Digital Camcorders are complex devices and when look at specifications and features it can be quite confusing on what is what. Here are a few hints to help you get a better understanding of what to look for in a digital camcorder.
Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom is when you zoom in from the lens of the digital camcorder and the image quality is not reduced. Unlike digital zoom which can cause loss of quality and the optics of the camera remain the same. With optical zoom the lens is used to draw the image closer.
If you want to zoom from far into objects then you will want a camera with a high optical zoom. Typically standard definition (SD) camcorders have a better zoom than high definition (HD) camcorders. HD camcorders tend to have zooms of x12 or x16. SD camcorders, such as the Sony DCR-SR57 have an optical zoom of x60. The Sony will allow you to get close up shots from a far distance.
Image Stabilization
Trying to hold a camera completely still is almost impossible, especially if you are moving whilst recording. Good image stabilization technology is vital in a digital camcorder. Most camcorders will have image stabilization as standard.
Many camcorders use a mechanical image stabilizer which causes a sensitive mechanical adjustment as the camera detects slight movements. This mechanical stabilizer is normally built in to the lens of a camcorder, they are sometimes known as optical image stabilizers. it is important that you test or read a review of the image stabilization before buying a camcorder. You don’t want your films to be shaky and hard to see!
External Microphones
The built-in microphones in camcorders are not great at picking up sound. Some digital camcorders allow you to connect an external microphone which can increase the sound quality greatly, if need be.
With camcorders getting smaller and smaller it is worthwile checking that an external microphone can be attached. The small built-in microphones can produce a very poor and tinny sound.
Viewfinders
I find that viewfinders are becoming less and less common. In an effort to reduce size some manufacturers are now omitting viewfinders from camcorders. However viewfinders are a great way to keep your camcorder steady. Whilst looking through the viewfinder you can keep a good, firm grip on the camcorder.
Viewfinders are also handy when it’s a bright day and you cannot see the LCD screen due to glare.
There are three versions of HD Hero2, Motorsports, Surf and Outdoor versions. Each bundle comes with the waterproof and shockproof camera housing. Each bundle comes with different mounts however. For example the motorsport one comes with a mount which can fir on your windscreen.