the focal length being the distance from the lens to the focal point. Camcorders usually have automatic and manual focus options. As far as manual focus options go a focus ring is best; however, many of the less expensive consumer camcorders have either jog dial or button manual focus.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed refers the speed of the opening, or rotation, of the camcorder’s shutter. (Go figure.) Each time the shutter opens, a certain amount of light is admitted to the CCD. Shutter speeds are measured in rotations per second: 1/60, 1/2000, etc. High shutter speeds like 1/2000 admit less light, because the opening in any given amount of time is small. Slow, or low, shutter speeds admit more light as they remain open longer. A low shutter speed recording of a fast object can result in a blurring or trailing effect; a fast shutter can capture moving objects, like