How Professional Grade 8 mm Camcorders Work
The 8 mm Handycam format proved a boon to videographers everywhere. The use of small-format tapes made camcorders both portable and efficient as you could create and review your footage on the same machine.
What is Video8?
One thing that makes understanding 8mm video trickier than it might be is that there are three very similar video formats that can even use the same tapes. The system also took full advantage of backwards compatibility with Sony's later model camcorders being able to play tapes recorded on earlier generation video cameras natively. One thing to remember is that you do often have to use the camera as a player, since it's not compatible with a VHS VCR or DVD player.
- Video8: The original format, this is roughly equivalent to VHS in quality.
- Hi8: Simply by using higher grade tape, the system was able to bump up the image quality from 270 lines on Video8 to 400 lines without sacrificing any other features.
- Digital8: Although it ran through videotapes in half the time, this native digital format also supported analog playback and used the same tapes as Hi8.
What Should You Look for in a Handycam?
There a number of things you should look for in a Hi8 or Video 8 camcorder. They are all portable and easy to use, with most relying on rechargeable batteries to provide mobility. The first thing you should always do is decide what you're looking for with your camcorder. Different models can focus on different features, and it's important not to skimp on the features you want for ones you find less important. Some of the features to look for include:
- FireWire: Anyone working with a FireWire equipped computer should consider a camcorder which supports this digital file transfer protocol. It's notably faster than USB 1.0.
- Zoom: While digital zoom can bring things much closer, it does so by internally blowing up the picture. Optical zoom is often preferred because it doesn't trade off resolution.
- NightShot: Sony NightShot gives your camcorder the ability to record in the infrared spectrum so that you can work at night. It's great for wildlife as you can capture nocturnal creatures on video that would be otherwise impossible to record.
Using a Digital Camcorder
Whether you use a digital or analog camcorder the process is the same. Always make sure your battery is charged before you go out, and that you have plenty of video tape for your camera. The difference between professional and amateur often comes down to the fact that professionals record more video rather than trying for the perfect shot every time.
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