Popular Products
-
USD 549.95
-
USD 283.99
-
USD 98.86
-
USD 509.99
-
USD 227.99
-
Sound Considerations For Mini Camcorders
During the course of deciding which one out of the large range of mini camcorders to buy you will have undertaken quite a lot of research.
You will have decided to choose between a digital or analogue model, chosen the type of storage media which could be DV tape, DVD media or a hard disk drive. You will have analysed, subanalysed and then reanalysed every amazing feature that each of the mini camcorders have to offer. You will have done a price comparison, and checked the delivery rates but have you considered the sound quality? Probably not. This is one thing that buyers of mini camcorders will not have considered at all. But a quick check of the relevant data might make all the difference.
Sound Considerations
The camcorder microphone is an amazing device for its size. It can pick up incredible amounts of sound. The microphone works by using a process called pulse code modulation and can capture it in two quite different ways.
There are two main methods of recording sound. One uses a two channel or 16-bit stereo sound processing style. The other one uses a four channel method using two stereo conduits. Because the two channel approach is the more modern one it actually produces the higher quality which is contrary to what you’d expect.
A further important factor in achieving maximum audio performance via the mini camcorder microphone is how the processor deals with sound. Sampling and quantisation rates need to be optimised to produce the best sound purity and quality. It is best to pay attention to the relative values when quoted on camera specifications.
Wind Considerations
One of the annoying things about videoing outdoors is the effect of the wind. Quite often the sound of the wind can be so great as to completely obliterate the sound of the scene you are trying to record.
You could get around this by paying attention to the wind direction and recording so that the wind does not cut directly into the microphone. An alternative, and much better quality method, would be to buy an external microphone which attaches to the top of your camera or, even better, can be wireless. The microphone will have wind shielding (the furry covering) which will significantly reduce the effect of the wind and make your mini camcorders videos much easier to listen to!
Latest Mini Camcorders Get Face Recognition Technology
The latest exciting mini camcorders innovation unveiled at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was face recognition technology. This technology has been available in compact digital cameras since 2005 and it was about time that mini camcorders caught up.
Face Recognition Technology Facts
Face recognition gives the photographer an auto correct facility for many of the common problems which occur when taking a picture of the human face. These problems are mainly brightness, contrast, color balance and focus. The exact way each camera does this varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Face recognition technology was a major invitation when introduced as “Face Priority” by Nikon in 2005 in its Coolpic range of cameras. Eventually, all the other manufacturers caught up and Panasonic, ironically now the first to include it in camcorders, were the last to include the technology in their range of compact digital cameras.
As well as Panasonic, Sony have taken the lead in introducing the technology in their range of new mini camcorders. The technology used by each manufacturer is slightly different which will give consumers a choice in which camera they prefer.
Panasonic’s new cameras for instance will correct for exposure for up to five faces and uses its own proprietary face recognition technology which includes a tracking system, exposure control, and flash activation.
Sony’s cameras will be able to detect up to eight faces, and can control exposure, white balance, and auto focus. The person in the video must be facing the camera for the technology to work and the mini camcorder will anticipate where each face will be moving as it records the video.
What Coming For 2008/2009
Panasonic and Sony are at present the only companies who are taking advantage of the new technology. Sony has come out with six models in its new range of mini camcorders (HDR-SR10, HDR-SR11, HDR-SR12, HDR-UX10, HDR-UX20, DCR-SR-220) and Panasonic has come out with two new additions (HDC-SD9 and HDC-HS9). The cameras at the bottom end of the range currently retail for around $799 but bargains can be found if you shop around.
The technology will no doubt continue to evolve and other manufacturers will surely follow suit with their own range of cameras later in 2008 and 2009. It should prove to be an exciting time ahead for the mini camcorders video enthusiast!