How to Find the Best Camcorder for Filming Weddings

The best camcorder for filming a wedding is probably in the hands of a professional wedding videographer, but don't let that stop you from getting into the game. Camcorder performance is improving steadily and the prices are coming down to every-day-Joe levels. You will want to pay attention to a couple details of the camcorder's performance.

Instructions

1. Get a camcorder with good audio performance and the ability to accept external microphones. Look for models that accept XLR plugs, which are the industry standard for professional microphones.

2. Choose manual controls for making changes to focus, shutter speed and exposure. You will need to fiddle with these parameters so that your camcorder can capture all of the gorgeous details of the wedding.

3. Select a model with manual control over the camcorder's white balance. White balance affects the camera's entire color performance.

4. Check the camcorder's low light performance. The ISO number measures the camcorder's sensitivity to light. ISO 400 is a dead minimum for shooting indoors.

5. Pick a modest optical zoom over a huge digital zoom. Digital zoom works by enlarging the pixels, which rapidly degrades picture definition.

6. Look for decent still performance. Although you won't be replacing the wedding photographer any time soon, the ability to make quality stills with your camcorder is a nice bonus.

7. Buy a sturdy, lightweight tripod. Not even the best stabilization will hold the image perfectly steady.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're trying to keep costs down, go with miniDV as the recording media. This industry standard is tried and true and cheap. Plus the small size of cassettes allows manufacturers to design their miniDV camcorders small and lightweight.

• One factor to consider if you're leaning toward the budget end of the camcorder-pricing spectrum: Most budget models do not have manual control over white balance. If your camcorder shoots things slightly blue or yellow, you're stuck with it.

• 340,000 pixels should be your minimum effective pixel count. This number is how many pixels make up the image, rather than the pixels on the CCD (charge-coupled device).

• Don't just look at a camcorder's ISO number when checking low light performance. Actually shoot a low light scene and examine the image. The image should be as clear as possible, with no splotches or graininess.