Video Cameras

Saving your precious memories of previous events is so important. You may have photographs of those events, but, you want something that can give a better understanding of the mood and aura of the occasion. Using video cameras or a digital camcorder is another solution. Video cameras can of course be used for shooting various events such as birthday parties, holiday gatherings, baby steps, travel at tourist destinations, and even school plays. Also they can be used for recording events that are happening in your field of expertise or even your message to your sites visitors.

A video camera is preferred over an analog camcorder because of the various benefits that it offers including the following:

• It records high quality videos with superior color combinations and audio. It records about three times more data than an analog camcorder.
• It is less affected by external signals such as noise and timing errors, thus producing videos of exceptional quality.
• There is no loss of data when you transfer a digital video from the camcorder to the computer and then copy it to different sources such as your computer, a compact disc or even to the internet.

Digital Camcorder Articles:

	Camcorder Accessories The first step to getting good quality home videos is purchasing a digital camcorder. The next steps to filming your videos will include several camcorder accessories that will make using your camera easier and more enjoyable, and accessories that will transfer your film to your computer and enhance the look and sound quality, and different editing equipment.
	Video Shooting Hardware I went shopping for some video shooting hardware. I have no equipment before - so I needed everything to start making my simple basic web video. Here is a picture of all the stuff I got!

Fun Camcorder Videos:

	4x4 - Fun, Sun & Snow A 4 wheeling day in the Icelandic highlands. Allow yourself to flow with the music on this fun filled day of snow and sun. Get a feeling of off roading on snow and ice. This is as good as it gets!
	Video: I Love My SBI The winner of the SiteSell video contest has been announced. Add songwriting and music making to the complexity and thought put into producing an interesting and fast paced video. A catchy song and a catchy video. Thumbs up.
	Video: Critters In Cyberspace Here is my second try for the grand prize in the SiteSell iVideo design contest. It should be a little bit better than my first try at making a video.  This is shot in the low sun of the Icelandic winter. I know it is not perfect so I asked for some feedback on the most serious issues...
	Video: Using Site Build It! Here is my shot at glory in the SiteSell iVideo design contest. It is my first try at making a video so please don't laugh. There are already a bunch of great videos from other SBIers. Seeing all the fantastic and earnest entries has been great. I now have a feeling I know just how much effort went into each entry.

Selecting Your Video Camera:

Choose a video camera that suits your requirements. If you are a beginner at video shooting, you should purchase a simple camcorder that can be used at home and normal outings. You need not waste money in buying a professional camcorder having complex controls, most of which will never be used by you.

Consider these specifications as necessary when choosing a digital camcorder:

• Brand: Choose a brand that you trust - Sony, Canon, JVC or Panasonic. You can also ask your friends about the brands of digital camcorders they have and get their input.
• IEEE 1394 Standard: This cable, also known as Firewire or iLink, will enable you to transfer the video from the camcorder to a hard disk without any deterioration in quality.
• Mic: Sound quality is usually a problem with the small camcorders. Using a proper microphone is highly recommended. Make sure your new camcorder is equipped with a input marked with "Mic".
• Format: Select a miniDV or the newer hard disk models.
• Optical zoom: An optical zoom of greater than 10X should be preferred.
• CCD: A 1/6 inch or larger CCD will capture the scene properly. Your camcorder should have at least 340,000 pixel video resolution. Higher resolution gives better quality video. 3 CCD camcorders are the best but the price is also higher.

The nice to haves:

• Image stabilizer: Small form factor of digital camcorders makes them easy to shake. That would mean blurring of the video if it were not for the optical image stabilizer.
• LCD monitor: LCD monitors can be used as viewfinders. LCD screens that can be rotated by 360 degrees will enable you to see what your are shooting.
• Illumination rating: It should have an illumination rating of 7 lux or lower.
• Photo mode: A separate slot for memory card will enable you to take photographs when desired.
• Focus controls: An automatic focus is necessary - especially if you are a beginner. However, as you learn the art of video shooting, your camcorder should also have a manual focus which will allow you to play with camcorder and focus it on the object you wish to.

Thrandur Arnthorsson