There are a few styles of camcorders to choose from today. One is the ultra-compact type that looks like a cell phone, very small, fits in your pocket or purse and are really popular. They produce good video and are simple to use with only a few buttons on the entire camcorder. They feature fully automatic controls that do a good job but only a digital zoom on the lens which is not very good. There is no LCD screen to flip out just a small viewing screen on the back but it works okay. They are small enough to fit in pockets or purses. I keep one with me in a small case around my neck all the time for those moments that happen once in a lifetime (flying saucers, Elvis sightings, etc). It’s also great fun to pass it to the kids and let them roll with it. They are pretty sturdy because there are really no moving parts inside and are cheap enough to replace if accidentally tossed in the toilet or over a cliff.
ultra compact style
ultra compact style
The other type is the palmcorder style, it fits in your hand horizontally and is a little bigger but easier to hold steady. This type is also very simple to use. They come with fully automatic settings so the main functions are done by the camera and they generally work well. It offers a few more features like an LCD screen you can flip out and adjust for different viewing angles like videos of yourself or up high over the crowd’s heads. They usually have a pretty good zoom lens too. These are a big step up from the ultra-compact because of the better lens, better audio and usually some manual control settings along with the automatic settings. Most of these will still fit in pockets or purses but definitely in a small case or bag. Some have more features like external microphone jacks for even better audio and filter threads on the lens for adding filters, wide angle or telephoto lens attachments.
palmcorder style
palmcorder style
The third is a combination of the two. It’s a small, upright design camcorder and come with the flip out LCD screen. It’s a pretty comfortable design but there is usually no hand grip so you are just hanging on to the camcorder like a pistol. Most have the dismal digital zoom lens and this type is not as popular as the other two but there are some good camcorders in this category. They are small enough for pockets or purses and are generally pretty sturdy and produce good videos.
matchbox stylematchbox style
matchbox style
Any of the styles of camcorder will work when doing school videos. Whatever style you are comfortable with and will actually have with you, is the one to use.
Have Fun.