Choosing a Camcorder

November 2009:

The process of choosing a camcorder can make a grown man (or woman) cry. What the heck is a codec? And what’s the difference between HD, HDV, HDD and AVCHD? And what’s Mbps?

It’s easy to get caught up (and confused!!) with all the specs and techno jargon. So let’s try to keep it simple, okay? No Kleenex needed here!

When choosing a camcorder, there are several factors to think about. Since this website is about documentary filmmaking, I’ll gear my questions and answers toward helping you narrow down the best choice for your situation.


IMPORTANT QUESTIONS WHEN CHOOSING A CAMCORDER

• How will it be used? Do you need something small and rugged that you can throw in a backpack or purse? Or will you be conducting interviews and need an audio input for a plug-in microphone?
• What format do you want to record your images to? Hard drive, tape, flash drive or DVD? If you have no idea, that’s okay, click here for a beginner’s guide to video formats.
• High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition (SD)? Basically, HD takes up more space on your camcorder’s hard drive, but if you want the best looking footage, choose HD. Standard Definition has been the standard, if you will, but HD is quickly becoming the new standard and it’s the way to go if you’re buying new. Basically, HD allows more pixel lines per screen and therefore provides a much more stunning image. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can find some great deals on standard definition camcorders right now.
• How does the camcorder shoot in low light? These days, most camcorders do generally well in low light. The thing to look for is the “lux rating”. The lower the number, the better the camera will perform in low light. So a camera with a lux rating of 2 will perform much better in low light than a camera with a lux rating of 10.
• Price - This is a biggie. Again, depending on your budget, this narrows your choices considerably. For $150 bucks, you can start shooting HD tomorrow, but forget about zooming or getting decent audio. For $5,000, you are rockin’ with every extra you could dream of including mic inputs, manual settings, primo lenses and the highest quality HD footage!

• Video format - Many camcorders are moving to hard drive or flash drive, but tape isn’t dead yet!
• Video quality -- How exactly do you figure out if a camcorder will bring in the most crisp, clean and beautiful images possible? Buying an HD camcorder is a great start, but it’s not all you should look for.
• Must-Have Features -- If you want to be a serious documentary filmmaker, there are some must-have features for your camcorder including a microphone input, manual focus and headphone jack.
• Touch and Feel -- How does the camcorder feel in your hand? If at all possible, go to an electronics store and hold the camera you want to buy in your hand. Test all the buttons and the menu. Do you like the way it operates? Don’t rely on a camcorder review. Decide for yourself if you like it.

When choosing a camcorder, decide which features are important for YOUR situation.

Yes, do your research. But at some point, you’ve got to move forward and pick a camera.

If you’re a documentary filmmaker, the best camera is the one in your hand. If all you can afford is a FREE hand-me-down VHS camcorder from your uncle, then use it! You can always transfer the footage to a digital format later. But at least you’re shooting and you can brag later how you produced a documentary with your uncle’s crappy camcorder. You could even make that part of the story. "Look at me, shooting this movie with a crappy 1980's camcorder!"

Remember, it’s the STORYTELLING that matters.

Of course, beautiful footage helps and it’s certainly more convenient to be able to plug your camera straight into your computer to edit. But in documentary filmmaking, creativity RULES. Never, EVER say.. “If only I had a better video camera, I could make an amazing documentary.” The questions is, “What do I have available to me so that I can start making a documentary?”

Maybe your local high school will let you borrow equipment?

Maybe a friend of a friend will let you borrow their camera.

Even if you had to scrape pennies for 5-months to buy a $150 el-cheapo camcorder, at least it gets you shooting!

Believe it or not, making documentaries is all about problem solving. I promise, figuring out which camera to buy is just your first of a thousand problems you will have to solve before you have a finished film. If you are easily discouraged, don’t waste your money or time choosing a camcorder. But then again, a shiny new video camera sure would be cool.. and could in fact be just the thing you need to get you started. Only you can say for sure.


Related Articles

• Mini-DV? Flash Drive? How to choose the right video format
• Going Pro - Essential Features for the Documentary Video Camera
• Putting together a basic camcorder and gear package
• Videography Shooting Tips
• Choosing a camcorder: video quality is more than just HD
• The basics of making a documentary

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