With high quality of resolutions and crystal clear videos, camcorders are most recent digitalized form of old analog video camera where video recording and video capturing was handled separately. Initially tapes and VCR System were used to playback and manipulate their data. Gradually with technology innovation and expansion, those tapes are replaced with optical disks, built-in memory cards, HDD, and solid-state memory. Their size is reduced to smallest level but functionality is reached to their zenith.

A common attribute to all latest camcorders is ‘portability’. One can carry his camcorder along with all accessories conveniently. They are widely used in all sectors like electronic media, entertainment, family events, sports, politics, fashion, and tourists. They have actually changed the lifestyle where people can memorize their golden moments quite easily. Major components of a camcorder are: lens, imager, recorder, auto-focus system, zooming mechanism, and CCD.

Camcorders can be categorized according to their storage and technology. By storage they are divided into three main sections: tape-based camcorders, solid-state camcorders and HDD based camcorders. Technically they are classified as VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, MiniDV, Digital 8 and DVD camcorders. DVD and mini digital video cameras are getting much popularity. In DVD video cameras, data is saved into DVD format and of course quality is also very high. MiniDV are really small in size (only 4 inches) and provides FireWire transformation.

While purchasing camcorders you must take care of their lens quality, size of LCD, zooming capability, lighting features, batteries, warranty period, return policy, additional accessories and other technical details. Your objectives and budget also matters a lot. Discuss your requirements with friends. Sometimes it gives a fair idea to which type of camera best suit you. Price comparison is another good technique to apply and get economical prices.