 - A camcorder is a portable electronic recording device that is capable of
recording live-motion video and audio for later replay through VCRs,
TVs, and, in some models, a personal computer. Compounded from "camera" and "recorder, the term originated in the early 1980s. Camcorders are also called video recorders. Ordinary consumers use camcorders to film home movies of special events or vacations. Professionals such as professional videographers and filmmakers use camcorders along with other editing and film studio equipment to produce video segments or films for commercial sale.
Camcorders come in an assortment of formats, features, and price ranges.
When they first arrived, camcorders recorded in one of two analog formats, VHS and Betamax formats, onto video casettes for replay from the most popular VCRs. These camcorders often produce less than ideal quality images and earlier models can be large and cumbersome to use.
As technology improved, other formats became available, such as S-VHS, 8mm, Hi-8, and DV (digital video). Many of these formats offer a clearer, sharper picture over the original formats, and, in some cases, allow more hours of recording on a single tape than previously. These types often require an adapter for playback from a TV or VCR.
With the latest digital camcorders, many now are capable of being connected
directly to a personal computer, using an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) or FireWire digital interface, so that the video can be edited directly on the computer for more professional results. The personal computer must be equipped with the right video editing software, a digital video capture board, and with i.Link/Firewire ports.
Camcorder features for a prospective buyer to consider include: horizontal image resolution, the size and quality of the liquid crystal display monitor for quick viewing as you record, the types of zooms and lenses available, and
the actual size and comfort of the equipment.
Leading camcorder manufacturers include Canon, Sony, JVC, Panasonic,
and Sharp.
| LAST UPDATED: |
15 Jun 2005
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