Can A Camcorder Take Pictures along with videos?
INTRODUCTION
Are you one among those who have this doubt? Do camcorders take pictures? Then, you've got to stay in this article to know the answer. And if the answer is a YES let's see what are the possible ways of taking pictures using a camcorder. Whatever be the result you've got to read the entire article So, stay tuned and read my content.
CAN YOU TAKE PHOTOS WITH A CAMCORDER?
Yes, nowadays, many camcorders offer digital camera-like options for taking stills in addition to recording professional video footage. These options effectively turn the video camera into a digital camera. Moreover, they let you capture digital stills from the video footage. Luckily, a few professional camcorders feature a dedicated image processor to scale up still images from 4K videos, ensuring superb clarity and sharpness.
There are different ways of taking impressive snaps with a camcorder or from recorded video footage. You can learn them one by one in the next section.
DIFFERENT WAYS OF TAKING STILL PICTURES WITH A CAMCORDER
Photo Mode
Many analog camcorders come with a Photo mode function; that freezes a frame during video recording. The image appears on the display screen for a particular time when you playback the video footage. This function doesn’t separately store the image from the video; so, it’s for limited usages.
CAPTURE DIGITAL STILLS WITH VIDEO EDITING SOFTWARE
Do you want to take digital stills from recorded videos? Well, then you need reliable video editing software. Import the videos into the video editor; freeze the selected frame from the footage and save it. Most video editing applications allow you to scroll through by individual frame.
So, you can easily select the exact moment; that you want to capture in a still-frame for a lifetime. Unfortunately, the taken stills wouldn’t have the print-quality resolution. But you can post these pictures on social media or share them with friends; the image resolution will be good enough to see on mobiles or computers.
CAMCORDER WITH BUILT-IN DIGITAL CAMERAS
The camcorders with built-in digital camera functions store the digital pictures on the memory card. You can transfer them to your computer using a USB cable or directly view them on the display screen of the camcorder.
Generally, they wouldn’t have good resolution and clarity for a quality printout.
However, if you often take stills during shooting, carrying a separate digital camera in addition to the camcorder will probably be a better offer for you.
CONTINUOUS MODE
Some camcorders offer a function, Continuous Mode, which simultaneously lets you take stills without interrupting the video recording.
HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT CAMCORDER FOR STILL PICTURES
If you want something for still pictures and video footage both, try to consider the following things before finalizing your purchasing decision -
PIXELS
In general, the on-screen images look better than printed images; not every resolution and pixel is suitable for taking print quality images. I strictly recommend having at least 2-3 effective pixels to get decent print quality 4x6 still images. Of course, many high-end HD camcorders provide up to 8 to 10 megapixels for stills, whereas the expensive professional 4K camcorders go beyond your expectations.
Lens Quality and Image Sensor
Lens quality, resolution, and size of a camcorder are responsible for the clarity and sharpness of images and videos. For instance, the Sony G lens or Carl Zeiss lens, or Leica Dicomar camera lens of Panasonic are well regarded, whereas the large format 1-inch backside-illuminated image sensor ensures low noise and distortion at the highest zooming point and in low-lighting conditions.
Image processor
Some camcorders offer a function, Continuous Mode, which simultaneously lets you take stills without interrupting the video recording.
Image Stabilizer
Some camcorders offer a hybrid image stabilization mechanism with dedicated shooting modes for handheld shooting. Some others come with an anti-shake design, whereas the most expensive professional camcorders feature a 5-axis optical image stabilization system with Gimbal or Ball mechanism to reduce and correct all sorts of distortions caused by camera rotation and hand-shakes. In the end, I must say that using a tripod always would be a wise decision for filming and capturing still images.
Other Important Features
Try to have a camcorder with a powerful optical zoom, highly-precise autofocus, built-in flashlight, versatile scene modes, and ready-to-shoot picture profiles. Some shooting modes like Burst Mode or Continuous Mode come in handy for taking still photos.
LATEST CAMCORDER FOR STILL PHOTO
CONCLUSION
If still-photography is one of your main lookouts while filming any event or incident, we would suggest not leaving a digital camera at home, in case you have a camcorder and digital camera both. If you’re on a budget and want to invest just in one for taking stills as well as recording videos, there are many impressive choices out there for you. Strike the best-balanced deal between performance, convenience, and cost according to your needs and budget.
