The Iron Giant

 

Camcorder checklist
Planning to buy a camera for producing QuickTime? It's time to get out some paper, sharpen a pencil or two, and get down to the serious business of comparing features.

When you begin to compare video cameras, the number of choices can be daunting. The first thing to decide is what tape format you want to use. This will narrow your search somewhat, and will prevent you from trying to compare apples and oranges.

Once that decision has been made, there are still a host of variables to consider. One technique is to ask yourself the following questions:

  • How heavy is the camera? is the camera too heavy to hold for extended periods? Will you spend more time worrying about carrying the camera than worrying about what you are recording?
  • How does the camera feel? is the camera comfortable to hold and operate?
  • Where are the major controls? Can you find the stop record and start record buttons quickly and easily? Can you operate the focus and zoom manually without taking your eyes away from the viewfinder? What about the Autofocus and power zoom (if there is one?)
  • Does the camcorder have other controls? Are these controls simple and easy to operate, or will they make operating the camera more confusing?
  • Can you tell if it is recording? The most frustrating thing is to be videotaping - and suddenly realize that the camera isn't even rolling.
  • What about sound? Can another microphone be connected? Where is the plug, and what kind is it? Is there a plug to monitor sound with headphones? Can you control the audio levels?
  • Is the power zoom smooth in both manual and powered modes? Is the power zoom quiet?
  • How difficult is it to connect the camcorder to other equipment?
  • How long do the batteries last? how long does it take to charge a battery? Is there a separate adapter? What do batteries cost? (You should have at least two.) Does the camcorder give you any indication in the viewfinder that your battery is getting low?

| Multimedia Workshop | Industry News | Online Reference | Contact Us | Find |

Copyright 1998 by Multimedia Workshop. All rights reserved