Consumer Reports gives behind the scenes look at how they test video on smartphones and camcorders

YONKERS, N.Y. - It's just like a display in the front of a department store, with fashionable outfits full of bright colors and patterns.

Welcome to Consumer Reports lab, where camcorders and cameras are tested.

The lifelike scene complete with blowing wind and different light sources is recorded for several minutes on old-fashioned camcorders and the ones on smartphones. Then the video is evaluated.

"Her skirt comes out way too blue or way too green. You can't make out some of the patterns in some of these camcorders, especially the lower pocket cam types,” James Langehenning with Consumer Reports said.

Consumer Reports looks for clarity, crispness, and muted colors.

It’s not just video, but audio and ease of use are tested.

"As these things get smaller, it’s harder and harder to get to use for some people because all the functionality is now on a touch screen. Now, people don’t have little tiny fingers. They have big fingers,” Langehenning said.

The testing mimics real life so you don't find problems with the camcorder during an actual moment you're trying to capture.