VHS-C Camcorders

VHS-C Camcorder

A camcorder combines a video camera and recorder. The early types of camcorder were tape-based that recorded analogue signals onto a tape cassette. By 2006, these recording tapes were replaced with internal memory capabilities and SD cards.

The term camcorder was derived from the term video camera recorder and describes a self-contained portable device for capturing and recording video and sound. Specialised video cassette recorders including the VHS, U-matic and Betamax , were developed that were inserted into a camcorder to record video footage and eliminated the need for a separate recorder. In the 1980s, JVC produced the VHS-C camcorder that was used with a full-sized VHS cassette that had a recording capacity of 3 hours.

Features of VHS-C camcorders

A camcorder has three principal parts which are the lens, the imager and the recorder. The lens takes in light and focuses it on the imager, which is the camera part of the camcorder. The imager then converts the light into an electrical signal and the recorder converts that signal to video.

Camcorder optics will have a range of controls. The aperture regulates the amount of exposure and the depth of field, whilst the zoom controls the angle of the view and the focal length. The shutter speed determines the exposure and the gain amplifies the signal strength when light conditions are low. A neutral density filter will regular the intensity of the exposure.

The camcorders lens will project the image onto the imager surface, exposing the photosensitive array to light. At the end of the timed exposure, it is converted from an accumulated electrical charge into a continuous analogue voltage at the imagers output terminals.

The recorder part of the camcorder writes the received video signal onto a magnetic tape, but there may be some distortion and noise on the video playback as the process has a series of steps.

Camcorders are usually classified by their storage or recording device. The VHS-C is a video tape that is compatible with analogue camcorders.

Accessories for your VHS-C

As standard, the VHS-C camcorder came complete with a charger and storage case, plus a zoom eye attachment and leads. Microphones and additional tapes were available separately.

Converting your footage

Should you discover old family footage of birthdays, Christmas or other occasions on your VHS-C tapes, you could convert it into digital files which are compatible with modern devices to ensure your precious memories are not lost.