Modern camcorders are very different from each other, not only in terms of production quality or price, but also in terms of functions. A large number of professional models are available for sale, which allow for shooting in HDR quality, resulting in a clear image even with a lack or excess of lighting. Models have various sizes. In this rating, the top 10 presents the best in the opinion of users of digital video cameras. During its formation, a large number of points were taken into account:
- Zoom
- The highest resolution of the picture;
- Ability to use as a camera;
- Type of memory card and its maximum capacity;
- A kind of stabilizer;
- Sizes
- User reviews
- Type of matrix;
- Connectors located on the body;
- Battery life;
- Price-quality ratio.
Summary of the rating:
Rating of the best camcorder models
10. Panasonic HC-V160
This is one of the cheapest models presented in our review. The camera comes with a battery, a set of cables for connecting to a TV or computer, and a charger. There is no lens cap. There is no internal memory for the camera, so you will immediately have to purchase an SDHC or SDXC memory card up to 64 GB in size. It has compact dimensions. It is perfect for amateur shooting, equipped with a wide-angle lens.
Battery capacity allows you to shoot for 40 minutes. If you plan to shoot longer, it is better to purchase an additional battery. 38x zoom. The camera has a reclining display that makes shooting easy, you just need to consider that it is not touch-sensitive, the menu is navigated by buttons located to the left of it.
Benefits:
- Low price;
- A good zoom, even at its maximum performance, the picture remains clear;
- It fits comfortably in the hand;
- Perfectly conveys sound;
- Wide viewing angle;
- The presence of buttons next to the display.
Disadvantages:
- The charging socket is not too convenient;
- Color rendering in low light suffers;
- The stabilizer does not show itself very well at a great distance;
- Low battery capacity
- Photos are sometimes blurry.
9. Sony HDR-CX405
The model, like the previous one, belongs to one of the most compact and lightweight - its weight is only 215 g. Users consider the disputed decisions to be the almost complete absence of control buttons on the external case of the product. Under the display there is a side panel where there is a niche for installing a memory card and a Micro-HDMI video input jack. The menu is controlled only by a five-position joystick mounted on the display frame. The functional part of the camera is expanded: it has a 30x zoom, the ability to shoot in Full HD format, the number of pixels in the matrix is 2.29.
The camera is compatible with microSD, SDXC, microSDHC memory cards. It is equipped with a small 2.7-inch LCD. Depending on the shooting format, the frame rate ranges from 25 to 50. It does not have a viewfinder, which significantly reduces the shooting capabilities. The settings area is standard for amateur camcorders.
Benefits:
- 30x zoom preserves the clarity of the picture even at large distances;
- Very convenient stabilizer, eliminating the fluctuation of the picture even when shooting while walking;
- The possibility of macro photography (for this you need to additionally purchase a tripod);
- All controls are located in close proximity to the display.
Disadvantages:
- There is no way to quickly adjust the camera to changing shooting conditions;
- There is no built-in Wi-Fi module;
- The memory card slot is not always reliable - sometimes the media rises in it skewed.
8. Canon LEGRIA HF R706
The main distinguishing feature of this camera is the presence of a night shooting mode, and even when using it, the image quality will be in AVCHD format. The product can be used as a camera, the exposure is set both manually and automatically. Touch screen, the camera is perfect for any family shoot. Modern technology allows you to get a beautiful and clear picture. There is the possibility of using accelerated and slow motion.
Touch Decoration allows you to add video effects directly during recording. The ability to select the function of the audio episode helps ensure high-quality sound.
The device’s interface is Russified, a capacitive-type screen with a diagonal of 7.5 cm. There is no internal memory for the camera, so recording is done on a FlashAir format memory card. Files can later be viewed on a tablet, computer or smartphone. The camera lens is equipped with a 57x zoom with stabilizer. Due to this, the picture is clear even from a considerable distance. The function of automatic cropping helps to keep the subject in the frame.
Benefits:
- The presence of a touch screen;
- High-capacity battery for long battery life;
- Optical stabilizer;
- Intuitive customization system;
- The presence of the most necessary functions;
- Compact size;
- High image quality;
- For its price category, the ideal option.
Disadvantages:
- The battery under the lid is not fixed very securely, it becomes loose over time.
7. Sony HDR-CX625
This model belongs to the middle price category. She has an intelligent automatic stabilizer like Balanced Optical SteadyShot - due to her it is possible to minimize camera shake during shooting, regardless of focal length, from shooting with a wide-angle lens to the maximum zoom. With its help, vibrations are compensated immediately in five directions, including during video recording during fast walking or on the run. Focusing is also automatic, it works within a few milliseconds - the camera quickly responds to the press of a button and captures the most important points.
Video is recorded simultaneously in two formats - XAVC S or AVCHD and MP4. As a result, two identical files appear on the memory card - one weighs a little and is ready for instant transfer, and the other is professional, which can be edited if necessary. The camera has a reliable microphone that supports surround sound and suppresses any extraneous noise. 30x zoom, manually adjustable.
Benefits:
- The ability to support video recording in high quality format Full HD 1080p;
- Widescreen recording mode is provided;
- The maximum resolution of photo and video shooting is 1920x1080;
- There is a night shooting function;
- Matrix 2.29 MP;
- 30x zoom.
Disadvantages:
- No internal memory is provided; files are written to flash media;
- The location of the charger jack is not too convenient.
6. Panasonic HC-VX980
The main distinguishing feature of this camera is the ability to connect any additional equipment to it without various adapters. The slot for installing a memory card here is located quite conveniently - at the bottom of the structure. The dashboard is located under the hinged display - there are immediately three types of interface: Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI and analog-type input-output.
The liquid crystal display has a diagonal of 6 cm - this is quite enough for a semi-professional camera of this size. It is touch sensitive with high response speed.If necessary, it can be rotated up to 180 degrees. Photography is almost professional, even with a significant increase. When working in the video format, it does not overheat, the microphone has wind protection, a USB cable is included to connect to a laptop or computer.
Benefits:
- Matrix 18.91 Mpix;
- 20x optical zoom and 60x digital zoom;
- Convenient location of function buttons;
- Touch screen with a large degree of rotation;
- Ability to record video in a wide format;
- The highest video resolution is 3840x2160.
Disadvantages:
- Low battery capacity - maximum battery life does not exceed one and a half hours;
- High price;
- Small size touch screen.
5. Panasonic AG-AC160
One of the best professional camcorders. The case is made of high-quality plastic having a matte structure. All buttons are located very conveniently, which facilitates the process of filming. Directly near the lens are rings to control the zoom, focus and iris of the device. The viewfinder can be rotated up to an angle of 90 degrees, has a resolution of 1.22 megapixels, displays a bright image.
The lens is wide-angle, has 21x optical zoom and image stabilizer, it has a four-position optical filter and a very sensitive sensor. The camera shoots beautifully even in low light - 0.4 Lux is enough for its effective operation. There is the possibility of accelerated and slow motion. The sound is high-quality, recorded in LPCM or Dolby Digital 2.0 format - it enters the camera through the built-in stereo microphone, there are connectors for connecting external sound recording devices.
Benefits:
- Reliable and sturdy case that can withstand falls from a small height;
- Long battery life;
- Good color rendering;
- The ability to conduct dynamic, accelerated and slow motion;
- Autofocus
- Ability to shoot in the dark.
Disadvantages:
- Very high price;
- Omnidirectional microphone;
- Heavy weight, which makes shooting with handhelds difficult;
- Manual adjustment;
- The case is not waterproof.
4. Canon Legria HF G30
Another professional model in our ranking. The camera is equipped with a case made of matte black plastic, additionally decorated with metal inserts. There are no backlashes in it, but creaks are sometimes heard due to the large dimensions of the case. The lens hood can be removed if desired. On the right side of the case, under a small plug, there are a number of service connectors - a 3.5-inch output to standard headphones, an input for connecting a microphone; USB port, Mini-HDMI connector and remote control input.
There are stereo microphones on the top of the camera, the flip display has two additional buttons for choosing the focus mode and activating the pre-recording mode or recording to the buffer. The battery allows the camera to work without interruption for almost 200 minutes.
Benefits:
- The picture is very clear even in low light;
- Attractive appearance;
- Small dimensions and weight;
- Quick focus;
- A significant number of settings;
- Color rendering is very high quality.
Disadvantages:
- Some lack of green in the picture;
- There is no separate charger for the battery; you have to charge through the camera;
- Professionals note a reduced detail of objects during fast shooting.
3. Sony FDR-AX 100E
For a professional camera, it is notable for its small dimensions, the net weight of the product is only 800 grams. The diameter of the lens glass is large, it allows you to get a very high-quality picture during video and photography. There is no automatic shutter for the lens, instead of them comes with a standard cover made of hard plastic. The case is made of plastic with steel inserts.
Infrared illumination is provided for shooting in absolute darkness.The camera has a viewfinder of a rotary-retractable type, next to it is a button that allows you to switch between photo and video modes. The display is touch-sensitive, beneath it there are a number of function buttons - power on, white balance selection, activation of the automatic or night shooting mode, a slot for installing a memory card, and so on.
Benefits:
- Allows you to get a pretty sharp picture;
- Color rendering is as close to natural as possible;
- Powerful battery
- A large number of manual and automatic modes of operation;
- The menu is standard for all models of this brand;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- The stabilizer is weak - the camera focuses on the object for a long time;
- At maximum zoom, there is some blurriness of the picture.
2. Panasonic HC-V760
This is one of the best camcorders that will suit both professionals and amateurs. It gives out a picture in Full HD 1080p format, has an optical 50x zoom, a digital zoom of about 1500 with a focal length of 29.5 to 612 mm. Effective resolution is 6.03 megapixels. The design provides a touch-sensitive rotary display with a diagonal of 3 inches, under which a number of function buttons are hidden.
You can charge not only from the network, but also through the USB-connector. There are outputs for connecting to a TV, computer, microphone input. The battery life is quite large - about 2 hours. The camera fits comfortably in your hand, can be used in lighting from 1 Lux.
Benefits:
- Ergonomic design
- Many video recording formats;
- High-quality sound transmission;
- Ability to charge via USB.
Disadvantages:
- The high price of additional batteries;
- When applying a filter, the picture at the edges is blurry;
- The microphone sometimes records extraneous noise.
1. Panasonic HC-V770
This model rightfully occupies a leading position in the ranking of 2019 video cameras. The lens system includes four groups, which allows you to get a natural image without loss of quality even when using the maximum 20x optical zoom. The Crystal Engine processor reduces noise in the picture when recording in Full HD, the maximum frame rate of 120 per second. Using the disc, you can configure a number of shooting parameters - sharpness, focus, color saturation and brightness. The camera is well suited for both amateurs and professionals. The sound quality is recorded using a system of four microphones. The device has an image alignment system that facilitates shooting without a tripod. The camera is equipped with a Wi-Fi module.
Benefits:
- It fits very well in the hand;
- Matrix 12 MPix;
- Convenient stabilizer that allows you to shoot even on the run or from the car window;
- High-quality assembly;
- Long work without recharging - over 5 hours, there is no need to buy an additional battery.
Disadvantages:
- Too many buttons that even a professional will not be able to understand;
- There is no automatic mode for photographing smiling faces;
- Body elements sometimes make an unpleasant creak.
In conclusion, interesting videos
If a person is just starting to take the first steps as a video operator, then it is not worth buying equipment that is too expensive - you can first learn from something more acceptable in terms of cost. Over time, the videos will begin to turn out more and more high-quality. Which model will be right for you is just your decision and your choice, and you can share your opinion on the existing video camera in the comments to this article.
the best camera presented is the Sony ax100e, it has a 1 ″ matrix (other cameras from this review have a 4 times smaller matrix). The sharpest picture is obtained only with the Sony-AX100, other cameras are not even nearby ...
But she has an appropriate price.