11 best camcorders

In an effort to capture the most important events and beautiful views in motion, people constantly shoot everything around. It is not surprising that devices with the ability to shoot video are not limited to video cameras and are very diverse: cameras, phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops and much more. However, it is important to understand that all these devices are suitable only for amateur shooting for memory for themselves. For professional films and high-quality content for YouTube or your own blog, a good digital video camera is a must.

As the reviews of professionals and user experience show, even inexpensive basic video cameras, as a rule, take an order of magnitude better than cameras and other devices that combine video shooting with something else. At the same time, video cameras are not the same and differ both in quality of video recording, and in terms of service life and additional properties, designed to expand the possibilities for creativity. However, not all and not always decides the price. Sometimes inexpensive and medium cost devices can pleasantly surprise. To make the choice not to become a lottery, it is recommended to pay attention not only to the cost and class of the device, but also to a number of the most important technical characteristics:

1. The number of pixels of the matrix. The higher the resolution of the matrix of a digital camera, the higher the clarity of the shooting.
2. Maximum video resolution. Most of the devices shoot good amateur Full HD 1080p videos, but some of the best professional models of Sony, Panasonic, Jivisi and Canon are capable of high 4K resolution.
3. The magnification of the zoom, especially optical. Any kind of zoom makes it easy to change the scale without going anywhere. However, the digital approximation cuts and stretches the video, reduces the resolution and, therefore, quality. But the optical zoom changes only the focal length, which has less effect on the result.
4. Battery life. No matter how good the camcorder is, if its battery lasts only an hour or two, it will not be easy to use it. Therefore, some firms supply the development of the battery, designed for 4 - 5 hours.
5. Variety of shooting modes. The ability to experiment with effects and light will appeal to professionals and will greatly help amateurs.
6. The number of frames per second. The higher the score, the smoother and smoother the video image will be.
7. Water resistant. Basic moisture protection will allow not to worry about the device in the rain, and the waterproof case will suit even lovers of filming under water.
8. Minimum illumination required for shooting. The less light the camera needs, the better it takes in the dark.
9. Support for wireless interfaces.
10. Additional features.
11. Weight - the lighter the better.

In the distribution of positions in the ranking, we took into account the following significant indicators:

• technical description;
• manufacturer's recommendations;
• expert reviews;
• customer reviews.

The best inexpensive (amateur) video cameras: a budget of up to 20,000 rubles.

Even cheap cameras can handle better video than cameras. They have a minimum set of options for shooting: high-aperture optics, Full HD resolution, multiple optical zoom, image stabilizer and comfortable grip. However, the professional quality can not count. At least the control buttons are rendered on the case, in the twilight, noticeable noises and color distortions come out on the frames.

4 Canon LEGRIA HF R806

Rating the best camcorders in the budget category opens the most compact, lightweight and at the same time inexpensive device of the world famous Japanese brand, one of the most suitable for amateur photography. With a weight of just over 200 grams, this digital camera with a touch screen is very rich in shooting modes, including sports and even fashion slow-motion. Also state employees will appreciate the opportunity to take photos, while simultaneously shooting a video. A decent for budgetary matrix with a resolution of 3.28 megapixels will provide excellent amateur video with good lighting. However, in the dark or in dim light quality may decline.

Apart from demanding lighting, the reviews do not mention other serious flaws. 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.

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 multiplicity of 50, which is several times more than that of analogs and even expensive professional instruments. In addition, Panasonic received a built-in Wi-Fi wireless module, which allows not only transferring the captured records easily, but also remotely controlling the camera via Wi-Fi, which distinguishes the model from state employees of Sony and many other companies.

The ability to give the device commands from a smartphone and any other device over a wireless connection is often referred to in reviews as one of the best characteristics of a video camera. Also, many people like a good hybrid stabilizer, a clear screen and a convenient menu.

2 JVC Everio GZ-R495

Divers and connoisseurs of marine beauty are often puzzled how to share chic underwater views with relatives and subscribers on YouTube. Thanks to a new video camera with a waterproof housing, shooting is possible not only in the pouring rain, but also in water at a depth of up to five meters and with a duration of no more than an hour. The device copes with other adverse weather conditions: snow and frost to minus ten degrees. In this case, JVC Everio boasts a unique moisture-proof battery, designed for five hours of work without recharging.

Also, the best features of the camcorder include 4 GB of internal flash memory, an excellent 40x optical zoom, relatively low weight and, of course, good shooting quality. A simple intuitive interface and the absence of unnecessary excesses will allow you to shoot high-quality videos without any problems even to those who are just trying themselves as video-amateur.

1 Sony HDR-CX405

Model HDR-CX405 - the optimal solution for home shooting. Balanced video camera with no frills ranks first in the ranking.Simplified design with a minimum number of buttons on the case will appeal to fans. At the same time, Sony gives you the potential to develop and master the basics of video: in the settings you will find exposure control, white balance, and focus.

The camcorder has a smooth 30x optical zoom and reliable stabilizer. Of the 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 the budget models.

The lens is fairly light (F1.8 - F4). In capable hands, with sufficient light, the video camera makes recordings comparable in quality to professional ones. Sony takes off well in the dark, but the grain and color distortion are noticeable to the naked eye.

The best mid-range video cameras: a budget of 25,000–50,000 rubles.

Video cameras of an average price segment do not apply for the status of professional yet. Compact size and cost do not allow a large number of controls to be placed on the body: in order to adjust the settings, you will have to refer to the menu. But compared to the budget segment, the best matrix and optics are installed in them, which allow you to shoot in low light. Depending on the 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 /

4 Panasonic HC-V800

TOP middle class would be incomplete without the best development of Panasonic 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, support for Wi-Fi connection and, of course, excellent shooting darkened scenes. Due to the minimum requirements for lighting, measured by only one lux, the video camera is pleasing with clarity and excellent color reproduction even in darkness and with high contrast of dark and light. At the same time, a practically professional device supports Wi-Fi and a number of interfaces and standards, has headphone output and supports a range of memory card standards.

Panasonic, of course, have something to surprise and please the buyer. A wide-angle lens, a 24-fold zoom, a variety of add-ons, including the horizon leveling function and an excellent selection of stylish lighting effects, will not leave anyone indifferent.

3 Panasonic HC-VX980

There are still few video cameras on the market, recording in the 4K format, and in the middle price segment of such models are units. One of the best options offers Panasonic. 4K recording speed is 25 frames. 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 is suitable for a family archive.

The remaining characteristics of the HC-VX980 correspond to a strong middling: comfortable 20x optical zoom, 5-axis image stabilizer, touchscreen display, Wi-Fi. The lens is bright enough for shooting the night city, but picky professionals see the noise and unpleasant artifacts. The disadvantages of the Panasonic camera also include a small battery.

2 Sony HDR-CX625

Sony's video camera does not pretend to the best picture quality in the middle segment, but the model places a well-thought-out 30-fold optical zoom in the first places of the rating. The multiplicity of the digital zoom does 350, but these values ​​cannot be called workers.

HDR-CX625 is equipped with a sophisticated stabilization system with multiple modes of operation. Even when approaching airplanes or birds flying in the sky, it is possible to do without a tripod: when shooting from hands, the image remains stable.Among the other advantages of Sony, we note the touchscreen display, Wi-Fi and NFC. With such a zoom, there is no need to pretend to high definition pictures or aperture ratio But this camcorder has a completely different task, which it copes with.

1 Panasonic HC-V770

The category of video cameras "middle class" is deservedly headed by a model with the smoothest and most natural shooting, rich functionality and excellent reviews. Model HC-V770 received a rather sensitive matrix with a resolution of 12.76 megapixels, and also the best number of frames per second - 120, which is an absolute record not only for devices of 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 people call the camcorder an ideal ratio of price and quality. Indeed, the device has excellent optics, a powerful stabilizer, a lot of innovative chips and interesting modes. Also, everyone appreciates the convenience of the camera. Battery capacity is small, but it is possible to connect an external battery.

The best video cameras for professionals: a budget of 50,000 rubles.

Dear professional video cameras are distinguished by high-quality optics, a matrix and well-thought-out ergonomics. Thanks to the buttons on the case and control rings, the operator quickly adjusts the video settings. However, advanced functionality is reflected in the weight of the camera. It is difficult to hold the camera for a long time, so shoulder cameras appear in the expensive segment. In addition to the difficulties of management, the amateur will be disappointed by the weak stabilization system, which is typical for the category of "pros".

3 Sony FDR-AX 100E

The main advantage of Sony's camcorder is video recording in 4K format, which gradually conquers the market. The model has ample opportunities to use manual settings: shooting parameters management 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, accurate color reproduction, built-in filters.

The FDR-AX 100E has claims for professional quality, but the model does not hold out to the leaders of the rating. Users mark an inflated cost. The lens for a camera of this class is darkish (F2.8 - F4.5), but this is partially compensated by the quality of the matrix. You can shoot indoors or twilight, but the noise is noticeable. Of course, compared to budget models, the grain is fine, pleasant to the eye. For a hand-held video camera, Sony has a significant weight, it is hard to keep a long shot from hands. The use of a tripod inclines a weak stabilizer, so operators advise immediately expose enhanced mode.

2 JVC Everio GZ-RY980

Powerful and innovative, this novelty from the notorious Panasonic can dramatically change the life of a professional video operator. Although the video camera is not among the most expensive, it is amazing with an abundance of the best characteristics. A capacious battery that can withstand up to 4.5 hours of shooting with a resolution of 4K and more than 5 hours of recording HD-video is very useful for field operators who have no time and no place to recharge the equipment on the way. Protected from water penetration, the case makes the model suitable for diving to a depth, and a matrix of almost 19 megapixels ensures the highest quality of recording.

Not alien to the premium device and many useful technologies of recent years. 4K resolution, Wi-Fi and even Time-lapse shooting mode, in which frames are recorded after a certain period of time, allowing you to create an acceleration effect during playback, for example, a flower blooming in a matter of seconds.

1 Sony FDR-AX53

The leading position, albeit with a small margin, is occupied by the best video camera for night shooting - the most demanded professional Sony model. Unlike most competitors, even more expensive, the device copes with video recording with minimal illumination 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 video camera 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 from the hands on the go. In addition, many buyers appreciate the night mode, realistic sound, good color reproduction, reliability and smoothness of exposure control.

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