HD camcorders: How we test HD camcorders
Video quality with HD camcorders
We test camcorders' video quality
You will expect your camcorder to perform well wherever you are. We examine video quality under different light conditions and different camcorder settings using test charts and real-life recordings.
Image sharpness, colour fidelity and absence of noise are three of the things we look for in good video.
We test the image stabilisation system using a specially set up camcorder shaker that mimics the tiny forward and back, up and down and side-to-side movements that a hand makes even when if you are trying to keep your hand still.
We rate standard definition and HD camcorders by the same scale, letting you directly compare the image quality you could get with an HD model to what you'd get with a non-HD model.
See our Which? reviews of the best camcorders and HD camcorders.
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Ease of use with camcorders
This is a huge area that covers covering areas as diverse as how good the instruction manual is, to the time it takes from the power on button to be pressed before the camcorder is ready to shoot, to how clear LCD screen is.
Testing a camcorder's image stabilisation
Sound quality with camcorders
First, we measure how good the camcorder is at not recording wind noise. The wind can sometimes cause havoc when recording with camcorder recordings.
We also perform listening tests, taking note of any disturbing noises, for example the sound of buttons being pressed or the zoom being operated.
We also examine sound quality using an external microphone to make our recordings.
Still photos with digital camcorders
We rate still image quality, shutter delay and other still photo function features using tests similar to those performed in our digital cameras tests.
Camcorder features
Some camcorder features are more useful than others. We take a look at the camcorder’s features and give points according to how useful they are.
Autofocusing with camcorder
We measure how quickly and how reliably the camcorder autofocuses on different scenes and objects.
We measure at different camcorder zoom settings, and in various light conditions – dim lighting and a fully zoomed in lens can cause many camcorders problems when autofocusing.
Battery life in camcorders
First we condition the battery to make for a fair test. We measure recording time on one single charge, while performing a routine set of operations typical of how one might use a camcorder.
Updating the Which? tests of camcorders
Due to improvements in our testing procedures to account for new features and developments, please note that camcorders tested in 2009 and 2008 are not directly comparable with those tested in 2010.
Camcorders evaluation
Once all the scores are in, we calculate the total test score. This is made up of the following components and weightings.
- Image quality - 40%
- Ease of use - 25%
- Sound quality - 15%
- Features - 10%
- Battery life - 5%
- Still photos - 5%