Video cameras are a staple item in anyone's world. Using a built-in recorder unit, you can capture momentous events like weddings and birthdays, or everyday events on your video camera and watch them for years to come.

They have three basic components: the lens, imager and recorder. After light passes through the lens onto the imager, it is converted into an electrical signal. The recorder then formats the signal into digital video, and is stored onto videotapes, though nowadays, flash memory cards are used instead as they have a larger storage capacity. Most video cameras either have an inbuilt memory, or a removable one like a tape or media card, or both.

Modern video cameras use the latest advanced technology to bring you impressive pictures during playback. Using superb High Definition technology, digital video cameras can now record crystal clear images every time, and as they're in a digital format, you can easily transfer them onto your computer via a USB cord. But best of all, the original quality of the video is retained during playback, so feel free to watch your funny home video over and over and over again.

Digital Video Cameras: The Different Types

Video cameras come many types. There are also satellite video cameras, camcorders, webcams and those used by television networks to broadcast live video footage. But generally, they can be classified into two main types: home and professional use.

Home video cameras are perfect for those everyday uses like recording your kids play in the backyard, weddings, birthdays, road trips and graduation ceremonies. Professional uses are great for budding filmmakers, documentaries, videographers and serious amateurs who want more from a video camera.

The Legria HF20 is Canon's most compact High Definition digital video camera and is ideal for those home video moments. It's vibration/shake resistant, has a Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), high resolution 3.3 megapixel image sensor and its powerful DIGIC DV III processor delivers stunning 1920x1080 Full HD video and records at the maximum AVCHD rate of 24mbps.

The Canon XHG1 High Definition video camera is ergonomic and compact device perfect for TV studios, production houses and on-location multi-camera shoots. With its True 1080 High Definition image capture, the XHG1 offers crystal clear and vibrant images for any type of film. Its Canon DIGIC DVII processor allows powerful and fast processing of HD data, while Canon's Super-Range Optical Image Stabiliser reduces any nasty hand-held shakes and vibrations.

Digital Video Cameras: Choosing the Right One

A video camera is a relatively big investment, so before you decide to take the leap, it's best to do some homework.

What are you using it for? If all you want to do is record get-togethers, birthdays, parties and weddings, then opt for a home video camera with basic functions. But if you're serious about the movie-making industry, then spend a little more and choose a professional video camera. It all depends on what you intend to do with it.

What features will you need? Digital Video Camera - Purchasing Guidelines:

1) Do you want it to record on tape or another medium? Most video cameras now store data on flash media cards and DVDs, which makes it better in quality and longer-lasting. It's up to you what you want.

2) Make sure it has lots of pixels. Having more pixels ensures that your video camera will have better resolution and more vibrant colours in your videos.

3) CCD chips need to be big. The bigger they are, the more light is let in and thus, better picture and colours

4) Does it perform well in low-light? This is important because since most home videos are inside, having a video camera that performs under this setting is extremely handy

5) Excellent image stability to reduce hand-held shakes and vibration

6) Good sound quality

7) The interconnectivity should be compatible with your lifestyle. Does it hook up to the TV and computer? Can you record videos onto a DVD recorder?
Always try in-store before you buy!

A few more things to think about for professional digital cameras: - Manual focus for creative shots that auto-focus settings can't capture

- Manual iris so you can control the amount of light you want in. This changes the exposure so things like unnecessary silhouettes can be eliminated.

- White balance again is great for you to get creative. Here you can control the colours being recorded. Even in unusual lighting conditions you will always have the final say.

- Audio inputs so you plug in an external microphone without relying on bad quality internal mics.

- Headphone jacks. These are crucial so you can check up on the kind of sound that's getting recorded.

Digital video cameras are tricky so make sure you do your research to get the most out of your device. But whether it's a home video or the next big blockbuster, make sure you have fun!

By Canon New Zealand - About Canon Canon New Zealand is a leading provider of advanced, simple-to-use imaging solutions for businesses and consumers. Canon has ranked among the top-three US patent recipients for the past 15 years, and had global revenues of around $US39 billion in 2007. Canon New Zealand also operates Canon Finance New Zealand, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.co.nz