Important Camcorder Features

Over a period of time camcorders have evolved and the world's newest being used are digital camcorders but before looking into buying a digital camcorder it is necessary to see some of the important camcorder features that should be considered when looking for one.
A digital camcorder works to produce higher quality images and sounds, and it can send information to digital media like discs instead of tapes as in older models.
When you're searching for a camcorder don't forget to look for image stabilization - a must when it comes to important camcorder features.
A digital camcorder will offer either optical or electronic image stabilization.
Optical stabilization is where the lens on the digital camcorder moves in accordance with the camera's movements.
Electronic stabilization is where images on the lens are captured onto the charge couple device (CCD), and internal circuits are used to interpret video images after recording is finished.
Important camcorder features should include a lens with optical zoom level of at least 10x.
Some digital camcorders have higher zoom levels, but the higher levels may not be necessary in many cases.
In fact, when a camera is recording at a higher zoom level the video quality can be poor as it is harder to keep still on something that is being recorded.
One of the most important camcorder features is a good-quality liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.
This screen is what is used to display images that are going to be recorded onto the video disc in the digital camcorder.
With a larger screen it can be easier to see what is being recorded, and it also helps to make playback previews editable.
Larger LCD screens also have menus that can help to make customization of options on the camcorder easier, thus allowing for a greater level of control.
A digital camcorder's built-in microphone records sound.
Various digital camcorders feature zoom microphones that can enhance sounds in certain areas where recording is taking place.
Some digital camcorders will also have a socket that allows for an external microphone to be plugged-in.
Other important camcorder features include a full auto switch (which lets you point and shoot), autofocus, zoom, quick review, auto-exposure, backlight compensation, audio/video inputs (that let you record material from another camcorder or VCR), digital still capability (that lets you take snapshots), built-in title generator, time-and-date stamp, time code (which is a frame reference of exactly where you are on the recording media -- the hour, minute, second, and frame), remote control (which helps when you're using the camcorder as a playback device or when you're using a tripod), and programmed recording (self-timer).
The last of the most important camcorder features to consider but by no means least, is night mode.
Some cameras have the ability to record images in darker settings with ease, and a camera with a night mode can help.
Some camcorders will have an infrared or slow-shutter night mode to help with using ambient lighting in scenes to help improve the lighting levels for the camera.
Usually a digital camcorder will have one of these settings, but some have both.
So there you have it, a summary of the most important camcorder features to look for in a digital camcorder.
This type of camcorder can be great for recording memories and events, but be sure to consider these important camcorder features in one so that it can be used for everything you need out of it.