When you are buying a camcorder, the first order of business is to define what you are using it for. If you are a film maker wanting high def footage to edit a film, this article is not geared towards you. The entertainment industry is constantly changing and reinventing itself so it will be advantageous for you to read a trade magazine. I will gear this article toward the average consumer.

1. Know your medium. There are several different types of camcorders. It is rare to see the prehistoric cameras on the market that held VHS tapes. Now, more popular are DVD, MiniDV camcorders, hard drives, and memory sticks.. For practical purposes a miniDV is your best bet. Memory sticks don't have nearly enough memory and have grainy images. MiniDV is convenient, holds about 60 min of footage for around $5, and produces professional looking, clear images.

2. Know what features you want. If you are not electronically inclined, you may want to look for a camera that you simply need to turn on and go. With auto-focus, most everyone can operate a camcorder and get focused images. Pay attention to the microphone on the camera and ask for a demonstration. A lot of microphones on these camera pick up a lot of atmosphere sound, including the mechanics operating the camera.

3. Check it's low light performance. Since most home videos are recorded indoors without the assistance of a professional lighting crew, make sure you buy a camera that has some kind of feature to allow optimal picture for low light situations.

4. Forget about the mexapixels. Mexapixels on a video camcorder have no bearing on the picture unless you plan to shoot still photography. Instead, focus on the lens size and quality and how many chips are in your camera. The more chips, and the thicker they are equal better picture quality.

5. Is it the size you want. Make sure you purchase a camcorder that is feasible for what you need it for. A giant HD camera with wide angle lenses is really unnecessary for your son's baseball game. If you plan to carry your camera often, opt for a smaller size. Also, be aware of how heavy and bulky your camera is. If it's difficult to hold, you will probably be left with shaky videos, so make sure you buy something that you can hold comfortably and steady.

6. Ask to test the camera. Before you purchase an expensive camcorder, ask your sales associate to let you get a feel for the camera. Have them demonstrate all the options and explain all of it's functions.

7. Be sure to ask what accessories your camera comes with. Some cameras have limited battery life and need some sort of extension. Be sure your equipment comes with a recharger, the appropriate cords, and some sort of carrying case.

The best advice I can give if you are in the market for a camcorder is to do your research. Shop for a good price, with a reputable company, and for a camera that has a good reputation with solid customer service.

Learn more about this author, Molly Carter.
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