Glossary of terms for Camcorders
- Output Interfaces
- Weight
- Optical Sensor
- Min Illumination
- Image Stabilizer
- Min Shutter
- Max Shutter
- White Balance
- LCD Size
- Memory Type
- Viewfinder
- Resolution
- Recording Format
- Focus
- Optical Zoom
- Lens Aperture
Output Interfaces
Indicates what type of port the camcorder has for connection to a computer or other video device. Can be: S-Video, headphones jack, Composite, USB, A/V out.
Weight
Weight of the camcorder including memory card and batteries.
Optical Sensor
The sensor is the chip which records light falling on it, in the camcorder. There are two main types of image sensors: CCD (charge-coupled device) and CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor). CMOS are generally cheaper to produce and consume less power, but are also less sensitive than CCD. However both produce roughly the same quality image.
Min Illumination
Min illumination is the minimum light requirement for recording or take pictures and is measured in lux. The lower the number of lux, the better the picture the camcorder will produce in low light environments.
Image Stabilizer
Image stabilizer (IS) is a mechanism used to removes most of the shakiness typically seen on handheld video cameras. Can be: optical or digital.
Min Shutter
The shutter speed of a camcorder depends on two variables: the size of the lens and the actual timing of the shutter, opening and closing. These two factors work as a team to control the amount of light that enters the camcorder. Min Shutter Speed is measured in fractions on a shutter speed dial which illustrates how long the shutter opens and closes in a set period of time. The term "speed" refers to how long the lens remains open. For example, a setting of 1/125 on a shutter speed dial means that the shutter opens and closes within 1/125 of a second.
Max Shutter
The shutter speed of a camcorder depends on two variables: the size of the lens and the actual timing of the shutter, opening and closing. These two factors work as a team to control the amount of light that enters the camcorder. Max Shutter Speed is measured in fractions on a shutter speed dial which illustrates how long the shutter opens and closes in a set period of time. The term "speed" refers to how long the lens remains open. For example, a setting of 1/125 on a shutter speed dial means that the shutter opens and closes within 1/125 of a second.
White Balance
White balance is a name given to a system of color correction to deal with differing lighting conditions (sunny, cloudy, tungsten etc.). Can be Auto (AWB), Preset or Manual.
LCD Size
LCD Size is the length of monitor measured diagonally in inches. A larger LCD panel is desirable for easier recording as well as better viewing when you play back your videos on the camera.
Memory Type
Recording format indicates the method of recording and the type of recording format that the camcorder uses. Can be: miniDV, dvd, hdd, hdv or memory card.
Viewfinder
A viewfinder is an optical or electronic device used to film or take the pictures. The most common is the optical viewfinder and on most camcorders you can also use the LCD screen.
Resolution
Resolution is measured in megapixels and this tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The higher the megapixels, the sharper and more detailed the pictures your digital camcorder can take, and the more you can enlarge them without losing the sharpness of the image.
Recording Format
There are many types of storage media for camcorders, but most models are compatible with only one storage type. The camcorders can use: Memory Stick (Sony), Multi Media Card (MMC) and Secure Digital card (most of the other brands).
Focus
Focus: can be automatic or manual. Autofocus works similar to the human eye, automatically focusing on the main object at which the camcorder is pointed. Manual focus indicates if the camera has a manual focus option so that the user can set the focus accordingly.
Optical Zoom
The optical zoom means how much the lens can actually zoom in to make subjects appear closer. Optical zoom actually enlarges a picture while keeping the resolution and sharpness of the picture high.
Lens Aperture
The aperture is the size of the opening behind the lens of the camcorder. The larger the aperture the more light is allowed in. The diameter of an aperture is measured in f-stops. A smaller f-stop number means a bigger aperture, so more light hits the sensor.