You can have a lot of fun with camcorders, especially with new digital brands that let you transfer your footage onto a computer for easy editing and fun augmentation. The possibilities are endless and transforms a computer to that akin to becoming the director of your own films. You can turn your family movies into nostalgic hits that everyone can enjoy. Whatever you choose to do, chances are that digital recording equipment can make it happen.
Buying a Digital Camcorder
The first step in exploring what you can do with the new generation of camcorders is, of course, to buy one. As you begin shopping, you will notice the huge number of options that are available. Once you get comfortable with the way digital cameras work and feel that you are ready to move to a higher level of film making, then you may want to buy a more advanced model. In order to get started, you really just need a basic digital camcorder and the software to do the editing.
You’ll want to know about things like:
* Digital recording format: Does the camcorder record for capabilities with DV tape, DVD-R, MiniDV tape, DVD-RAM or Hard Drive?
* Still imaging recording format: Does the camcorder use secure digital recording, a multimedia card, a memory stick duo type or a standard memory stick type of recording?
* Price: How much does the camcorder cost and what comes with that cost? Does it cover any recording software or a memory stick?
* Manufacturer: Is it a Sony, Canon digital, JVC, Panasonic, etc.?
After you have some of these basic questions answered, you should be more equipped to make a choice. Most reliable cameras with a decent set of software and recording equipment will end up running less than $800, but there are some that are priced less than $500 such as the Canon Digital that runs around $300. For the best value, you should be prepared to spend a good amount of money and make your camcorder a solid investment. It could last you quite a long time.
Software
After you’ve purchased your camcorder, get some computer accessories to go with it so that you can start editing your footage. PC World is a good place to start looking for an assortment of accessories to go with your camcorder. At www.pcworld.com, you can find a ton of information about your specific camera and the software that best goes with it.
Even though camcorders are now smaller and offer more recording features than ever before, the most important development in their technology has been in the editing software. The ability to take digital recordings and edit them has opened up an entirely new set of creative doors for users. The ability to delete, move, save and alter footage with software products like Final Cut Studio and Adobe Production Studio puts the power to create images into the hands of everyday people.
