| Not too long ago digital camcorders were very | | | | this is that the optical zoom does not result |
| pricey, and so most bought an analog | | | | in any video degradation, but because the |
| camcorder instead, but as always technology | | | | digital zoom is just magnifying the image |
| marches on and what was expensive yesterday | | | | that is already recorded, you can easily |
| can be very affordable today. So it is with | | | | begin to see graininess in the video image. |
| digital camcorders. They have a lot of | | | | So try to rely on the optical zoom as much as |
| advantages that make them the clear choice if | | | | possible for most shots, and choosing a |
| you can afford it, and here are some tips on | | | | camera that has at least a 10z optical zoom |
| how to choose a digital camcorder: | | | | should work fine. |
| | | | |
| * It's a good idea not to buy any camcorder | | | | * It good to try to get a digital camcorder |
| until you have had a chance to actually hold | | | | that can also take still shots too as this |
| and use it yourself. This is true because | | | | makes it so much more convenient to take both |
| miniDV camcorders are the most popular | | | | video and stills at the same event. |
| camcorders out there, and they are so small | | | | Otherwise, you would have to carry along both |
| that they may actually be too tiny for some | | | | a digital camera and a digital camcorder at |
| folks with large hands to even use. They | | | | the same time and switch back and forth. But |
| typically only weigh about a pound, and they | | | | getting a camcorder that allows you to take |
| can fit easily into the palm of your hand. So | | | | still digital shots eliminates this hassle. |
| just imagine how difficult it can be for some | | | | Often the camcorder will even have a built-in |
| to fiddle with the tiny controls and dials on | | | | flash for low light camera situations too. |
| these petite camcorders. | | | | Most often the digital pictures are saved |
| | | | onto a removable media card that you can use |
| * Be sure that you understand the zoom | | | | to upload them to your computer and print |
| feature and how it works so you get what you | | | | them out later on. |
| need when you buy. There two kinds of zooms | | | | |
| used on digital camcorders, the optical zoom | | | | A digital camcorder opens up lots of |
| and the digital zoom. An optical zoom refers | | | | possibilities as it allows you to even |
| to the lens capability itself and zooms in on | | | | transfer the video to your computer and add |
| a subject before it is digitally recorded. | | | | text or music if you like. In essence, you |
| The digital zoom is done by taking the | | | | can become your own little movie director |
| digital image that has been recorded and | | | | with the high quality miniDV camcorders that |
| magnifying it. What you need to know about | | | | are available today. |