A chief consideration for a new camcorder is the size and shape of the camera you want. You want a video camera that feels good in your hand and that isn’t a chore to carry. Think about how you’ll use the camera and how you’d like to hold it.
Compact and ultra-compact cameras are popular since they’re easy to carry. After all, you’re more likely to catch those great shots if you’ve got your camera with you, and a smaller one is easier to take along. While ultra-compacts aren’t quite small enough for a pants pocket, they’re getting close.
The trade off is that smaller cameras have smaller
sensors and smaller
resolutions. Your images won’t have the same detail and depth as with larger cameras. You’ll need to consider what results you want.
Many of the less expensive video cameras have a vertical shape, which makes them easy to carry and use, but more advanced models have a horizontal shape, owing to the requirements of the better lens.
Troy Dreier
is a freelance tech writer based in the New York City area.
