The Beginner's Guide to Digital Video Cameras

By now you've probably noticed that VHS, VHS-C, Hi8 and other analog video formats have largely been replaced by MiniDV, DVD, Digital8, hard drive camcorders and video cameras that use flash memory cards. Digital video, or DV, has brought video production values that were once only available on broadcast television to amateur videographers everywhere. With today's improved equipment, however, comes a host of features and digital video terms to become familiar with. In this article, we'll try to arm all you beginners with a handful of knowledge to get you on your way to understanding digital video, digital camcorders and video editing software (desktop video).

Camcorders or video cameras used to all be analog. Analog camcorders took the electronic video signal being shot and recorded it as a magnetic pattern on a video tape.  The quality wasn't great and got worse with every copy made from the original recording.

Digital camcorders, on the other hand, translate the video signal being shot into bytes of data. So, instead of recording a magnetic patern, DV cameras record a series of 1s and 0s (representing picture and sound) onto video tape, hard disks, DVDs, or flash memory cards.

What does this mean for you? Picture quality that is twice as good and CD quality sound. VHS video recordings, for example, were about 250 lines of resolution (on your televsion). Digital camcorders, however, record video at around 520 lines of resolution with HD models shooting as much as 720p or 1080i. Digital video cameras deliver stunning video and superb sound compared to the analog camcorders of yesterday. 

The other big advantage of digital video is how easy it is to edit. Because the information is digital, it can be easily imported into your computer (PC or Mac) and edited using a non-linear video editing program. Many editing packages are inexpensive and put powerful yet easy-to-use editing functions at your fingertips. We'll discuss editing digitial video later in the article. 

Shooting Good Video - This is an excellent resource for beginners containing tips and tricks for using DV cameras, proper shooting techniques, editing video on your computer and more.

Digital Video for Beginners - Great article for those new to the world of digital video cameras and digital video editing.

Frog Island Films - Need professional video production but don't have a huge budget? Check out Frog Island Films for all your business video production needs.   

 

Other Links

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Discrimination Law Today - A comprehensive resource for the laws, rights and issues surrounding discrimination in the United States.

Frog Island Creative Services
Design and marketing services for small businesses.

Corporate Web Design
Ongoing article discussing the right way to develop corporate websites.

So which camcorder is right for you? There are several things to take into consideration.

Picture and Sound Quality
First and foremost, you want to get the most bang for your buck. No matter what you decide to go with in the way of features and benefits, make sure the video camera you purchase delivers a satisfying picture and good sound. Find some reviews to see what others are saying.

Size
The popular thinking is that smaller is better. And it might be. But consider how you'll use your video camera. If you'll be traveling frequently, a more compact camcorder is a good thing. If you're mostly going to be around the house shooting the kids, something a little bigger might be better. Often, very small cameras can be awkward to hold and hard to keep steady (even with image stabilization). Hold a few at a store to see how they feel. This is also a good way to determine . . .

Comfort
Again, try to go to a store (even if you plan to buy your video camera online) and hold a few of your top choices. Does it fit over your hand nicely? Are the controls — zoom rocker/slider, record/pause button, menu controls — comfortable to reach with your fingers while holding the camcorder?

Format
Consider how you will use your digital camcorder. If you will primarily share your videos online, perhaps a flash memory card model is the best option. If you never intend to suck your footage into a computer for editing, maybe a DVD camcorder is better. And if you want to get a start with some amateur filmmaking, maybe go with a MiniDV with HD. Only you can decide which format will best meet your needs. The important thing to remember is that all of the current digital formats deliver great pictures.

Low-Light Capabilities
Video cameras love light. Unfortunately, the light in our homes is rarely enough to satisfy most digital camcorders. (Even turning on every light in your living room probably still means a low-light situation.) For those times when light isn't as abundant as you or the camera would like, a camcorder that performs well in low-light conditions is a must. Read reviews to see how others rate the performance of video cameras in low-light situations.

LCD Size
The bigger the LCD screen on your camera the better. Note, however, that bigger LCD screens often mean slightly larger camcorders.

Optical vs. Digital Zoom
Many digital video cameras have both optical and digital zoom. The thing you need to know is that optical zoom is a higher-quality zoom technology that will give you clearer video when you are zoomed in on a subject.

Number of CCDs
If you can get 3 CCDs, do it. You'll get a fantastic picture with just 1 CCD, but you'll get a more fantastic picture with three.

Manual vs. Auto Focus Only
Many great consumer video cameras lack the ability to manual focus. Not a biggie. If you can find one you like with manual focus (a focus ring preferably), consider it.

Still Picture Quality
Digital video cameras normally don't take very good still photographs, so this really shouldn't be a big selling point for you. But if you think it's important to have a camera that does both video and stills, try to find one that has at least 4.0 megapixels for stills.

These are just the biggies. There are, of course, tons of other features and functions that you may find important. Research and shop around.

 

Shooting Good Video With Your Digital Camcorder 

Most consumer and "prosumer" digital video cameras on the market today make it very easy to just pick up and start shooting great-looking video. However, there are some things you need to know that can make your videos look more like Steven Spielberg's and less like your Uncle Larry's.

Menu Settings for Digital Camcorders
Learn what the most important settings are, what they mean and which options to select.

Holding Your Digital Video Camera
Don't laugh. Knowing how to properly hold your camcorder will help you and your audience.

Framing Your Shots
Learn what framing is, why it's important and how to do it right for different shots and situations.

Composing Your Shots
Setting up your shots is like painting a canvas. We'll give you some tips on what to do and what to avoid. 

 

Desktop Video - Editing Your Digital Video

Editing your video on a computer is fun and easy. It's also pretty much a requirement if you don't want the footage you shot with your DV camera to look like the boring home movies of your childhood. All you need to edit your video is your camcorder, an IEEE or USB cable and a computer with video editing software installed. 

With your computer turned on, connect your camcorder (turned off) to it via the IEEE or USB cable. Turn the camera on and your PC or Mac should automatically detect it. Now, open the video editing software and capture or import your video. Now you're ready to make your home movies look less like home movies and more like movies.

The key to highly watchable and entertaining videos is to not be afraid to cut stuff out. You'll always shoot more than you need. Problem is, most people keep all they shoot.  The cutting room floor is your friend. Use it.

Also, most video editing software packages offer a host of effects and transitions. Use them sparingly. Nothing screams hammy video like a star wipe. Tasteful fades and subtle dissolves sprinkled throughout your video will be much more professional looking.

 

Summary 

MiniDV, hard drive camcorders, Digital8, DVD and DV cameras using flash memory cards have brought broadcast-quality recording equipment into our homes and today's non-linear video editing software packages have brought television studios to our computers. Your kid's soccer games, Thanksgiving Day dinners and baby's first steps have never looked so good.