Your first task when buying a digital camcorder is to decide whether you want a MiniDV, DVD, or HDD model. Here are the differences between them.
MiniDV camcorders offer great value
A MiniDV model is a great-value camcorder that uses small tapes - a really affordable way to permanently store all your home movies. Each tape holds up to one hour of superb-quality digital footage, which can either be played back instantly on your TV or put onto your computer for editing.
Mini DV camcorders also often come with extra features. With a long optical
zoom you can get close to the action, and with digital photo capture you
can record still as well as moving pictures!
DVD camcorders make playback easy
A DVD camcorder records straight on to small discs that you can play back straight away on most home DVD players. You can also record over your movies again and again - just like with a video, but with higher-quality pictures that last longer.
DVDs come in a few different formats (DVD-RW,+RW and -RAM) so make
sure you check which ones your camcorder takes before you buy the discs.
Don't worry, we've recommended the right format under each
of our DVD camcorders.
HDD camcorders let you record more footage
These camcorders store video on hard disk drives like the one in your home PC. Hard drive camcorders give you longer recording times of up to 30 hours - enough for even the longest home video.
As an added bonus, neither of them need tapes or discs, so there's
no need to buy anything extra. Both types also let you connect your camcorder
to your TV or transfer the digital files to your PC. That means you'll
be able to put your films on websites or even email them to friends!
Digital and optical zooms let you get closer
Every camcorder has an optical zoom lens, and the larger the zoom, the closer it can get. That means you can fill the frame with whatever it is you're filming - wildlife scenes to family gatherings.
Digital zooms also get you closer - by enlarging an area of the image electronically - but optical zooms will maintain higher image quality. Whichever zoom you use, a tripod can help prevent camera shake.
The most powerful zooms can magnify a scene by over 30 times!
Digital versus Optical zoom
Optical zoom uses a lens, so the closeup doesn't lose detail. The digital zoom could look grainy, because it's simply enlarging the central area of the image without 'looking closer'. Combined, digital and optical zoom can bring distant objects really up close and personal!
Argos guide to digital camcorders
- Digital camcorders explained
- How do I choose the right digital camcorder?
- Get more from your digital camcorder
- See our Jargon Buster for further explanation of technical terms