How to choose a video camera?

First steps of the child, his first school call, winsat competitions and trips to the resort - this is all an integral part of the home video archive. But in order to shoot such unforgettable moments and then enjoy watching them with a cup of coffee on the couch, you need to have a good video camera, because the quality of recording will depend on the quality of your emotions. How to choose a video camera equipped with the right characteristics, among the variety of technology, we'll tell you today.

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What type of camcorder to choose?

Technologies do not stand still and every year there are new models of technology, and competition among manufacturers is growing all the time. Modern technology allows you to take pictures on many devices, for example, cameras or mobile phones. But it must be remembered that all these functions are only a marketing move by producers. Of course, many consumers are satisfied with such cameras, but if you want to have high-quality video, you should think about buying a modern video camera.

When choosing a device, you must first determine the format of video recording. Analog devices are a thing of the past and we will bypass them, due to the unconditional advantage of digital analogs.

Important! Everyone knows that the quality of the video depends not only on the quality of the shooting, but also on the device on which the video is viewed. Therefore, the quality standard of the camcorder must be chosen, focusing on the TV, through which you will view the material.

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Which standard should I prefer?

The most popular video standards, among which you will choose a video camera that is right for you:

• SD( Standart Definition).The standard has a resolution of 720x576 pixels. This setting is only valid for older CRT TVs. The only advantage of video cameras with such a standard is a low price. However, if your home has a TV with a large diagonal, then such a camera will not suit you.
• HD( High Definition).This standard allows you to shoot in two formats 1080i and 720p. The main advantage of HD is image compression, which can significantly reduce the "weight" of the file. High-resolution cameras at the moment are the most popular because of the optimal price-quality ratio.

Important! The HD technology allows you to record movies in all the smallest details and is suitable for viewing on HD Ready TVs. However, watching a video on a Full HD TV does not give a full picture.

• AVCHD.The modern standard allows you to record video with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels for Full HD TVs. These are the best video cameras that have very high quality. But because of the high price they have not yet received a mass distribution among buyers. And such a high-quality shooting requires a modern TV.

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Types of digital media for camcorders

It is very important when choosing a technique to determine the type of media, because it depends on the type of device and the maximum recording time.

Compared to digital cameras where image recording occurs only on a flash drive, information is recorded in digital video cameras in various ways.

The main types of storage media:

• Magnetic tape.
• Hard disk.
• Replacement( optical) disk.
• Rewritable memory( Flash memory).

Important! The recording method does not affect the image quality, media differ only in the comfort of use and the duration of recording.

Let's look at each media in brief to find out which video camera is better.

Cassette with magnetic tape:

• The tape cassette can hold no more than an hour of video recording.
• Camcorders, with this type of media are bulky enough, are large.
• The information storage resource is limited in time, and this can affect the quality of the record.
• There may be difficulties when transferring video to a personal computer, because for this purpose it is necessary to use special software.

Summing up the aforesaid, we recommend to abandon this type of equipment, as this is not the best option.

DVD media:

• Camcorders with such media are large and record video on mini DVD.
• The recording is saved in MPEG-2 format with a resolution of 720х576 pixels.
• Removable media allows you to use multiple disks and change them as you fill them.
• The advantage of cameras with DVD media is that it is possible to preview the footage immediately on almost any DVD player or PC with a DVD drive.

Important! The minuses of this carrier include a fear of mechanical damage. Even one small scratch on the disc can ruin the recording.

HDD HDD:

• Video cameras with a hard disk as a carrier suitable for users who will shoot no more than 25 hours of video.
• Just like in a DVD camera, the recording is in MPEG-2 format.
• Due to the high capacity of the media, you can store a large amount of information( depending on the volume of the disc) in the most accessible quality without the need to often vacate the occupied space.

Important! The disadvantages of cameras with a hard disk include:

• Sensitivity to shocks and shocks.
• To make room for the following entries, you need to record the captured video on the computer.

One of the contenders for the title "good video camera" can be a technique with the presence of HDD.

Flash media

To date, cameras with this type of media have received the maximum distribution, because:

• they are very convenient;
• can be operated with one hand;
• they are small in size and do not take up much space in the suitcase.

Important! They are rightly called pocket cameras. The size of the device is not created by discs and cassettes, but by the dimensions of the optics and the liquid crystal display.

Camcorders of this type use flash memory: conventional memory cards sd, compact flash, micro sd, etc. This is very convenient, since it allows you to carry several carriers with you to change them almost without taking it off from shooting.

Important! The finished material is easily transferred from memory cards to any PC or laptop( using card readers).At a price such cameras will cost a little more than HDD models.

In order to choose the best video camera, the knowledge of media types alone is not enough, you need to familiarize yourself with its functionality.

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Matrix

A matrix is ​​installed in the video camera, which serves as the retina of the human eye. The matrix not only collects light signals, but also processes them, turning them into electrical pulses, which form the image.

Important! Modern markets offer devices with multiple matrices, for example, a camera with three 3CDD matrices. The advantage of this technique is the high depth of color gamut in the picture. The light is divided into green, red and blue components, and each such component is recorded on a separate matrix. All professional cameras have a minimum of three matrices.

The matrix has three main parameters, from which you must select a video camera.

Size

This indicator is very simple to determine - just look at the diagonal. Modern technology offers the following dimensions: ⅙ ¼, ⅓.

Important! The smaller the second digit in the fraction, the more light the sensor can collect, without loss of quality, which means that the picture will be more voluminous and "live".

Resolution of

This parameter specifies the number of active pixels of the photosensitive sector. For example, such an indicator as 1.3 Mp reports about the presence of 1300000 pixels.

Important! The best camera has a resolution in the range of 1.3-3 Mp.

Sensitivity

This parameter is usually indicated in the characteristics of the device. This ability depends on the minimum degree of illumination, in which the shooting process makes sense. The higher the sensitivity, and the indicator less, the better. The parameter is measured in lux( lux).

Important! An excellent model of the video camera should shoot at a minimum of light, that is, have an index of 0.1 lux.

Tips:

1. If you want to use this technique for domestic needs, taking home "movies", it is more advisable to choose a video camera with a single matrix, and do not overpay extra money.
2. The ability to capture more light is affected not only by the quality of the photosensitive element of the CCD matrix, but also by the quality of the optics. Therefore, if you are planning to shoot in poor lighting, then you will get special lighters that can improve the video quality.

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Optical system of the

Some manufacturers are developing their optics for cameras, for example, the company JVC, because the quality of the optical system is an important element of the device. It is optics responsible for the saturation and color reproduction of the image. Of course, here you can not do without trial shootings.

But still, when evaluating the lens, you need to pay attention to two parameters:

• The smallest focal length, that is, the largest viewing angle.
• Minimum viewing angle.

Important! Two of these parameters determine the possibility of shooting in small rooms where it is impossible to step back to capture as many objects as possible. It is the focal length in the answer for what will go into the frame, and what remains behind the scenes.

The value of the focal length can be viewed on the lens, then based on the indices to draw a conclusion about the viewing angle: the smaller the focal length - the greater the viewing angle.

Optical zoom( ZOOM) The

ZOOM is optical and digital:

• changes the focus distance with the optical ZOOM;
• digital zoom occurs due to the software, while the quality of the image is lost.

To select a good video camera:

• Note the presence of the optical zoom function. This function will allow you to approximate remote objects by the ZUM factor( 8x, 10x, 15x, etc.).
• On any video camera, an increase of at least 10 times. This will be enough for you in almost 99% of the survey.
• Do not overpay for extreme ZUM( more than 20-30x) if you do not use this function on a daily basis. In addition, this increase will require shooting from a tripod, since any fluctuations in the device will be repeatedly amplified and will negatively affect the quality of the video.

Important! On the numbers 50 and 100 forget, since this is a digital zoom. You can always make digital zoom later using the computer's video editor. The image quality will not be affected.

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Electronic image stabilizer

Almost all video cameras today are equipped with an image stabilizer.

Important! This function minimizes the jitter of the device when shooting without a tripod.

There are two types of stabilizers:

1. Optical. This is the most qualitative stabilizer, which operates on the principle of a gyroscope. The optical stabilizer catches a range of vibrations and compensates for the slightest jitter.

Important! This stabilizer can also fail if you hold your hand with the camera uncertainly. It is always better to use a special strap on hand.

1. Electronic( digital).This free image stabilizer uses free megapixels. Additional pixels in this case act as a kind of buffer: when the camera shakes, the image glides over the matrix, and the electronic stuffing of the device takes into account these fluctuations and corrects the picture. It is very important that the picture itself is always within the CCD matrix, otherwise - the system will not be able to make the necessary corrections.

Important! The most important disadvantage of this electronic stabilizer is its dependence on illumination. In a dark room, this kind of stabilization, most likely, will not work.

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Adjusting the white balance

You've probably noticed that in rooms with incandescent lamps, warm yellow tones predominate, and in rooms with fluorescent lights, everything becomes cold and bluish. To eliminate this defect in the video, a standard color is entered, with which it can be compared. This color is white.

Important! In different rooms, the camera will see a different white color due to artificial lighting. It is for this that a white balance is needed to eliminate shortcomings.

There are two types of configuration:

• Automatic.
• Manual.

Automatic cameras, without difficulty, determine the white balance, and some models need manual tuning. To adjust the parameter, point the camera at a white sheet of paper and adjust the balance.

Important! It is better to choose a good camcorder with manual white balance adjustment, since the automatic function can be switched if someone passes by the lens. Manual tuning always allows you to specify the camera under which conditions the survey is being conducted.

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Viewfinder

This element allows you to observe the shooting process, quickly change the angle and correctly frame.

How it works

When choosing a video camera, pay attention to the type of viewfinder. It can be:

• Optical. This type of viewfinder is slightly offset from the axis of the lens, so you will not be able to see the real picture. In this case, the operator and the camera look at what is happening at different angles.
• Mirror. Accurately and accurately transmits the picture to the frame. Does not shift the image to the side.

Color rendering

Also, the viewfinder can be:

• Black and white.
• Color.

Each has its pros and cons, for example:

• black and white will allow you to quickly adjust the sharpness;
• color - will give the ability to control colors without interrupting the shooting.

Important! The advantage of color viewfinders - in a natural color rendition, and black and white - in the clarity of the image. Expensive professional cameras are equipped with black and white viewfinders, and most of the home cameras are colored.

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LCD screen

All modern devices have an LCD display that can also be used as a viewfinder. This screen is very convenient, because you can take pictures from anywhere, even shoot yourself, because the display can be rotated 180 degrees. After shooting the video, you can immediately see the footage on a small screen and fix something that did not like it.

Important! When buying a video camera, you should definitely appreciate the display capabilities: size, resolution. Naturally, more is better. On a good large screen, you can review and evaluate the quality of the video. And if the resolution of the display is from 180 to 200 thousand pixels, then you can evaluate the video to the smallest detail.

Additional features of the

Many modern device models have screens with additional functions:

• Determine the point of light guide.
• Adjusts the sharpness.
• Specify the lens focus point manually.
• Display all information about the survey.

Tips:

1. Now many models of cameras are produced with touch screens. Of course, they make it easier to manage the shooting process. But if you want to purchase just such a model, then be especially careful during operation, as touchscreens are subject to mechanical damage.
2. When choosing a device with an LCD display, consider a small feature: the larger the screen, the faster the battery runs out. Therefore, for shooting for a long time, store additional batteries.

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Audio recording

Modern devices can record sound in both stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 formats. Although many people say that this is not quite true, because the microphones are very close, and the sound is simply artificially broken into channels.

When choosing a sound function, pay attention to our recommendations:

1. A good video camera should have microphones that are forward, not to the sky.
2. Check the sound right in the store. Ask the friend to step back ten steps and say any phrase with normal volume.
3. The device must have a connector for connecting an external microphone.
4. The camera should be able to write sound on two channels. In the future, this will help you to impose comments or music on an existing record.

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Battery life

The duration of the device depends on the characteristics of the batteries. The operating time of the device can be measured in several modes:

• Time in the viewing mode.
• Operating time of the included camera.
• Time in capture mode.

What to take into account:

• The manufacturer's stated operating time will be less, since it is calculated for the most economical mode.
• In addition, camera manufacturers supply their devices with low-capacity batteries to reduce costs.

So immediately buy a good extra battery. To avoid getting into an awkward position due to a discharged battery, get 1-2 extra. This is especially true when shooting in the frost or when shooting using an energy-intensive recording mode( backlight, ZUM, LCD, etc.).

Important! Today, lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries are used, but pay attention to the fact that each model has its own unique source of energy.

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Connectors for connecting

All the footage should be easily and easily transferred to other devices. Therefore, a good video camera should have a number of connectors:

• HDMI.Allows you to view the footage directly from the camera in excellent quality.
• DV.The connector is used to view clips on most electronic devices: a PC, a projector, another digital camera, a laptop.
• USB.Maximum simplifies the transfer of video to PC.
• S-Video. This connector is required to connect to a TV and VCR for analog data transfer.

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Additional functions of the

In addition to the standard, each model can have additional functions. Some of them can be useful, and others - not very. For example:

• Manual focus function. Presence of manual settings of shutter speed and aperture can significantly help in the process of video shooting.
• The photo mode. With this function, you can take photos on your camera. Very useful is the function of taking pictures during video shooting - this will allow you to take a photo while recording a video without interrupting it.
• Built-in effects. Digital faders, such as the mirror image effect, the effect of mirror curves, "antique" photography, are created, most likely, for pumping out money. Any video editor will be able to make something stunning from the footage and the source material will remain pure. But the video with the captured effect, in the usual way to bring very difficult.
• Night mode. This is another way to spend extra money, since only specially designed cameras can carry out night shooting. In a standard camera, minimum illumination plus night mode results in a terrible picture with a lot of artifacts and noises.

We hope that our information helped you to understand the characteristics of the video camera and you could choose the most optimal device for yourself to capture the best moments of your life.