Entering the World of Digital Video Cameras

Whether you need it to provide training to your employees or students, you can do it yourself with the help of a digital video camera. Digital video cameras are extremely simple to use. Also, the transfer of video data to your computer for editing is extremely simplified in a digital video camera using todays Firewire cables.

Before you go shopping for a digital video camera, it is essential that you answer a few questions. Since voice clarity is critical in a digital video camera, you need to know whether you will be shooting indoors or outdoors.

Is the weight of the camera an issue?

Let’s go over the types of digital video cameras for consumers and hobbyists. First there is DV, HDDV, Mini DV. Handheld palm size cameras, larger full featured cameras with great audio options, and finally cameras that rival professional quality and can be used to make some very professional looking video products.

Many software programs for NLE editing (non linear editing) exist for the consumer and pro alike. I use it for my corporate editing needs. Other mid to high level software packages include Final Cut Pro (on the Mac platform), and DV Express (from Avid). There are so many wonderful things you as a consumer can do today with digital video cameras.

Digital Video Cameras – More Fun Than Ever

The most important thing to consider is the format in which your videos will be stored, as the video format determines the video quality. Digital 8 otherwise called D8, Mini-DV, DVD and HDD are the main types of video format that digital cameras offer. Digital video cameras also come with charged coupled device or CCD imaging sensor. Digital video cameras come with 1-CCD or 3-CCD features. Cameras with 1-CCD suffer from poor video quality, whereas 3-CCD cameras produce much better quality videos. Some digital video cameras also allow still photography at various resolutions, and some camcorders offer both video and still photography features. Some digital video camcorders have in-built flash for low-light photography, while some video cameras come with a ‘Night Shot’ feature. Digital video cameras have battery life ranging from 4 to 8 hours of continuous shooting. All cameras nowadays come bundled with a digital video editing software.