On Wed, 30 Jan 2002 03:26:22 GMT, Vostok wrote:

>As a first-time camcorder buying, I'm trying to get a clue (or a couple
>of clues).
>
>First, what features are really essential in a camcorder?
>
>Second, what's a good digital camcorder for a novice for under $1000?
>
>Any input or ideas would be greatly appreciated?

In general, a good picture and good sound are the basics.
In addition to good image sharpness (with minimal
oversharpening "halos" along contrasty edges), good color
(neutral balance, good saturation and purity, and freedom
from spurious color in textured areas), good picture
contrast and brilliance (with "open", detailed shadow areas
and highlights that contain detail instead of being just
white, but with good, clean, neutral blacks and whites), I
also want image "quietness" with motion (the relative
absence of spurious image motion effects that are not part
of the subject motion - though it appears impossible to
expect the complete absence of near-horizontal-line
stairstepping in video) in a good video image. With one-chip
Mini-DV camcorders, there is a trade-off between resolution
and spurious (and very unpleasant and distracting) motion
effects; with the 3-chip camcorders, these effects vary
from barely acceptable (but much better than with the
megapixel one-chippers), to fairly acceptable (but worse
than with the best analogue cameras). Maybe an overly
detailed answer for what you want, butthis may give you
the idea that even part of the answer to your question
is not simple... As for sound, I look for natural-sounding
tonal balance, reasonable stereo imaging, acceptably quiet
background noise level (many one-chippers and some
3-chippers pick up whine from the motor and noise from
zooming), and a good automatic gain control system. Beyond
that, good handling charateristics, effective stabilizer,
good AF and AE, good viewfinder(s), and whatever else you
are interested in are important. Unfortunately, optimizing
image and sound characteristics costs money...