15 best camcorders

A very simple video camera by modern standards. It shoots in Full HD resolution at 60 fps. The lens used here cannot be called fast, which is why there will be an abundance of digital noise in the evening and at night. But the device offers a 32x optical zoom! And a digital video camera will please with a three-inch swivel display. This means that you can film yourself at arm's length.

Some owners of this inexpensive camcorder do not even use a memory card, as this model has 32 GB of internal storage. The reviews often mention that this is perhaps the most affordable camcorder among those that are endowed with an optical image stabilizer. This means that the picture will not shake much either when using the zoom or when shooting on the move. Another important feature of the device is Wi-Fi, thanks to which remote control and transfer of material to a smartphone are realized without using a USB cable.

One of the lightest, most compact and inexpensive devices in our ranking from the world famous Japanese brand and suitable for amateur photography. Weighing just over 200 grams, this touch-screen digital camera is very rich in shooting modes, including sports and even fashion slow motion.Also, the state employee will appreciate the opportunity to take photos while shooting video. A decent 3.28 megapixel matrix for a budget employee will provide excellent amateur video in good lighting conditions. However, the quality may be reduced in the dark or under dim lighting.

Except for the demanding 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 good autonomy - a little more than three hours.

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 matrix expansion, 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 analogues and even expensive professional devices. In addition, Panasonic received a built-in Wi-Fi wireless module, which makes it possible not only to easily transfer captured recordings, but also to remotely control the camcorder via Wi-Fi, which distinguishes the model from the state employees of Sony and many other companies.

The ability to give commands to the device from a smartphone and any other device wirelessly is often cited in reviews as one of the best features of a camcorder. Also, many people like a good hybrid stabilizer, a clear screen and a convenient menu.

Like many other budget camcorders, this one shoots video at a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. She does it at 60 fps. Unlike competitors, the 350-gram device received fast optics and a good MOS-matrix, the size of which is 1/2.3 inches, and the resolution is 12.7 megapixels. As a result, an amateur camcorder from Panasonic performs well even at a late time of the day. Problems at such moments begin only when using a 20x zoom, when even optical stabilization does not help. If the zoom is used during the day, you can count on an excellent result.

Reviews for the Panasonic HC-V760 indicate that it is difficult for people to make any claims. Typically, such camcorders have a minimum number of connectors, but this model can connect both a microphone and headphones. And there is also a small wheel that allows you to manually focus during shooting. Buyers also note the included shoe adapter for additional accessories. In more professional models, this structural element is located in a niche, which is why not all existing equipment is suitable for it.

The HDR-CX405 is the ideal solution for home photography. A balanced no-frills camcorder takes the top spot in the rankings. A simplified design with a minimum number of buttons on the body will appeal to fans. At the same time, Sony gives you the potential to develop and master the basics of video shooting: in the settings you will find exposure control, white balance, focus.

The camcorder has a smooth 30x optical zoom and reliable stabilizer. Among other advantages, operators note a good frequency for smooth motion transmission, a high bit rate, and sound recording 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 quite bright (F1.8 - F4). In skillful hands, with sufficient lighting, the camcorder makes recordings comparable in quality to professional ones. Sony shoots well in the dark, but graininess and color distortion are noticeable to the naked eye.

One of the most inexpensive Panasonic camcorders among those that can shoot video in 4K resolution. Here, this process is implemented only with a frequency of 30 frames / s, but many of our readers are ready to forgive the device for such a shortcoming. The size of the matrix, which is 1/2.5 inch, should not frighten them either. This parameter allowed the Japanese to achieve a 24x optical zoom - more expensive and larger video cameras usually cannot boast of anything like this.Also, this model has at its disposal Wi-Fi, thanks to which you can use a smartphone or tablet to control the device.

The Panasonic HC-VX1 digital video camera is still noticeably simplified. Buyers in their reviews write that they want more connectors. They are also embarrassed by the minimum number of manual settings - this model does not even allow you to adjust the ISO. And only the problem with the battery, which provides only an hour of video shooting, is easily solved - in online stores they sell a battery with twice the capacity.

The TOP of the middle class would not be complete without the best development of Panasonic in 2018, the best features of which were 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 connectivity and, of course, excellent shooting darkened scenes. With minimal lighting requirements of just one lux, the camcorder impresses with sharpness and excellent color reproduction even in the dark and with high contrast between dark and light.

At the same time, this practically 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, of course, has something to surprise and please the buyer. A wide-angle lens, 24x zoom, a variety of add-ons, including the horizon leveling function and a great selection of stylish lighting effects, will not leave anyone indifferent.

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 loses to professional DSLRs, but it’s suitable for a family archive.

The remaining characteristics of the HC-VX980 correspond to a strong middling: a comfortable 20x optical zoom, 5-axis image stabilizer, touch screen, Wi-Fi. The lens is bright enough to shoot a city at night, but picky professionals will make out noise and unpleasant artifacts. The disadvantages of the Panasonic camera also include a small battery.

The Japanese company Sony has endowed this amateur camcorder with almost everything you need. The optical stabilizer successfully fights hand shake (especially when shooting in Full HD). 10x image magnification helps in shooting at long distances. You can watch what is happening using the rotary display or electronic viewfinder. The built-in Wi-Fi module will allow you to use your smartphone as a remote control. And it does not have to be a device from the same Sony company. A headphone output and a microphone input are needed for high-quality sound recording. The picture here is captured by an 8-megapixel CMOS-matrix 1 / 2.3 inches in size. The result is 4K video.

This digital video camera is not prohibitively expensive, so it has some limitations. If you shoot in the highest resolution, you will have to put up with a frame rate of 30 frames / s. Also, Sony decided to install a lens that is modest in terms of aperture ratio here. But if you're not into professional videography, then you'll long consider the Sony FDR-AX33 to be your best buy.

The category of "middle class" camcorders deservedly leads 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 for all camcorders. Such a high frame rate when shooting Full HD video will allow you to create professional-quality films, while this model can be called relatively inexpensive. Therefore, the high popularity of the camera is not surprising.

In reviews, the camcorder is called by many the ideal value for money. Indeed, the device has excellent optics, a powerful stabilizer, a lot of innovative features and interesting modes. Also, everyone praises the convenience of the camera. The battery capacity is small, but an external battery can be connected.

The most advanced camcorder in terms of Full HD models. It can be seen that the manufacturer squeezed everything possible out of a very modest matrix, the size of which is 1 / 2.84 inches, and the resolution is only 3 megapixels. In particular, he supplemented the system with optical stabilization. And if Sony and Panasonic do not complete their devices with anything special, then Canon has added a lens hood - this is the best protection against sun glare. The battery should also please, capable of providing up to two hours of video recording.

Judging by the reviews, this is the most adequate choice if you do not want to work on editing with color reproduction. Here, by default, bright and juicy colors are pleasing to the eye. There are no problems with the sound either - most buyers will definitely not need a professional "label" . Praise Canon LEGRIA HF G26 and for a lens that provides 20x zoom and beautiful bokeh. The viewfinder is also capable of surprising, because recently it has become less and less common in amateur devices.

Another successful continuation of the line of compact professional camcorders is expressed in the Canon XF405 model. The most important element of the update was the ability to record videos in 4K images with a high frame rate. Despite the 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 done on SD cards, which can be 2 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 top 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-tuning their levels. In the front part of the handle there is a transparent window with infrared illumination for night shooting.

The main advantage of the Sony camcorder is the recording of video in 4K format, which is gradually conquering the market. The model has ample opportunities for using manual settings: the control of shooting parameters is available, and not hidden in the menu. The lens ring, depending on the selected mode, is responsible for zooming or manual focusing. Sharp picture, reliable color reproduction, built-in filters.

FDR-AX 100E claims to be professional quality, but the model falls short of the leaders in the rating. Users note the overpriced. 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, compared to budget models, the grain is fine, pleasing to the eye. For a handheld camcorder, Sony has a significant weight, it is difficult to shoot for a long time from hand. A weak stabilizer tends to use a tripod, so operators are advised to immediately set the enhanced mode.

Once again, Panasonic proves its technical superiority in professional camcorder design with the HC-VXF1. The battery is installed simply with a single click. The power supply slot is hidden on the side of the case along with the headphone jack. The niche itself is closed with a retractable “door”. We were also pleased with the ability to connect to power banks, saving ourselves from 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. At the top, under the cover, there is a “cold shoe” for connecting lighting or an additional microphone. The function ring of the lens can be used as manual focus or smooth zoom. This function helps out if the camera focuses on the wrong object or with poor quality. It shoots well in absolute darkness. There are 2 slots for mounting on a tripod or any other stabilizer.

The leading position, albeit by a small margin, is occupied by the best camcorder for night shooting - Sony's most sought-after professional model. Unlike most competitors, even more expensive ones, the device does an excellent job of recording video in minimal light 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. At the same time, the camcorder provides for taking photos directly during video recording, in parallel with it.

According to reviews, among the most important advantages of the camcorder is also brilliant stabilization, which guarantees excellent video quality even when shooting handheld on the go. In addition, many customers appreciated the night mode, realistic sound, good color reproduction, reliability and smooth exposure control.