HD camcorders: Getting the most from your digital camcorder Connecting a camcorder to a TV
An HDMI lead will let you connect your camcorder to an HDTV, retaining the best video quality possible.
How do I connect my camcorder to my TV and other equipment?
Camcorders have various sockets for connecting to a computer, TV, DVD recorder or DVD player. Here are some of the most common and useful ones. Also check what sockets your computer, TV and DVD recorder have.
If you wish to view your camcorder videos on an HD TV, it's best to directly connect the camcorder to the TV itself.
See our Which? reviews of the best LCD and plasma televisions.
HDMI leads
HDMI connections are the best means for communicating high definition data between devices like a camcorder and an HD TV.
However, not all camcorders come with HDMI leads, even if they have an HDMI-output socket, so you may need to purchase one separately. Only a camcorder with an HMDI-output can be used with an HDMI lead.
See our Which? reviews of the best HDMI leads to help you find an affordable HDMI cable.
A composite socket
Composite (often labelled Video or AV)
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.
Your camcorder will come with a composite cable; this has a connection on one end that you plug into your TV.
Keep in mind, if you've recorded footage on an HD camcorder, connecting it to an HD TV with a composite cable will not give you the best picture quality possible - it's better to use an HDMI lead to achieve the best video quality.
An S-Video socket
S-Video
Only some camcorders have this.
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)
A Firewire socket
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 – this is roughly another £5.
USB 2.0
A USB socket
The USB 2.0 socket is used to transfer footage from a hard-disk or DVD camcorder to a computer.
It's fast become the most common method for transferring photos and video files.
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.
