> Camcorder 101

Camcorder Glossary (32)

How do I upload video to my computer?
This is a question I get pretty often from people who have just purchased a digital camcorder and are interested in editing their video but don't know where to start.

Digital Camcorder Formats
Digital camcorders are the most popular types of camcorders for their high video quality and the ability to edit your video easily after you shoot it. Popular digital camcorder formats include: Digital 8, Mini-DV, DVC Pro, DVD, and HDD.

Analog Camcorder Formats
What makes a camcorder analog? Find out what makes a camcorder analog and what the main differences are between different analog camcorder formats.

Optical vs. Digital Zoom
A lot of camcorders will make claims of 500x or 800x or more zoom. Can you really zoom that far with these camcorders? Learn the important difference between optical and digital zoom.

What is a CCD?: How Camcorder CCD's Affect Video Quality
The CCD in your camcorder has a huge impact on the image quality you will get from your camcorder. Learn what a CCD is and how a CCD affects your video quality.

Taking Digital Photos With Your Camcorder
Thinking of buying a camcorder with a photo mode? Here are a few things you should know before you decide to get rid of your digital camera.

AVCHD: HD Video on a Compact Camcorder
AVCHD is a new camcorder format released by Sony and Panasonic that allows high definition (HD) video to be recorded more efficiently than ever before. Learn what makes the AVCHD camcorder format different from other video recording methods.