14 best camcorders with good quality for home and travel

When choosing a camcorder, you must rely on a number of parameters, such as shooting quality, appearance, and options.

What are camcorders

Devices are divided into 4 main types:

• amateur;
• semi-professional;
• professional;
• action cameras.

Amateur

Simple and compact camcorders that stand out due to their low cost. The optics of amateur camcorders are solid, so they cannot be removed or replaced. In certain situations, the quality of the shooting suffers because of this. Video files are saved to a standard memory card. A device for recording sound is built into the body, a small microphone, which often does not allow you to record high-quality sound.

Despite its outward modesty, amateur cameras have a complete order with the functional part. Even a sophisticated user will be able to pick up a decent model and have plenty of “play around” with various recording modes.

A few years ago, such devices could only be recorded in the SD format (720 X 576 px), but now models are already appearing that support full-format shooting in HD and FULL HD resolution.

Amateur camcorder

Semi-professional

This segment of video cameras is the next stage of development, but not the top. Semi-professional cameras are average in all respects devices between amateur and professional.

Often, they are equipped with three matrices, the size of which is not less than 1/4 ′, which allows for a clearer and more colorful picture recording.

The average weight of this model is from 2 to 4 kg, which does not allow you to record video with one hand. Received files are saved to external devices (removable memory cards). This type of video camera is recorded in the formats HD (960 x 720 px) and HDV (1440 x 1080 px).

Semi-professional camera

Professional

These devices are already more serious. Widely used in modern cinema and professional filming (TV, journalism, etc.). The dimensions and weight of professional cameras are much larger than all the others. The average weight of the model is 10 kg, which makes it impossible to shoot without additional support (belts, latches, etc.). Shooting is recommended using a tripod, and for motion frames only recording from the shoulder.

Professional-type devices always have three matrices with a size of at least 1/2 ’and support for RGB channels. Optical equipment only removable type to adjust the type of shooting depending on conditions and needs. The sound recorder is placed on the outside of the camera and is a kind of “cannon” of oblong size.

On professional models, there is no LCD screen and auto focus, because professionals do not need it. Shooting is carried out in AVCHD format (1920 x 1080 px), shooting is also conducted with support for 4K, HD, SD, MPEG.

Professional camera

Action cameras

These cameras are small in size models that are suitable for athletes, extremals and blogging enthusiasts, good for shooting and recording small clips and fixing the world around.

IN action cameras module with a resolution of up to 12 megapixels, the main feature is viewing angles (from 90 to 170 degrees). Video is recorded to an external device (memory card) in Full HD and higher, the resolution is 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080. The battery is solid, the battery life is 120 - 150 minutes. The buyer will be pleased with the mass of the camera - no more than 200 grams.

Action camera

When buying, you should pay attention to such parameters:

• Optical Zoom Indicators.
• Shooting Resolution.
• The functional part when photographing.
• Type of storage module (external or internal).
• Type of stabilization and its quality.
• Dimensions
• Aperture.
• Available ports for connecting to other devices.
• Battery charge and battery life in various modes.
• Cost.

Top camcorder manufacturers

The rating is opened by the Japanese manufacturer Canon, which for a long time produced exclusively film-type cameras. However, the world made the transition to the era of digital shooting and decided to abandon the film. At that time, cameras and camcorders were similar in production, and the developers decided to switch to them.At the moment, the company is a leader in the global market. The quality of amateur cameras is poor, but professional equipment is appreciated. Many Canon models are used in Hollywood.

Canon logo

In the 90s of the 20th century, VCRs and cameras from the JVC company, recording video in VHS format, were very popular. Over time, the company had to abandon its own standards and move into the era of digital shooting. First there was the MiniDV standard, then there were small DVD discs, and external media changed them. Devices from JVC are inferior to many competing models from Sony or Panasonic.

JVC logo

This is not the first decade that Panasonic has been delighting shooting enthusiasts with high quality products. The first professional filming of films in Hollywood was shot specifically for their products. Many eminent American directors filmed their first amateur films on Panasonic cameras. We must pay tribute to the engineers and developers, because they tirelessly move forward and develop their own products. At the moment, the company has reached the point that their products are considered the smallest on the market, but at the same time they have excellent stabilization and detail.

Panasonic logo

The Japanese company Sanyo was founded back in 1947, starting production with small and modest equipment. At some point, a line of mobile phones was released. 7 years ago, the company was bought out by the giant of the market - Panasonic, however, the integrity and structure of the company remained the same. Now Japanese engineers specialize in producing amateur cameras that differ in non-standard forms.

Sanyo Logo

Sony pioneered and remains a pioneer in the production of equipment for shooting, which managed to get around Panasonic in several ways. For example, if Panasonic amateur-type technology has optical stabilization, then Sony complements this with a peak-type projector with good quality. Using this element, the image is displayed on any smooth surface. Of course, there are models without a projector, and this directly affects the cost. In addition to good amateur models, Sony engineers produce many professional cameras with 4K support, but not everyone can get such a “pleasure”.

Sony logo

Best low cost camcorders

The device from the same Sony opens the list - Sony HDR CX 405, which is considered the best budget option for home and travel - the price is 16 thousand rubles. Engineers supplied the model with a CMOS type matrix, which allows the CX405 to win the competition with other cameras in terms of transmitting color effects. However, the model has one drawback - the matrix does not detail pictures and videos very well. In addition, the user will receive a magnification of the picture with a 30x zoom and decent autonomy.

The display does not have a touch pad, and the diagonal is not happy. Management of modes and all elements is carried out using the joystick, which has a dynamic device and rotates if necessary. The battery life without recharging is almost 120 minutes.

Sony HDR CX 405

The second option for buying a budget video camera is considered to be the Canon Legria HF R606 at a price of 17 thousand rubles, which has in its arsenal optical image stabilization. Many video enthusiasts have already dubbed the model the best, in terms of price and quality. Unlike other models in this segment, Legria perfectly records not only the picture, but also the sound.

Canon Legria HF R606

Closes the rating camera from Panasonic - HC-V270. The Japanese have always been able to compete, which is fully reflected in this model. The case is matte type, made of plastic. It lies comfortably in the hand and no trace remains. The price is 19 thousand rubles.

Unfortunately, the quality of autonomous shooting is not encouraging, which barely reaches an hour, but this figure can be increased if you purchase a separate battery. 5-axis stabilization, which reduces the trembling of the picture when recording. There is no microphone jack.

Panasonic - HC-V270

Best mid-range camcorders

Panasonic HC-V770 is considered a good and inexpensive modification of the famous version of the V700 at a price of 24 thousand rubles. The changes affected the sound recording system, which now works in 5.1 format. The new version has a headphone jack. Also, the buyer will be able to transfer files directly to your phone or tablet.

The camera has a full range of functions that a novice operator may need. There is even the possibility of remote control of Wi-Fi. Image quality can not be called ideal, but to quibble definitely will not work. As in many cameras from Panasonic there is stabilization with 5 axes. Unfortunately, the engineers had to sacrifice optical zoom to increase the size of the matrix.

Panasonic HC-V770

The new model from the Japanese from Canon was called LEGRIA HF M56, and it will clearly take a leading place in the middle segment with a price of 38 thousand rubles. Engineers added a WiFi module and added 8 GB of memory. The camera features allow you to comfortably shoot in different modes and in different lighting conditions.

LEGRIA HF M56

Panasonic HC-VX870 is an option of an affordable camera for recording video in 4K format at a price of 43 thousand rubles. To do this, engineers from Japan had to increase the size of the matrix and integrate the module with a resolution of 18 megapixels, because of which it was necessary to reduce the zoom to 20x. Unfortunately, when shooting in 4K, optical stabilization begins to lag.

The best camcorders for professionals

The first in this list is the top camera from Sony NEX VG30EH, which will cost 166 thousand rubles and is ideal for dynamic shooting, because its dimensions and weight allow you to shoot with one hand. Video is recorded in 1080 resolution, a module with a resolution of 16 MP, CMOS matrix in APS-C format. A large number of components on the market (lenses, etc.) will allow you to equip the camera to your liking.

Sony NEX VG30EH

Then another Sony NEX-FS700E camera stands out, which has a non-standard shape and costs almost 450 thousand rubles. A distinctive feature is a large number of buttons on the case for all occasions (for example, to change the date / time of shooting). However, there is a plus in this - all the basic settings can be made with the same buttons.

The camera uses many modern clip makers, who chose it due to the quality of the video in Full HD or 4K (for this you will have to additionally purchase an external memory card). 

Sony NEX-FS700E

Best full hd 1080p camcorders

Sony HDR-CX900E has recently entered the market, but has already managed to win an audience thanks to a reasonable cost (100 thousand rubles) and high-quality shooting. Unfortunately, the dimensions do not allow to be removed with one hand. Engineers added a sensor from Exmor R with a resolution of 14 megapixels and a lens with increased photosensitivity. ZEISS wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization. The camera has a built-in WiFi and NFC module.

According to its description, the Panasonic V800 can be categorized as middle peasants with a price of 40 thousand rubles, but in reality this is not so. Although the model does not have support for shooting in 4K, but shooting in 1080 p is just super. In addition, the pricing policy will please, because for modest money the user will receive optics from LEICA with a large sensor from MOS, stabilization support with 5 axes, horizon alignment technology and support for HDR Movie.

The best 4k camcorders amateur and semi-professional level

Model FDR AX 700 from Sony belongs to the category of flagships at a price of 140 thousand rubles. The multi-layer matrix type EXMOS RS 1.0 with support for 4K is responsible for shooting. In most older models, the module is much worse. The operator is provided with a huge number of settings, recording material in XAVC 5 and AVCHD with a bit rate of up to 100 Mbit per second for 4K Ultra. 29mm wide-angle lens with 20x zoom, 14MP sensor.

Of the disadvantages - dimensions and weight (almost 1 kg without battery).

The HC-VX980 camera from Panasonic stands out for its price-quality ratio (40 thousand rubles). A LEICA lens with enlightened optics and a sensor with 8MP 1 / 2.3 ’resolution from BSI. Smooth type zoom with support for panoramic shooting, displaying an object in dynamics and stabilization of already received material.

The best compact professional camcorders

Canon XF405 is widely used for professional shooting for TV. A module with a 4K widescreen lens with x15 magnification. In Full HD mode - x30 combined type. The CMOS 1.0 sensor and two DIGIC matrices No. 6 are taken as the basis, due to which video is shot in 4K with Ultra HD50p. For macro photography, Wide RD mode with a 800% dynamic range is suitable. However, the cost bites - 250 thousand rubles. Many filming enthusiasts have already said that this is the best camcorder for professionals.

JVC GY-GM200E is cheaper by almost 100 thousand rubles - its cost is 150 thousand rubles, but it is not much inferior to the previous model. Built-in module with IP option allows you to shoot even in poorly lit rooms. CMOS sensor with a size of 1 / 2.3 at a resolution of 12.4 megapixels with support for dynamic type WRD. Of the disadvantages - the weight of the device is more than one and a half kilograms.