Filipino Star - November 2010 Issue

10
2010 Camcorder’s
Buyer’s Guide
Christmas is just around the
corner and we can’t wait to get these
gadget and toys for men items!
Camcorders are becoming ever popular
as one in the shopping list orders. But
the big question is, what model shall I
buy? In the beginning of 2005 we have
seen the rise of new tapeless
camcorders on the market using
memory cards or sticks as we call it and
able to record in high definition. This
year more features were added such as
mp3 players and powerful digital zoom.
This makes your choice more
complicated. According to Videomaker
magazine there are four basic classes of
camcorders. They are Flip-Style, Basic
High Definition (HD), Standard Definition
(SD) and Premium High Definition.
Flip-Style:
This is an entry-level camcorder,
in all senses of the word. A Flip-style
camcorder comes in a MP3 player-like
package with a digital zoom lens, one
on/off Record button, a basic audio
microphone, and the ability to record to
internal and/or external flash memory.
The videos are usually downloaded
using a built-in USB that plugs into your
computer. From there, you can burn
them to DVD or post them directly to
YouTube. At around $200 or less, Flipstyle
camcorders are fine for fun shots,
but not for serious videography.
Ask the
Video Guy
Al Abdon
Sony MHSCM5V Flash Pocket
Camcorder
Standard Definition:
When most people think of
consumer camcorders, they think of
SD camcorders. These units have flipout
LCD screens and/or eyepiece
viewfinders, optical zoom lenses and
better quality microphones, and as few
or as many customizable features as
you are willing to pay for. Recording
can be done to internal/removable flash
memory or internal hard drives.
Depending on the quality you are
willing to pay for, the final result can be
very impressive. Prices for SD
camcorders start under $300, and go
up a few hundred dollars from there.
Before you buy an SD
camcorder, however, ask yourself one
question: Are you going to buy a new
SDTV in the near future? Or will your
next TV and every TV after it be HD? If
its HD, then it doesn't make sense to
buy an SD camcorder when the world
is moving to wider screen, higher
resolution HD video - no matter how
good the price.
Panasonic SDR-S26K SD
Basic High Definition:
This is the basic HD entry-level
product camcorder for anyone who like
their video a bit better. I mean a
camcorder that handles all basic
functions automatically; such as white
balance, focusing and audio.
Such models cost less than
premium HD camcorders - from $800
up to about $1,000 - and often come in
lightweight plastic cases that need to be
handled with care. But for the money, you
can usually count on getting an HD
camcorder that shoots excellent images,
offers optical zoom (a must, since digital
zoom makes your video look grainy) and
can be used to create prosumer-quality
videos when used with a computer-based
editing system. Depending on what you
buy, basic HD camcorders can record to
tape, optical disks and removable flash
memory.
If you are relatively new to
shooting video, I suggest you buy with a
quality basic HD camcorder that does
much of the thinking for you. Experiment
and play around with this camera to
practice and learn the features before you
move up to the next level. Some models
offer hybrid SD/HD format to give more
versatility such as the Panasonic
HDCCH20K.
Panasonic HDCHS20K
Premium High Definition:
Premium HD camcorders are
expensive but are worth the money. These
units allow you to have manual control of
your settings, offer extra shooting features
and use multiple CCD/CMOS image
sensors (professional video cameras use 3
CCD) to capture better-quality video. By
offering this degree of versatility, premium
HD camcorders give the shooter real
control in selecting light levels and
www.filipinostar.org
The North American Filipino Star
shooting styles.
Premium HD camcorders can
be used by beginners, thanks to their
automatic features. However, the
versatility and performance these units
offer comes with a suitable price tag;
just as a BMW costs more than a
Chevrolet. Expect to pay around $1,000
or more for one of these units.
Sony HXR-MC50U AVCHD
What Should I Buy?
The trick to buying the right
camcorder begins by deciding what
you want to use it for. Do you want
videos that offer high quality visuals, a
variety of shots (wide angle, close up,
zoom) and steady images? Then a
basic HD camcorder is a good choice:
It is difficult to hold a Flip-style camera
rock steady.
On the other hand, do you
value portability and ease of use above
all else? If so, then a Flip-style
camcorder might be right for you;
especially if you want a camcorder that
can be carried in your coat pocket or
purse for immediate use and
uploading.
Once you know what you want,
shop around for the best mix of
features and price. Remember that
nobody ever regretted spending
money on quality, but many have
wished that they hadn't sacrificed it to
save a buck. Like a musical instrument,
a camcorder is a creative tool that must
be capable of meeting your
requirements while also fitting your
style and level of skills. This comes
right down to how well the camera fits
in your hand and how much you enjoy
using it.
One last piece of advice: Brand
names count when it comes to
camcorders. Buy from a manufacturer
you trust, after reading reviews and
nOVEMBER 2010
trying out many makes and models.
After all, this camcorder is your chief
creative tool: It has to be just right for
you!
Happy shooting!
Al Abdon
Hollywood Junkies Video
From Page 9 Common Mistakes
statement or proposition: By convincing
me that no good could come of staying,
he persuaded me to leave. If the
distinction is accepted, then convince
should not be used with an infinitive: He
persuaded (not convinced) me to go. In
an earlier survey, a majority of the Usage
Panel held that this distinction should be
maintained, but the use of convince with
an infinitive has become increasingly
common even among reputable writers,
and it is unlikely that this stricture can be
maintained for much longer
reciprocate vs. retaliate
Both those terms denote giving back
something for something. However,
“reciprocate” has positive connotation,
“retaliate” has negative one.
When someone gives you a gift on your
birthday, you reciprocate by giving her a
gift on hers. But when a person said
something nasty about you, especially
behind your back, you retaliate by giving
her a tongue-lashing.
stingy vs. frugal
According to dictionary.com, frugal
means "economical in use or expenditure;
prudent saving or sparing; not wasteful".
Stingy, on the other hand, is defined as
"reluctant to give or spend; not generous;
penurious".
In other words, frugal means using your
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