Ok for Christmas I got a new video camera, or rather, I got the money to buy one in the post Christmas Sales I have wanted a replacement for my old camera for a while now as it is bulky, has little storage and the battery life deteriated to the point of uselesness! There’s no better way to capture memories than to record and watch events of the past unfold again at the simple click of a button. With reports flowing fast and thick everyday on new video cameras across a wide range of prices, it’s natural to get overwhelmed by technical jargon and get confused about which one to buy…. so I thought I would add a few pointers for anyone facing the same dilema… which one to buy!

When choosing your video camera you want to consider all your options, review the features and pros and cons of each camera.  Then you can make an informed decision and pick the one that suits you the best.

Here are some vital pointers that will help narrow down your choices:

1. Purpose: Make sure you are clear about how you are going to use your video camera.  Is your focus going to be capturing moments in everyday life, at family gatherings and outings, or are you planning to use it to film specific events like sports, wildlife or major events. Your requirements and intention help to eliminate certain cameras because they may lack a feature or specification.

2. Features/ Specifications: Once you are clear about the purpose, decide on what features and specifications you should look for in the video camera. If you are a casual shooter, a model from the consumer camcorder category would do. If you business relies on professional quality video then you need to zero in on a device from the professional camcorder category.

3.  Size:  Be clear about the portability aspect of your video camera. These days the emphasis seems to be on compact form factors, but you need to decide if you are looking for a full-featured device or something that fits in your pocket like a cell phone. This aspect will also have a bearing on the functions, specifications and picture quality.  Pocket size camera lenses will be predictably inferior to the full-sized version and video quality will be affected too. Make sure you are comfortable with the grip of the camera and placement of membrane switches. While the look of the camera can be a huge influence, ensure you go for a sturdy and well-constructed device.

4. Budget: Once you know how you intend to use your video camera, it will also give you a fair idea about how much you would be expected to invest. For casual recording, you will find a range of cameras that will be affordably priced, but if you plan to shoot some serious videos, then you will need more sophisticated device. Set a budget accordingly to narrow down on to a specific set of models that meet your usage as well as budget needs. Then, go through the product specifications of each camera in your short list.

5. Core features: It is very important to check out the core features of any video camera and figure out which features would make sense for you and which features you could do without.  During your research of video camera models, consider aspects like resolution, optical zoom, image stabilization, scenes and photo features, including performance in poor light. Check out if the camera features an HDMI output.  An HDMI output allows you to connect it to a digital TV or DVD recorder. Also important is the expected battery life.

6. Compatibility: You are almost done.  The final thing to decide would be whether your video recorder is PC or MAC compatible lest you get stuck with a video in your camera, which can’t be downloaded to your computer.

7. Last, but definitely not the least, check out if any of the models in your list come with bundled accessories or software that could come in handy. While this should not be the decider, there is no harm if your product comes with a few add-ons.

A few years back Nokia ruled the GSM Waves with its range of high quality, usable, reliable and asthetically pleasing handsets. If you are able to remember the likes of the 8210 it was a revolution in terms of both function and style, and of course size, I dont think there has been such a small phone produced since that time.

However, times change, and Nokia soon began slipping in terms of its designs. The first sign of this was with the advent of camera phones which changed the game in terms of required screen size and resolution. Up to that point Nokias success had been based on having the best designs for “bar” style handsets, which have a small screen with the keyboard below. This seriously limited the screen size, and thus the effectiveness of the camera. Nokias attempts at flip phones (which were never their strength) flopped badly.

As time went on Nokia moved from being the premium brand ever down the scale until the bargain basement became their stock and trade. The next hammer blow was the arrival of smart phones, and more specifically the new operating systems from Apple, Google Android and to a lesser extent BlackBerry OS.

Whilst other manufacturers were steaming ahead with fullly featured “app capable” operating systems, Nokia floundered on with the out moded “symbian”. Even after Symbian went “open source” there was never really any development on that platform and it became pretty clear that, as an operating system it was dead.

That left Nokia scrambling around for an alternative, many tipped Android, however they would struggle to compete against the likes of HTC and Samsung who already had a strong product line in that area. To the rescue came Microsoft who paid Nokia to use their new Windows Mobile platform, much to the distain of ailing Nokia fans.

The result of all this, well, the first result is the excellent Nokia Lumia 800, the First smartphone from Nokia to really embrace the power of Windows Mobile. The styling of this phone is pretty whacky with its “neon” outer casing, coupled with the as yet unfamilliar windows mobile interface (which has a tile style front page). Nokia are marketing this as “easier, faster, funner”, I would add “riskier” to that list myself, though, style can quickly be altered with a quick revamp, what matters is the core handset.

Whilst Windows Mobile is not  as “cool” as Android or IOS, it has one serious advantage and that is it integrates well with Microsoft applications, notably office applications. If you have ever tried to edit word (or open office) documents on an iPhone you will know what a painful, or even impossible process that is. Not so with Windows Mobile, with exchange integration and the ability to edit office apps its a sure fire winner for business users, but quite how that fits in with neon “funner” I am not sure”!

The other attractive feature of the Nokia Lumia 800 is its low price with some great deals being offered on mobile comparison sites which come in at a fraction of the price of the latest iPhone, or even some of the higher end Android phones. Whilst this may seem to play in Nokias favour, it still means there is a waft of eau de bargain basement eminating from Nokia’s direction, and it kind of shows they do not have the confidence (yet) to step straight back into the top flight. That said, you cannot really blame them, Nokia still have to earn their stripes in the smart phone arena and it will take some time before anyone knows whether this new Microsoft partnership can get Nokia back on track.

Personally I with them well, I think the return of the “Nokia of Old” will be good for everyone, more choice, more competition, and, let us not forget just how great Nokia phones used to be!