Video Camcorders
A camcorder is another great way to create a record of your baby as she grows up. Most people start out recording their baby's delivery, and then just keep recording each special moment after that. Your baby's first smiles, the first time she starts rolling over, and her first steps are just a few of the events that you will want to record and watch later.
So which camcorder is best for you? As with a digital camera, you should go with a camcorder that has all of the features you need, but is still affordable. You will first have to decide if you want a digital or analog camcorder. What's the difference? An older analog camcorder simply records on regular videotape, like those in the 8mm, Hi8, and VHS format. Newer high definition digital camcorders offer better quality and make it easy to transfer your video to your computer for editing.
Other features to look for include image stabilization, small size, optical zoom, and an LCD display to view your movies. If you want the latest technology, go with either a camcorder that records straight to DVD or a tapeless camcorder that records on a memory card or hard drive, and is therefore extremely small and slim. Although a tapeless camcorder may be the most compact option, keep in mind that the quality is not as good as other types of camcorders, and unless you upgrade the memory card, you will only be able to record a few minutes of video at a time.
Although it can be nice to have recorded movies of important events, be sure that you don't miss out on actually being a part of those special times because you are too busy behind the camera. Find a good balance between recording things yourself and having other people film events while you participate.
Making Movies
Making movies is easy. Technically, if you have a camcorder, you can make a movie. But what you really end up with is just a collection of videos, both good and bad, that you have recorded one right after the other.
New technology and software let you take this a step further. Instead of just watching the uncut, unedited versions of movies you've recorded, you can now edit your videos. You can rearrange frames and add music, titles, and credits. You also can delete scenes or add other images, such as old family photos, to create a professional-looking movie.
To start making movies, all you need is a digital camcorder, a computer to connect it to, and video editing software. In addition to the very popular iMovie on Apple computers, you can use Microsoft Windows Movie Maker to create movies if you are using Windows. You will also need a DVD burner if you want to share and watch your movies on a regular TV.
