Features

• Most camcorders, whether Sony Handycams or models made by other manufacturers, include certain basic features including LCD screens, zoom lenses and the ability to store at least 4 gigabytes of video data. High-end Sony Handycams include image stabilization and touch screens. Image stabilization compensates for undesired camera motion. Touch-screen technology allows users to access camera controls directly from the LCD screen.
  
  

Benefits

• Manufacturers design camcorders small and light enough so that users can shoot video with one hand. Their controls require less technical knowledge than those of professional-level video cameras. The most compact Sony Handycam is the HDR-TG5V. The unit weighs 90 oz. with dimensions of 1 3/16 inches by 4 5/8 inches by 2 1/2 inches. This camera includes a variety of tools that improve its ease of use. One such tool is face detection, a feature that detects faces and automatically adjusts exposure, focus and color to make them appear sharper and more natural.
  
  

Lenses

• Typically, camcorders do not offer interchangeable lenses. This is one of the main drawbacks setting them apart from professional-grade cameras as it limits the photographer's ability to adapt to different shooting environments. The Sony NEX-VG10 Handycam is an exception to this rule as it's one of the few video cameras designed to accept interchangeable lenses while maintaining the small form factor and ease of use characteristic of traditional camcorders.
  
  

High-end Handycams

• Most camcorders are considered consumer-grade devices, meaning that they don't meet the needs of professional videographers. There is, however, a class of camcorders known as "prosumer" that includes some of the functionality of professional video cameras. Sony's line of prosumer Handycams consists of three models: the HDR-AX2000, HDR-FX1000 and HDR-FX7. These models are capable of recording video with 1080p resolution. This is the industry standard for "full high-definition." They also feature three image sensors as opposed to the single sensor present in most camcorders. This improves overall video quality especially when recording in dimly lit conditions.