How to Test a Camcorder for Low Light Performance

Buying a camcorder that will perform well in low light situations can be an easy task if you know how to test your products. Capturing those special moments may require a camcorder that can handle low light conditions. Fortunately, camcorders today are better at handling those situations. Before you buy the camcorder in your hand, here are steps for testing its performance in low light.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Computer

Instructions

1. Understand what is required to take video in low light. Low light conditions require special lens capabilities. The greater the aperture lens (called f-stop), the better for low light. Effective low light lenses are usually no greater than f2.8. The smaller the number, the better.

2. Select a few different camcorders and test their capabilities in low light. Different camcorders can produce results that differ in quality, even though the specifications may match.

3. Visit an electronic department or camera store and ask to test some camcorders. If the store does not have a testing room, find an object in the store and focus on that. Film using all the settings on the camcorder.

4. Review and compare camcorders. Check online consumer review sites and side-by-side product comparisons.

5. Ask sales associates about which low light camcorders they would recommend. Is there a camcorder that performs better?

Tips & Warnings

• When testing for low light capabilities, also check for image stabilization. Image stabilization prevents distortion when the camcorder is bumped or moved during filming.

• When testing your camcorder, remember to zoom in and out. How did your results compare at the different zoom levels?

• Always ask about a warranty. If a component on your camcorder breaks, will the manufacturer cover the expense within a certain time frame? Also remember to register your product.