Back to the Future

There have always been video cameras, which were used on television. But in the 1980s, they developed a more portable version of a video camera - the camcorder. However, the very first portable camcorder was nothing like the digital camcorders of today. They had a VCR attached to it, so you had to operate a camera and record on an external VCR simultaneously. Sounds crazy, huh? Well, professional cameramen weren’t too thrilled about this new invention either.

Eventually, they combined the two and created the BETACAM. Sony, one of today’s leading camcorder manufacturers, developed the first professional camcorder. They also created the BETAMOVIE, which was for domestic use.

Camcorders graduated from VHS & 8mm tapes to miniDV & HDV. It is strange to think that cameramen had to set-up a VCR to capture images with a camcorder. I’d see why they might prefer to just use film, if it was gonna be such a hassle. Most betacams had to be propped on your shoulder, plus they cost at least $1500. Today, a consumer can buy a compact camcorder for as little as $300. Its technology and size has advanced in only a short time span. The cameramen of the eighties deserve our respect for putting up with such bulky technology. We’re lucky to be living in such technologically advanced times where an average person could buy and operate a camcorder without much difficulty.

Related posts:

1. Steady as she goes
2. Disposable Camcorders
3. Redux
4. Agility
5. The HD Revolution