Camcorders: Compare features & prices Panasonic SDR-H280 

Optical zoom
The higher the number, the more you can zoom in. 10 means 10 times magnification. Optical zoom usually ranges from 10 times to 40 times.

Size (wxhxd) (cm)
Dimensions as you look at the camcorder side on.

LCD size
Size of the LCD screen, either length x height in mm or diagonally across in inches.

Weight (g)
Includes the device, the recording media, battery and hand strap.

Lens cover
Tethered means it is attached with "string", integral usually means you move a lever to cover/remove the lens cover

Video lamp
Provides additional light when the scene is dark

Backlight comp
If parts of the scene are too dark, this will help brighten them up

Gain up
This function brightens up the whole scene

External mic attachment
If it has an attachment (sometimes called a hot show) an external mic can be added for better sound quality

Viewfinder
The eyepiece viewfinder. Almost always colour, they are on the odd occasion black and white.

Video to memory card option
Some models allow you to record video onto the memory card, as well as onto the main recording media. Sometimes this feature is more convenient for recording a short clip.

Lens converter attachment
Allows you to fit a wide angle or telephoto converter lens

Widescreen Format
Whether the camcorder has an setting allowing recording in 16:9 mode

Back