Is This Thing On?

Introduction to Video Cameras

Hopefully, personal video cameras have been around long enough now (since 1984!) that you've seen one or two - or at least been imortilized on tape via one of them, probably dressed like a bunny rabbit, singing in your elementary school pagent.

For those that need a refresher, video cameras are handheld devices that frequently appear at weddings, birthday parties and drunken fiestas. Basically, all the times a regualar camera does. Video cameras generally record people's actions instead of still shots of locations, but artsy people make sure to do both.

Video Camera Options

What is it? What does it do?

Video cameras are devices that record images and sounds on either videotapes or in digital formats. These captured images are then played back relentlessly to unsuspecting guests at dinner parties. In the future, enterprising parents can make use of these long-forgotten recordings by showing them to prospective boyfriends who plan on taking their daughter out to the school dance. The technical term for a video camera is "Camcorder" as it is both a camera and a recorder.

Why You Should Bring a Video Camera

• Suspended in time memories: What better way to relive your trip than with living, breathing pictures? Instead of having to write down your memories, they are recorded for you, with nothing omitted. Don't tell a story - show it!

• Make your millions: If you have any aspirations of being a filmmaker, why not turn your trip into your first commerical (ok, probably artistic) success? Meet a couple of hams on the road and you could even try for a short film!

• In case you meet a hot guy/gal on the road and you want to make lasting memories: Hey, just a suggestion...

Why You Should Not Bring a Video Camera

• Delicate/easy to break: Video cameras have LCD screens. Video cameras have lenses. Video cameras have a lot of little buttons and an intricate set of innerworkings. Tapes are sensitive to heat and can easily break. Protecting your camera can be a stressful hassle.

• Battery Issues: Video cameras require batteries and batteries have to be charged. This, in turn, requires a converter. Or, depending on where you are going, multiple converters. If you're living out of a backpack, chances are there won't be a lot of room in it anyway.

• Mugging target/fear of loss: We're sorry to say, but you scream 'tourist with money' when you have a video camera. Like any other nice thing you take on the road, chances are, some people will try to get their hands on it if provided the opportunity.

So, Boots crew, do I take it?

BnA Seez: Sadly, if you're hopping in and out of tuk-tuks and hostels, it's best to leave this one at home. However, aspiring filmakers, documentarians and hotel lovers should think about recording their adventures.

Recommended Devices

This is an excellent article about choosing a camera.

Recommended Devices

• JVC GRD230 MiniDV Digital Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
• Sony DCRHC20 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
• Canon Elura 65 MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

Article added on March 01, 2005

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