Five Signs You Need A New Camcorder Now (NAPSA)—Capturing video of family and friends has comea long way since those clunky full-sized analogue camcorders. Digital, of course, has displaced analogue, and DV camcorders continue to get smaller, lighter and more sophisticated every year. Yes, it’s difficult to figure out the right time to upgrade your current model or buy yourfirst camcorder, so we've put together some tips to help you makea decision. 1. Your camcorder doesn’t live up to your T'V’s high (defini- tion) standards: Why waste that oy i] great TV screen on standard- definition home movies? Highdefinition camcorders are widely available and deliver amazing image quality. 2. Your collection of MiniDV tapes outnumbers your old VHS movie collection and is just as dis- organized: Eliminate tapes at home—and in your camera bag— by switching to a camcorder that uses re-usable flash media. These camcorders are not only lightweight and compact but also connect easily to a PC so you can back up your footage on DVDs instead of old-fashioned tapes. 3. Your camcorder’s curfew is just after dark: If sunset is the last light of day your camcorder can see, think about upgrading to a model with extreme low light capabilities so you don’t have to stop shooting at sundown. Sony camcorders, like the Sony HDRCX7 high-definition model, use a CMOS sensor rather than a traditional CCD. These ultra-sensi- camcorder to preserve family memories in the highest quality. tive sensors can capture dark scenes brightly with greater image detail. 4. Your photos taken with your camcorder look blurry with and without your glasses: Look for a camcorder that has optical image stabilization to keep your video smooth and your shots steady when your hands aren't. 5. Your camcorder only captures video: Consider a new camcorder that not only shoots video but also snaps photos. Many camcorders can now take photos with resolutions as high as 6- and 4-megapixels. With so many opportunities to share videos online and at home, this is an exciting time to own a digital video camcorder. Get cre- ative—there’s an audience out there that wants to see your video!
