Selecting the Right Camcorder

IN THIS CHAPTER:

Which Format Is Right for You?

Three-Chip Video Quality

The Smaller, the Better

Manual Options

Power to Spare

Zooooom

Variable-Speed Zoom

Color Monitors and Color Viewfinders

Electronic Image Stabilization

External Microphone and Headphone Jacks

Edit Control

Summary

2

Whether you are about to purchase your first camcorder or are ready to upgrade your old clunker for a sleek new model, it pays to know what you are looking for. Although the basics of camcorder design have not really changed all that much over the years, the camcorder on the shelf today has many night-and-day differences from its brethren of yesteryear. So before you plunk down some serious cash or some heavy-duty plastic to go home ...

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