Shoot to thrill

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The idea that you can create your own home movies has always been a seductive one. Suddenly, every family occasion becomes your next masterpiece in the making and even the most mundane event is transformed into one worthy of immortalising on film.

Thirty years ago, your home movies would have been recorded on Super 8 film with blurry images and barely audible sound. Ten years ago, they would have been recorded on analogue videotape, and editing them would involve hours of work and thousands of euro worth of equipment. Now you can buy a moderately priced digital camcorder and make videos good enough to be screened at a film festival. Move over Hollywood – the price of filmmaking is now dramatically lower.

But buying a DV camera isn’t as straightforward as it looks, especially if you are a complete novice in the world of digital video. When considering investing in a camera, it’s best to decide in advance exactly what you are looking for.

If you’ve waited to buy a digital camcorder, you’ve benefited from countless improvements over the past few years. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the photographic jargon. You don’t have to understand the subtleties of exposure, focal length, or depth of field, for instance, in order to purchase the right camcorder; all the consumer models have automatic modes that take care of those things for you. If you do want to be creative and explore these technical subtleties, be sure to ask about the camcorder’s manual settings.

Price is always going to be the ultimate deciding factor when choosing a camera. At the more affordable prince range, you might typically find a 10x optical zoom, the ability to shoot low-resolution still images, and limited low-light capabilities.

As you move up in price, you’ll find more bells and whistles, including longer optical zooms, improved low-light capabilities (with less blurring), the ability to take 1Megapixel or higher still images, and additional manual adjustments.
Pay even more, and you can graduate to the higher-quality video of a three-chip CCD (or charge-coupled device, which is the most prevalent type of image sensor). Most consumer camcorders use a single-chip CCD to capture all three primary colours; three CCD chips means one will be used for each of the primary colours, giving a more accurate colour cast. There is a trade-off, however. In addition to being more expensive, the three-chip CCD camcorders tend to be heavier, so if you were looking for ultra portable, you may have to opt for something a bit cheaper.

Zoom figures can be quite confusing. With all the talk of optical and digital zoom, the figures are enough to make your head spin. As a general rule of thumb, we tend to ignore the digital zoom figures and pay attention to the optical zoom power instead. An optical zoom is the true range of the lens, but digital zoom only uses the camcorder’s electronics to enlarge part of the image to zoom in, with a significant reduction of image quality.
A digital image stabilizer automatically steadies the image and is especially useful when shooting with the longer zoom settings.

Still capabilities
Many camcorders have a photo capability that lets you capture pictures and save them to a memory card (some use SD, while others use Memory Stick). This photo feature has improved steadily over the past few years to the point where some of the models offer resolutions as high as 3Megapixels. The problem when buying one of these camcorders is knowing whether the stated photo resolution is native or interpolated.
Native resolution means that the resolution of the camcorder’s sensor is the same resolution as the photos it produces. An interpolated resolution is a software-enhanced resolution that isn’t as sharp – the camcorder boosts the resolution of the picture by guessing at what the pixels in between the captured ones would look like. For example, a manufacturer might claim a 3.3Megapixel resolution, even though the sensor is capable of capturing only a 2Megapixel image.

The best way to determine if the advertised resolution is genuine is to find out the native resolution of the sensor, which isn’t often advertised. Be prepared to do a little digging on the manufacturer’s site or in the supplied documentation to verify the camcorder’s true photo resolution.
If your camcorder includes a photo capability, is there any reason to carry a digital camera with you as well? That depends on how important the quality of the photos is to you. Few camcorders include a flash or offer many manual settings for photos. On the other hand, few digital cameras offer a 12x or 22x optical zoom range, so you may be able to capture distant shots you would have missed if you were carrying a digital camera.

While no digital camcorder can capture photos of the same high quality as a moderately priced digital camera, there are several things to look for if the photo capabilities are important. Does the camcorder have a built-in flash? Can it use the full range of the optical zoom (some use only part of the zoom range) for photos? And how much lag time is there between shooting photos? If you’re more interested in photos than video, you may be better off with a digital camera that can shoot video. Higher-priced digital cameras often have strong video-capture features.

Media
Most digital camcorders use Mini DV tape cassettes, though a growing number write to different media. Some cameras use the DVD RAM format, which is a mini DVD disc stored in a cartridge to protect it. Most of the cameras have a media card slot, such as Secure Digital or Memory Stick, where you can store movie files or still images.

One recording medium becoming more popular in the DV camera market is the mini-DVD disc. These 3in DVD discs are smaller than the usual 5in discs, but should play in most computer DVD drives or home DVD players that have an indentation in the disc tray for the smaller discs. In addition, many DVD-writing software programs will let you easily copy the DVD discs the camera produces, which makes it easy to send your video files to friends or family members.

Mini DV can record up to 80 or 90 minutes of footage. DVD discs record only 20 minutes of footage, but the advantage is that you can take the DVD disc straight from the camera and play it back on your DVD player. According to Canon, Mini DV also records at a higher quality than DVD discs – 9Mbit/sec instead of the 25Mbit/sec of Mini DV. Mini DV tapes use DV encoding, which records each frame individually; DVD uses MPEG2, which records frames in groups of 15. This can make it easier to precisely edit the footage captured on Mini DV.

Stephen Hayes, Panasonic’s product manager for camcorders, says that the Mini DV format is here to stay for the moment. However, he points out that the choice of media for DV cameras is a personal choice, and that some people may feel more comfortable with DVD discs instead of DV cassettes, especially when it comes to editing or showing the footage.

Size
One factor that plays an important part when choosing a camera is the size. A major trend in DV cameras is toward more compact models that offer many of the features that were previously available only with larger models.
Size can be important – you are less likely to carry around a bulky camera, so chances are you will miss out on that once-in-a-lifetime video shot. The ideal camcorder would fit comfortably in your pocket, yet provide all the features that are available on the larger models.

Unfortunately, that ideal camcorder doesn’t exist, so we’re stuck with trade-offs. If you want a large, easy-to-see LCD screen; wide-ranging optical zoom; built-in accessory shoe that lets you attach accessories directly to the camcorder; and high-quality video recordings, you’ll have to go with a model that’s a little bigger.

The good news is that manufacturers are able to squeeze more and more into their ultra-compact models. While the DV cameras that write their files to SD cards and MicroMV tapes are truly pocket-size portables, consider that they may actually be too small for large hands. The tiny controls can be awkward to operate, and the featherweight case may be difficult to hold steady.

The best strategy is to try to maximise the quality of the video recording, range of the optical zoom and dimensions of the LCD screen for whatever size camcorder you’re willing to carry with you. If quality is more important to you, consider that a bit of extra weight may not make that much difference in the long run. If portability is more important, think about how and when you’ll actually use the camera.

Also consider that the dimensions and shape of a camcorder are just as important as its weight. A compact model that sits in the palm of your hand will fit more easily into a pocket or briefcase than a clunky model with a protruding viewfinder or LCD screen. Look for a model that’s solidly constructed so you can feel confident it won’t break when bumped or dropped.

Features
The feature wars are another area where you could get caught up buying something you don’t need.
It’s easy to get swept along with the competition between manufacturers and think you have to have the best of everything. If a low-priced camcorder from one manufacturer has a special night mode, a more expensive camcorder from another manufacturer will have a special enhanced night mode. One model may offer a macro mode that lets you focus as close as 5in, while a higher-priced model will offer an advanced macro mode that lets you focus as close as 1.5in.

Once you start weighing the value of the advanced features, you’ll soon be torn between the choices. On top of that, if you add a few accessories, you’ll find it difficult to switch manufacturers, because the accessories may not be compatible with camcorders from other manufacturers. For example, lens adapters that make the camcorder show a wider-angle view or increase the length of the zoom. The problem is they work only with one line or even just one model of camcorder, so once you’ve made the investment in the lenses, you’ll be less likely to switch to another manufacturer when it comes time to replace your aging camcorder. Other proprietary accessories include batteries, custom cases, travel chargers, microphones, and add-on lights.

The best approach is to consider which features you’ll use. If a camera has a NightShot mode that lets you capture video in total darkness, how often will you use it? Sometimes more is less, if it steers you away from the features you really need.

The cameras
So now you know what you’re looking for. Armed with all the information, you are ready to descend upon your local electronic shop to purchase your dream DV camera. But what are the best models out there? We asked each of the top manufacturers to submit one DV camera to PC Live! to pick our best buy.

Samsung VP-D31
€599
The Samsung VP-D31 is a good all-rounder in the DV camera stakes. It uses Mini DV cassette to capture video footage, expanding the 60 minute cassettes to 90 minutes on the long-play setting. It has a 10x optical zoom, with 800x digital zoom to ensure your close-ups are crystal clear. The camera also comes with a digital image stabiliser function, which will reduce unstable images, particularly at high magnification.
A 2.5in TFT LCD monitor doubles as a viewfinder and a way to review the footage.
Recording for the first time is simple, a matter of pushing a button. The menus give you a variety of options to suit your shooting conditions, whether it is sand or snow, sports footage or a high-speed shutter for fast moving conditions.
A built-in omni-directional stereo condenser microphone captures audio, but there is a mic jack if you need to connect an external microphone.
The camera also includes remote control that allows you to control the camera from any angle, so you always have the controls at your fingertips even if the camera isn’t.
Like all DV cameras, the VP-D31 uses IEEE 1394 data transfer to transfer digital video footage at high speed. You can also use it as a PC camera, with 120×120 pixel resolution, or double it up as a video recorder, recording a tape from your VCR or TV.
Feeling creative? You can add digital special effects, such as art mode that gives the image: a coarse effect; mosaic; sepia; nega, which reverses the colour of an image; mirror mode, which cuts the image in half; black and white mode; emboss mode; cinema mode; and make-up mode, which allows the image to be selected in red, green, blue or yellow mode.
There are also plenty of other functions included on the camera, such as night capture and wind cut, which reduces the wind noise on the mic.
This camera is compact enough to take on the move, yet not so small that controls are a problem. The footage produced was high quality, with good audio supplied by the built-in mic.
Rating: three stars
Contact: Dimpco: 01 842 4833

Panasonic NV-GS55
€899.99
Sleek and compact, the Panasonic NV-GS55 has all the features you’ll need in a DV camera in a small package.
Its Direct Mode Dial operation means you can control major operations from a single dial, such as tape recording mode, tape playback, card recording mode, picture playback, MPEG4 playback mode and PC mode.
You can capture still images with the Photo Shot button, recording the image directly to the Secure Digital memory card. MPEG4 movies can also be captured on the card, ready for e-mailing to friends or family. The choice of sizes includes superfine (320 by 240), fine (320 by 240), normal (176 by 144) and economy (176 by 144).
If you’re filming scenes on the move, the Super Image Stabiliser helps compensate for camera movement. The GS55 has a Soft Skin button that allows you to record skin colours in a softer tone. Other programme AE modes include sports, portrait, low light, spotlight, and surf and snow mode.
You can add digital effects to your footage using the camera, such as wipe mode, mirror, stretch, mosaic and slim mode, which expands the picture vertically.
Its 1/6in CCD Image sensor results in some really good footage. Colour reproduction is realistic and natural, especially when teamed with the soft skin feature.
Rating: three stars
Contact: Panasonic: 01 2898333

Sony DCR-HC40E
€1049
This pint-sized camera fits perfectly into the palm of your hand, but doesn’t skimp on features. It records on to Mini DV cassette (although Sony is releasing a new camera that records directly on to DVD discs) and has a Carl Zeiss lens.
The 2.5in Hybrid LCD monitor is bright and won’t produce the ‘washed out’ look some LCD monitors end up with when shooting in strong lighting conditions.
With 10x optical zoom, you’ll be able to get up close for those perfect family memories, with 120x digital zoom as backup. Combined with this, the 1/5in CCD produced some impressive footage.
Sony’s Super NightShot Plus function makes capturing footage in low light conditions a snap, while the SteadyShot feature helps stabilise shaky footage.
The camera uses MPEG Movie EX, which allows you to record 320 by 240 resolution MPEG movies. It also has all the regular features you may not need but are fun to have, like digital effects.
The HC40E comes with a Memory Stick Pro Duo storage card, a smaller storage format than the original Memory Stick, and is supplied with an adaptor to make it fit regular Memory Stick slots.
Rating four stars
Contact: Sony Ireland: 01 4131700

Canon MV700i
€570
The Canon MV700i has some good features that make it the perfect choice for amateur filmmakers. Recording to both Mini DV cassette and memory card, the camera can be set up in seconds. All that you really need to do is fit the batteries and you’re ready to go.
We liked its ease of setup and user-friendly controls – simply turn the camera on, point at where you want to shoot and press the red record button.
Switch between recording to tape or card at the touch of a button; still images can be recorded to a tape at 400,000 pixels.
There are plenty of shooting modes available, such as a low-light mode, sports, portrait, spotlight, and sand and snow modes. A special skin detail function gives a more realistic appearance to skin tone in your footage. Like the other cameras in this review, there are digital effects you can choose from, such as Sepia, Mosaic and others.
The MV700i is also PictBridge compatible and prints directly to BubbleJet printers, which makes your PC almost unnecessary for producing still images.
We decided this camera would be our best buy because of its simple controls and its powerful 18x optical zoom – higher than the other models reviewed here. It’s also quite compact and weighed in at a reasonable bulk of 475g.
Rating: five stars
Contact: Sharptext: 01 4087171

Hitachi DV-MV350E
€1360
The Hitachi DV-M350E was the only camera in this review that used DVD RAM discs. This is a more unfamiliar format than Mini DV cassettes, but it is quite easy to use. The disc (in its cartridge) slides into the camera and you’re ready to start recording.
Using the discs also makes it easier to find the footage you wish to see, or record over, as you can skip to scenes or edit the footage on the disc. Up to 999 still images can be recorded on one side of a DVD RAM disc.
DVD-R discs can also be used in the camera, although the functions are more limited with this medium. For example, you can’t record still images to the DVD-R disc, delete a recording from the disc or edit the footage on camera.
The MV350E allows you to compensate for backlight at the touch of a button, while the full auto function will take care of camera functions by itself, including white balance, exposure and focus.
Like all the other models reviewed, the Hitachi model included an electronic image stabiliser. We found this worked quite well to stabilise footage taken normally.
The CCD in the camera is a 1/4in interlaced CCD. A 10x optical zoom is standard enough for this review, with up to 240x digital zoom.
The camera is simple to use, once you get your head around the idea of using DVD RAM discs instead of Mini DV cassettes. You can even add playlist titles, delete scenes and move them around on the disc, without ever taking the DVD RAM disc out of your camera.
However, its higher price was a drawback.
Rating: three stars
Contact: Meritec: 01 2781828

24/05/04

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