If you are not sure whether you need a converter for an appliance in Western Europe- is it safe to use the converter even if its not needed? Devices we are taking are camcorder and chargers for phones.

>is it safe to use the converter even if its not needed?
No.

The chargers for these devices will have a voltage plate on them, which will tell you if they are suitable for use in Europe or not.

You have to match both the voltage and the Hertz. The converter can correct the former but not the later. Since we don't know where you are coming from, we cannot comment.

Why don't you look at your power specification stickers on your appliance and post what they say? It should say something like:

Input: 100-240v 50-60Hz
AC Input: 120V 60Hz

If both the allowed voltage and the Hertz range matches your target countries, you don't need a bulky converter. If the Hertz does not include 50Hz, even a converter will not help you.

For chargers & similar you don't need to match the frequency as the mains supply is converting AC to DC

IMO the best thing you can do, Lyceemoliere is to LOOK at the power supply/charger as Hetismij has suggested to see what voltage is accepted.

If it is a piece of equipment designed for worldwide sale/use it is almost undoubtedly "dual voltage" and will accept 110-240 and if that is the case there is no reason to worry about using a converter and all the other "information" you have absolutely no need for.