Decoding Camera Buttons (page 2)
The End Results
We've come a long way since the old days of those bulky VHS camcorders. While there are many more buttons to remember and use, the results are more than worth the trouble. Especially when it's time to sit back and watch all those great memories that you've just taken.
Marshal M. Rosenthal is a technology/entertainment writer whose experience in the industry spans 20+ years.
Sidebar One: Secrets of the Camcorder
It's great that camcorders have gotten so small, but now there's barely enough room for all of the parts that are needed. One way the camcorder makers get around this is by hiding things that you don't need when you're shooting. Here are some places to check for more controls:
- Under the LCD Panel
The way the camcorder's LCD panel lies flush against the body is pretty cool in itself, but it also might conceal a bunch of buttons. You also might find a small compartment hidden there as well. This is where a long-lasting button battery goes. This battery keeps a small piece of memory powered to save your menu changes and settings. - On the Bottom of the Camera
While you'd think there isn't anything more on the bottom of the camera than a tripod socket, in some cases that's where the slot is hidden for the memory storage card that is used to store digital photos. This slot is usually covered by a rubber or plastic runner that is either released by a tab or pulling up. - On a Menu
If you can't find it anywhere else, check the menu system. It may be inconvenient, but there just can't be a button for everything.
Sidebar Two: Optical Zoom
Cameras often feature a combination of optical as well as digital zooms. The difference is that an optical zoom uses the actual lens glass to magnify a scene, while the digital zoom takes the image and magnifies it electronically instead. You can turn this feature on and off on one of your menus, but the actual zoom rocker switch will automatically engage the digital zoom after the optical zoom is maxed out.
Sidebar Three: Hidden Camera Outputs
Transferring video from the camcorder requires outputs, and lots of them. The audio and video outputs (which often double as inputs) frequently hide behind some sort of plastic door. Look for the FireWire port and the mike and headphone jacks hidden in the same place as well.
