What are the specific advantages and imaging capabilities of digital camcorders?
Handheld digital camcorders and digital cameras are the devices most people associate with "digital video". These digital video devices are intended to be used on the go.
Digital camcorders are primarily intended for capturing motion video, but many also offer the ability to take low-resolution still images. The standard recording medium for digital camcorders is digital video tape (DV tape). The primary advantages of digital camcorders are in the area of size, convenience and connectivity (allowing you to view and/or edit the images on another device).
| Compared to other digital video |
- Digital cameras:
Limited dual capability (motion video and low-resolution stills)
- Computer-based cameras:
Camcorder can operate away from the computer, has more convenient controls and a longer feature list. |
| Convenience |
- Single-hand operation:
Because of the digital construction and the smaller tapes required, digital camcorders are usually small enough to be held in one hand and are usually designed so that most of the buttons can be accessed by the hand holding the camcorder, allowing single-hand operation.
- Dual capability:
However, most have the ability to also capture still images at a low resolution. The most common resolution for still images captured with a digital camcorder is DV NTSC Standard, which is 720 x 480. While this is acceptable for still images which will be kept and displayed in electronic format or on the television, it is not high enough to produce an acceptable print. If you are wanting to create prints from your still images, you would need to use a digital camera to capture a higher resolution image. If you do not intend to create prints from the still images, the dual capability of the camcorder will allow you to switch between taking stills and motion video without carrying and changing between two devices.
- Built-in viewscreen for live images and playback:
Many camcorders also include a viewscreen, which allows you to see both what is being filmed and playback of what was filmed previously. |
| Connections |
- Television or VCR:
Digital camcorders can be connected directly to a television or VCR for viewing or dubbing. The cables are generally either specialized cables included with the camcorder or standard audio/video cables.
- Computer:
Digital camcorders can also be connected to a computer. However, because this is still considered an optional feature, they often do not come with the cables or software. To connect your digital camcorder to a computer and edit the images, you would need a computer with a video card with the appropriate inputs, video software for editing, and the appropriate cable. The user's manual of the camcorder will indicate the specific requirements. |
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