These controls might matter , may need get serious filmmaking.Lens With camcorder , far camera zoom ( wide angle ) zoom ( telephoto ) ? The wide-angle setting probably important.It lets get close makes handholding easier.The best way compare find 35mm equivalent.Under 30mm good , 25mm less great.It ’ optical zoom range need know – digital zoom pretty much irrelevant ( see bottom ) .If zoom range ’ wide , manufacturer make wide-angle telephoto adaptors fit front lens ? How close camera lens focus ? What ’ widest aperture ? ( A low number , like f/2 f/1.7 , lets light use camera dark conditions get shallow focus effects ) .Sound Is built-in microphone good ? Is headphone socket listen sound film ? Can plug separate microphone ? ( If want able use pro microphones , need camera three-pin XLR inputs ) .