Cams!

John Devcic
December 2007

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This year we have broken down the categories by size, so how much does size matter? Read on to find out. Don't forget to take a look at our comprehensive grids, which will help you narrow down your choices.

Like the oversized vehicle, camcorders in this category are the big, rugged, professional models. They are large and, most of all, rather heavy. You can expect to pay for all this heft. At this level, price is not the final determination. This category is for videographers who need great picture quality: 3CCD chips only. The Hummer is big, but it has a large fuel tank. In camcorder terms, that equates to a large lens barrel. The Hummer is the ultimate off-road vehicle. These sturdy and heavy-duty camcorders are no different. They can withstand a lot of punishment. This is obviously too much camera for the typical outdoor birthday party. It is, however, the choice of professionals who need a camera they can take anywhere. You should expect to see separate audio channels, and control for each isn't too much to ask. Features, durability and great quality are here at the top-of-the-market segment. These camcorders prove that being big can be a good thing. Eventually, many of the cutting-edge features in these top-of-the-line models will find their way down to our next category in a few years.

This is the camcorder for the semi-pro. This can fit almost any category. Think of this level as the Accord/Camry class of camcorders. Mid-sized camcorders fit into your budget and do a great job. These camcorders will not have the latest and greatest technology, but you don't need that. Dependability and ease of use are what you need, with an affordable price to boot. The prices at this level vary widely, from prices that seem extreme to prices that will make it easy to buy a new camcorder. You can go with the basic no-power-windows-and-a simple-radio mid-sized all the way up to the premium wheels and surround sound stereo. Simply said, features will help determine the price. When it comes to the world of camcorders, the more features your camcorder comes with, the bigger the price tag. Lens specs are key at this level. Make sure you are not overpaying for too much lens zoom capability.

Depending on the camcorder, you can get external jacks for microphones. The better the sound, the better your finished product will be. The bigger the chip in your camcorder, the more money you will spend. You need to keep in mind what you are shooting. You may not need a 3CCD camera, or maybe you do but you don't need a huge, bulky shoulder cruncher. As with the mid-sized car segment, there are many to choose from. All this choice can make it difficult to find just the right camcorder at the right price. Use our grids to help you decide what kind of camcorder you need.

This level is all about small form factor. You want a camera that can be ultra-portable. These camcorders will not be as rugged as the mid-sized or Hummer-sized cameras, but they deliver good performance. This is the camera for the guy or gal who wants to use it occasionally for family events or other occasions. You aren't looking to overpay for a camcorder that you use every now and again. Price is what really separates these camcorders from the mid-sized ones.

Exactly what prices are we talking about? The norm is up to $500, and usually a lot less. Ultra-light, ultra-portable and affordable are the catchwords when describing these camcorders. You are giving up a lot of the prosumer bells and whistles of other more expensive camcorders. You will find some manual adjustments, but not as many as on the other camcorders. You need a camera that you can point and shoot, and you have a viewable picture when you're done. You would be wrong to assume that these camcorders don't do a good job. Like the compact cars of today that offer a good driving experience, the camcorders in this level may surprise you with their good picture quality. So you won't have the choice of adding a separate microphone... the one on the body of the camcorder will have to do.

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