Buying a Camcorder Guide
Created by Alice Lynn McMichael
Maintained by LEADR under the direction of Gillian Macdonald
Last Updated: 10/18/2021
Overview
Overall, there is no perfect camcorder option, and any equipment that lets you collect adequate data can be the right choice. What matters is that you are able to operate the equipment easily in the field. Here are some resources and suggestions for purchasing a camcorder for research.
What Camcorder should I Buy?
LEADR’s camcorders are Canon Vixia HF 620 and Sony HXR-nx30u. Both are handicams/compact camcorders, and both have image stabilization built in. (These are about eight years old, so the companies probably have newer models). Most students get camcorders for “consumer” use (rather than “professional” equipment). Canon and Sony are both popular, usable brands.
Good Places to shop online and compare are:
- Adorama - https://www.adorama.com/
- B and H - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
- Amazon - Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/
Sometimes these places sell used equipment as well. Look at bundled kits that have accessories (and that show the compatible accessories such as extra batteries, chargers, or tripods).
Considerations:
Decide on a reasonable price range. Determine what features are absolutely necessary, and which are just useful.
- Do you need HD video, or an LCD Screen? What kind of set-up will there be? Will you be shooting indoors or outdoors? Does the camcorder allow you to use it with an extension cord or only batteries?
- This will affect the quality of camera, microphone and lighting you will need Make sure your microphone(s) work with that particular camcorder model.
- I often buy a kit for this reason – the built-in microphone alone is often lacking DSLR cameras for still photos will also record video (but only about 30 mins at a time). Would a large, professional camcorder make the interviewees nervous?
Tips
- Have a spare battery and SD Card at all times.
- Bring the tripod that fits the cameral well.
- Some people record a back-up on their phone and/or use a phone to take some still photos.
- Keep a copy of the user manual PDF handy (on your phone or laptop).