A camcorder is an
electronic device that combines a video recorder and a video camera in one
single unit. The primary function of a camcorder is to have video capturing and
recording. Initially, when the recording was made, it was difficult as the only
recording possible was with video cameras that were used for television
broadcasting, which could not be carried everywhere. Over a period of time,
with advanced technology, the out-of-studio camera was made possible.
It was in 1982 that the
company Sony, brought out a new system known as the Betacam system. This system
enabled the camera to go wireless and have a faster running time, which
enhanced quality and reliability. It was Sony again that released the first camcorder
in 1983 for the general consumer. It was design so that it had to rest on the
shoulder as it could not be managed by one hand alone, yet it was of great
help. Again, in the area of video recording, Sony was the first to come up with
its own compact videocassette format in 1985. In the same year, even other
companies introduced the camcorder, like Panasonic, RCA and Hitachi.
By the '90s, digital
technology emerged and it was again Sony that came up with the uncompressed
recorded data that required enormous amounts of bandwidth. This was the Sony D1
and by 1995, Sony, Panasonic, JVC and
many other video camera manufacturers launched digital video, which became a
boon for video production, independent film making etc.
In 2000, it was
Panasonic that launched the DVCPRO high definition that helped in expanding
high definition mainly intended for professional camcorders and full sized
DVCPRO. The high definition video was introduced in 2003 by Sony, Cannon and Sharp
who made the first affordable high definition video format due to the
utilization of inexpensive mini DV cassettes. Again, in 2003, Sony introduced
the XDCAM, which was the first tapeless video format. In 2006 and 2007, Sony
re-entered with the introduction of AVCHD and XDCAM EX, which provided better
recording and was stored onto SxS memory cards.
Basically,
Camcorders contain three main parts. The lens, Imager and Recorder.
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The
Lens is the first component and it helps in gathering and focusing light on the
imager. It has many adjustments that one could do to get the best results.
Adjustments like a great shutter speed to regulate exposure, good zooming to control
the focal length and angle view, amplification of signal strength in low-light
conditions, and a great neutral density filter to regulate exposure.
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The
imager helps in converting incident light into an electrical signal. At the end
of the exposed time, this imager converts the accumulated charge into a
continuous analog voltage at the output. Once the scan out is complete, it is
ready for the next shot.
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The
recorder converts the electrical signal into a video and encodes it into a form
that can be stored.
Videography is a
passion to many and it is an art to create good pictures and videos of any
incident or thing. However, these days all of us go and purchase a camcorder
without understanding what exactly we should look into, based on our
requirements. You should know what you want exactly. If it is basically just
uploading videos to You Tube, then the easiest way is by using a point and shoot
still camera rather than a high definition one.
Know exactly what
the difference is between Standard definition and high definition Camcorders. It
is basically the video resolution. The more the number of lines of resolution
you get, the better the clarity. The HD camcorder comes in all sizes, shapes
and prices. From a Pocket model that ranges around $200 to advanced and fully
featured camcorders that range around $1500.
When a comparison
between High Definition and Standard definition Camcorders were done, a few
differences have been observed. We discuss mostly HD camcorders. Advantages
include; better quality pictures, more detailed imagery, having smaller
products, best for special occasions, holds a wide range of features, holds
larger file sizes and more information can be recorded. On the Disadvantages:
more expensive than the HD, heavier and larger, inconvenient when taken
outside, large to hold with one hand, in case small in design, then features
are limited with poor sound quality, storage is difficult.
Having to deal with
large video file sizes, it puts in lots of demand on the computer used. If it
is an old computer that you are using with less processing power, then it will
not be able to display the HD video.
Over the years, the
price rates have dropped and now it has become a little bit easier to have a HD
that even fits your pockets. One just has to make a detailed comparison between
the different kinds of camcorders available in the market and choose
accordingly, which fit your choices and needs. These gadgets are the best ways
to capture all those memorable moments in your life, in the most natural format
and which would enable you to cherish these forever memories for a lifetime.
Camcorders are being
introduced daily in the markets, with the latest technology installed, which
makes it easier for the buyer with the many features and affordability. If you
are serious about this hobby or intending to make a career choice from it. Check
out what is the best for you and get one for yourself, today.
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