How good is the video quality on modern HD camcorders?

What Video Recorder should I get? I dont want movie quality, just something decent.?

• I would like to video lessons. therefore sound must be good. I would like a camera video recorder where the picture is decent enough to watch on tv. do i need to consider the following factors? or what do I need to look out for? 1. sound? should I look out for mono versus stereo sound? or does all camcorders come in stereo sound? 2. picture quality? mega pixels? what is optimal for lessons? should I only consider HD? 3. external Microphone input? does handheld cameras offer microphone inputs? or will i be forces to use the built in microphone? 4. Memory? does all the recording go to harddrive? or SD? or miniDVD? which is better? I want to record on end without worrying about space. obviously I will backup as necessary. 5. Lighting...how does small handheld's handle lighting? will I require additional lighting? or does these devices have features to handle low light? or what should i look out for? Say I would like to film weddings...would low cost hand held cameras be sufficient? what should i get or look out for in this regard? any advice will be appreciated! thanks in advance! THE HAT!

• Answer:

  These are excellent questions. I’ll answer them in order but first you’ll need to understand that professional grade camcorders will do most of what you’re looking for so be willing to spend for it. 1.Sound on consumer grade camcorders has a lot to be desired, but it’s decent for your everyday family video. Most all cameras record in stereo, if not all. 2.Standard Definition cameras are still available but you mind as well get one that shoots HD. You can always change the mode to SD on the Pro camera. 3.An external mic is a must. By adding the right microphone will make your audio sound great. You’ll need to learn about mics. BTW: your pro camera can use the on-camera mic as well as external and wireless mics at the same time. 4.Pro cameras commonly record to miniDV tapes but some onto flash memory. Tapes are easier to edit because you can live-capture the video right into the editing program. 5.An add-on light is nice for the times you need it, like at weddings. But more importantly is knowing your camera’s functions and settings to be able to work under many lighting conditions. Lighting is your main concern for all photography. You could shoot a weeding with a hand held, but use a tripod too. A consumer grade handheld camera is going to limit you overall. If you really want to get into the video business, you’ll need more features and functions like the external mic option, more control over settings, etc. And don’t forget to plan on learning how to edit your video. A $50-$100 software program can get you started but as you grow look at something more advanced.