How Do You Choose A Professional Video Camcorder?
In the early ’90s choosing a professional camcorder was simple. Betacam, Sony’s pro version of its failed Betamax format, ruled the roost. If you bought a BVW-400A you could be assured every network and television station could play back your tapes. True, the cameras were expensive compared to equivalent quality today, but this format was practically universally accepted. Today the choice is more complicated. First determine what you plan to do with your camcorder. There is a vast variety of professionalism within the video business: event videography; shooting weddings, proms and funerals; working as a broadcast news stringer; creating instructional DVDs; supplying high definition programming; electronic cinematography and more. Although there is some overlap, be very clear as to how you plan to earn a living with your camcorder. Next decide on your output. If you are an event videographer, do you want to be able to offer your clients high definition memories for which you’ll charge a