Getting Started: Your Camcorder's Buttons

If you've ever looked at the number of buttons on your camcorder and wondered just what the heck they do, you're not alone. Most people, intimidated by the sheer number of buttons, find it easier to just point and shoot. But these buttons are what control many of the advanced features (that you paid good money for) on your camcorder - features that can help you produce superior video.

On many camcorders, a single button or knob controls a number of these functions through a menu. We will continue to refer to unique buttons for each function, but you may instead access their controls as individual selections within your camcorder's menu.

You're probably most familiar with the "record" button that resides close to one of your thumbs, as you hold your camcorder. There might be one or two others that you've come to familiarize yourself with as well. Your camcorder has a whole slew of buttons, though, that control much of your unit's functionality. In the following pages, we'll push the most common camcorder buttons just to see what h…

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