Buying a Camcorder (page 2)

Maybe you're a creative type. You've had simple camcorders in the past, but you've outgrown their capabilities. As an entry-level professional, you'll certainly edit and sell a few of your videos and perhaps even enter a project or two in a contest.

This is a very interesting category because the lines start to blur between semi-pro and professional equipment.

The single most important element of this unique range is the use of 3-chip image sensors. Most camcorders use one CCD to collect and digitize the image that comes through the lens. A 3-chip camera uses separate CCDs, one each for the red, green and blue portions of the image. Each chip is optimized for its special range of color and collects, digitizes and processes only that part of the image. This dramatically improves the sharpness, color and realism of the recorded image. Due to the special optical elements (i.e. prisms) required to split the image, along with additional circuitry, 3-chip cameras are necessarily more expensive than their single-chip cousins. For instance, an entry-level 3-chip camera could easily cost $1,000 more than a similar single-chip version. The additional expense is well worth the investment if you intend to create professional quality videos.

Another key feature you might look for is XLR audio inputs. The reason for this is simple: professional microphones use XLR audio connections.

In addition to the 3-chip upgrade and XLR inputs, look for manual control of all the creative aspects of video - focus, white balance, exposure, shutter speed and audio levels. While not every camera will contain all options, consider the type of videos you shoot and make sure the camcorder you buy has the most important features for your productions.

While entry-level pros might make some money shooting video, there are some lucky folks who make their living shooting high-end video. This may include wedding videography, corporate training, commercials, infomercials or even independent filmmaking.

Serious work requires a serious camera. Although prices can exceed $6,000, there are a handful of options under that mark that produce high-end broadcast quality. In addition to all the features required by the entry-level professional, a serious camera includes several other options. At this level, look for interchangeable lenses so you can leverage your current collection of glass.

Manual control of all lens, white-balance and exposure settings is mandatory - some cameras even offer storage of all your favorite settings for quick recall. Another requirement: balanced audio connections (XLR) along with phantom power for condenser microphones and advanced metering of audio levels complimented with a beefy headphone amplifier.

None of these requirements come cheap, but the resulting quality of audio and video are unmatched short of HDTV. Remember, the last two Star Wars movies were shot exclusively on video, not film and not many folks have complained about image quality.

If you're upgrading or are considering a future upgrade, don't forget the accessories. Blowing your budget on the most expensive camcorder you can buy is a mistake. Check out the next step up from the manufacturer of your current camera. You may be able to reuse batteries, chargers, filters and other accessories, reducing the effective cost of upgrading. Especially for the shooter moving from casual occasional shooting into videography as a hobby, think about getting a tripod and lights before you search for the magic camera that will win Sundance. We're not trying to talk you out of buying new gear (and we doubt we could), but new technology is not always the answer to old problems.

We've covered quite a range of prices, quality and features in just a short time. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of where you fit on the scale and can make an informed decision when it's time to buy your next camcorder.

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