With the proliferation of video sites like YouTube, amateur filmmakers now have the channels to expose their work to a nearly infinite market, no distribution fee required. Most videos on these sites show little regard for film quality, but what if you are among the group who wants to take their videos to the next level. What should you look for in a camcorder to produce the highest quality possible?

The goal of camcorder filming is to get as close to 35mm quality as possible. Let’s break it down to the features that make the difference between an amateur and a professional result:

• Frames per second: Referred to as fps, some filmmakers choose to shoot their video in 24p, which is the same rate as standard cinema film. Not all manufacturers support this format, so check Canon and Panasonic who both support 24p in their camcorders.
• Resolution: Look for 640 x 480 to approximate film quality. Also, a camcorder with a wide screen format mode will give you that cinematic feel.
• HD Capability: The world of movies has gone digital and camcorders are no exception. If you want to get the best picture for home viewing on your HDTV, look for a camcorder that will record in high definition.
• Image Stabilization: Look for a camcorder with this important feature, which will automatically compensate for any hand movement while you are filming.

Other Equipment to Film Like a Pro:

• Tripod: Capture your still shots by investing in a sturdy tripod to give your movies cinematic stillness at all the right moments.
• Lenses: Consider adding an array of lenses to create special effects or perspectives like a fish eye lens and wide-angle lens.
• Effects: Some camcorders have built-in effects to achieve the look of another era or a more stylized quality to your film. Black and white, sepia tone, grainy or noise effect are some of the effects you will find in certain camcorders.
• Filters: In the same way you may add special effects with built-in camcorder features, you may also add filters to create custom effects.
• Lights: Few filmmakers would consider shooting in natural light alone. Invest in good lights to achieve the mood best suited for your film, this additional equipment may have the biggest impact on your finished product.
• Wireless microphone/boom mic: All camcorders have a built-in microphone, but to achieve near cinema-quality results, consider one or more wireless microphones to capture sound and make proper adjustments to your recorded sound.

George Lucas used a consumer camcorder in two Star Wars films and indy film makers are being noticed across the internet: Now it’s your turn.