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» I've never used a camcorder — is it too complicated for a novice?
» I don't plan to edit my video on a PC. Can I still use a digital camcorder?
» If my digital camcorder has a digital photo mode, can I use it as a digital camera?
» My digital camera has a video mode — does that mean I don't need a camcorder?
» Can I really record digital video onto a Hi8 tape?
» How would I use a digital camcorder to transfer video to my computer?
» How can I play my tapes through my TV?
» How much recording time do I get with one charge of the rechargeable battery?
» How much recording time will I get on one tape, disc, or hard disk drive?
» What else will I need to buy in order to use my camcorder when it arrives?
» How can I share my home movies with my friends and family?
» What is the best method of storing my videos?
» I've noticed that most HD camcorders record in 1080i — will that still look good on my 1080p HDTV?
Q: I've never used a camcorder — is it too complicated for a novice?
A: No way. If you can use a point-and-shoot camera, you can use a camcorder. Even fancy camcorders have lots of goof-proof automatic settings — start with them, then try out the more complex features as you get more comfortable with shooting your own videos.
Q: I don't plan to edit my video on a PC. Can I still use a digital camcorder?
A: Absolutely. Editing on your PC is a great option for some folks, but not necessary. Almost all camcorders have an audio/video output that allows you to connect the camcorder directly to your TV or home theater system for playback. And mini DVD camcorders record to 3" mini DVD discs, which will play back on most newer DVD players and computer DVD drives. There are lots of choices when it comes to selecting a camcorder; see our How To Choose article.
Q: I see that most digital camcorders have a digital photo mode — does that mean that I can use my camcorder as a digital camera?
A: A digital camcorder with photo mode makes a nice stand-in when a digital camera isn't available. Right now, though, digital camcorders can't deliver the higher resolution and greater photo-snapping versatility that digital cameras offer. If you think you're likely to get into digital photography in its own right, a separate digital camera is a wise investment.
Q: My digital camera has a video mode — does that mean I don't need a camcorder?
A: Your digital camera's video mode is a good substitute if you don't have a camcorder available, but a camcorder makes sense for extensive filming. Camcorders can generally do a better job of capturing detailed movement, and some can even record high-definition videos.
Q: Can I really record digital video onto a Hi8 tape?
A: Yes. Sony's Digital8 cameras record a digital signal onto standard 8mm or Hi8 tapes, delivering stunning resolution and vivid color. Plus, the video can then be copied with no loss in quality. Keep in mind, though, that these camcorders record at a faster speed than analog models — a 120-minute Hi8 tape will give you 60 minutes of digital video in SP mode, or 90 in LP mode.
Q: How can I transfer video from a digital camcorder to my computer?
A: Transferring video to your computer will depend on the type of camcorder you have. Mini DV and Digital8 cams typically use an i.LINK™ digital A/V jack while mini DVD, hard disk drive, and flash memory cams normally use a USB port. Before you purchase a camcorder, be sure to check your computer's input jacks and see which inputs it already has. Most newer computers feature one or more USB ports. Most older computers will have an i.LINK jack, although they're not as common in newer models. If your computer doesn't come with the input you need, it's quite easy (and relatively inexpensive) to add using an empty PC or PCI slot. (Transfer of digital photos, on the other hand, is typically accomplished via a USB connection, regardless of the type of camcorder you purchase.)
Also, keep in mind that most digital camcorders don't provide complete video editing software. Before you buy a camcorder, decide what kind of editing you want to do, and look around for the appropriate application. For more information, see our article about editing digital video on your computer.
Q: How can I play my videos through my TV?
A: This will depend on the type of input(s) your TV has and the camcorder you'll be using. Some camcorders have composite (RCA-type) outputs, while others feature S-video, component video, and even HDMI outputs. If your TV has a set of A/V inputs on the front panel, hooking up your camcorder will be extra quick and easy.
And remember, if you purchase a mini DVD camcorder, your mini DVD discs will play back on most newer DVD players and computer DVD drives.
Q: How much recording time do I get with one charge of the rechargeable battery?
A: That depends on several factors. Power-hungry features like zoom, picture stabilization, and LCD viewscreens tend to decrease the amount of time between charges. Most of our camcorders will have battery-life estimates in the "Hands-on Research" section of our website, but these are only estimates. Actual battery life will vary depending on your particular camcorder and battery, and your recording settings and environment.
One nice feature of all newer camcorder batteries: they have no "memory" effect, so you don't have to run the battery down before recharging it. Some camcorders even interact with the battery to measure and display the remaining record time. Want to be sure you're not caught with a dead battery? Optional super-high-capacity batteries are available for many models, and a DC charger can be handy for recharging on the go.
Q: How much recording time will I get on one tape, disc, or hard disk drive?
A: This will depend on the video quality setting you choose, which is located in your camcorder's menu. Most Mini DV tapes can record between 60 (in standard play mode) and 120 minutes (in long play mode). Single-layer Mini DVD discs can capture between 20 (in high-quality mode) and 120 minutes (in long play mode), while dual-layer and double-sided mini DVD discs can record twice these amounts. Hard disk drives will vary depending on the size of the drive, but to give you an example, 30-gigabyte drives can typically give you between 7 and 20 hours, depending on the recording mode. Keep in mind, however, that most people don't record much more than 30 minutes worth of footage — any more than that is typically too long to watch at one time.
Q: What else will I need to buy in order to use my camcorder when it arrives?
A: You'll definitely need blank memory cards, tapes, or discs (unless your camcorder only records to built-in memory, like a hard drive). If your camcorder has an HDMI ouput, then you may what to pick up a mini HDMI to HDMI cable to share your high-def video on an HDTV. Carrying cases and extra batteries are nice for on-the-go recording. A tripod can really help steady your shots, especially if you're planning on filming faraway objects with your cam's high-powered zoom. We also offer chargers, video lamps, microphones, and more — take a look at our selection of accessories to see which ones suit the ways you plan to record.
Q: How can I share my home movies with my friends and family?
A: Posting your videos online is one of the easiest way to share your movies, as long as your relatives and friends have Internet access. Most video-sharing websites, like YouTube, have a maximum file size, so you'll want to check the site's requirements before you try to upload a video. You may have to decrease the video file size, and a number of different editing programs can help you do that. Another convenient method of sharing videos is dubbing to recordable DVDs. A single blank DVD is capable of storing two hours or more of studio-quality video, and most newer home players can play recordable DVDs.
Q: What is the best method of storing my videos?
A: Because tapes can wear out, DVDs can scratch, and hard disk drives can crash, your best bet is to make multiple copies of your memories in hopes that one copy will stand the test of time. Similar to storing digital photos, if you keep your files in more than one place, then you're more likely to have them for years to come. And don't postpone making those additional copies — if it's a project your planning "to get around to," you may be one hard-drive crash away from losing all of the footage of your family's early years together.
Q: I've noticed that most HD camcorders record in 1080i — will that still look good on my 1080p HDTV?
A: Absolutely. Both 1080i and 1080p are high-definition signals, and contain the same number of pixels (1920 x 1080). The difference lies in how much data each displays on your screen at one time: 1080i presents interlaced data that produces a full picture every 1/30th of a second, while 1080p presents progressive scan data that produces a full picture at a faster rate of 1/60th of a second. So it's true that 1080p provides more video information per frame — twice as much, to be exact.
Fortunately any HDTV can scale incoming video to fit its screen, so that your cam's video will look great regardless. See our article on HDTV resolution for more information.
