How to Select Accessories for Your Camcorder

Select the right accessories for your camcorder to get the best results.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camcorder Batteries
• Camcorder Lighting System
• Camcorder Tripods
• Camcorders

1. Don't think about accessories until you've decided which kind of viewfinder you want in your camcorder: the optical viewfinder or the small-screen liquid crystal display viewfinder.

2. Ask your friends who have camcorders what accessories they have and which ones seem to be the most useful.

3. Go to a store that sells camcorders and the full range of accessories available for your model. Ask questions - the salesperson should know more about camcorders than you do.

4. Consider a lighting system for your camcorder if you're going to be shooting at night or in shadows.

5. Decide whether you need a tripod. Fast-action (sports) coverage calls for one, but family events might not.

6. Remember that sound enhances your videos.

7. Be sure to consider playback. Choose a system that will allow you to play back through your television set.

8. Plan to buy a carrying case for your accessories if the one supplied with your camcorder isn't large enough to hold everything.

9. Include one spare battery with your camcorder.

10. Remember that most accessories can be bought later, after you decide that you really need them.

Tips & Warnings

• You can wait till later to see if you need a lighting system - some units work well in low-light conditions.
• You may want to select a camcorder that allows an outside audio source, such as a handheld microphone.
• Nickel-cadmium camcorder batteries should be used until they're fully discharged, and recharged only then. If you try to recharge a partially used battery, it may develop a "memory," and its life may be shortened. Buying a spare means you'll usually have a backup if your primary battery runs down.
• If you have a long day's shooting ahead of you, try this: Cycle both batteries through your camcorder two days before the event, so that both are discharged. Then arrange it so they're both fully charged just as you're ready to leave.
• Buy an extension cord to go along with your battery recharging system, and take it along with you in your carrying case.
• If you're planning to use your camcorder under conditions where you have to plug the charger into a wall socket, be careful to avoid electric shock. Don't use your camcorder on house current if it's raining or wet where you plan to shoot.