Digital Video Camera Buying Guide: 8 Things You Should Know

The idea of purchasing a digital video camera can be exciting and daunting. You’ve finally decided to buy a digital video camera, and the first step of your filming journey is to determine which one. 

What’s more, you want to be sure that you get your money’s worth, especially since it’s a big purchase.

So, here are 8 factors to consider when buying a digital video camera.

1. Recording limits

An important detail to check before purchasing a digital video camera is its recording limits. Some models can only record for 30 minutes at a time.

Most digital video cameras have a recording limit because the process of capturing a video generates heat, and they don’t effectively dissipate it. And so, the video camera needs to shut down and cool off.

Recording limits are less of a problem if you’re shooting short clips to piece together. However, shooting for an event that requires the camera to keep running would be problematic.

The good news is that pro video cameras have cooling fans, of course, given that they’re costly. On the other hand, stills and hybrid video cameras transfer the generated heat to its body panel, allowing it to escape into the environment.

2. Resolution

The resolution you’ll find on the latest cameras is 1080p, 4K, or 8K. However, remember that the highest resolution doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best. 

For example, an 8K capture can give you creative flexibility when cropping or stabilising your footage, but the storage and processing requirements are much higher.

3. Audio and microphone

A digital video camera with quality audio is essential. When selecting one, make sure it has a microphone input socket for you to attach an external microphone. The digital video camera may have an internal microphone, but it picks up unnecessary noises.

You’d also need a headphone socket to monitor the volume level and background noise. 

4. Frame Rate

Most videos we see are shot at 24 or 30 fps, but some digital video cameras offer higher frame rates. It will depend on your usage. 

The faster the frame rate, the better it’ll represent motion. Likewise, you can slow it down to create a slow-motion effect as well.

Also, remember that most cameras can’t afford fast frame rates with their highest resolution. The most common combination is a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 120 or higher.

5. Autofocus

You’d want a digital video camera where you can safely depend on its autofocus while capturing a video. What makes it dependable is when it can track your chosen subject and inform you if it should re-focus on another subject. 

How it re-focuses is essential too. You’d have to decide if you want it quick or slow.

6. Image stabilisation

Image stabilisation is another significant part of video capturing. Digital video cameras with in-body stabilisation can give you more freedom of motion than only using a tripod. 

Meanwhile, an external device to further stabilise your camera would be a gimbal. This accessory eliminates any chances of blurriness and provides a higher degree of motion smoothing.

7. Settings (Stills vs Video)

Another aspect not to overlook is the digital video camera’s settings. Some cameras have separate settings for stills and video shooting, which you’d want. This is because ideal settings for stills and video can be drastically different.

8. Raw output

Lastly, Raw video output with an external recorder can provide control over a footage’s brightness and white balance. However, keep in mind that the Raw output doesn’t have sharpening, noise reduction, and processing applied. 

What’s more, most editing software is more compatible with Log-encoded video instead of Raw video. So, it will require more work to create a high-quality video.

What now?

Now, you should have a better understanding of a digital video camera’s features and what you’d want from it. It’s time to research brands and models. 

You’d want one that compliments your needs and budget! Remember that you’d be needing equipment like lenses and a gimbal too.

Start your journey and head over to PriceShop to check out our digital video camera collection!