There are many different kinds of camcorders, for good reason.  From the old to the latest technology, each type of camcorder serves a purpose.  Before shopping for a camcorder it will pay you to know the ins and outs of the different types.

Clarity should be a big consideration if you want quality movies.  Lines of resolution are a measure for the clarity and quality of a picture and the more you have, the sharper the images.  While big-screen digital televisions have either 720 or 1,080 lines of resolution, analog (non-HD) TV uses 525 lines.  That comparison represents quite a difference in picture quality.  Camcorder picture quality depends on the lines of resolution of which each style is capable.

VHS (Video Home System) camcorders are fast losing support, both for their bulkiness, weight and because the movies can only be played back on the VHS systems that are becoming obsolete.  The camcorders produce tapes with 240-260 lines (or resolution), resulting in a grainy picture quality. You won’t be able to buy any new VHS units, only used ones. VHS uses half-inch tape to record that are roughly the size of a paperback book.  After recording you can remove the tape and insert it in a VCR (also outdated) for viewing the 120-minute movie.  VHS-C offers the same resolution but come in smaller sizes.  The recording format is also identical in all but size, about the dimensions of a tri-fold wallet.  A VHS-C records only forty minutes of tape and requires that you transfer the recording to a VHS tape for viewing.  Both units offer basic wide and close range focus but little else and both are now very, very inexpensive due to lack of technological support and the better video quality of the newer camcorders.

The big advantage to the VHS camcorders is the price.  Since only used ones are available you can get one for as little as $20.  But besides having outdated technology, VHS camcorders’ footage can deteriorate over time.  If you have movies on VHS tapes or are still using the camcorders it would be a good idea to transfer your footage onto DVD format.

8mm camcorders are a step up technologically and can record up to five hours of footage.  With better video quality from about 280 lines of resolution, you merely connect this camcorder to your television or VCR system to view the movies.  8mm has better sound quality, less weight and bulk than the VHS camcorders plus a better picture.  You can get an 8mm for a little over $200 and up.

Digital Video camcorders, or MiniDV, fit in the palm of your hand and offer the most vivid colors of all camcorders.  You can connect your MiniDV to your computer for editing and transfer it to a DVD.  A big advantage to this camcorder is  sharing it with family and friends through your website or emailing small clips of select footage.  Transferring the footage to DVD format allows the video to be played through a home entertainment system and with 500 lines of resolution the picture quality is superb. Prices range from $600 to over $1000.

With even better picture quality than the MiniDV, Digital8 boasts 540 lines of resolution and can use 8mm tapes for recording.  The videocassette format isn’t quite as convenient as the MiniDV but because of its picture and sound quality it is frequently used by professional videographers.  D8 camcorders allow you more choices in composition with a variety of lenses and settings and rather than looking through a sight, D8 offers a foldout screen.  If high-quality picture and sound are your priorities, D8 is something you might want to look into.  Prices start at about $270 new with used units much less. 

The latest innovation in camcorders is the digital videodisc, or DVD camcorder.  These are very popular due to their small size and weight, about the size of a digital camera.  Because they use DVDs to record, they are also thinner than other camcorders that use tape.  The size is a distinct advantage if travelling and by using DVD discs to record you can play back the footage on your DVD home system without having to transfer from tape.  The picture and sound quality of DVD camcorders has been deemed the best available at over 500 lines of resolution and carry a price range of $400-900.

Your needs may be as simple as straight video recording or you may need a variety of lenses and angles for your recording.  Perhaps you need to mount the camcorder on a tripod or need the small, easily storable recoding media of a digital camcorder.  However, as you can see, there are as many camcorders as there are needs for them.  It’s best to shop around and try out a few models before making a decision on which one is right for you.