
There are a lot of features to consider with a digital camcorder, but the best place to start is resolution. A Full HD digital camcorder will clearly command a premium, but they're not as expensive as you might think. Standard definition digital camcorders are still available, and are also comparatively cheap, but you'll be losing out on the image quality. Another important factor is the lens, with many manufacturers partnering themselves with experts in the field to reap the benefits.
Most
Panasonic camcorders sport Leica lenses, while
Sony models often come equipped with Carl Zeiss lenses, and of course
Canon camcorders benefit from the company's own legendary lens technology. The focal length is another feature worth considering, with many camcorders boasting incredibly long zoom ranges. However, it's always worth remembering that it's only optical zoom that matters, digital zoom numbers should always be ignored. Also, the longer the focal length, the more important image stabilisation is. If you want a steady picture at 35x zoom, you'll need optical image stabilisation. Then there's 3D to consider. Coinciding with the latest trend of
3DTVs,
3D camcorders are hitting the market, but expect to pay a high price for that 3D functionality.