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How to Choose a Digital Camcorder

To make a good DVD, you need a good digital video camcorder--but not necessarily an expensive one. You should look for features that make the capturing process easier and the video quality better.

Most DV camcorders use color LCD displays (many analog models have monochrome displays). Check the display size: Bigger is better, but it almost always depends on the size of the camcorder itself, and some people would rather have a smaller device. Consider buying an extra battery, since most camcorders' batteries tend to peter out after about an hour (the length of a single tape).

All other things being equal, you will get better-quality video with a camera whose CCD has more pixels; moderately priced models commonly use 680,000-pixel CCDs. A 10X optical zoom should be sufficient for most settings. However, you should approach vendor claims about digital zoom with caution: Anything above 100X produces such poor image quality that it is generally not usable. Finally, consider how the camera fits in your hand. Although smaller camcorders can be more convenient to tote around, their controls are often awkwardly placed. Moreover, people with large hands may find them more frustrating to use than a slightly larger model.