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Camcorder
checklist
Planning
to buy a camera for producing QuickTime? It's time
to get out some paper, sharpen a pencil or two, and
get down to the serious business of comparing
features.
When
you begin to compare video cameras, the number of
choices can be daunting. The first thing to decide
is what tape format you want to use. This will
narrow your search somewhat, and will prevent you
from trying to compare apples and
oranges.
Once
that decision has been made, there are still a host
of variables to consider. One technique is to ask
yourself the following questions:
- How
heavy is the camera? is the camera too heavy to
hold for extended periods? Will you spend more
time worrying about carrying the camera than
worrying about what you are
recording?
- How
does the camera feel? is the camera comfortable
to hold and operate?
- Where
are the major controls? Can you find the stop
record and start record buttons quickly and
easily? Can you operate the focus and zoom
manually without taking your eyes away from the
viewfinder? What about the Autofocus and power
zoom (if there is one?)
- Does
the camcorder have other controls? Are these
controls simple and easy to operate, or will
they make operating the camera more
confusing?
- Can
you tell if it is recording? The most
frustrating thing is to be videotaping - and
suddenly realize that the camera isn't even
rolling.
- What
about sound? Can another microphone be
connected? Where is the plug, and what kind is
it? Is there a plug to monitor sound with
headphones? Can you control the audio
levels?
- Is
the power zoom smooth in both manual and powered
modes? Is the power zoom quiet?
- How
difficult is it to connect the camcorder to
other equipment?
- How
long do the batteries last? how long does it
take to charge a battery? Is there a separate
adapter? What do batteries cost? (You should
have at least two.) Does the camcorder give you
any indication in the viewfinder that your
battery is getting low?
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