Camcorder articles from October 1998

Camcorder archives from October 1998

Evaluating the monitor cams: they are a hot feature, but which is right for you?(camcorders with built-in monitors)(Buyers Guide)(Cover Story)
October 1, 1998... One of the most desired features on a camcorder these days is a built-in monitor. It was only a few years ago that these were introduced (by Sharp with their ViewCams). Today every manufacturer offers models with monitors and frequently these...

How to test your camcorder: simple checks to evaluate performance and quality.
October 1, 1998... How does your camcorder compare? Is it among the best or below par? If you're considering an upgrade or shopping for your first camcorder, how do you know what to look for; how do you put it to the test to see how the camcorder in your hands...

Super zoom: digital magnification can be too much of a good thing.(camcorders' digital zoom lenses reduce quality)(includes related article)
October 1, 1998... From my wide balcony I enjoy a wonderful view across a river valley. I never tire of looking at its calm waters and the occasional fisherman. I'm spoiled by magnificent visions of pelicans on the river and flocks of cockatoos, galahs and...

Get your tools on the web: desktop videographers can profit from the Internet.(video capture hardware and software)
October 1, 1998... Trying to write about the Internet is quite a challenge since everything is changing so fast. At best, any description of the state of the art is really a snapshot of what was going on two months ago. Fortunately, trends move slower than...

USB and desktop video: the Universal Serial Bus simplifies the camcorder/computer connection.(new input/output standard in computing)
October 1, 1998... The Universal Serial Bus Simplifies The Camcorder/Computer Connection Every month, it seems, we hear about a new technology that promises to revolutionize how we handle data, particularly video. In the last few years, video users have...

Pop-up video: adding graphic captions to your images.(how to use desktop video software)
October 1, 1998... What's the best way to really learn editing software like VideoShop and Premiere? Try a demo! Demo versions of both programs are available online. My advice is to download them. Then, when you see an effect that you like on TV, try it!...

Getting started in nonlinear editing: the basic tools you need to do powerful desktop video.(video tape editing software)(Evaluation)
October 1, 1998... Here's a roundup of all the hottest software titles you can use for creating and editing your videos. I'm just including nonlinear editing (NLE) programs. NLE programs are the basic foundation of the desktop video editing system. Without them...

Getting connected: how to link all the parts of your analog editing system.(video tape editing)
October 1, 1998... Hobby video editing can begin with the most basic equipment. Just connecting audio and video cables between a camcorder and a VCR will allow you to selectively copy portions of the source video onto a master tape in the VCR. This is editing...

3-D inspiration: Newtek's I3D makes 3-dimensional video making understandable and affordable.(desktop video software)(Evaluation)
October 1, 1998... Newtek's 13D Makes 3-Dimensional Video Making Understandable And Affordable Ever since the Video Toaster became available, I have shied away from using its bundled three-dimensional software package, known as Light Wave 3D. I rationalized...

Picture perfect: using the tested rules of composition to make more pleasing videos.(using photographic techniques in video)
October 1, 1998... The ancient Greeks used the elements of composition to proportion their statues. Artists throughout the years have applied it to create aesthetically pleasing paintings. Now, even videographers can use composition to improve the look of their...

Shooting indoors: even with a forgiving "point-and-shoot" camcorder, it's not always easy.
October 1, 1998... With the growing number of point-and-shoot camcorders available today, a new mentality has developed: the belief that the cam can handle any shooting situation on its own. As a result, few camcorder owners realize that shooting indoors has its...

Sharp VL-PD1U: the first "touch-screen" camcorder.(Cover Story)
October 1, 1998... We've looked at many Sharp camcorders in past issues of Camcorder & ComputerVideo. They've ranged from practical Hi8 models to innovative combination DV camcorders/Digital Still cameras--all with the hallmark Sharp technology: a built-in color...

Hitachi VMH945LA: the culmination of years of camcorder design refinement.(Hi8 camcorder test)(includes product specifications)(Evaluation)
October 1, 1998... Hitachi's VMH945LA is a Hi8 camcorder flesh off the drawing boards and entering production. It incorporates the latest and most desirable features and functions; it's a unit well worth considering when shopping for a personal video machine....

JVC GR-DVM5u: the most feature-rich of the small DV camcorders.(digital camcorder test)(includes product specifications)(Evaluation)
October 1, 1998... Digital video is here. DV camcorders with flip-out monitors and FireWire inputs/outputs can be found on the shelves at every major home electronics outlet. The new GR-DVM5u is the latest DV camcorder from JVC (the company that invented...

A better black box: a new enhanced version of Casablanca's popular all-in-one editing machine.(video tape editing equipment)
October 1, 1998... Last year, DraCo Systems introduced the Casablanca all-in-one black-box editing system that requires no configuration or tweaking. All you need is a video monitor and a video source such as a camcorder or VCR. Just plug The Casablanca...

Fireworks and Photoshop: two big upgrades for desktop video.(desktop video software)
October 1, 1998... Whether you produce graphics for video productions or Internet web sites, the computer and its graphic software has become an indispensable tool. Indeed, it is often the evolution of software that enables the video and graphics artist to...