Camcorders: Buying a camcorder
The Which? camcorder reviews can help you find the best camcorders, but there are other things you should consider before you buy. From deciding how much to spend on your camcorder to how easy it is to use, here are the essential things you should think about when choosing a camcorder.
Camcorder recording format
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when choosing your camcorder is which recording format to go for - DVD or tape, hard-disk or memory card. See our Camcorder recording formats page for more information to help you decide.
How much to spend on a camcorder
The camcorder should feel comfy in your hand
Our camcorder reviews found that the more you spend on your camcorder, the more likely you are to find better-quality lenses and sensors, leading to better image quality and overall performance – this is reflected in our camcorder ratings.
One thing to look for is that within a range of camcorders from the same manufacturer, you can have two or three camcorders that are very similar.
The camcorders may have the same lenses and sensors, but the only difference might be that one has an attachment for a separate microphone whereas the other doesn’t. Or one camcorder has a video lamp and the other doesn’t.
If the more expensive camcorder has features you don’t need, it’s wise to go for the cheaper one after you’ve compared the specification of the lens and sensor and our performance ratings. You can compare camcorders using our interactive product finder.
See also our Camcorder features explained page for more information on features.
Find a user-friendly camcorder
When Which? tests camcorders, we have a panel of assessors rating each aspect of how easy they are to use (see Testing camcorders for more information).
However, ease of use is largely determined by how comfortable a camcorder feels for you – and this is very personal.
Try out any camcorder you’re interested in before buying, making sure it 'feels right' in your hand.
The camcorder's trap position, weight and dimensions all have a big influence. It can be the best camcorder in the world, and comfortable for most people, but if it's not comfortable for you personally won't want to use it. Make sure you’re happy with the position of the main buttons too.
Left-handed camcorders
Most camcorders, like a lot of equipment, seem to suit right-handed people more than left handed. Another reason why it’s a good idea to handle a camcorder before you buy.
If you're left-handed and not so good with your right, you may prefer a small, memory card model camcorder - see the Which? camcorder reviews to find the best one for you.
Shopping for camcorders
As with many electrical products, buying camcorders online can help you save quite a lot of money, even including the postage costs. However, it's a good idea to try out the camcorder in a shop first so you know whether it's comfortable for you.
If you wear glasses
Nearly all camcorders with a viewfinder have diopter correction. This allows you to adjust the focus of the viewfinder, removing the need for you to wear your glasses when you look into it.