Camcorders are consumer electronic devices that have as their primary function the capture of both images and sound. The term is an abbreviation for video camera recorder. These units combine a video recorder and a video camera into one unit, usually handheld.
The term can cause confusion. Many electronic devices like cell phones, Apple iPad 2 and digital compact cameras have some limited capability to record both sound and moving images. The iPad also allows some video editing applications. Camcorders were originally designed to capture images for broadcast via television, particularly news teams.
Not all video devices provide lens zoom, manual adjustments, autofocus or external-audio input. Few if any can capture to high quality, standard TV-video resolutions (like 480p60, 720p60 or 1080i30). Instead they produce output in lower quality record in either non-TV resolutions (like 320×240 or 640×480 and so on). They also usually provide slow frame-rates (like 30 frames per second or even slower at 15fps).
The first digital format unit, known as D1, was released a few years later in 1986 by Sony. Images were recorded and stored in uncompressed form and needed a very large amount of memory storage space. Data compression for video was introduced in 1992.
Digital units divide into tape-based or tapeless. Tape-based models are now rare having been replaced by digital storage media such as SD cards, flash memory or their own dedicated internal hard disk drive. Virtually all consumer models are sold with basic video editing software. Users can use this software to edit their content and create DVDs.
In 1995 a group of camcorder manufacturers collectively launched the DV codec as a standard format for home videos and independent filmmaking. In 2000, Panasonic expanded the DV codec by launching its DVCPRO HD. This format was targeted at the professional market for the production of high definition videos. It used DVCPRO full-sized cassettes and was expensive.
In 2003, Sony, JVC, Canon and Sharp improved on the DVCPRO HD system when they launched HDV. This system was the first affordable high definition video format based on inexpensive MiniDV tape cassettes.
There is an incredibly large choice of camcorders to meet the needs of both hobbyist consumers and dedicated professionals. They now form part of the regular equipment used by families and tourists as well as media professional. Review services like Kelkoo can assist users more quickly find the model that best meets their needs.
Check out our site for more information about the features and benefits of camcorders, now. You can also get tips on how to easily compare camcorders online, today.
Tags: buy camcorders, camcorder, camcorders, cheap camcorders, compare camcorders, technology
The info on this blog is handy.