Camcorder reviews: Features explained
HD camcorders versus standard definition camcorders
On the outside, HD camcorders look much the same as standard definition models. Also, unless you're paying top-money for a high-end model, the features and controls on HD models are also similar.
However, the difference in image quality is striking.
Even the best standard definition models struggle to compete with an average HD camcorder, and the best HD camcorders we've tested capture stunning videos with crisp detail and vibrant colour.
Viewing footage on an HD TV
If you own an HD TV, you'll get the full benefit of an HD camcorder. You can connect the camcorder directly to the TV, using an HDMI lead for the best results, and enjoy terrific video quality on the big screen.
If you don't own an HD TV, you can still connect an HD camcorder to a traditional television using a more basic composite video lead. The footage should still look superior to what you'll get with a standard definition camcorder, but you won't be able to enjoy true high definition video.
Higher costs of HD camcorders
However, the cost of HD models is significantly higher than the cost of standard definition camcorders. if you're unsure of which to choose, take a look at our buying guides:
Camcorder recording formats
One of the first things you have to decide is what recording format to choose – Mini-DV, DVD, memory card or hard disk. See our advice on camcorder recording formats to find out which is best for you.
Zoom lenses on HD camcorders
Camcorders have a zoom to get you closer to the action
Zoom lenses help you get closer to the action. All camcorders have a zoom feature, but some have much more powerful zooms than others.
Standard definition models tend to have larger zoom lenses - some offer zooms as big as 70x. You won't find zoom lenses this powerful on HD camcorders, though some newer models have zooms as big as 25x.
A x10 optical zoom is sufficient for most people's needs.If you’re doing lots of long-distance work, such as close-ups of distant wildlife, a more powerful zoom can come in handy – but you'll probably need a tripod.
Digital zoom or optical zoom?
If you're shopping around for a camcorder, make sure you compare optical zoom figures, not the digital figures manufacturers sometimes quote.
Digital zoom reduces picture quality, sometimes to the point that you can barely make out what you're filming.
Recording in difficult light with camcorders
Camcorders generally struggle to produce good image quality in dim light outdoors or indoors. However, there are easy to use features which help you to achieve a better picture. Look to see if your camcorder has these.
Night mode
Some camcorders have a 'night mode'. This gives you a brighter picture, although it sometimes also results in jerky movements of moving objects.
Video lamp
Some camcorders also have video lamps that help to illuminate your subject, providing it's within about a metre and a half away. Good for close-up work.
Gain-up and backlight compensation
Gain-up, if available, can brighten up a picture, and backlight compensation brightens up someone or something positioned in front of a bright scene, a window for example.
Image stabilisation in camcorders
The slightest hand or arm movement can cause a shaking effect when shooting with a camcorder, especially when you've zoomed far in.
All our HD camcorders come with a stabilisation function, which removes minor shakiness.
Some of these work better than others, and some have unwanted side effects – loss of sharpness or resolution, for example.
Electronic image stabilisation versus optical image stabilisation in camcorders
Typically, you'll see two types of image stabilisation in camcorders. The first is optical stabilisation, also known as mechanical stabilisation. This creates a small mechanical adjustment, usually within the lens, that compensates for trembling motions as they're detected.
The second type of stabilisation is electronic, or digital stabilisation. This works differently, and the exact method can vary between manufacturers and models. In some cases, it adjusts recorded image, slightly cropping it in the process, to keep a degree of steadiness. This isn't always as effective as mechanical stabilisation.
Unless you’re using a tripod, keep image stabilisation turned on, however, as the pros usually far outweigh the cons.
A good external microphone can really improve sound quality
Sound quality with camcorders
Sound quality on camcorders isn't always great. Some, but not all, camcorders allow you to attach an external microphone which often, but not always, significantly improves sound quality.
Modern camcorders are becoming more and more compact, which makes them great in terms of portability. However, one of the downsides is that the internal microphones have to become smaller, and often manufacturers remove the external-mic connection points in a effort to downsize.
Camcorder built-in mics are susceptible to picking up wind noise, which can end up being quite annoying when you are playing back your video.
To this end, most camcorders have a wind-filter function that cuts this wind noise significantly.
However, it can sometimes cut other sound, so when you are indoors or somewhere where there is no wind, switch this function off if you are able to.
Overall, wind filters work really well and the pros far outweigh the cons.
Most HD camcorders also have zoom mics. When the feature is switched on, the mic will pick up sound from further and further away the more you zoom in.
Some HD camcorders also offer a surround-sound recording setting, for playback on a home cinema system.
This is a nice feature, though often you need to transfer the footage to computer first and undergo a conversion process using supplied software before you can take advantage of it.
Still photos
Most camcorders can take still photos. Quality is still short of what you can expect from a good dedicated , but the gap is closing.
Keep in mind that a camcorder isn't as intuitive a device to hold for still photo captures as a camera tends to be. Having to hold a camcorder and look into the LCD screen to compose a shot can make it a challenge to achieve blur-free photos.
For maximum convenience, look for those recording onto memory card for easy transfer to computer.