If you were looking for a digital video camcorder five years ago then a tape unit or possibly mini DVD camcorder were your only real options. These days flash memory camcorders are starting to become more popular with the drop in price of flash memory. When I say flash memory camcorder I'm talking about a flash drive, like an SDHC card or Sony Memory Stick. This isn't the same as flash video which is a proprietary video format from the Adobe company.The flash video cameras have a lot going for them. They're small, some about the size of a deck of cards so they can easily be put into a pocket or purse. They don't have any moving parts, so there's less to break, and you don't have to worry about tapes getting stuck, or getting old. They're light weight as well as being small, and the memory cards are small, much less bulky than even a Mini DV tape.
Digital Video Camera Screen Formats
When camcorders first came out they were big, bulky double units, the camera was one unit and the video recorder was another unit, it was basically a two man operation. The technology has progressed from a shoulder mounted unit to one that can be held in the palm of your hand. Not only are the cameras smaller and easy to use they're also higher quality. Televisions and video in general has moved to the widescreen format older televisions use a 4:3 ratio, the screen is 4 units wide and 3 units tall. Now with the widescreen format, the screen is 16:9 or 16 units wide by 9 units tall. If you're getting a camera make sure it can handle the widescreen format. If you don't, you'll see two black bars on the side when you show it on a widescreen TV or computer monitor. In addition, you might have to wait for your pre-existing software (if you have any) to convert it and put the black bars on the side. It's just a little extra time you'll have to wait. If you use the software that come with the camera though, then it will handle whatever format the camera produces.
Flash Camcorder Video Quality
If you are going to purchase a flash memory digital camcorder be aware that the video quality of the standard definition models might be a little lower than the equivalent tape or hard drive model. In low light the tape models will fare a little better, but in full light the quality will be almost identical. If you'd like high definition you have quite a few models to choose from. Canon, JVC, and Sony all produce HD camcorders with flash memory. Even some of the smaller "one button record" models have high definition video quality. Flip and Creative Labs both produce pocket sized cameras with HD capability and built in memory.
If you're looking to get a video camera in the near future, take a look at the flash memory camcorders, they've got a lot going for them.
Article Source:- EzineArticles.com
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