Although modern smartphones can shoot video in good quality, they still can't compete with video cameras. And if you want to shoot quality video in any situation, here's how to pick the best camcorder for 2020.
To do this, we studied both user ratings on Yandex.Market and opinions of experts from Digital Camera, DSLR Buzz, CNET and other specialized resources.
A quick guide on how to choose a camcorder for filming video
Management capabilities
A good camcorder should have manual controls (the ability to adjust white balance, focus, aperture, etc.). At the end of the day, it's always best to have control of your camera beyond just the on-screen controls.
Matrix size
If you see incomprehensible fractions like 1/3 ″, 1/2 ″, 1/4 ″ this means the size of the matrix diagonally (it is written in inches). Usually, the larger the matrix, the better: there will be less noise, the viewing angle is larger, and the picture is clearer.
Viewfinder
This is another important thing to consider before choosing a camcorder - whether it has a viewfinder. It will be a real lifesaver if you have to shoot in bright sunlight and the camcorder will not see anything on a standard LCD screen.
Optical zoom
Digital zoom mainly simulates zoom effects by cropping and stretching a portion of the image. And the optical zoom works in conjunction with the lens, changing its focal length to really zoom in or out of objects without losing picture quality.
In general, optical zoom is a must in any semi-professional and professional camcorder, but inexpensive amateur camcorders often lack this function.
Image stabilization
Even if you shoot on the go, or even in a moving vehicle, this will not appear on the video quality if the stabilization function is enabled. It can be both optical and electronic. All you need to know is that optical image stabilization is hardware based, while electronic image stabilization is software based. The first is preferable.
Which is better: a video camera or an action camera?
In short, it all depends on the tasks for which the device is intended. If you need a very compact device suitable for filming workouts and active activities, then choose one of the best action cameras, they are cheaper than a quality camcorder.
If you need a camera for shooting without restrictions on scenes, with good sound and the ability to accurately frame the image, then it is better to buy a video camera with optical stabilization, a viewfinder and a good zoom. You will find such models in this rating.
Video cameras rating 2020
10. Panasonic HC-VXF990
The average price is 48,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 20x
- UHD 4K video recording
- matrix 18.91 MP (1 / 2.3 ″)
- SD memory cards
- Wi-Fi
- weight 396 g
The rating of video cameras for shooting video is opened by one of the best 4K models for amateur and semi-professional use.It comes with a tilting viewfinder, Leica lens and has a number of built-in post-processing functions such as post-zoom, post-pan and post-stabilization.
Plus, its groundbreaking HDR shooting mode allows you to capture videos with excellent detail and sharpness. And Wi-Fi support makes the camera useful for a variety of specific tasks such as remote shooting.
pros: one of the smallest camcorders, excellent picture quality, you can transfer footage to your computer via Wi-Fi, you can connect the camera to your smartphone.
Minuses: In low light conditions, there is a lot of noise, it is impossible to shoot a video immediately after turning on the camera, it prepares for work for a few seconds, while the record button is locked.
9. Canon XA11
The average price is 84,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 20x
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- matrix 3.09 MP (1 / 2.84 ″)
- SD memory cards
- optical stabilizer
- weight 745 g
One of the best camcorders of 2020 delivers superb video quality thanks to its excellent signal to noise ratio. Its professional 20x optical zoom offers versatile zoom. And different shooting modes (portrait, beach, sports, snow, sunrise and sunset, spotlight, fireworks) allow you to choose the right style of shooting for any situation.
The Canon XA11 camcorder is compatible with SDHC and SDXC memory cards for very high bandwidth and ultra-fast transfer rates.
pros: Programmable buttons (do not work in recording mode), microphone mount, can record on two cards at once.
Minuses: no Wi-Fi, simultaneous recording on two cards is possible only at low picture resolution.
8. Panasonic AG-DVX200
The average price is 165,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 13x
- UHD 4K video recording
- matrix 15.5 MP
- optical stabilizer
- weight 2700 g
Equipped with a 4/3 ″ sensor, this professional camcorder supports DCI 4K video (4096x2160) recording at 24 frames per second and Full HD video at 120 frames per second.
It has manual controls for focus, zoom and aperture, records 4K video in MP4 or MOV formats, and offers a wide focal length range of 28-365.3mm (35mm equivalent).
It is worth noting two important features that are present in the Panasonic AG-DVX200 and are absent from most competitors:
- The focus does not shift when the focal length is changed.
- The angle of view does not change when the focus is changed.
These features are usually found only in professional cinema lenses.
pros: There is an infrared filter for night shooting (can be turned off), smooth and accurate focusing, improved stabilization using Advanced OIS technology to compensate for severe shaking.
Minuses: high price.
7. JVC Everio R GZ-R445BE
The average price is 15,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 40x
- matrix 2.5 MP (1 / 5.8 ″)
- SD memory cards
- video recording 1920 × 1080
- 4GB onboard flash memory
- electronic stabilizer
- weight 290 g
There are many budget camcorders on the Russian market, but this one is one of the best. It is equipped with a capacious battery that can work up to 5 hours, and the compact body has good moisture and dust resistance, so you can record video even in heavy rain.
While the JVC Everio R GZ-R445BE lacks the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it is a great option if you want to take your camcorder to the beach or on a trip.
pros: Can be immersed in water to a depth of 5 meters, there is a 3-inch display, you can adjust the focus and white balance manually, there is an electronic video stabilizer.
Minuses: Shoots mediocre in low light.
6. Panasonic HC-V770
The average price is 23,690 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 20x
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- 12.76 MP (1 / 2.3 ″) matrix
- SD memory cards
- Wi-Fi
- weight 353 g
This is the perfect choice for those who are not chasing 4K shooting, but want good quality recorded video.
Panasonic HC-V770 features include night mode, support for SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, as well as the ability to manually set exposure and focus.It is compact, easy to use, and can be charged via a USB adapter from any good external battery.
However, keep in mind that this camcorder is made for people who are content with amateur filming, or just want to buy their first camcorder to see what this device is capable of.
pros: there is wind protection, excellent stabilization, there is HDR.
Minuses: no viewfinder, not very capacious battery that lasts 1.5 hours of shooting, very few accessories included.
5. Canon LEGRIA HF G50
The average price is 72,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 20x
- UHD 4K video recording
- matrix 21.14 MP (1 / 2.3 ″)
- SD memory cards
- optical stabilizer
- up to 2.05 h of battery life
- weight 875 g
This camcorder is suitable for shooting 4K video at 25 frames per second or Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 50 frames per second. Users can choose from several shooting modes (snow, fireworks, sunset and sunrise, portrait, etc.).
And the high-resolution viewfinder allows you to shoot even in bright conditions and from non-standard angles.
As with other expensive camcorders, the Canon LEGRIA HF G50 offers a wide range of handheld shooting options. In particular, it allows you to manually set the shutter speed and aperture value, as well as adjust the focus. And its built-in stereo microphone delivers clear, clear sound when shooting.
pros: there is slow and fast shooting, a convenient 3-inch touch screen, thanks to the three-stage optical stabilizer, you can shoot without a tripod.
Minuses: When shooting at night, noise occurs, auto white balance does not always work correctly, which may cause the picture to turn blue or yellow.
4. Sony HDR-CX900
The average price is 55,890 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 12x
- video recording 1920 × 1080 (FullHD)
- matrix 20.9 Mpix
- memory cards MS Pro-HG DUO, SDHC, SDXC
- optical stabilizer
- up to 2.15 h of battery life
- weight 870 g
The Carl Zeiss / Vario-Sonnar T * Full HD wide-angle camcorder is equipped with a high quality Exmor R CMOS sensor, which is ideal for capturing bright and vivid images. And its compact body is incredibly convenient for people who need a sturdy and small device with good recording quality.
In addition, the 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD on this model is additionally equipped with an electronic viewfinder. Add to this:
- 12x optical zoom, and 160x digital zoom,
- rich picture settings,
- the presence of a microphone and headphone jack,
- HDMI and USB ports,
- as well as Wi-Fi and NFC support,
and you will understand why we gave this inexpensive and good camcorder an honorable fourth place in the ranking.
pros: there is image stabilization, there is a night mode, video recording is carried out at high speed (50 Mbps), many different settings.
Minuses: Can't shoot in 4K, autofocus will defocus at times, so you have to adjust it manually.
3. Zoom Q8
The average price is 31,420 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- matrix 3 MP (1/3 ″)
- SD memory cards
- weight 260 g
This compact and very lightweight camera allows you to record not only video, but also high-quality sound. For this, the package includes not only a stereo X / Y microphone capsule, but also a fur windshield. In addition, the device is compatible with almost all Zoom microphone capsules and allows you to connect an external microphone.
At the highest possible resolution, the camera writes at a rate of 30 frames / s, at a lower resolution (1280 × 720) - at 60 FPS. If necessary, you can connect Zoom Q8 to your computer via USB and work with video editing. There is also a small 4x digital zoom.
pros: There are three scene modes that allow you to use the camera in different lighting conditions, there is a special adapter for connecting to any holder for an action camera, the battery lasts for 2 hours when recording at 720p / 30 FPS.
Minuses: no viewfinder, no image stabilizer, no optical zoom.
2. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera
The average price is 114,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Full HD 1080p video recording
- SD memory cards
- up to 1 hour of battery life
This small and stylish camcorder has a mini XLR mic input with phantom power support and Bluetooth remote control.It is equipped with an MFT mount out of the box, however you can fit any lens using the appropriate adapter.
The camera's ISO range is quite wide - from 200 to 1600. Users recommend using the optimal working value equal to 800.
A feature of the Blackmagic model is a rather large crop factor, which is 2.88. The word "crop factor" is used to describe the ratio of the size of a 35mm film frame to the size of the camera sensor. In short, the smaller the crop factor, the better. For example, in advanced camera phones, there is usually a matrix with a crop factor of 6.
However, this can be attributed not only to the disadvantages of the device. The fact is that a large crop with a lack of sufficient depth of field forces the operator to act carefully and correctly: shoot from the right angles and with good light.
pros: new firmwares are regularly released, there is support for RAW DNG, excellent color reproduction, shoots very well both in daylight and at dusk.
Minuses: On a sunny day, the screen fades, short operating time.
1. Sony FDR-AX100E
The average price is 99,990 rubles.
Characteristics:
- optical zoom 12x
- UHD 4K video recording
- matrix 14.2 MP (1 ″)
- SD memory cards, MS Duo
- Wi-Fi
- optical stabilizer
- weight 790 g
It's time to introduce you to one of the best camcorders from Sony. The FDR-AX100E is easy to operate, has a full color viewfinder even in bright sunlight and can shoot in 4K at 25 FPS.
And its Active Image Stabilization mode allows you to capture blur-free shots, even when the operator is shooting on the go or in conditions of strong shaking.
Its infrared night mode is really excellent; Parents can easily take pictures of their children's faces while sleeping without turning on the lights in the room.
Features of this camera also include such modes as high-speed video recording and golf shooting (storyboarding of what happens in the center of the frame). You can also choose the output format for HDMI.
pros: You can record 5.1ch audio, you can manually adjust the focus and set the exposure.
Minuses: insufficient light sensitivity, due to the non-standard power connector, it is impossible to connect an external battery to the camera, it is impossible to quickly adjust the sound level (this option is hidden deep in the menu).