How To Decide What Type of Video Camera You Need
The first thing anyone wanting to learn how to make video must do is get their hands on a video camera and learn how to use it.
This page is full of links to posts here on VPT that will explain the basics of video cameras. There are so many to choose from, which is best for you?
The answer to that question depends on:
- How you want to use the camera?
- What kind of videos you plan to make?
- Do you need the camera to be compatible with other equipment, such as microphones or your editing system?
- Are there certain specifications you MUST have?
- What is your video camera budget?
There is no one “best” video camera! Which one is best for you depends on the factors listed above.
Like most products, video cameras can be categorized into groups of similar products. So we have high-end cameras that only a big-budget film would use. From there on, there is a wide spectrum of quality and prices down to the simplest pocket camera. Each has pros and cons. Each has specific uses it is best suited for. For example, larger cameras are generally higher quality with more bells and whistles, but the large size can make them prohibitive for some assignments.
The more you learn about the many different video cameras available, the better you will be able to discern quickly what features you want, need, or enjoy. Hopefully, at school you will have access to a variety of styles, so you can gain experience with all of them.
Rest assured, that no matter what kind of video camera you get, virtually all of today’s camcorders get a good image. To a certain extent, you can not really go wrong if image quality is your lone concern.
One thing to keep in mind is whether you wish to edit your footage or not. If you do want to edit, make sure whatever file format your camera shoots is compatible with whichever video editing program you want to use. If you’re in a group working on projects, you’ll need everybody to be compatible, which can get difficult, which is the drawback to having so many choices on the market.
Corporations that sell video products are often in competition, so video formats can be proprietary and kept secret by the company. This is the main reason why there are so many different formats, and not just one universal format that works great every time. Don’t we all wish!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- Name three things you need to consider when trying to decide which video camera is best for you.
- In your own words, explain why there is no one single BEST video camera.
- What is the best way to learn about video cameras?
For further research, here is a list of posts covering all aspects of video cameras.
Different grades, or levels of video cameras explained.
What to look for when buying a video camera.