So how will converters affect the creative control you want over your video? In addition to bringing distant objects closer, zoom-in or telephoto converters with longer focal lengths tend to flatten perspective. All the elements in your shot seem to be closer together than they actually are. They also shrink the depth of field of your shots. Depth of field is the area within your frame that is actually in focus, and you will be able to keep your subject in focus while the background is out of focus. A word of warning: always use a tripod when zooming in tight, especially when using a telephoto converter, as zooming in magnifies even the slightest movement.

Wide-angle converters with shorter focal lengths have effects opposite to those of telephoto converters. A wide-angle converter broadens your camera's field of view and allow you to see more than the camera's built-in lens allows. It also increases perspective, making things in your shot look farther apart than they actually are. It also increase your depth of field, making things both close to the camera and much farther away look in focus.

Other forms of lens adaptors are items that allow you to attach your camera to objects such as telescopes, microscopes, 35mm film cameras and other items. For example, for under $50, Celestron makes an adaptor that allows your camera to attach to any refractor or reflector telescope. With this attachment, you will be able to shoot bright objects in the sky, such as the sun, moon and planets. A little closer to the ground, this attachment can be of great assistance to nature or sports videographers shooting from great distances away.

Attaching your video camera to a microscope works essentially the same way. You will be attaching to either the microscope itself or its eyepiece.

There are even lens adaptors that fit on the front of your camera that contain a small angled mirror and allow you to shoot at a 90-degree angle!

When buying these items, take into account the same considerations as when buying converters. Remember, you're never stuck with the built-in lens on your camcorder. Try to expand (or to compress) your horizons with lens converters or adaptors.

Driving a LANC controller after using the tiny buttons on a camcorder is like riding in a limo after driving a VW all your life. LANCs (for Local Application Control Bus System) take the controls on your camcorder to a new level of professional shots. A LANC has a cable that plugs into a tiny jack on the side of your camera, which then connects to the device that you attach to your tripod's arm. The LANC then takes control of your basic camera buttons. You can smoothly zoom, focus, record or stop recording with a touch of your finger, without touching the camera or bobbling your shot. Event videographers especially like to use these while working with a good tripod that has a fluid head, because they can pan, zoom, focus and compose their shots easily and quickly as the action plays around them. Most LANCs have a large rocker for the zoom controls and either a ring or another rocker for focus. The record, pause, stop and a few other controls are usually easy-to-reach buttons on the device. One of the beauties of using a LANC is you can have the camera set on a very high tripod and not have to stand on your toes to reach the controls. As long as you can see the flip-out viewfinder, you can shoot your picture without getting near the camera.

If you plan to use a LANC in the near future, and you are looking to trade up to a new camcorder, make sure your camcorder has the input for this device. You'll need to research whether the jack on your camera is the same size, as you can't count on a one-size-fits-all design.

Jim Costa has been a professional videographer and editor for over 20 years and has owned his production company since 1994. He has produced thousands of videos, including commercials, corporate projects, events and more.

Click here to download a PDF Manufacturer's list of Videomaker's 2008 Lens Adaptors & Converters Buyer's Guide.