Digital zoom
The degree (multiplicity) of zoom provided by the camcorders due to software methods, without changing the focal length of the optics (see "Optical zoom"). The key principle of such an zoom is that part of the image from the sensor is "stretched" to the entire frame. This somewhat worsens the “picture” — after all, not all effective pixels take part in its formation; and the higher the zoom, the worse the quality becomes. On the other hand, this method does not depend on the specifications of the lens and works even with the simplest lenses that do not have zoom lenses, and it is much easier to achieve high magnification than with the optical method.
In modern camcorders, there are two options for using digital zoom. So, among pocket devices (see "Features"), it may be the only available option — not all of them are equipped with zoom lenses. And in full-size models, digital zoom usually complements optical zoom and turns on after the lens reaches the limit of its capabilities.
Note that when shooting 3D (see above), this feature may not be available, and in professional models it is often not used at all.
Frame frequency
The highest frame rate provided by the camera when shooting video. The minimum frequency for normal viewing is the classic 24 fps used in cinema. At the same time, most modern video cameras are capable of providing up to 50 – 60 fps, and even higher frequencies can be used for the slow motion effect.
In fact, this indicator is important primarily when shooting dynamic scenes. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the fast motion will look in the frame, the less jerky it will be and the more pleasant the overall impression of the image will be. The reverse side of this is an increase in the size of recorded files (all other things being equal). Therefore, the frame rate can be made adjustable so that the operator can choose the best option for a particular situation.
Pre-recording (Pre-Rec)
Camera has a
pre-recording (Pre-Rec) feature.
This feature makes life significantly easier for the operator in conditions where speed of reaction is important — it reduces the risk of missing the moment by being late with the start of the recording. In fact, Pre-Rec allows you to start filming a few seconds (usually 2-3) before the record button is pressed. This is due to the fact that with the pre-recording mode enabled, the camera constantly captures the last few seconds "seen" by the lens in the buffer, and when recording starts, the video from the buffer is attached to the beginning of the recorded file — this creates the effect of a "time machine".
Features
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Viewfinder. The presence of a viewfinder in the design of the camera — a special optical device in the form of a tube with an eyepiece and a small screen under it. Actually, the role of this device is similar to a conventional display: pointing the frame, controlling the shooting parameters, viewing the footage. The main difference is that in this case the screen is maximally covered and its visibility is almost independent of the ambient light conditions; this is very important in bright sunlight and in other similar situations where outdoor displays "become blind". In addition, the viewfinder can also be useful when stealth is important — it does not reflect on the operator's face and does not unmask it; and such systems consume less energy. On the other hand, the eyepiece during operation must be brought close to the eye; and if the external display allows you to hold the camera, for example, at arm's length above your head, then the viewfinder does not provide such freedom for manoeuvre. Also shooting through such a device can be quite tedious, especially for unaccustomed users; and viewfinders are poorly compatible with glasses. As a result, this element is found mainly in professional models of cameras (see "Features").
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Built-in flash. The presence of a flash in the camera — a light source for taking photos. The most popular use of a flash is to provide illumination in low light conditions;
...in addition, it can be used for shooting opposite to a bright light and some other special tasks. In cameras equipped with a backlight (see below), the same lamp can also act as a flash.
— Backlight lamp. The presence of its own lamp to illuminate insufficiently lit scenes in the design of the camera. This lamp differs from the flash described above as it is designed to work during video shooting and operates in constant light mode, and not in impulses. Backlight allows you to use the camera autonomously, without external lighting devices, which can not always be installed. However, do not forget that its operation also consumes battery power.
— Hot shoe. Hot shoe is a specialized mount for installing additional accessories. Most often it is used for external flashes, but not only: external viewfinders, microphones, GPS modules and much more can be attached to the hot shoe. There are several generally accepted standards for this mount, in addition, each manufacturer uses its own set of additional contacts to control advanced features of external equipment; this must be taken into account when selecting such equipment. However, if you intend to use external accessories, it makes sense to choose a camera with a hot shoe. Most of these models are professional (see "Features"), but there are exceptions.
— Built-in speaker. The presence of its own speaker in the camera design. This feature allows you to view footage with sound without the need for additional equipment such as headphones. Note that the quality of the built-in speakers is usually low, and they are not designed for more serious tasks (for example, playing music); and when viewing, they allow not so much to evaluate the quality of the audio, but to determine whether the sound was recorded.
— Built-in projector. The presence of its own projector in the camera design. This feature greatly simplifies the viewing of footage: it allows to provide a fairly large "picture" (with a diagonal of several tens of centimeters) using the camera itself, without the use of TVs or other external screens. However for viewing you will need a suitable surface — at least a plain light wall; but the power of the projectors themselves is low, and in bright light the image may not be visible at all. However, if the video needs to be shown to several viewers at once, this option is definitely more convenient than viewing it on the camera's own screen. In addition, you can watch any video uploaded to memory of a suitable format on the projector — in other words, use the camera as a player.
— Wi-Fi module. The camera has its own Wi-Fi wireless module. This standard is used to build computer networks, and more recently – also for direct communication between various devices: laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. Specific options for using Wi-Fi may vary depending on the camera model, and include options such as direct copying of content to an external device or even to the Internet (such as YouTube), remote control of the camera, use as a webcam (see below). below), firmware update, etc. And all this is carried out without the use of wires, the communication range can reach 100 m, and the walls are not an obstacle (although they reduce the "range").
— NFC. The presence of a chip for NFC standard wireless communication in the camera. The range of such communication is up to 10 cm, and in cameras it plays an auxiliary role, facilitating the wireless connection of the camera and an external device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) that also has an NFC. Instead of digging through the settings, just bring both devices close to each other and confirm the Wi-Fi connection (see above). Accordingly, this chip is installed only in cameras that have more wireless capabilities.
— GPS module. The camera has a built-in GPS satellite navigation module. By itself, such a module during operation only captures the current location based on data from satellites, but how this data is used depends on the specific camera model. Most often, devices with GPS are able to at least add geotags to the footage — information about the geographical coordinates of the shooting location; but besides this, more extensive features can be provided — for example, search among the materials at the location of the shooting or even full-fledged navigation on the map.
— Detachable microphone. The presence of a mount in the design of the camera for installing an external removable microphone; the microphone itself can be included in the package or purchased separately. This function is typical for professional models and 3D cameras similar in functionality (see "Features") — it allows you to record sound of higher quality and with less noise than when using the built-in microphone.
— Webcam feature. The ability to connect the device to a computer and use it as a webcam — for video calls, broadcasting video directly to the Web, direct recording to a computer, etc. The advantage of camcorders over traditional webcams is the higher resolution and image quality. At the same time, this advantage has not been very noticeable lately, but larger size make camcorders less convenient; Therefore, this function is not widely used.
— Direct copy to HDD. The ability to connect an external hard drive directly to the camera and copy footage to it without using a computer. This feature is especially useful in situations where you need to make a copy (for example, to free up camera memory) and the computer is not nearby.
— Direct printing. The ability to connect the camera to a printer (to print captured photos) directly without using a computer. Software tools in such models can have quite extensive print management options: image selection, printing multiple copies, size and number of prints per sheet, print quality, error messages, etc. Typically, direct printing uses PictBridge technology using a USB connection. It must be supported not only by the camera, but also by the printer; at the same time, the connection does not require additional configuration, driver installation, etc.
