15 best camcorders
There is nothing better for shooting than a dedicated video camera. As practice shows, the narrow focus of this product has a positive effect on the quality of shooting, since manufacturers, for example Sony or Panasonic, can concentrate on one thing and not rack their brains over combining many third-party functions. As a result, even the most inexpensive digital and amateur models bypass cameras significantly, while professional ones remain out of competition.
We've handpicked the top 15 best amateur camcorders at affordable prices and professional models for you based on specifications, customer reviews, ratings and reputable channels.
Best inexpensive (amateur) camcorders
Even cheap cameras can handle video better than cameras. They have a minimal set of options for shooting: high-aperture optics, Full HD resolution, multiple optical zoom, image stabilization and a comfortable grip. However, one cannot count on professional quality. A minimum of control buttons is placed on the body, noticeable noise and color distortions come out on the frames at dusk.
5 Panasonic HC-V270
Extremely lightweight and small in size, this inexpensive hobby camera lets you take you anywhere without burdening you with any weights. 50x optical zoom is considered the main advantage of this model. The battery lasts about 2 hours. Full HD footage captured by the camera looks pretty good, regardless of the size of the matrix. The presence of Wi-Fi and NFC channels provide a quick connection with a smartphone.
Buyers in the reviews highlight the 5-axis system for detecting hand shake and stabilization. There is also a radio nanny function. The menu is inconvenient. The screen is small enough. There is no control of the usual keys, as well as the navigation joystick. The camera has a small focal length. Recommended for beginner video amateurs or those who are not interested in technical tricks, but need a simple and convenient device that makes high-quality films and pictures.
4 Canon LEGRIA HF R806
One of the lightest, most compact and inexpensive cameras in our ranking from the world famous Japanese brand and suitable for amateur photography. Weighing just over 200 grams, this digital touchscreen camera is very rich in shooting modes, including sports and even trendy slow motion. Also, the state employee will appreciate the opportunity to take photos while filming video. The 3.28 megapixel sensor, worthy for a budget employee, will provide excellent amateur video under good lighting conditions. However, in dark or dim lighting conditions, the quality may decline.
Apart from the requirements for lighting, the reviews do not mention other serious shortcomings. At the same time, users often praise the camcorder for its convenience, quite decent zoom and fast focusing. Also, the device is characterized by a good autonomy - just over three hours.
3 Panasonic HC-V380
Panasonic is one of the main and most progressive manufacturers of photo and video equipment. Therefore, even the most inexpensive amateur device of the brand has become one of the best representatives of the category. In addition to a good expansion of the matrix, which provides a decent level of shooting, the camera also received an optical zoom with a magnification of 50, which is many times more than analogs and even expensive professional devices. In addition, Panasonic received a built-in Wi-Fi wireless communication module, which allows not only to easily transfer captured recordings, but also to remotely control the video camera via Wi-Fi, which favorably distinguishes the model from state employees of Sony and many other companies.
The ability to send commands to the device from a smartphone or any other device wirelessly is often cited in reviews as one of the best characteristics of a camcorder.Also, many people like the good hybrid stabilizer, the clear screen and the easy-to-use menu.
2 JVC Everio GZ-R495
Divers and simply connoisseurs of marine beauty often puzzle over how to share gorgeous underwater views with loved ones and YouTube subscribers. Thanks to the new video camera with a moisture-resistant body, shooting is possible not only in pouring rain, but also in water at a depth of five meters and a duration of no more than an hour. The device copes well with other adverse weather conditions: snow and frost down to minus ten degrees. At the same time, JVC Everio boasts a unique waterproof battery, designed for five hours of operation without recharging.
Also among the best features of the camcorder are 4 GB of built-in flash memory, excellent optical zoom of 40x, relatively light weight and, of course, good quality of shooting. A simple, intuitive interface and the absence of unnecessary frills will allow you to shoot high-quality videos without any problems, even for those who are just trying themselves in the role of an amateur video.
1 Sony HDR-CX405
The HDR-CX405 is the perfect solution for home photography. A no-nonsense balanced camcorder tops the list. The simplified design with a minimum number of buttons on the body will appeal to amateurs. At the same time, Sony provides the potential for developing and mastering the basics of video shooting: in the settings you will find control over exposure, white balance, focus.
The camcorder has a smooth 30x optical zoom and a reliable stabilizer. Among other advantages, operators note a good frequency for smooth transmission of motion, a high bit rate, and sound quality. The battery lasts for two hours of recording: and this, given the miniature size of the model, is the best result among budget models.
The lens is bright enough (F1.8 - F4). In capable hands, with sufficient lighting, the camcorder makes recordings comparable in quality to professional ones. Sony also shoots well in the dark, but graininess and color distortions are noticeable to the naked eye.
The best mid-range camcorders
Camcorders of the middle price segment do not yet claim the status of professional ones. The compact size and cost do not allow placing a large number of controls on the case: to adjust the settings, you will have to refer to the menu. But in comparison with the budget segment, they have a better matrix and optics, which allow you to shoot in low light. Depending on your goals, you can choose a camera with a powerful zoom, with a 4K recording format or high-quality optics, guided by the ratings of the best camcorders /
5 Panasonic HC-VXF990
High-quality 4K resolution and reasonable price became the main trump card of the model. New digital instruments have been added and old features have been seriously updated. Power can be connected via a regular external battery via USB. This is the older model in the lineup and is not particularly in demand on the market. Despite this, professional operators use it with great enthusiasm. When downgraded to Full HD, you can shoot HDR quality video, which will suit most photography needs.
Digital tools are also interesting, in particular post-focus and post-panning. Made in a traditional "handheld" form factor. Outwardly, it is not much different from its competitors identical to it. The Leica lens together with the advanced electronics ensure good video quality. It is possible to connect to a smartphone and transfer data to a computer or laptop via Wi-Fi.
4 Panasonic HC-V800
The TOP of the middle class would be incomplete without the best Panasonic development of 2018, the best features of which are a good matrix with a resolution of more than 8 megapixels, a bright touch screen, high quality not only video, but also photos, Wi-Fi support and, of course, excellent shooting darkened scenes.Thanks to the minimum lighting requirements measured by only one lux, the camcorder pleases with clarity and excellent color reproduction even in the dark and with high contrast between dark and light. At the same time, an almost professional device supports Wi-Fi and a number of interfaces and standards, has a headphone output and supports a number of memory card standards.
Panasonic certainly has something to surprise and delight the buyer. A wide-angle lens, 24x zoom, a variety of add-ons, including horizon leveling and an excellent selection of stylish lighting effects, will leave no one indifferent.
3 Panasonic HC-VX980
There are still few camcorders on the market that record in 4K format, and there are only a few such models in the middle price segment. One of the best options is offered by Panasonic. Recording speed at 4K resolution is 25 frames. The improved recording format allows you to watch without loss of quality on large screens and select frames from the video sequence for photos. Of course, the quality is inferior to professional DSLRs, but suitable for a family archive.
The rest of the characteristics of the HC-VX980 correspond to a solid midrange: a comfortable 20x optical zoom, 5-axis image stabilization, touchscreen display, Wi-Fi. The lens is light enough for night city photography, but picky professionals will spot noise and unpleasant artifacts. The disadvantages of the Panasonic camera also include a small battery.
2 Sony HDR-CX625
Sony's camcorder does not pretend to be the best picture quality in the middle segment, but the model brings the thoughtful 30x optical zoom to the first places of the rating. The digital zoom is 350 at all, but these values cannot be called working.
The HDR-CX625 is equipped with a sophisticated stabilization system with several modes of operation. Even when planes or birds flying in the sky are approaching, it is possible to do without a tripod: when shooting handheld, the image remains stable. Among the other advantages of Sony, we note a touchscreen display, Wi-Fi and NFC. With such a zoom, there is no need to pretend to have a high picture clarity or aperture ratio. But this video camera has a completely different task with which it copes.
1 Panasonic HC-V770
The category of "middle class" video cameras is deservedly headed by the model with the smoothest and most natural shooting, rich functionality and excellent reviews. Model HC-V770 received a fairly sensitive matrix with a resolution of 12.76 megapixels, as well as the best number of frames per second - 120, which is an absolute record not only for devices in the middle price segment, but also for all video cameras. Such a high frame rate when shooting Full HD video will allow you to create professional quality movies and at the same time this model can be called relatively inexpensive. Therefore, the high popularity of the camera is not surprising.
In the reviews, many call the camcorder the ideal value for money. Indeed, the device has excellent optics, a powerful stabilizer, many innovative features and interesting modes. Also, everyone appreciates the convenience of the camera. The battery capacity is small, but an external battery can be connected.
The best camcorders for professionals
Expensive professional video cameras are distinguished by high-quality optics, matrix and well-thought-out ergonomics. With buttons on the body and control rings, the operator quickly adjusts video settings. However, the extended functionality is reflected in the weight of the camcorder. It's hard to hold the camera for a long time, that's why shoulder cameras appear in the expensive segment. In addition to the complexities of management, the amateur will be disappointed by the weak stabilization system, which is typical for the "pro" category.
5 Insta360 Pro
Insta360 Pro has some of the best features in our top. It is capable of shooting 360 degrees at once, which is reflected in its name. In the case, which looks more like the Death Star, 6 4K cameras are mounted, the picture from which is combined into a common 8K photo or video camera.Out of the box, the user can stream YouTube videos in 4K without any problems. If in conventional cameras the emphasis is on compactness, then this model, on the contrary, tries to copy the shape and size of a soccer ball.
At the hardware level, you can only stitch 4K video, but in automatic mode. For 8K, you have to tinker with computer software. This rule does not work in the photograph. The delivery set is able to amaze anyone on the spot, since the camera comes in a massive case. A protective rubber bandage is able to cover the lenses of external influences. The power key remains open, so it is not recommended to carry it in bags, since an accidental light press can turn on the camera and discharge it to zero.
4 Canon XF405
Another successful continuation of the line of compact professional camcorders is expressed in the Canon XF405. The most important element of the update is the ability to record videos in 4K images at high frame rates. Despite its compact size and packaging, Canon has received all the necessary input and output hardware interfaces to use. Competently thought-out controls are located in such a way that the operator can quickly change absolutely any parameters.
Recording can be carried out on SD format cards, of which there can be 2 pieces at the same time. Such a move somewhat reduces the risk of data loss in the event of a malfunction of the card controllers. The upper handle is dismantled with a special screw and has two XLR audio inputs at once for connecting external sound sources. On the other hand, there is a remote control for fine adjustment of their levels. In the front part of the handle there is a transparent window with infrared illumination for night shooting.
3 Sony FDR-AX 100E
The main advantage of Sony's camcorders is 4K video recording, which is gradually gaining market share. The model has ample opportunities for using manual settings: control of shooting parameters is available, and not hidden in the menu. The lens ring, depending on the selected mode, is responsible for magnification or manual focus. Sharp picture, true color rendition, built-in filters.
The FDR-AX 100E claims to be of professional quality, but the model falls short of the leaders of the rating. Users report inflated prices. The lens for a camera of this class is a bit dark (F2.8 - F4.5), but this is partially offset by the quality of the matrix. You can shoot indoors or at dusk, but the noise is noticeable. Of course, in comparison with budget models, the grain is small and pleasant to the eye. For a hand-held Sony camcorder, it has a significant weight, it is difficult to take long-term handheld footage. A weak stabilizer tends to use a tripod, so operators are advised to immediately set the boosted mode.
2 Panasonic HC-VXF1
Panasonic is once again proving its technical excellence in professional video cameras with the HC-VXF1. The battery is installed simply with one click. The power connector is hidden in the side of the case along with the headphone jack. The very same niche is closed by a retractable "door". We were also pleased with the opportunity to connect to power banks, relieving ourselves of the need to live at the outlet. For 4K the resolution is 8.57, of which 8.29 are effective.
An external microphone can be connected separately. There is a "cold shoe" under the lid on top for connecting lighting or an additional microphone. The lens function ring can be used as manual focus or smooth zoom. This function helps if the camera focuses on the wrong object or when the quality is poor. Shoots well in absolute darkness. There are 2 slots for attaching to a tripod or any other stabilizer.
1 Sony FDR-AX53
The leading position, albeit by a small margin, is occupied by the best video camera for night shooting - the most demanded professional model of Sony.Unlike most competitors, even more expensive ones, the device does an excellent job of recording video in minimal lighting thanks to the built-in flash, the bright light of which makes it easy to achieve sufficient visibility even in complete darkness. In addition, Sony is equipped with an NFC module, Wi-Fi and a color viewfinder. In this case, the camcorder provides for taking photos right during video recording, in parallel with it.
According to reviews, the camcorder's most important advantages also include brilliant image stabilization, ensuring outstanding video quality even when shooting handheld on the go. In addition, many buyers have appreciated the night mode, realistic sound, good color reproduction, reliability and smooth exposure control.
How to choose a camcorder?
We recommend choosing a video camera based on the following aspects:
- permission. Always the higher the better, however, as you increase it, the number of frames per second during recording can drop.
- zoom magnification, including optical. The latter is preferable as it only changes the focal length without cropping or stretching the video.
- autonomy. The bigger, the better. The model is in use with a battery reserve of up to 4-5 hours.
- protection. It's good if the camera is protected from water, dirt and dust. This greatly expands the possibilities of its use.
- availability of additional functions.
