There’s no shortage of phone-hyping talk that smartphones are on the verge of making camcorders obsolete. Some might even be so bold as to claim they already have.
While there’s no doubt having a video camera that films in HD with in-phone editing is cool, these features are cute, for lack of a better word, in comparison to the robust technology in today’s best camcorders. Sure, smartphones seem to be becoming the ultimate all-in-one device, but that doesn’t mean they are becoming the go-to device for big, important projects.
Just because you can do it on a smartphone doesn’t mean you can do it better. Does higher quality filming capabilities in phones kill the camcorder? No. Here’s why.
Different Tools for Different Purposes
Sure, you are hanging out with friends when you suddenly experience something amazing — you catch sight of a B-list actor or you spot something strange and wonderful like a dinosaur statue strapped to the top of a car as it drives by. In those split-moment instances you will ultimately rely on your cell phone to grab a quick photo or to shoot a short clip of video. Granted, it’s easy and accessible. But for those important moments in your life, when you want to be the director of your memories, you are going to want to turn to something a little more advanced. Be it the graduation ceremony of your first-born or the vacation of a lifetime — a battery-draining smartphone video shoot just won’t cut it.
A Widening of the Market
In the same way that mobile apps and games did not kill off the video game console industry, the new digital video capabilities won’t kill off camcorders. New technology always brings about these kinds of speculations. But think back, the handheld Nintendo DS did not kill the Nintendo game console.
Consumers are Becoming More Tech Saavy
The media buzz around apps and smartphone capabilities in general makes it seem as though everyone and their mother has one but that is not the case. A recent Nielson poll found that only 29 percent of consumers even have smartphones, many of which do not have extensive video filming features. At the same time, people are more open to trying new electronics, especially those with advanced features. Though phones offer simple video shooting and editing capabilities, consumers are becoming more and more interested as advanced users. Just look at the rise of the Digital SLR over the use of regular point-and-shoots. Consumers like choice but they also like high-quality choice. Sure, you can whip out your phone to get a spur of the moment video shoot, but for those important memories and the documentation of personal events, you would choose the dedicated device because it enables more control and higher quality outcomes.
And You Thought Smartphones Had Cool Features…
While smartphones do pack a lot of punch in the features department, the current and subsequent generations of camcorders are going to wow consumers with extensive new features such as waterproofing, dual screens that allow you to see what you’re filming when the camcorder is pointed back at you, and even 3D capability.
Today’s camcorders feature believable picture quality, touch-screen viewfinders, a custom setting for any condition, low light capability for nighttime shooting and even shotgun condenser microphones, the same kind you’ll find in professional recording studios.
The Professionals Will Laugh At You
Try telling a professional filmmaker his smatphone will one day replace that high tech piece of equipment he or she is lugging around. Consider the variety of lenses and settings used to create exactly right picture. That zoom on your smartphone is a cheesy gimmick compared with the capabilities of even the most basic lens on a base model digital camcorder. And what about sound? Professional cameras have highly sensitive and accurate microphones with a much higher threshold for volume.
The truth is there is a laundry list of features that a camcorder has that you simply won’t find on your phone. And the HD camcorders you’re thinking about forsaking in favor of your phone aren’t big, bulky or expensive.
The Weak Flip Argument Just Doesn’t Hold Up
There are plenty of claims out there that the demise of the Flip video camera is proof camcorders are becoming irrelevant and that people simply want camcorders on their phone and don’t need one otherwise.
The truth is, Flip went under because the camera is too much like the one on your smart phone, but without the benefits of a phone. Plenty of people want a camcorder that isn’t built into their phone, one with options, advanced settings and a HD picture that isn’t super-compressed.
Keep Phone, But Get A Camcorder
It’s nice to think you phone can replace the need for a digital camera or camcorder, which is completely true in some circumstances. But there will be times when you want more out of your videos and pictures. The face is, today’s top camcorders are built for professionals. The sound, picture and still photos are infinitely better than the quality your smartphone will yield.
So go ahead and grab that phone when your buddy is about to attempt scarfing down a mountain of chili fries is less than 30 seconds. But for the moments you want to keep forever, it’s a much better idea to invest in a camcorder. Whether you are a hobbyist or someone breaking into the professional market, you’ll likely be amazed by the quality and versatility a camcorder will provide.