Taking The Next Step Camcorders Techniques
WOW your audience amd make you feel like a pro by taking the next step and using advanced techniques
From citizen journalism to video blogging to funny YouTube clips, people are shooting video to serve any number of needs, and they’re shooting it on DSLRs, iPhones and webcams, while exporting it to everything from Blu-ray discs to streaming servers.
high definition camcorders have imported the best features from your computer and DSLR
Optical Image Stabilisation
Sometimes an old fashioned mechanism can better results than the latest digital technology
We now get digital video, digital cameras, digital TV and everything else is now binary. its easy to assume that anything with digital in the name is inherently superior to it’s analogue or mechanical predecessors, but optical Image stabilisation is a powerful exclusion to the rule,
One can perform all the right positioning , your hands will sometimes shake , while you’re shooting, and the resulting twitches and tremors will show up in your footage, particularly if you we zoomed the shot even a little, The standard Digital Image stabilization found On most camcorders uses a small buffer zone of pixels around the edge the (CD to compensate for shake. 015 analyses your shots frame by frame, looking for unwanted motion and adjusting which pheels are ‘live’ in each shot to make sure that the edge the frame remains undifferentiated throughout a clip. Its an effective system, but between the fact that it does all the work processing after the image has already passed through the it rends to be slow to react whilst occasionally kicking in when you don’t want jt to, resulting in a stuttering effect on your panning shots. Fortunately, mid range and high end cams tend to feature good old fashioned Optical Image Stabilisation, which works actually moving the Imaging equipment it in the camera as film, either moving the cco in relation tome lens, or the elements in relation to each other Because Optical Image Stabilisation happens as you shoot and is a response to genuine movement as opposing to the camcorder’s interpretation of movement the result is a smooth, nuisance free way of steadying shots.
Optical image stabilisation is a smooth, trouble free way of steadying your shots:’
Optical Zoom
Another example of a mechanical solution that is better than its digital counterpart optical zooms should be at the top of your shopping list
It is seen that optical stabilisation as an old method , is better than its modern counterpart , An optical zoom screams its superiority from the rooftops through a loudhailer. That’s not to say that there aren’t times when a digital zoom comes in very handy, but the difference between the workings of an optical and a digital zoom is often the difference between good and bad quality footage as well.
An optical zoom works in a similar fashion to a telescope, by altering the distance between lens elements or, in most cases, the lens and the COD in order to alter the focal length and angle of view in the shot, compressing the foreground to bring distant objects closer, A Digital Zoom, on the other hand simply magnifies the picture detail that has already been recorded, spreading the information contained on one pixel over several. This has the advantage of magnifying an image without the need for a huge lens barrel for the lens elements to move around in, but also has the disadvantage of spreading the same amount of picture information over a larger area, resulting in a loss of resolution that starts off almost unnoticeable, but will eventually torn your shots into something that re5embles soft focus footage of a Lego village. Digital zooms can be useful in moderation, and the big numbers (500x digital zoom etc.) sound impressive, but an optical zoom produces a far superior image.
Mic Attenuation
Improving the quality of camcorder microphones has created new challenges
In the past microphone seemed come across to be an afterthought. Even the big names in camcorder manufacturers , the microphone were poor , constructed from tatty, unshielded components and prone to hissing and spitting as if every bit of footage you recorded came across as bad.
Manufactures slowly began to improve the quality of mics , due tech advances and videomakers where camcorders can record in pseudo-surround sound, or zoom the pick-up pattern of their shotgun mic to record better long distance audio, You can even forego the onboard mic entirely and plug in a high quality external Unfortunately, the upshot of all this is that while we can now record significantly better sound, it has also become much harder to do so.
Camcorder microphones have gone from being the weakest link in the chain to one of the strongest picking up a range and volume of noise far greater than the camcorder’s circuitry can process without overloading; fortunately, there are all sorts of features that will help out, most notably in the form of Mic Attenuation. In the simplest terms, Mic Attenuation just seems to turn down the volume of your camcorder, but in actual fact switching your Nic Attenuation on is dropping the microphone’s sensitivity by as much as 30Db. Where a volume pickup reduction would wipe out the quietest of noises, Mic Attenuation works by making sure that the loudest of noises recorded stay within the tolerance of the camcorder’s circuitry, meaning that you avoid distortion or complete audio blackouts from massive audio peaks, Mic Attenuation is handy in situations where you want the effect of Audio Gain Control without the annoyance? of monitoring the audio, but it really comes into its own at concerts and stage shows where you’ll be recording your audio from a particularly powerful source such as an external microphone or by cable from a mixing desk.
Advanced Features Mini Buyers’ Guide
When it comes to optical zoom ratios, there are some camcorders that by going that extra millimeters.
lOx is the usual magnification on a camcorder, and the most common extent of an optical zoom by a landslide,.Until recently, it wasn’t uncommon to find the occasional camcorder with a 22x or 25x zoom as its strongest selling point, and even in these days of ultra-compact camcorder chassis you can still find the odd model that goes a little bit further than lOx. Camera operators use their zoom as a composition device, an aid to concentrate, for dramatic effect or simply just to close the distance between them and their subject Whether you’re filming play from the back row, doing a bit of long distance wildlife photography or simply trying to crash zoom for effect, here is our pick of the five camcorders that go that little bit further.
Sanyo Xacti VPC-TH1
While the VPC-TH1 has the lowest genera score of all the models in this round up, it offers far and away the most power for your pound when it comes to choosing a camcorder or it’s zoom ratio. The TH1 will set you back £18O/ $260 quid, for which you’ll get a market leading 30x optical zoom,
Canon Legria HF200
Next up is the HFZOO, a Canon cam that earned itself an awards for it’s excellent design and image quality, but which also offers you a very impressive 15x optical zoom,
Sony HDR- XRS2O
One of Sony’s flagship models, the XR25O is packed to hilt with high end features and it also has a 1 2x optical zoom.
Sony HDR-CX520
The CX520 complements it’s excellent video and stills image quality with an array of useful features, not least of which is a 2x zoom.
Panasonic HOC H5300
A 12 x zoom is just one of the reasons why the HS300 earned top scores for features, handling and execution,
About the Author
A guide to affordable flip camcorders on the market , Including the new flip slide hd camera
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Productive Home Security Prducts SG-20 – SecureShot MicroEyes $249.95 Introducing MicroEyes – the smallest most powerful line of real time – 30fps – High Resolution Color Low Light Motion Activated Time and Date Stamped camcorders on the planet. Only the size of a ping pong ball MicroEyes is totally self contained. Records video-audio on a micro sd card for playback on your PC or TV-Monitor. Internal Li-polymer battery recharges via USB port. Records 24 hours … |
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GSI Super Quality Portable Wireless RF Radio Frequency Detector With Built In Flashlight – Finds Hidden Bugs, Cameras, Mobile Phones Etc. – Pocket Size $39.99 Safety And Privacy Is What This New Model From GSI Is Designed For. Detects Immediately Any Hidden Wireless Devices Placed Around Your Home. Easy, User Friendly And Affordable, It Is A Great Alternative To Other Pricier Models Out There!… |
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Stereo Condenser Microphone for Camcorders-U75734 AUDIO TECHNICA STEREO CONDENSERCAM MIC CONDENSER CAM MICFor camcorders with an accessory shoe and stereo microphone input Lightweight, portable design with rugged all-metal construction Pair of cardioid condenser elements provides spatial impact and high-fidelity stereo sound image Battery-free operation when used with recording devices that provide plug-in power at the mic inputPermanently attach… |
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Olympus ME-52W Noise Canceling Microphone $11.99 The ME-52W plugs directly into your digital recorder”s 3.5mm microphone jack for uni-directional recording in high-noise environments. It will cut down on much of the background noise and result in a more accurate transcription…. |
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3.5mm Hands Free Computer Clip on Mini Lapel Microphone $0.01 3.5mm Hands Free Computer Clip on Mini Lapel Microphone This is a 3.5mm hands Free clip on mini lapel microphone that makes you chat in comfort while using Skype, VOIP, gaming, video conferencing, or while recording your notes. This hands free microphone allows you hand-free comfort, just plugs into a standard 3.5mm jack, and clips it on to your shirt, tie, or pocket. Features: |
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Cyber Acoustics AC-840 Internet Communication USB Mono Headset $19.99 Direct Noise Canceling Microphone TechnologyAmbidextrous design (wear on right or left side)180 degree microphoneAdjustable headbandAdjustable boom arm… |
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Wireless Color Spy Video Camera Complete Package $24.94 This is a worlds smallest yet most powerful wireless camera of its kind. New high power 2.4 GHz technology provides 300 feet range with solid stability. Great for portable video surveillance or for hobbies…. |
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Disney Flix Video Camera $36.33 Calling all aspiring movie directors! With the Disney Flix Video Camcorder, you can bring your dreams to life by shooting and editing your very own movies. What’s more, you can screen your films at home or e-mail them to your friends and family!The Disney Flix Video Camcorder is a cinch to use with one-touch record and instant playback. Not sure where to begin with your movie? No problem, storyboa… |
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Victorious Microphone Stand with Victorious Portable Karaoke System $69.99 A portable karaoke system made for a star! Enjoy singing your heart out on this Victorious Portable Karaoke System from Sakar…. |
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ContourHD 1080p Helmet Camera $199.00 … |