Camcorders: FAQs
Before you go shopping for a camcorder, there are some essential questions you should ask. As well as checking out the Which? camcorder reviews to see how different camcorders performed in our tests, you should also check out the advice below to help you choose the right camcorder for you.
Are memory card camcorders as good as regular camcorders?
First there were the enormous analogue camcorders, then digital ones appeared that were a fraction of the size. Now we have more of a new breed of digital camcorders – those recording on memory card.
Most memory card camcorders use the SD type card
These are the smallest and lightest of them all, with some weighing less than 200 grams. These camcorders are practically pocketable and easy to carry around, and some of them are really good. Use our product finder to compare camcorders and find out which performed best in the Which? tests.
Memory card camcorders are easy to use too. If your computer has a memory card reader, you simply take the memory card out the camcorder, put it in the reader slot and use your computer to copy and paste.
One disadvantage is that you probably won’t be able to fit accessories like lens converters or external microphones, and on some, optical zoom power isn’t as high as bigger camcorders.
Are digital cameras any good at taking video, compared with camcorders?
Nearly all digital cameras can record video with sound. But compared with camcorders, video quality isn’t that good (apart from a few exceptions), though it's usually fine for a quick clip. The other limitation with digital cameras is only a few allow you to use optical zoom while recording, however all camcorders have a zoom function (see Features explained for more about camcorder features).
Digital SLR cameras don’t record video at all, and mobile phone video quality is poor on the whole, so it’s best to buy a camcorder instead if you’re serious about your video.
All camcorders have a composite socket
Camcorders have various sockets for connecting to a computer, TV or DVD recorder. Here are some of the most common and useful ones. Also check what sockets your computer, TV and DVD recorder have.
How do I connect my camcorder to my TV and other equipment?
All camcorders will have this basic socket for linking a camcorder to a TV, or to a DVD recorder if you want to burn a DVD.
Some camcorders have an S-Video socket
Your camcorder will come with a composite cable; this has a connection on one end that you plug into your TV.
S-Video
Only some camcorders have this. It serves the same purpose as the composite socket, but image quality may be a bit better.
Some camcorders with S-video have a two-in-one composite/S-video socket. You might need to buy an S-video cable separately.
Firewire (often labelled DV, IEEE1394 or i.Link)
Firewire lets you transfer from your camcorder to your computer
This lets you link a Mini-DV camcorder to a computer, to transfer footage quickly and with the best image quality.
If your computer doesn't have a Firewire port, you should be able to install a Firewire card yourself for about £25.
You'll also need a Firewire cable to connect the camcorder to the computer (roughly another £5).
USB 2.0
USB can also be used to transfer from your camcorder to your computer
The USB 2.0 socket is used to transfer footage from hard-disk or DVD camcorders to a computer.
It can also be used for transferring photos or short video clips from a camcorder’s memory card to your computer.
Your camcorder will usually come with a USB cable for connecting the two.