Video cameras, camcorders and other home video cassette recorders have been around for many years. However, in good old 1982, the Sony corporation - which is now one of the standard setters when it comes to home electronics - released the original BETACAM video camcorder.

When the BETACAM was first released, it was considered the video camera to have for professional video camera operators, recorders and videographers. Of course, the arrival of the original BETACAM was not welcome with open arms. Why? Because in the old days, it required two people to successfully operate a video camera. You needed one person to operate the camera itself - aiming and filming the footage. You also then needed another person to operate the VCR, which was required to play back the recorded video.

The hand held first camcorder, because it was all in one unit, required the camera operator to take on both tasks, which was frowned upon. However, when the freedom of movement and ease of use with the video camcorder was soon realized and recognized, any ill-feelings about doing both jobs were quickly forgotten.