You need to ensure that you can use the LCD screen under any lighting conditions as certain screens tend to fade out in bright sunlight. Use the view fiinder if you're unable to view the images on the screen in bright day light. Using the view finder will not only get the job done but also extend your battery life.
The lens's optical zoom ration is more important than digital zoom ration
Optical zoom actually delivers a closer view of the image as opposed to digital zoom which merely makes the image larger through the view finder. It's important to ensure that the camcorder has a minimum of 10X optical zoom.
Buying an additional high capacity battery will ensure longer recording times
The normal battery that comes with majority of camcorders usually only last an hour or so. For $50 to $100, you can purchase a longer-lasting battery, so consider that into your cost if you think you'll need it. There's nothing more frustrating than running out of power in the middle of recording an important event!
Better audio results can be achieved with front mounted microphones
For the best audio it is better to buy a front mounted camcorder. The microphone has the tendency to capture the voice of the person using the camcorder rather than the event being recorded when the microphone is mounted on the top of the camcorder.
Best sound can be achieved by buying an external microphone
For the best sound possible, factor in an extra $50 to $100 for an external microphone if the camcorder you're interested in has the ability to connect an external microphone.
Play and familiarize your self with the camcorder's controls and features before you purchase
A bigger camcorder model may work better for you if it's more comfortable to handle, particularly if you have large hands as the smallest camcorders ocassionally can be difficult to use
Exposure controls and low-light options are to be examined
All camcorders come with a completely automatic mode, but certain models have manual and semi-manual exposure modes. For eg, some models allow you to record at slower shutter speeds than others, or have aperture settings that permit more light to enter. Quite a few also offer scene modes, which you might be familiar with from digital still cameras. Low-light options also allow you to shoot in dark environments. Numerous camcorders come with an infrared light or a long shutter mode to assist in capturing images in the dark.
Know your format and look for wide-screen shooting
Recording with a wide screen model will allow you to view your recording without the black bars at the top and buttom if you have a high definition TV. You also need to know the format the camcorder records in. Mini-DVD disc or MiniDV tapes are the most common formats with majority of digital camcorders. Mini-DVD discs are often more difficult to come by than MiniDV as MiniDV is the most widely available format.
