When you go shopping to buy a new video camcorder, most salespeople will first ask you how much you know about camcorders and shooting video before they begin suggesting models that will suit your level of knowledge and experience. While there are a lot of great new high-tech features that might seem awesome in the store, chances are you won’t really use them to shoot your home videos very often in real life.
In-camera Effects
One of these new “bells and whistles” type items are the in-camera special effects that many manufacturers are building into their devices. Chances are you have seen some of these effects in action in other home videos and on television. Effects such as the “negative” film effect and the old-fashioned looking “scratched” film effect that are sometimes used in low-budget horror movies. Unfortunately, many novice camcorder owners think that they are adding cool effects that will look professional in the end result. But once you add one of those effects to your video, it can’t be removed and you will be stuck with it forever. While some special effects look cool at first, it’s easy to overdo them or get tired of them after a while, but once they have been added there’s no way to get rid of them. Another way to go with special visual effects is to try some of the low-cost editing programs that are available that will let you “try on” the effects before committing to the results. This makes much more sense than adding the special effects while you are filming because it gives you the opportunity to make changes.
Digital Zoom
Another special feature that many salespeople try to sell to amateurs is the digital zoom that comes standard on many cameras and video camcorders. We have all seen the amateur home videos where the zoom control is over-used almost to the point where the video is unwatchable. However, a true high-quality zoom is an asset which can give you the ability to begin shooting with a wide-angle shot and then zoom in on the focus of your video. You can also begin with a zoomed in close shot and then pan out to a wider angle view. A true high-quality zoom can also be used to add depth perception, giving the illusion of a third dimension on the video. Most of the camcorders that are sold today give users their choice between optical and digital zoom, which are both dynamically different from each other in what they can add to video. For example, in the case of optical zoom, the mechanics of this feature will actually physically change the focal length of the lens, requiring that the lens itself be high-quality – which, of course, means high-cost – in order to achieve the desired results. The digital zoom is considered to be more of an in-camera type special effect. The objects that are far away are made to seem closer through the digital enhancement of the pixels that are used to comprise the digital image that is shot by the camera. Unfortunately, as the pixels are enlarged to create this effect, resolution and clarity of the image itself is reduced and lost. As a result of this loss of clarity it is, in most cases, a better idea to achieve this effect through the use of computer-based editing software programs.
Image stabilization
Another feature that is a big seller is image stabilization, which can help to compensate for a user that has shaky hands or is moving while shooting the film. This feature is quite popular, however, it is important to research the particular model you are considering for purchase and to read about actual user experiences with this feature. Image stabilization is achieved using the same two methods as zoom – either digitally or mechanically. Optical stabilization used to be the most method used, in which the lens is essentially “floated” as a means of off-setting instability. However, there are many digital options available that can give the user as good or sometimes even better results than the more expensive optical stabilization options – but you’ve got to research the available models to be sure. The best way to get shots that are smooth and completely stable is to never use the hand-held option for your video camcorder. Instead, make sure that the camcorder you purchase features a 1/4-inch standard tripod mount underneath. Even if you have to touch your camera for zooms or pans, most moderately-priced tripods are sturdy enough to ensure stability throughout your shoot. One-legged camera stand devices called “monopods” are also available that will help you to keep your video stable, yet are portable enough to take with you when you travel. Check the information available via online search engines such as Google for instructions on how to purchase or build your own home stabilization devices for even more cost savings.
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