Many camcorders like this one are capable of shooting HD video, which is much sharper than SD video.
There are literally hundreds of different camcorders available, with so many options that a new consumer may at first seem overwhelmed. The type of camcorder you should buy depends primarily on what you plan on using it for, and there are several things you must take into consideration, including the video quality, features, and, of course, the price.
Video Resolution
The video resolution is one of the biggest factors when picking out a camcorder today. In the current market there are two types of camcorders available: SD, Standard Definition, and HD, High Definition. High-definition camcorders are capable of capturing video at 1280x720 pixels and above, with many models capable of capturing 1920x1080 pixels of video. SD camcorders can capture video at only 720x480 pixels, but are typically much less expensive. If you are a serious hobbyist or want your videos "future proof," then HD camcorders are the way to go. However, if you're interested in saving money and aren't concerned with video resolution, then look for an SD camcorder.
Frame Rate
Frame rate is how many frames of video a camcorder can capture in a second, with higher frame rates leading to more life-like video. Most camcorders capture video at either 60 frames or 30 frames per second, while higher-end camcorders can capture video at 24 frames per second, which is the standard for feature films. If you're an amateur filmmaker, then you should definitely invest in a camera capable of 24fps. However, if you're looking to record sporting events or home movies that generally use faster frame rates, then 24fps capability should be of no concern.
Media
The type of media the camcorder uses can go a long way in determining what's most convenient for you. In today's world, there are generally four options available: tape, disc, HDD and flash. Tape camcorders, as their name suggests, use mini tapes that can be rewritten, but the tape's video can be time consuming to transfer to a computer for editing. Disc-based camcorders have become somewhat obsolete, as the discs often have very small recording times and tend to be jumpy. HDD camcorders and flash camcorders are among the most convenient, as you can save video files either to SD flash cards or internal hard drives on the camera.
Stills
Many camcorders have the ability to take still pictures, as well as video. Though many professionals may not be concerned with this, average consumers may like the idea of being able to take pictures and video with a single device. The size and quality of the still photograph the camera can take is measured in megapixels, which will be labeled on the camera's specs. The higher the mega-pixel count, the larger the still image it can produce.
Other Features
Professional-grade camcorders are full of features like manual focus, frame-rate adjustment, white-balance adjustment, and all sorts of other things. If you're an amateur filmmaker, then certain features like manual focus or an external microphone jack are a must if you want to give your movie a film-like quality. However, if you're a casual shooter just looking to save some memories, then you should consider a "point and shoot" type camcorder that doesn't require adjustments and has minimal features, as every added feature adds to the price.
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