- 1). Decide on a price range. Digital video cameras can range from less than $100 to well over $5,000.
- 2). Compare the size. Some digital video cameras can fit into your pocket while others are shoulder mounted. Think about how you are going to use the camera. If you want to take it on vacation you should opt for a smaller one. Larger cameras have larger lenses and more glass, making the zoom more powerful. Smaller lenses and smaller cameras have less of an ability to zoom.
- 3). Find out if the video is HD. If the camera is HD, see if the camera films in compressed HD or uncompressed. Many hand-held cameras say they film in HD but the video is compressed to fit on a memory stick. The image, while technically HD, is not as high a quality as many other models.
- 4). Ask how many CCDs (charge-coupled devices) the camera contains. A camera is going to have one or three CCDs. Cameras with three CCDs have better color.
- 5). Look at how the camera records. Some record onto a hard drive, while others use tapes or even mini-DVDs. Although a hard drive is nice because you don't need to remove or change equipment, if you film a lot you might run out of room. This is where tapes and mini-DVDs come in handy.
- 6). Check how the camera connects to a computer. FireWire is the most desirable because it provides a faster and cleaner data download rate than USB.
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