Before You Buy A Camcorder

By Emily Price, About.com Guide to Camcorders

Before you buy a camcorder it's important to have a good understanding of digital video, how it works, and what camcorder options are available for you.

1. Camcorder Formats
2. Camcorder Features

Camcorder Formats

The first basic thing you need to understand about camcorders is the different formats available. There are several different analog and digital camcorders on the market. What format is right for you depends on what you what to do with your camcorder.

• Digital Camcorder Formats
• Analog Camcorder Formats
• AVCHD

Camcorder Features

Once you've determined what format camcorder you want to buy then it's time to take a look at the specs of the camcorders you're interested in. Here are some important things to take a look at.

• Camcorder Glossary
• What is a CCD?
• Optical vs. Digital Zoom
• Taking Digital Photos with your Camcorder