Below we’ve listed three main categories of usage, a broad overview of the main features appropriate to that use, and an idea of what you should expect to pay. Features are explained in more depth in the following section.
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| Top Range - Budding Movie Maker |
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Physically larger |
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3 CCD's |
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Feature rich
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Good zoom |
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High definition
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Aroxo’s Top Video Cameras
Here is a list of some of the best and most popular video cameras on Aroxo. Simply click on an image to view more details about the product. You can also view our
Top 10 Video Cameras here.
Top Brands of Video Cameras on Aroxo
Video cameras continue to be dominated by Sony and Canon who constantly innovate with smaller units and advanced features. The likes of Panasonic, Samsung, JVC and Toshiba are now gaining share with standard models aimed at the mass market.
Key Buying Considerations:
Whilst size and prices continue to fall the amount of features incorporated into these palm sized gadgets continues to rise. From high definition and image stabilisation to night vision we explain all below.
Recording Format:
There are three main formats; MiniDVs, DVDs and Memory Sticks. MiniDVs hold a good amount of data and are best if you want to do video editing as they retain image quality better, but you’ll need to burn them to DVD or connect direct to a TV to watch. DVDs can be played straight away in most DVD players, but they don’t hold as much data as tapes and are slow to start up in the camcorder. Memory sticks can hold a lot of data but are expensive compared to the other formats.
Zoom:
Most Camcorders quote optical and digital zoom magnifications, but the former is the important one as the latter simply enlarges pixels, meaning the picture quality suffers. On maximum digital zoom the result will often be unwatchable.
Image Stabilisation:
Camcorders will have either electronic or optical stabilisation. Optical is the better of the two and some of the poorer electronic ones will suffer loss of image sharpness especially on zoom.
Editing:
If you want to edit your videos you'll want a Camcorder with a Firewire connection or similar, as USB connections are slower and can suffer from data loss on moving images. Some Camcorders allow editing on the camera, but functions will be minimal.
Manual Overrides:
These will allow you to control focus, exposure and shutter speed manually to get great footage in any conditions..
Microphone:
Most Camcorders have microphones built in, but some feature external ones which give better sound quality, as they pick up less internal and wind noise.
Image Quality:
In Camcorders this is controlled by CCDs (charge coupled devices). The more you have of them, the bigger they are and the more pixels each one has, the better the quality.
High Definition:
Some of the more expensive models will record in high definition.
Other features:
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| Digital Stills: |
Some Camcorders can take still photos too, though the quality will not be as good as a dedicated digital camera. |
| Pre-set Modes: |
Each mode automatically adjusts shutter speed, exposure and focus to suit specific shots such as landscape or portrait |
| Low Light Settings: |
Features such as night mode, video lamp, Gain-up and backlight compensation, will all help your Camcorder in low light. |
| Night Vision: |
Allows you to film in total darkness using infrared light. |
Special Effects
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Can be used to enhance your footage and range from strobe light to black and white.
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Whether you want to shoot the next hit film, record a holiday or family wedding for posterity, or just post embarrassing videos of your friends on You Tube, you’ll want to get yourself a Camcorder. They're lighter and easier to use than when they first hit the market, and have greatly improved picture and sound quality. And what’s more there's even a whole raft of editing software available to help you perfect your masterpiece. 
