Connections

Think about which connections to your TV and computer you'll use, and make sure the model you're interested in has them.

There are three main types of connection: outputs to TV, output to computer, and inputs.

Output to TV

Composite video

Composite video input is the standard system. The brightness and colour signals are combined into the single video signal (yellow RCA connectors); there are also mono or stereo audio channels (red and white RCA connectors).

S-video

Offers a better picture-quality than composite because the brightness and colour signals are kept separate - but you'll need separate audio cables because S-video doesn't carry sound. S-video can be identified by a small round four-pin plug (mini-din).

Component video

The best picture-connection option for conventional TV sets, but it's not always available. Three video (red, blue and green RCA connectors) and two audio cables (red and white RCA connectors) are required.

DVI (digital visual interface)

A high definition connector for video usually found only on plasma or LCD screens. It can carry digital and analogue video signals to a screen capable of displaying them.

HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface)

An all-digital connection for both video and sound in one cable.

For more on connections to TV, see our Television buying guide.

Output to computer

This is via a digital format, such as Firewire (also called IEEE 1394), USB or Bluetooth. Firewire is the standard method, as it's much faster than USB.

Inputs

These are just as significant as outputs, perhaps more so. With a bi-directional (input/output) Firewire socket, you can transfer footage back into your camera from a computer, so the edited version can be easily viewed or stored on a fresh tape or DVD.

With an AV or S-Video input, your camcorder becomes even more useful - as a digitiser. Say you've got a lot of precious family footage on Hi8 or VHS tapes. Play these through a VCR or analogue camcorder, input the signal to your digital camcorder, and it will be converted into a digital format. The contents can then be recorded onto better-quality media, such as a mini-DV tape or a DVD.