HD camcorders: Getting the most from your digital camcorder Digital camcorder accessories
A camcorder mic is a good investment if you want best quality sound
The first thing you need is a decent camcorder - the Which? camcorder reviews can help you find the best model for you.
The box that the camcorder came in will contain all the bits you need to start shooting away – for example, a battery and charger, and a blank tape or disc, as well as the camcorder. However, there are a few extra bits that you can buy to improve your films.
Camcorder microphones
Sound quality from camcorders is typically not great. If the camcorder has a mic attachment, you can often, but not always, improve the sound by attaching a separately bought microphone.
These cost around £30 upwards. Sony camcorders usually accept Sony microphones only.
Lens converters for camcorders
Shooting a wide scene inside a small room is sometimes difficult with camcorders, as they don’t zoom out enough to have a very wide angle of view.
Lens converter: improve your zoom power
A wide-angle lens converter attached to the lens of some camcorders will increase your angle of view. They cost from around £20.
Make sure your camcorder can accept these lens converters, and that you buy the right size.
Check the lens filter thread size in the manual or on the lens itself (it will be quoted in mm), and simply buy a converter of the same size. It doesn't have to be the same brand as the camcorder.
You can also get telephoto lens converters that bring your subjects closer when you zoom in.
Spare batteries for camcorders
A spare battery is always handy if you have a long day’s shooting with no time to recharge. The average camcorder records around 95 minutes of footage on a single charge.
Batteries cost around £25 upwards. When you choose a battery, the higher the mAh rating, the longer the life you can expect.
A good tip to save battery life when shooting is to turn the LCD screen off and use the viewfinder instead (if the camcorder has one).
Camcorder tripods
A tripod is a good investment if you want your films to look polished
These are great for prolonged shooting, and shooting video from long range where a shaky picture caused by camera shake is more likely to strike. They help you shoot a very steady picture.
They can be great for panning too. Panning is when you move the camcorder from, say, left to right across a scene, for example to record the passage of play in a football match.
Image stabilisation is a good feature to help avoid camera shake, but it’s not as good as using a tripod. When you’re using a tripod, make sure image stabilisation is switched off for best results.
If you think a tripod will be too cumbersome to carry around, consider a monopod as they’re usually lighter and more portable, although not quite as stable.
Even a cheap £20 tripod gives better results than no tripod at all, but make sure you get one that’s tall enough for your needs.
Discs, cards and tapes for camcorders
Needless to say, make sure you have enough tapes, discs or memory card space before you start shooting. Fortunately, many shops these days stock a selection.
Camcorder lens cleaner
Keep your lens clean for maximum image quality. Remember to carry some sort of lens cleaning kit with you in case of spots of rain or spitting camels.
Camera bags
A good camera bag can help protect all your expensive equipment.
