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. The DVD format allows direct video recording onto a digital disk, while the HDD type uses internal hard drives where the video is recorded. 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. Other popular options include external flashlights, external microphones and external storage devices that can be attached onto the camcorder.

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.

Choosing a Digital Video Camera

Capturing life’s precious moments is a priceless pastime and one that has become much easier since the advent of digital cameras and digital video cameras. It is now possible to purchase extremely compact video cameras with a variety of different feature sets and color options, including many pink digital cameras.

Digital video cameras are separated primarily by their image quality, including their format (standard or high definition), lens type (standard or image stabilized) and sensor type, also referred to as resolution. Both types of cameras will give the user high quality video, though there are obvious differences for those that can discern them. Image quality also depends on the type of memory card or recording media used, since many of the smaller cards tend to compress the content, which essentially reduces its quality. Many of the newer cutting edge cameras feature solid state drives, which are similar to hard drives. Other media options include compact tape cassettes (MiniDV) and mini CD and DVD discs.

Some users will need features such as an HDMI port, accessory shoe (for microphones and video lights), firewire port or even a LANC connector. For those that don’t need these features, it’s good to know that nearly all modern digital video cameras come standard with computer interface capability and television connectivity.

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.