How to Determine the Color Performance of a Camcorder

By eHow Electronics Editor

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There are many facets of a camcorder which determine its ability to sense and record a wide variety of colors in a wide variety of lights. You definitely want a camera that records people in actual colors, so that your family videos will be true to life. The following is an introduction to determine the color performance of a camcorder.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

camcorder
digital camera

Step1

Look for a lux rating of 7 or lower. The lux rating is a measure of light sensitivity; the lower the rating, the less light your camcorder needs in order to be effective.

Step2

Get a good idea of what your video will look like by using an LCD viewfinder. Aim for a color viewfinder 2.5 inches or larger, because the better this screen is, the better idea you’ll have of the final product.

Step3

Resolution will enhance the overall color performance by increasing the overall quality of the recorded video. For most amateur videographers, a camcorder recording above 350,000-pixel resolution on a 1/6 CCD sensor should be adequate.

Step4

Review the quality of recorded video on your desired model by actually using the camera. If you have a friend, ask to borrow it and shoot a variety of things to review the camera’s color performance in variable conditions.

Step5

For the very best color quality available, and if price is not a constraint, consider one of the new high-definition digital cameras. They provide the highest quality digital recording, but cost around $2,000.

Tips & Warnings

Always ask to see an example of the recorded video played back on a television or computer.
For the average vacationer or amateur videographer, focus less on quality. The important part of most of these videos is the content.
Don’t forget the “feel factor.” A camcorder may have great statistics, but if you’re not comfortable using it, you won’t be pleased with its performance.
Don’t purchase a very high quality camera unless you have the means to play it back in high quality. A new HD camcorder doesn’t do you any good if you don’t have HD cables to hook it up to an HD television.