Articles

Looking back, it's remarkable to note the distance that digital camcorders have traveled in their evolution. Video cameras, like their digital brethren, have become more user-friendly over the years. That's nothing new, and there's no reason to trump the advancement of the video camera onto a higher pedestal than anything else. However, looking back on the history of the Digital camcorder, it's exciting to see where it is now, and where it will eventually go.

When video camcorders first arrived on the scene, they were big, heavy and awkward contraptions that need tapes or reels. They either rested uncomfortably upon the shoulder, or stood on tripods or legs. Their dependency on wires, cords or cables hampered their ability to move and go. Only specialized technicians and trained individuals could operate them. And they could only record and play back in black and white.

Skip ahead a few decades where we now are upon the digital age, with digital video cameras. Some dwell in the higher price range, with all the requisite bells & whistles and features. While others are more simple and affordable. Most do not require tapes - which, upon further reflection, were probably larger than today's digital camcorders - to record and playback the movie. They are now capable of recording the movie directly onto a hard drive that is contained with the digital video camcorder itself. Which, in and of itself, also shows how far computer technology has evolved over the years.

Video cameras are now so powerful that they have embedded themselves into other devices. Camcorders are now found in a variety of devices, including cellular phones, portable digital assistants, hand-held video game consoles and a whole host of other portable devices. Whereas before, perhaps only an important event warranted to use of the video camera, today's generation uses the Digital camcorder in the same regard as they would a pair of scissors - they are a tool of convenience.

Digital camcorders appear to be everywhere these days, even if we are oblivious to their locations and whereabouts. Certainly, the hand-held video camera will always be in favor and in style. But, more and more people are choosing to own a digital video camera that is part of another item altogether, rather than just a stand-alone item. And, just as interesting as the technology itself, is how it is being used. Video cameras are being used regularly to document, record, create and share. Because digital camcorders have evolved, their roles have evolved and expanded as well.