Top 10 amateur and professional camcorders

Modern video cameras are different. They differ both in cost and in functionality. For example, some professional models are capable of HDR video, thanks to which the details are not lost even in very light or dark areas of the frame. Also, professional models are distinguished by their dimensions, which can not be called minimal. Well, amateur camcorders must fit in the palm of your hand. Although they are not always cheap, models with 4K-resolution support still cost a lot of money. But let's get to know the best camcorders, collecting only positive reviews from their customers.

Which company video camera to buy

Canon

For many years, the Japanese company Canon specialized in the creation of film cameras. But gradually the world moved into the digital age, as a result of which the film had to be abandoned. Cameras and camcorders have become very close in structure. "Why not proceed with their production?" - thought the Japanese. As a result, now Canon is one of the largest manufacturers of camcorders. And if the company’s amateur models are not very interesting, even some operators working in Hollywood use professional ones.

Jvc

In the 1990s, the JVC brand was familiar to many of us from video recorders and video cameras, which write a picture on a VHS video tape. Later, the company forgot about the first type of devices, but the camcorders moved to the digital age. At first they began to write video on MiniDV digital cassettes, as well as tiny DVD discs. Well, now almost all JVC camcorders save the result to a memory card. Unfortunately, these devices are much inferior to their competitors from Sony and Panasonic in terms of picture quality and breadth of functionality, it must be remembered.

Panasonic

The Panasonic company makes video cameras not the first decade. What can I say, even the famous American filmmakers shot their first amateur films with the help of Panasonic camcorders. These devices are being improved following the development of technology. Now amateur camcorders can boast of miniature size and remarkably effective optical stabilizer. But professional models often have no complaints at all.

Sanyo

Another Japanese company. It was founded in 1947. Throughout its history, this manufacturer produced a very different electronics. It even reached the production of mobile phones. It all ended in 2012, when the company was swallowed by Panasonic. However, the existence of the brand has survived. In particular, the Japanese produce amateur video cameras under it with a non-standard form factor.

Sony

Sony has also been engaged in the creation and sale of video cameras for a very long time. And if Panasonic amateur products are pleased with the best picture stabilization, then Sony camcorders of a similar class are surprised by the presence of a pico projector.

With it, you can display the image on any flat surface. Of course, there are video cameras and without a pico projector, they cost a bit less. Also on sale you can find Sony camcorders that support video in 4K-resolution, but they are not affordable for everyone.

Top camcorder rating

In this rating, which was based on user feedback, the following were taken into account:

• Optical zoom;
• Maximum video resolution;
• PhotoFunctional;
• Type of physical media;
• Type of image stabilizer and the quality of its work;
• Dimensions and weight;
• Customer complaints;
• Luminosity;
• The type of matrices installed inside and their number;
• Available connectors on the case;
• Duration of shooting from one battery charge;
• Average cost in retail stores.

The best budget camcorders

Sony HDR-CX405

One of the most intelligent budget camcorders. The manufacturer supplied his creation with a CMOS-matrix, albeit very small. As a result, the device outperforms some competitors in color reproduction, but loses in detail.

Advantages:

• The matrix is ​​created using CMOS technology;
• Low cost;
• 30x optical zoom;
• Stable 50 frames / s at Full HD resolution;
• The presence of HDMI and AV output;
• Decent battery life.

Disadvantages:

• Very small matrix;
• Small LCD display;
• Lack of microphone input.

It is a good-quality video camera, not enough stars from the sky. Approximately these words are uttered by buyers, scribbling reviews on the Sony HDR-CX405. The display here is small and not equipped with a touch substrate. Control in the menu is carried out by turning the joystick, that someone seems uncomfortable.

And the captured image can not be called perfect. But from one charge the device is able to shoot for two hours. Many camcorders from a higher price segment are not capable of this!

Canon LEGRIA HF R606

Nowadays even low-end video cameras have begun to receive optical image stabilizer at their disposal. It is also available in the Canon LEGRIA HF R606. He copes with his work very well. These words can be said in relation to other components.

Advantages:

• 32x zoom;
• Decent screen size;
• High frequency with full HD resolution;
• The sensor was created using CMOS technology;
• The presence of headphone output;
• The presence on the body of AV-and HDMI-output;
• Sane value.

Disadvantages:

• A fast zoom sound is heard;
• The matrix was too small;
• No mic input;
• Prints appear quickly on the glossy case.

Reviews of the Canon LEGRIA HF R606 indicate that this is an excellent value for money. But the camcorder must be tested in the store. The fact is that some specimens have a certain defect - when you zoom in quickly, you will hear a loud, unnecessary sound. If such a marriage is not present, the camcorder is ideal for home shooting. Unlike some competitors, he writes not only a picture, but also a sound.

Panasonic HC-V270

The Japanese from the Panasonic company are able to create decent budget video cameras. Their creations get a matte plastic case, thanks to which the device does not slip in the hands and does not collect dust.

Advantages:

• Wi-Fi and NFC;
• One of the best optical stabilizers;
• With Full HD shooting, the frequency reaches 50 frames / s;
• High-quality matrix;
• On the case there are HDMI-out and AV connector;
• Price tag is not scary.

Disadvantages:

• Not very big LCD display;
• The sensor could be more;
• Not the longest shooting from a regular battery;
• I would like to get a microphone input.

Another good-quality video camera, as evidenced by reviews on the Panasonic HC-V270. If you forget about not the longest work from a single charge, then it is simply impossible to find fault with a camcorder with such a low price tag. There is a 5-axis stabilizer that perfectly copes with picture shake. Everything is in order here and with picture quality. Well, as for the time of work, it can be increased by buying a more capacious battery. But there is nothing to be done about the lack of a microphone input - it is present only in higher-end devices.

The best amateur video cameras of an average price segment

Panasonic HC-V770

This camcorder can be considered an improved version of the once popular Panasonic HC-V700. The most noticeable changes are in the recording of sound, which now occurs in 5.1 format. There is also a headphone jack.The possibility of transferring material to a smartphone or tablet should also please the buyer.

Advantages:

• It takes well even in the dark;
• Three-inch LCD display;
• Built-in NFC and Wi-Fi;
• Large high resolution CMOS sensor;
• 5.1 sound;
• Rather convenient manual focus;
• Headphone output and microphone input.

Disadvantages:

• No longer minimum weight (353 g);
• Only 20x zoom.

One of the best camcorders among those whose price tag does not make the hair stand on end. There is almost everything that you may need an amateur. There is even a remote control function - it is implemented via Wi-Fi.

You can not find fault with the image quality. And, of course, it did not go without a proprietary five-axis optical stabilizer. It remains only to regret that in order to increase the matrix, the creators had to forget about a very large optical zoom.

Canon LEGRIA HF M56

New from the Japanese company Canon, supplemented by a pleasant trifle in the form of an integrated Wi-Fi module. An interesting feature of the camcorder is 8 GB of internal memory. Not God knows what, but they allow to evaluate the capabilities of the camera.

Advantages:

• Large CMOS-matrix;
• Large LCD screen;
• The presence of Wi-Fi;
• There is a built-in memory;
• The presence of headphone jack.

Disadvantages:

• Sensor resolution could be higher;
• Only 10x optical zoom;
• No microphone jack.

It's amazing how the Japanese managed to squeeze out so much of their matrix. Its resolution is very small, but at the same time the device produces a very high quality picture. This is evidenced by reviews on Canon LEGRIA HF M56, as well as video clips, which can be found at various video hosting sites. However, the camcorder is far from ideal. For example, a tenfold zoom is frankly small. And the sound here is not written in 5.1 format.

Panasonic HC-VX870

One of the most affordable methods of high-quality shooting in 4K-resolution. To achieve such an opportunity, the Japanese have built in their creation a large MOS-matrix, the resolution of which is 18 megapixels. However, in order to preserve the compact size of the device, they had to endow the camcorder with only a 20x zoom.

Advantages:

• The ability to video in 4K-resolution (25 frames / s);
• Very high quality sound;
• Good photos;
• The LCD display is large;
• There are headphone and microphone jacks;
• Synchronization with a smartphone via Wi-Fi and NFC;
• Support for high-speed shooting.

Disadvantages:

• Not the biggest zoom;
• Short shooting from one charge;
• Stabilization does not do well in 4K video;
• High price.

Reviews on the Panasonic HC-VX870 show that people are happy with their purchase. But even the most satisfied customers can not fail to note the fact that the 4K mode here is a bonus, not the main one. When using it, the optical stabilizer stops working perfectly, and the frequency is unlikely to please you. But when shooting in Full HD resolution, the picture is as if you were working with a reflex camera. What more could you want from an amateur camcorder? Perhaps only lower prices.

The best amateur video cameras of the highest price segment

Sony FDR-AX100E

Very advanced video camera that can shoot 4K-picture. The Japanese decided to supply it with the maximum number of controls, adding at the same time a high-quality matrix. As a result, the size of the device increased, as increased and weight (up to 790 g). All this led to the fact that it is convenient to use this camcorder only for men with a large palm.

Advantages:

• High quality CMOS-matrix;
• The presence of the viewfinder;
• Excellent shooting in 4K resolution;
• Beautiful photos;
• There is a microphone input and headphone output;
• Highly sensitive microphone.

Disadvantages:

• 12x zoom does not suit everyone;
• Price tag scare any buyer;
• The optical stabilizer could be better;
• Decent weight;
• Strange autofocus.

Technology 4K-video in amateur camcorders has not yet been worked out to the ideal. This is shown by reviews on the Sony FDR-AX100E. This camcorder really copes with shooting in such a high resolution. But at the same time she regularly loses focus and poorly stabilizes the picture. Do you expect such a result for almost a hundred thousand rubles spent? However, nothing better has yet been created; the remaining 4K camcorders do their job even worse.

Panasonic HC-X920

The release of this model, the Japanese have tried to put an end to the development of Full HD format. They squeezed the most out of its possibilities. Therefore, do not be surprised at the decent weight of this camcorder (417 g) and the excellent picture quality.

Advantages:

• 3 MOS-matrix;
• Very high image quality;
• Very large and clear screen;
• Better image stabilization;
• It is possible to connect headphones and microphone;
• Focus ring;
• Wi-Fi support;
• High-quality shooting even in the dark.

Disadvantages:

• Only 12-fold increase in the picture;
• The cost is slightly overpriced;
• Not the longest shot from a standard battery;
• The sound is not in 5.1 format.

Reviews on the Panasonic HC-X920 show that this is one of the best amateur camcorders among those designed only for Full HD format. It has three matrices at once (each capturing its own colors) and a very highly sensitive microphone. And here there is a special ring, with which you can carry out manual focusing - just like in SLR cameras or professional video cameras.

Top Professional Camcorders

Sony NEX-VG30EH

Ideal for wedding video. The camera is still not huge, but it definitely won't fit in your pocket. As usual among professionals, the recording is carried out in 1080p resolution. This is done using the APS-C 16-megapixel CMOS-matrix.

Advantages:

• There are no complaints to the CMOS-matrix;
• The possibility of 11-fold zoom;
• High-quality LCD screen;
• The presence of a color viewfinder;
• Support for recording 5.1-channel audio;
• Multiple supported video formats;
• A large number of connectors;
• Replaceable optics;
• Remote control.

Disadvantages:

• The creators have forgotten about the optical stabilizer;
• It does not work well in low light conditions.

If you are professionally engaged in wedding photography, then this camcorder will be the best choice for you. She uses a very popular bayonet E, so you can easily find the right lenses without much difficulty. Also reviews on the Sony NEX-VG30EH indicate a decent amount of connectors, which allows you to attach to the "carcass" a large number of accessories.

Sony NEX-FS700E

This model has an unusual body shape. Also, its distinguishing feature is a huge number of buttons. The menu will have to go only for very rare occasion - for example, to change the system time and date.

Advantages:

• CMOS-matrix does not cause any complaints;
• Large LCD screen;
• The ability to use the viewfinder;
• Choose between multiple video formats;
• In the presence of all the necessary connectors;
• Interchangeable lenses;
• Theoretical ability to create 4K RAW video;
• Built-in ND filter;
• High-speed shooting function.

Disadvantages:

• Not the lowest price.

Reviews on the Sony NEX-FS700E indicate that it is not for nothing that many clipmakers make their choice in favor of this camcorder. The device takes a clear picture in both Full HD resolution and 4K. But in the second case, the operator will need an external recorder.

Ease of control contributes to high-quality shooting - all the most popular functions and settings are hung on buttons and knobs. You can follow the process using a 3.5-inch screen or using the viewfinder.

Which camcorder to choose

The choice of camcorder depends primarily on the means you have. Believe me, it is better not to spare money, in this case you will get the most affordable picture quality for you.

1. For example, if you are the owner of a TV channel or television studio, then use the NEX-FS700E or something else for shooting Sony.

2. Well, Sony FDR-AX100E and Panasonic HC-X920 can become a dream lover.

3. If you can not afford to spend so much money, then focus on the Panasonic HC-V770. And only in the case of an urgent need to purchase a video camera right now look towards the low-end models.