Mid-range MiniDV camcorders
Published: 17 Dec 2002
Compared to a budget digital camcorder costing around £500 (inc. VAT), a mid-range device, for which you can expect to pay around £1,000 (inc. VAT), involves far fewer compromises that might reduce image quality.
For example, you usually get a higher-resolution CCD – between 0.8 and 1.3 megapixels compared to 0.8 or less – and a more capable lens with a good optical zoom level. If you want to take still images as well as moving ones, a mid-range camcorder will generally support a decent maximum resolution – 1,024 by 768, or even 1,280 by 960 pixels – as well as providing a convenient removable media slot such as SD/MMC or Memory Stick and a USB connection.
Other features you can expect include a good-quality microphone, a hotshoe for external accessories, plenty of manual as well as automatic controls, the ability to shoot in low light conditions, and a good range of special effects. You should get DV input capability as well as DV output, and some mid-range models will also offer analogue video in and out.
If you’re in the market for a moderately advanced MiniDV camcorder, then take a look at the three products we’ve reviewed here. Two are compact but still capable devices, while the third trades off added bulk for improved optics and image quality.
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