What camcorder features are unnecessary?

What camcorder features are unnecessary?

Tim Smith (Camcorder Training Specialist) gives expert video advice on: How do I decide which camcorder to buy?; What factors should I consider when comparing one camcorder to another?; What camcorder features are unnecessary? and more...

Sometimes when you're looking for a camcorder, you've got so many features on there that maybe they don't ring true as something you need when you buy it. Some of these features we put on a camera just because we can. Electronics have come a long way. You may find camcorders that chirp, some that will have barks on them, some things that will give you indications that something is recording and not recording. Sometimes, as a manufacturer, we tend to maybe throw some unnecessary overkill into these cameras. Don't be intimidated by them, you don't have to use them; most all of these functions can either be turned on or turned off or sometimes just ignored. So if it's a feature you think unnecessary, don't let that sway you from buying a camera. Look for the ones you do need.