It's ideal to buy a camcorder with 3 imagers (i.e., 3 CCDs or 3 CMOS imagers). However, in many cases, a single, larger imager is better than three itsy-bitsy imagers. For example, a single 1/3" CMOS sensor may produce better-looking images than three 1/6" imagers. This concept is up for debate, depending on the application and which camcorders you're comparing. As a general rule with imagers, always aim for three big ones if you can.

Here's where new technologies are making an impact. Many professionals looking at prosumer camcorders are also looking to edit what they shoot. As such, this is an important topic. Ideally, you will choose a camcorder that will record to a video format and a medium that's easy to use and easy to archive.

Tape-based solutions are easy and inexpensive to archive. Yet video formats such as HDV need to be captured by your editing application. This could add some additional time to the process. If time is of the essence, this might not be the best solution.

Solid-state memory, such as Panasonic's P2 media (e.g., Panasonic AG-HVX200/AG-HPX170, etc.) records several video formats to an advanced memory card. Some of these formats are very edit-friendly, meaning you do not need to transcode them, and you can import them just as quickly as you can transfer them to your editing workstation. Sony also has entered this market with its SxS memory cards. On Sony SxS camcorders (e.g., Sony PMW-EX1/EX3), the video format is an advanced MPEG format that may work seamlessly with your editing software, or you may need to transcode it.

No matter what format you choose, check your editing software to make sure it will edit what you shoot. Additionally, check some user forums to see if members are using this camcorder with the software you plan to use. Ask them what their experience has been. You'll learn a great deal more about how the camcorder's footage works with the software from these users.

There's one thing we haven't talked about yet, and that's price. It will be the biggest factor in your decision. Price was a much bigger hurdle in the professional market before the prosumer camcorder market matured. Today, with much more competition and new emerging technologies, price has gone down. But don't underestimate your costs. A camcorder's price tag typically doesn't include the cost of additional batteries, camcorder bag, media, filters, microphones, etc. If you're starting from scratch, it's not a bad idea to have a look at camcorder packages that include necessary accessories in the price. You might be able to save a few bucks in the end.

Contributing editor Mark Montgomery is an independent video producer.

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