What camcorder do I need if I'm just starting out?

What camcorder do I need if I'm just starting out?

Tim Smith (Camcorder Training Specialist) gives expert video advice on: What camcorder features do I need for making video blogs?; What camcorder features do I need for sports?; What camcorder features do I need for family events? and more...

If you're just getting into this, if you're really a beginner video artist at recording, you need to look at what you want do with the camcorder; how far you want to go. Is this camcorder just something you're going to take it out on the Fourth of July, Christmas, or New Year's? Or are you really going to start shooting video? Do you really want to turn this into a hobby? After you have made that decision, you will be better prepared to go and pick a camcorder. I think you're also going to find that the more you want to use a camcorder, the more money you're going to need to spend on one, because you don't want to outgrow it. Look for the key features that interest you, based on your decision of whether or not you're just going to shoot occasionally or going to shoot a lot. Then, go to your local store, tell them what you want, and let them step you through all the different options. There are many camcorders that are going to come up for the best camcorder for what you need.