1. Home
  2. Electronics & Gadgets
  3. Camcorders

Must-Have Camcorder Accessories

By Emily Price, About.com

Not every accessory you need with your new camcorder is going to be included in the box. Here are a few things great accessories you want to make sure you pick up when you buy a new camcorder.

Case

A good high quality camcorder case is probably the most important accessory you will buy for your camcorder. A camcorder case will store your camcorder when it’s not in use, and will protect it from being damaged during travel and storage.

When you look for a case try and find one that will fit around your camcorder snugly. If your camcorder can freely move around within the case then you are defeating the purpose of purchasing the case to begin with.

My favorite camcorder cases have a removable section divider within them. With the section divider you can make a section of the case just big enough to hold your camcorder, and save the other room for accessories you want to carry along with your camcorder.

Read more about what to look for in a good camcorder case before you buy your camcorder bag to ensure you get the right one for your camcorder.

Tapes

Camcorders do not come with tapes. You will want to pick up a pack of the appropriate tapes for your camcorder while you are still at the electronic store. Without tapes you won't be able to play with your new toy.

Tripod

If you plan on ever using your camcorder, then a tripod is an accessory you will absolutly need. Holding your camcorder through an entire event can make for shaky and unwatchable video. Save yourself and your viewers some pain and buy a tripod along with your camcorder.

When you purchase a tripod try to purchase a quality model. While the cheap model might be a few dollars cheaper oftentimes the very inexpensive tripods are not sturdy enough to hold the weight of your camcorder. A tripod will do you no good if it falls over under the weight for your camcorder.

For some of the best consumer camcorder tripods check out Top Camcorder Tripods

UV Filter

A UV filter is a clear glass filter you screw onto the front of your camcorder. UV filters work kind of like sunglasses for your camcorder. The filter will reduce glare on your lens, as well as protect your actual lens from damage.

When you purchase a UV filter make sure you purchase one that fits your camcorders lens. UV filters come in a variety of different sizes. Make sure you know what size your camcorders lens is and purchase the correct size UV filter.

Explore Camcorders

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Electronics & Gadgets
  3. Camcorders
  4. Camcorder Accessories
  5. Must-Have Camcorder Accessories

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.