of the camera and its functionality. Well, you need to figure out what to look for when choosing.
Resolution standards
Video resolution, in essence, characterizes the clarity of the image. Actually, the definition of Definition in the abbreviation HD is translated this way. The main principle here is that the larger the numbers, the higher the clarity.
Today all standards can be divided into 4 main types:
- SD. The oldest format, which is no longer used anywhere. The resolution is only 720 × 576;
- HD. High definition. Usually characterized by a resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels;
- Full HD. 1920?1080;
- Ultra HD, or 4K. The resolution is 3840 × 2160. One of the most innovative resolution standards.
IMPORTANT!
Many people confuse resolution and AVCHD standards. The second is a video recording method that can work in different resolutions. Its three most popular predecessors are DV, HDV and the famous VHS.
Frame rate very often goes side by side with resolution. In simple terms, this is the number of frames that change one after another in one second. The higher the frame rate, the clearer action scenes will appear on the screen. The average frame rate of modern cameras is 30 fps. But, for example, the GoPro Hero 6 can shoot at 1920 x 1080 at 240 fps. Such a frequency is relevant for shooting motion, for example, in sports or during outdoor activities.
Carriers
The first video cameras recorded data directly onto magnetic tape cassettes. There were options with a mini and full-size factor. Then they were superseded by DVDs, which are now also considered obsolete. Modern cameras write to their built-in hard drive or to a removable flash card. Both options are quite effective and convenient. I filmed the material, connected it to a computer, threw it over and began to process it. The only criterion worth paying attention to here is? this is support for the volume of SD cards. The higher the value, the better.
Functional parameters of optics
The type of optics affects the viewing angle. In fact, there are more parameters, but this one is the easiest to define, since it gives a clearer explanation. Usually the focal length is indicated in the parameters of the camcorder. The lower the value, the wider the angle of view will be.
The optical parameters include zoom, that is, the approximation. This parameter will be relevant if you need to shoot objects from great distances. There are two types of them: digital and optical. The first, in fact, does not enlarge anything, but only "stretches" the image using the software method, placing its central part in the visible area. Optical, on the other hand, really brings closer and gives a more accurate and detailed picture.
Type of matrixes in the camcorder
Matrices are responsible for capturing the image transmitted by the optics and its further processing into a digital signal. There are two types of matrices: CCD, or CCD, and CMOS, or CMOS. CMOS matrices are characterized by low power consumption, but at the same time low sensitivity. They are cheaper to manufacture.
CCD matrices give a better picture with less noise, have a larger pixel area and high power consumption. This type of matrix is more expensive. By the way, in the modern market, they are less and less common.
Image stabilization
What is responsible for image stabilization, probably, and so it is clear - for a stable picture, without jerks and blur. Stabilizers are especially relevant for amateur photography, when everything is shot hand-held, without a tripod. It should be noted that stabilizers can be present both in the camera itself and as separate devices. Inside the camera, they can be of two types: optical and electronic. Electronic is a software way of image alignment according to the video processor's own algorithms. He is very limited, since he has to act based on the original picture.
Optical works physically. Structurally, this is a lens that is not fixed and can move in several planes. Catching changes in space, it adjusts, thereby slightly stabilizing the overall picture.
The stabilizer, presented as a separate device, is a very interesting device. In its simplest form, it is a comfortable grip with a camera mount. It is equipped with its own motors and several sensors that detect the slightest changes in the camera in space. Thus, you can get the perfect picture while driving, active activities and sports.
Other characteristics
Of the other characteristics, several stand out ones can be distinguished:
- photography resolution. The more, the clearer the photos will be. For those who like not only to shoot videos, but also photos;
- availability of a variety of interfaces and outputs. This will help you quickly connect to other devices, such as TV, smartphone, etc .;
- the presence of built-in systems of effects and filters;
- An LCD screen that broadcasts what enters the lens.
IT IS INTERESTING!
Surely many people paid attention to this designation of standards - 1080p and 1080i. The first is for progressive scanning, and the second for interlaced. Interlaced shows odd and even lines of the image alternately in each new frame. The eye does not notice this and builds a whole picture. However, if you take a large diagonal and a very dynamic video, it will be noticeable, unlike 1080p.
How to choose the right camcorder - editorial advice
As always, choosing a camera is worth depending on the purpose of use. If the active lifestyle of the user will be filmed, then you should pay attention to action cameras with high resolution and high frame rate. This will make the video clearer and smoother.
If you plan to shoot mostly static pictures, various landscapes, animals, etc., then it is better to save a little and choose a model with a lower frame rate. It would be nice to get a tripod to get a stable picture, or look at models that have an internal optical or electronic stabilizer.
How to choose a Full HD camera for video surveillance
There are quite a few criteria for choosing cameras for surveillance. First, they are divided into internal observation and external. External ones usually provide a sealed housing, heated and vandal-proof. For indoor surveillance, simpler cameras are suitable.
Viewing angles are no less important for this type of cameras. The more area the lens can cover, the better control over the area will be. But here, too, there are some nuances. Too large a viewing angle reduces the perception of the picture, so you have to choose a middle ground. Usually cameras for outdoor or indoor surveillance are selected with an angle of 45 to 90 °.
Another parameter to consider is sensitivity. The less illumination in the observed area, the higher the sensitivity should be. This is especially true for video cameras with night shooting.
Which camera to buy for vlogging
Many bloggers at the beginning of their careers use a camera for filming. This is a convenient option as cameras are more affordable. But perhaps the best camcorder for a blogger would be an action cam. They have good viewing angles, can shoot in all known resolutions and formats, are well stabilized and affordable. You can buy a camera for filming video on YouTube from 8,000 rubles. But it is worth remembering that action cameras have low sensitivity and sometimes spoil the sound.
A camera for a blogger should not only record video, but also be able to take high-quality pictures. Therefore, many options for portable high-definition video cameras are some kind of combines with a bunch of features and functions.
Review of the most popular camcorder manufacturers
For many years, the list of the best camcorder manufacturers has not changed: Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Canon, JVC. Panasonic has extensive experience in digital electronics development dating back to the company's founding. Very often Panasonic turns out to be the discoverer and developer of this or that innovative technology.
Name Sony has long been synonymous with excellent quality and reliability. Several times the company's products were recognized as the best in the world. The range of manufactured electronics covers almost all segments and industries.
Canon known mainly for its cameras. But the brand's camcorders are also very popular. A distinctive feature is the use of proprietary optics. South Korean Samsung also covers a wide range of a wide variety of devices it manufactures. And cameras are not the last here.
JVC in the recent past, she was often heard, as she actively produced photo and video equipment. Now less is heard about it, however, the quality of the company's video cameras remains at a high level.
The best camcorders for home and outdoor photography
We have selected a small list of camcorders that are suitable for home use. With their help, you can start filming an amateur blog, capture a vacation or family holidays.
Sony HDR CX405
This Sony camera cannot shoot in 4K. Its maximum resolution is 1920 × 1080. In this mode, you can shoot at a frequency of 50 fps. The matrix is used alone, such as CMOS. Its size is quite small - 1 / 5.8 ", which indicates a low picture quality.
There is a digital and optical zoom. The first is 350x, the second is 30x. Image stabilization is carried out using optics. The filmed content is transmitted to the 2.7 "LCD screen. In the video mode, you can take photos as well. The media used are SDXC, microSD, microSDHC memory cards. This device is a strong middling among all Sony camcorder models at a price of 14,000 rubles. A review of the model looks like this:
Panasonic HC V760
Another Full HD camera with a MOS sensor. Its physical size is ½, 3 ". There are two types of zoom - optical and digital. First? at 20x, second? at 60s.
The LCD in the camera is a 3-inch touchscreen. There is an image stabilizer. The camcorder can record at a speed of 120 fps with a resolution of 1920 × 1080.
For photography enthusiasts, the camera can shoot at a resolution of 4736 × 2664. The recording takes place on an SD drive. The device is quite compact, the length is only 14 cm. By analogy with the previous gadget, this is the middle class among all models of Panasonic video cameras, its price is 22,000 rubles. Feedback on Panasonic HC V760:
Canon Legria HF R706
Not a bad camera for filming at home. The maximum resolution is 1920 × 1080. The number of matrices is the same as for the classical representative of group 1. By the way, not the biggest one - ¼, 85 ". Image stabilization occurs at the expense of optics.
The maximum frame rate when recording in Full HD is 50 fps. There is also a photo mode. But the resolution is only 1920 × 1080. Content is written to SD cards. In general, a very compact Full HD camcorder, with which it is convenient to shoot both at home and on vacation.
JVC Everio GZ-R415
Not a bad camera for blogging and home photography. Compact, able to shoot Full HD and take photos. The size of the CMOS sensor is small - 1 / 5.8 ". Optical zoom can zoom in at 40x, digital? at 200x. Electronic stabilization, so too active shooting is impossible. You can buy a camera relatively inexpensively, for 15,000 rubles.
How to buy a video camera inexpensively
We have collected several especially popular models in one table so that it is more convenient for you to find out how much a camera costs for shooting video, how they may differ and what features they have.
| Photo | Characteristics | Peculiarities | Price (as of April 2018), RUB |
 | Resolution: 1920 × 1080. Type and number of matrices: 1, CMOS. Matrix size: 1 / 5.8 ". Zoom (opt / digital): 30/350. | LCD screen, optical stabilizer, 50 fps at 1920 × 1080, focus on the face, photo mode. | 14 000 |
 | Resolution: 1920 × 1080. Type and number of matrices: 1, CMOS. Die size: ½, 3 ". Zoom (opt / digital): 20/60. | LCD screen, stabilizer, 120 fps @ 1920 × 1080, photo mode, built-in special effects. | 22 000 |
 | Resolution: 1920 × 1080. Type and number of matrices: 1, CMOS. Matrix size: ¼, 85 ". Zoom (opt / digital): 32/1140. | LCD screen, optical stabilizer, 50 fps @ 1920 × 1080, photo mode, support for FlashAir. | 24 000 |
 | Resolution: 1920 × 1080. Type and number of matrices: 1, CMOS. Matrix size: 1 / 5.8 ". Zoom (opt / digital): 40/200. | LCD screen, electronic stabilizer, photo mode, protection from dirt, water, shock, low temperatures. | 15 000 |
 | Resolution: 4K. Type and number of matrices: 1, CMOS. Die size: ½, 5 ". Zoom (opt / digital): 20/250. | LCD screen, optical stabilizer, photo mode, 25 fps at 4K, built-in memory of 64 GB. | 67 000 |
 | Resolution: 4K. Type and number of matrices: 1, CMOS. Die size: ½, 3 ". Zoom (opt / digital): 20/60. | LCD screen, optical stabilizer, photo mode, 25 fps at 4K. | 40 000 |
If you are already an experienced video blogger or professional operator, you can share your experience in the comments. This will help beginners quickly find out how much video cameras cost and what to look for in them.
