Additional useful accessories for camcorders

Owners of the camcorder during the operation of the equipment have to use additional accessories. Tripods, external microphones, on-camera illumination devices, various nozzles and adapters are often used. The purpose of these devices is to optimize video shooting and video subsequent processing.

Types and purpose of tripods

A tripod for a video camera (tripod) is a device with three supports to hold the camera in a fixed position. The device acts as a stabilizer, and for maintaining high-quality photo and video recording, the tripod is an important working tool.. It securely fixes the camera, helping to get a clear picture. The tripod holds the camera in the right angle, provides smooth camera turns, frame stabilization. Different fixing equipment dimensions and design, purpose and characteristics.

The diagram below reflects the design of the tripod.

Main structural details of the tripod: legs and feet, head, central column (rod), mounting platform. The device can be purchased in the complete set or be necessary to complete the parts separately.

Depending on the destination tripods for cameras and camcorders are divided into:

• photo posts;

• video tricks;

• universal tripods.

In addition to tripods for shooting equipment, other stabilization systems are used: mechanical selfie-sticks, steadicas, monopods, pocket tripods, as well as electronic stabilizers for video cameras. The latter differ from their analogs by the principle of control by means of a hardware - software system of sensors and motors.

How to choose a tripod

When choosing a tripod, consider the following specifications.

1. Maximum load. The device should be selected taking into account the weight of the camera with all the additional equipment.
2. Tripod height. When choosing, you need to focus on your height so that after strengthening the camera on a tripod, the viewfinder is located at eye level.
3. Weight and design solutions. For transportation it is convenient when the device is a collapsible design, made of durable and lightweight materials.
4. Tripod Stability.
5. Tripod head - the mechanism responsible for fixing and smoothly turning the camera. Three types of construction are common: ball, 3D and panoramic.

The table below shows the rating of various types of stabilizing devices used by users.

Classification of external microphones for camcorder

All modern cameras are equipped with a built-in microphone for recording sound. But not always the quality of sound recording will satisfy users. In this case, you have to think about choosing an external microphone. Using the on-camera microphone provides better sound quality.

By way of recording, all microphones are divided into condenser and dynamic. In condenser-type devices, sound vibrations are fixed by means of a sensitive membrane and a capacitor. In dynamic type devices, an AC coil operates instead of a capacitor.

Condenser microphone

Released arsenal of external recording devices by control method

divided into two varieties:

• wired device (works with the camera through a cable with a special connector);
• wireless microphone (radio controlled).

By design features microphones are divided into two types.

1. Lapel microphone. Differs in compact dimensions, focus on work with voice.It can work with a DVR, surveillance camera and other devices. Convenient when you need to record studio video interviews, reviews, master classes. The devices are available in wired and radio versions.
   

2. Microphone cannon. The name was given by association with the gun barrel. The device minimizes background noise by concentrating on voice recording. This view is well established for recording detailed video reports from various events. Can be fixed on the camera itself or a reporter stick. It can also be wired or radio controlled.
   

The best models of microphones

Before buying a microphone for a video camera, you should be convinced of the technical feasibility, since not every model involves connecting such an external device. You should also pay attention to the frequency range (the wider the better), the length of the cable of the wired model to assess how convenient it will be to use the device. If the radio-controlled option is chosen, it is necessary to choose model with the capacious accumulator.

The table presents the best user reviews for microphone models.

Other useful camcorder accessories

The quality of video shooting is influenced by many factors: the level of illumination, weather conditions (relevant for outdoor video surveillance cameras). Therefore, manufacturers offer camera owners a range of accessories.

Shoulder rest

Shoulder support - a device useful for shooting events, on excursion trips, in any other situations when required to reduce the load on the hands. The shoulder stand allows the operator to lengthen the shooting time without interruption due to hand fatigue.

The cost of devices is acceptable. For example, the popular Shoulder Pad Tren X2 model can be purchased for 3000 rubles.

Casing

Outdoor Housing for Outdoor Camcorder - Necessary protective accessory. Products are completed with a heating element, fan, filters,necessary to protect the camera from dust and low temperatures. Some models of covers can be equipped with a built-in bracket, a visor from direct sunlight. Prices depending on the model and the level of functional content vary in the range of 2000 - 10,000 rubles.

Extra light

Camera light is in demand when shooting in conditions of insufficient natural light, where the camera's built-in flash power is also not enough. On the market were widely represented models of lamps with halogen lamps, but they gradually began to crowd out Led - lighting devices. The latter, with an equivalent brightness of illumination, have several advantages:

• long service life and economical energy consumption, which is not characteristic of halogen light sources;
• frequent replacement of light sources is not required;
• small weight of devices;
• Do not overheat, safe to use.

The range of prices for lighting devices for video cameras, as well as their choice, is extremely wide: from the budget range of 1,000–3,000 rubles to more expensive models priced at over 10,000 rubles.

When choosing any accessories should be guided by the needs and budgetary opportunities,enlisting expert advice and information from owner reviews.