It's incredible to think just how far camcorder technology has come and evolved from its humble beginnings. Video cameras, like their digital brethren, have become more user-friendly over the years. That fact, of course, is to be expected, but not necessarily proclaimed as genius. However, looking back on the history of the Digital camcorder, it's exciting to see where it is now, and where it will eventually go.

Video cameras emerged as large, bulky and cumbersome devices that required tapes or reels to record and store the moving pictures. They either rested uncomfortably upon the shoulder, or stood on tripods or legs. Their dependency on wires, cords or cables hampered their ability to move and go. They could only be operated and used by specially trained people. And, perhaps most stunning of all, video cameras could only record, broadcast and play back in black and white.

Fast forward (another innovation on the video camcorder) to the digital age, and we are now inundated with brand upon brand of digital camcorder. Some dwell in the higher price range, with all the requisite bells & whistles and features. While others are more simple and affordable. Most do not require tapes - which, upon further reflection, were probably larger than today's digital camcorders - to record and playback the movie. Nowadays, today's Digital camcorders are built with a hard drive included in the unit, so that it can store the movie right on the device itself. Which, in and of itself, also shows how far computer technology has evolved over the years.

Video cameras are now so powerful that they have embedded themselves into other devices. Camcorders are now found in a variety of devices, including cellular phones, portable digital assistants, hand-held video game consoles and a whole host of other portable devices. Whereas before, perhaps only an important event warranted to use of the video camera, today's generation uses the Digital camcorder in the same regard as they would a pair of scissors - they are a tool of convenience.

Digital camcorders appear to be everywhere these days, even if we are oblivious to their locations and whereabouts. Certainly, the hand-held video camera will always be in favor and in style. But, more and more people are choosing to own a digital video camera that is part of another item altogether, rather than just a stand-alone item. And, just as interesting as the technology itself, is how it is being used. Video cameras are being used regularly to document, record, create and share. Perhaps they have always been employed for that purpose, but they are now playing an even greater role in society, media and culture.