What kind of video camera should you buy?

I've purchased over 20 video cameras since 1993 when I bought my first Sony 8mm camcorder. Things have improved tremendously since then. But they've also gotten much more complicated. There weren't many choices back in 1993. My camera had a black and white viewfinder, weighed a couple of pounds and recorded fuzzy video.

Today's cameras are broadcast TV quality wonders of size and quality. But with all the different choices out there, finding the perfect camera can be very confusing.

When looking for a new camera, here are the features that I find most important.

1. SIZE--The bigger (or heavier) the camera, the less likely you are to use it. Get the smallest camera you can find that meets your other criteria.
2. LCD panel--One of the best inventions to come along. The LCD allows you to make videos without having the camera plastered against your forehead.
3. STABILITY--Most new cameras feature some sort of stabilization system. The smaller the camera, the more important it is. Make sure your camera has it.
4. EXTERNAL MICROPHONE JACK--Many of the newer cameras are leaving this feature out. If you want to make creative videos that sound good, a microphone jack is essential.
5. HEADPHONE JACK--Another feature that is beginning to disappear in newer cameras. Sound is extremely important and a headphone jack allows you to monitor the sound without external noise.

That's pretty much it when it comes to finding the right camera. All the other stuff is pretty much fluff unless you are getting paid for the videos you make.

Most people just want to make decent home movies for their friends and families. Most people never use most of the extra features on a camcorder (and honestly, most of the features shouldn't be used anyway).