Choosing Your Sony Hi8 Handycam Video Camera
Although you can take photos and video with the camera on your smartphone, you may prefer something that is dedicated to quality video capture. The Sony Handycam Hi8, popular in the 1980s and 1990s, uses Hi8 tapes for recording video. This Sony video camera for sale on eBay offers quality sound and video in a compact package.
Features of the Sony Hi8 camcorder
Here are some of the general features of the Hi8 Sony 8mm camcorder. Variations between models affect the Hi8 Handycam price:
- Format: Hi8 analog video
- Resolution: Typically 400 lines of horizontal resolution
- Recording Media: Hi8 tapes
- Lens: Fixed or interchangeable lens, depending on the model
- Zoom: Optical zoom capabilities, often ranging from 10x to 20x
- Image Sensor: CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor
- Viewfinder: Black-and-white or color viewfinder
- LCD Screen: Some models featured an LCD screen for video playback and menu navigation
- Audio: Hi-Fi stereo sound recording
- Ports: Analog audio/video outputs, microphone input, and sometimes, external control or remote input
- Battery: Typically used rechargeable batteries
What specifications should you look for in a camcorder?
- Resolution - The number of pixels in the footage is the resolution. The higher number of pixels the greater detail and clarity in the finished product.
- Memory - Record on internal flash memory, a cassette, or a removable SD card. Older models use a cassette. Newer models offer large internal memory and a memory card slot for additional recordings.
- Image stabilization - Control the shaking and blurring by using a camera with built-in image stabilization. Electronic stabilization uses software to reduce camera shake. Optical stabilization works by moving parts of the glass inside the lens.
- Zoom - One feature that makes a huge impact on your videos is the zoom. Digital zoom crops the image while optical zoom works by adjusting the lens.
- Audio - Although the majority of your focus is on the video quality, you don't want to forget about the audio. The location of the mic is ideal for capturing the sound.
What else should you consider when picking a video camera like the Sony Hi8 Handycam?
- Battery life - Knowing how long your battery will last ensures you never miss anything. Having a spare battery in your camera bag gives you the confidence to keep on filming.
- Maximum record time - Consider the recording time. Users need to know how long a tape will last before it needs changing.
- Cassette tape or memory card - The Sony camcorder Hi8 uses Digital8 format to record the action on 8mm tape. Other video recorders use built-in memory or a memory card to hold the recording.
- Extra features - Some camcorders offer picture-in-picture video without any editing. Others offer built-in projectors for presentations. Additional features include special effects, digital scene transition, date and time stamp, and digital noise reduction.
What are the different uses for a camcorder?
The way you plan to use a Sony camcorder determines the size, specifications, and size you need. Possible uses for a designated video camera recorder include posting videos online, capturing sporting events, and never missing a single moment of your new baby's life.
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