Digital camera or camcorder?

Digital camera buyers who love  to record  video often ask if there is an advantage of using a camcorder instead of a digital camera to make movies. The answer is complicated.

It depends on who you most: the video shot or shoot stills.

Memory and video recording

Many camcorders come with built-in hard drives, or the use of mini-DVD, etc. These amount to large data recording easier, that films of high quality drinking faster memory. For example, my Canon S2 made great movies at 640 × 480 with stereo sound (VGA equivalent), but 8 minutes take up to 1GB of data.

Some digital cameras offer a higher compression ratio, but at the expense of quality. The MPEG4 format is generally regarded as offering the best balance between quality and size (1 GB of data allows the user about 30 minutes of video). However, MPEG4 edition will always create image artifacts, something you will not get a lower compression ratio (referring to the S2, this camera uses MJPEG format, which is almost non-compressed). Camcorders sometimes use MJPEG, MPEG4, sometimes, and some give you the choice.

Remember that once you have uploaded videos on your computer, processing, editing, cut pieces, added titles and more, you can always save the final version in a compressed format to save space on your memory HDD or DVD.

Some free video editing programs such that  WMM, you can control compression. Just remember to balance compression and quality at a level that is acceptable for viewing.

In general, it is unnecessary to film a sequence of high quality sub-sample is too late. You can further improve the compression significantly. The MJPEG format can be compressed to about 25% of its original size without any visible loss of image quality.

Keep in mind that an appropriate level of compression depends on the intended use: an HDTV will require a much better quality than the display a video online.
camera equipment

The lens of a camera often but not always, provide more zoom. You should be aware of the opening, which can be limited with a camcorder.

Many digital cameras do not allow you to zoom while recording video, but most camcorders do. Be aware, however, that the two systems, manufacturers often boost the zoom claimed join using the digital zoom. Without exception, the use of a digital zoom should be avoided because it reduces the image quality / resolution.

Some camcorders are equipped with a lamp to illuminate a scene, which is very useful for low light movies. No camera offers this feature as of this writing. Remember that just like a camera flash, a lamp will not be very useful if the subject is very far.

Many camcorders also have a swivel LCD screen than AIDS in the development of shooting video. Some cameras (especially but not exclusively, from Canon) also offer this feature, which many find very useful.

HD cameras / camcorders

Some companies offer real hybrid film / stills cameras. They are high quality, high definition video and are also able to take still images satisfactorily. Depending on your needs, they might be a good solution. Check the quality of the image before deciding.

Digital camera or camcorder dedicated?
For occasional filming, a digital camera may be all it takes. Whatever you decide, but make sure it has optical image stabilization. Optical image stabilization helps prevent camera movement during the shooting.

If you want  to shoot video first, a dedicated camera offers features most relevant. Whatever you choose, start by making a list of characteristics that are important to you.

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