Attention! The accuracy of the information and the results of the ranking is subjective and is not an advertisement.
12 best amateur and professional camcorders
Top models for high-quality video
Author: Oleg Yasinsky
To photograph the wedding of best friends, remove the prom son, expose the corrupt official, post a video clip with a cat on the social network - all this requires good reliable video cameras. Our ranking includes the best camcorders popular in late 2018 - early 2019. Check the capabilities of your wallet - and choose. Seals will not wait!
What are the camcorders?
By purpose and level of performance:
Classic amateur models. They do not require high operator qualifications from the owner, have many automatic settings, are relatively easy to manage, lightweight and compact. The price range is quite wide, but in general we can talk about accessibility. There is a sense to choose from products of well-known and proven brands. But quite budget options (for 5-6 thousand rubles) will surely disappoint, because the quality of the video they shoot is at the level of capabilities of an average smartphone.
Professional camcorders. In technical terms and equipment equipped with much better. Video quality, performance, network functions, accuracy of adjustments - all at the highest level. It is clear that such equipment is not for amateurs, requires certain skills and even talent. And the price tag most likely corresponds to the budget of corporate purchases or to a personal (sponsor) wallet of well-earned independent reporters, bloggers.
Sometimes an informal definition is used for video cameras. "Semi-pro". Clear framework for entry into this category does not exist. After all, some monsters of the film or television industry can call so even cool models for 150-500 thousand, and “harvesters” are more expensive than a million in senior hierarchy. Only our rating is not for them. Here freedom is right. Want to consider your amateur camera as semi-professional, based on a picture of excellent quality and the presence of manual settings? The owner is the master! So be it!
By video resolution:
To date, two formats are relevant: Full HD and 4K. Possible shooting options with lower rates (HD 720p) and with different frame rate / s and bit rate. It is quite good if the camera has support for an extended dynamic range (HDR, WDR, etc.).
The best manufacturers of video cameras
Companies are traditionally recognized as undoubted leaders and trendsetters in the digital video camera market. Sony and Panasonic (in that order). Some are inferior to them in the amateur segment, other "Japanese" Canon and Jvc. To the credit of the last two brands, in the class of professional models there is no longer any talk of lagging behind. And the appetites are not going wild, like, for example, the same Sony.
Rating the best camcorders 2018 - 2019
| Category | A place | Name | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best budget (cheap) camcorders | 1 | Panasonic HC-V380 | 9.8 / 10 | 16 631 |
| 2 | JVC Everio GZ-R435 | 9.5 / 10 | 11 960 | |
| 3 | Sony HDR-CX405 | 9.4 / 10 | 15 950 | |
| Best Full HD (1080p) camcorders | 1 | Sony HDR-CX900E | 9.9 / 10 | 76 990 |
| 2 | Panasonic HC-V800 | 9.8 / 10 | 34 490 | |
| 3 | Panasonic HC-V770 | 9.7 / 10 | 23 770 | |
| Top 4K amateur and semi-professional camcorders | 1 | Sony FDR-AX700 | 9.9 / 10 | 137 950 |
| 2 | Panasonic HC-VX980 | 9.7 / 10 | 38 950 | |
| 3 | Sony FDR-AX53 | 9.6 / 10 | 74 990 | |
| Best compact professional camcorders | 1 | Canon XF405 | 9.8 / 10 | 249 900 |
| 2 | JVC GY-HM200E | 9.7 / 10 | 151 900 | |
| 3 | Panasonic AG-UX180 | 9.7 / 10 | 280 000 |
Best budget (cheap) camcorders
|
16 631
Opens the ranking of the best low-cost camcorders quality, compact and small in weight model from the Japanese brand. Impressive 50x optical, 90x intelligent zoom (digital all 150). After all, these indicators most budget competitors can not boast. Other important features: the function of automatic alignment of images under the correct horizon, stabilizer HYBRYD O.I.S. + (5-axis, prevents image blurring caused by hand shake), 28 mm wide-angle lens, equivalent to 35 mm film camera. Finally, the cherry on the cake - the presence of a built-in Wi-Fi module. And as a result, the ability to connect up to 3 smartphones, remote control, the availability of shooting in additionally open windows (picture in picture), etc. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Video camera with good value for money. In principle, Panasonic has a cheaper and simpler version, but it is unlikely that a difference of 1-2 thousand is a weighty reason for rejecting the possibilities offered by the Panasonic HC-V380. |
|
11 960
The budget and quite good for its price model of the Everio R. series. The main feature is the 4-level Quad-Proof protection. Or rather, a shock-resistant case, dustproof and water resistant (diving to a depth of 5 m is allowed), frost resistance. A sort of hybrid of classic amateur and action cameras. Pleases zoom: 40x optical, 60x dynamic, 200x digital. Lens manufacturer - Konica Minolta. Matrix - 2.5 megapixels with reverse illumination. The video is saved in AVCHD Full HD format. The recording process is also available when the display is closed. In general, the camera is not that perfect, a lot of what you can find fault with if you wish, but it is available, well made, durable and reliable. It is important to understand that the “sharpened” model is not so much the creation of a Home video in enclosed spaces, as the opportunity to capture the best moments of an active or beach holiday without worrying about weather conditions. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Bought a video camera before the release. On the sea, shoot on the shore and under the water it is the most. But the night mode, in fact, no. Indoor video with noises. Then we figured out - you need to turn off the backlight, then the norm. |
|
15 950
Great camera for little money. The main advantage is the optical image stabilizer, which is usually the function of much more expensive devices. Thanks to it, you can shoot high-quality enough in motion and in low light. 30x zoom fully fulfills its purpose. The white balance is adequate, autofocus works correctly and quickly. The sound is good, it does not require dancing with a tambourine in a sound editor. Of the minuses worth noting is not the most convenient menu and light glare when shooting in the dark. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.4 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The best camera in its price range. Compact and lightweight, with good sound recording quality in noisy places and video in low light conditions. |
Best Full HD (1080p) camcorders
|
76 990
Not new, but not at all lost its relevance high-quality Full HD-camcorder. The best video camera for those who are no longer satisfied with cheap, both in price and performance, amateur “soap dishes”, but also do not seduce considerable dimensions and prices of professional camcorders. So Sony HDR-CX900E - the golden mean. The quality of the picture is gorgeous. This is due to a number of factors, including: a large Exmor R CMOS sensor (14.2 Mpix) with a photosensitive element, a wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T * lens, an optical stabilizer, a BIONZ X ™ processor. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC modules. Accordingly, remote control is available, and the footage is easy to send to a smartphone or tablet with the pre-installed PlayMemories Mobile app. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Carefully approached the choice of a good video camera and came to the conclusion that this model is the best in its class. Turned out to be right. Optics is good, there are professional features. With this quality Full HD higher resolution is not necessary. |
|
34 490
The Panasonic HC-V800 could be classified as a typical “middle peasant”, but the model deserves more. The device is quite serious (albeit without 4K support) and is rather a transitional option on the way to the top level in the class of amateur camcorders. The price tag will seem high to someone, but it reflects not the mercantile spirit of the manufacturer, but the optimal balance with overall quality and performance. The output image is in perfect order. The causal complex: high-quality LEICA Dicomar optics with 24x zoom, large MOS-sensor, hybrid 5-axis stabilization system, leveling functions, Active Contrast, support for HDR Movie. Few? Then appreciate the capabilities of the Wireless Multi-Camera (Wi-Fi adapter on board). There is also a night mode (color), effective even with a minimum illumination of 1 Lx (the stage format in low light conditions is 1.5 Lx). Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
A good model of a video camera with excellent optics. The quality of the recording at altitude even in low light. Actually, the Active Contrast function performs well. Stabilizer copes "with a bang," no blur pictures. |
|
23 770
Worthy pocket-sized camera with the ability to record video in Full HD with a bit rate of 50 Mbps. Conveniently in the hand, there is a hybrid stabilization. There is the possibility of wide-angle shooting, which is very important for close rooms (though, for better shooting, you still need a special nozzle). Optical zoom is small - 20x, but digital - 60x, but the quality is acceptable only in the early stages of magnification. In night mode, the camera shoots well, but no more. There are a lot of manual settings. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Taking six months on V770, I can assure you that the video quality is much better than on the SD800.
46 mbps mp4 is something for detail. The picture is very sharp, the colors are excellent. |
Top 4K amateur and semi-professional camcorders
|
137 950
The flagship model from Sony in the non-professional camera section, although in terms of features and characteristics is as close as possible to them. Whatever one may say, but in its class (which is not “semi-pro”), this is the best that exists today. The new model has received high-performance and fast hybrid autofocus.Thanks to the Exmor RS ™ type 1.0 layered CMOS matrix, an incredibly realistic image is available in 4K HDR (HLG) format. For comparison, in the younger models and for most competitors the cinematic effect works only for Full HD resolution. In addition, a wide range of accurate manual settings for professional shooting is available. Recording is possible in XAVC S and AVCHD formats with bit rates up to 100 Mbit / s for 4K Ultra HD, up to 50 Mbit / s for FHD. In general, full expanse for both experienced operators and enthusiasts. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I do not see any worthy alternatives to this model - this is the best video camera of 2018. Some "theorists" call the FDR-AX700 a more expensive version of the FDR-AX100E. Do not see the difference? That's your business. For me, the benefits are obvious. At least because at home cool UHD TV with HDR. |
|
38 950
The main competitive advantage of Panasonic amateur camcorders is a reasonable price against the background of rather impressive characteristics. The HC-VX980 is no exception. Photo and video recording is available in high 4K resolution. Lens - LEICA Dicomar with enlightened optics. Sensor - 8-megapixel 1 / 2.3ʺ BSI MOS. The 4K-cropping system is implemented in the model, implying a smooth zoom, precise panning, tracking an object, and stabilization of an already captured image. The following functions are supported: “Wireless Multi-camera”, “HDR Film” (both modes are not available for 4K and 24p). The device in question is equipped with a 7.5 cm wide LCD touchscreen, but does not have a viewfinder. If it is fundamentally needed, it makes sense to pay attention to the more expensive version - HC-VXF990. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
For what the camera can do, the price is very attractive. The main function performs adequately. I haven’t figured out all the settings yet, but I’ll do it without fail. So far, no complaints. |
|
74 990
One of the most popular 4K camcorders on the market in 2018. The model is very interesting, functional and provides the owner with a lot of opportunities for self-expression. That's just in order to avoid misinterpretation, it should still be treated as an advanced amateur device. Let him be able to take photos, videos of almost professional quality. But those who consider themselves to be a accomplished master, in this price range of miracles is not worth searching. Onboard: ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T * lens with 20x zoom, 1 / 2.5 Exmor R CMOS matrix with backlight (effective megapixels - 8.29). The Handycam FDR-AX53 is an advanced Balanced Optical SteadyShot ™ stabilizer. Autofocus is stated as fast and intelligent, but there are frequent complaints about periodic “brakes”. Although much can depend on the skills of the operator. The wireless function is based on Wi-Fi and NFC. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.6 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Impressions are twofold, but a clear advantage in a positive direction. The stabilizer works fine. The picture is good. The viewfinder helps with bright sunlight.Modest size, low weight. |
Best compact professional camcorders
|
249 900
Portable and light (1150 g.) 4K video camera, ideal for professional shooting of news, events, creating documentary scenes. The model is equipped with a high-quality branded 4K wide-angle lens with 15x zoom (30x combined in FHD mode). The XF405 design is based on CMOS sensor type 1.0 and 2 DIGIC DV 6 processors, which allows you to create 4K UHD / 50p video (up to 150 Mbit / s), and in Full HD / 100r slow motion mode. Watch out for the smallest detail in shaded and brightly lit areas helps Wide DR mode with an impressive 800 percent dynamic range. The package, in addition to the camera itself, includes: a handle unit, a battery and a power adapter, a microphone holder, a wireless remote control, a hood with an integrated damper. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
The principal argument in favor of ordering this model was the support for shooting UHD video with high frame rates. In the process of testing, the stabilizer showed itself well, and autofocus is smart and precise. Will be working. |
|
151 900
Cheaper, but by no means the worst video camera for professional video shooting. And considering the available IP options, the model is presented in a very favorable light. Actually, it does not have a regular wireless module. But the manufacturer has provided compatibility with USB-adapters Wi-Fi and 4G LTE. As a result, it becomes possible to broadcast streaming video "through the air." Operating modes: 4K Ultra HD shooting, 4: 2: 2 Full HD (24-60p), slowed down at 120 frames / s, broadcasting to the Internet. The 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS sensor is responsible for the image (resolution - 12.4 megapixels, active - 9.03). WDR wide dynamic range supported. The camera has two XLR connectors, HD-SDI (3G) and HDMI outputs, a dual SDHC / SDXC card slot for backup, parallel, serial recording. The weight of the device with battery - 1.6 kg. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
A good video camera for reasonable money. A bunch of settings. Having dealt with them, you begin to understand that a very decent machine has come into the hands. Something you can find fault with, but generally satisfied. |
|
280 000
Panasonic's professional UX-series camcorder is perfect for reportage work and more. With its outstanding characteristics, creative opportunities abound. The model is equipped with a compact wide-angle lens 24 mm LEICA DICOMAR. Optics has a multi-layer coating, the purpose of which is to minimize the likelihood of glare and a halo effect. Accurate and high-quality image provides MOS-sensor type 1.0. Recording is possible in 4K resolution (4096 x 2160 pix.) / 24p, UHD (3840 x 2160 pix.) / 60 / 50p and FHD (1920 x 1080 pix.) / 60 / 50p. A super slow shooting mode is also available at 120 frames / s (FHD). It supports several universal video formats - MP4, AVCHD, MOV (QuickTime). The presence of 2 slots for SD cards allows you to make work more efficient through the use of dual UHD / FHD codec. Main advantages:
Minuses:
|
 9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Good "workhorse" with the current set of features and a really high-quality picture. The price tag is quite adequate. In the management of the camera is quite convenient, there are all the necessary settings. |
Which camcorder to choose?
Now you know exactly which camcorders are considered the best. It remains only to choose a suitable one. The selection process begins with the definition of a price segment. If you want to make money video filming - to fork out. If you only need to take home holidays, take a look at mid-budget or even cheap camcorders. Also be guided by the functionality and size. If the video camera is large - you do not want to take it with you regularly.
Have a good shopping!
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Updated: 15.02.2019
Rating in categories:
