What makes a digital camcorder good

Optical SteadyShot, with effective Intelligent Active mode technology, goes some way to combating handshake. The camcorder even has 5. Usability is good. We particularly like the tethered USB cable, which makes it a doddle to recharge the camcorder and copy footage to a PC. Given the spec you might be hard pressed to justify spending more, making this one of the best camcorders for filmmakers on a budget. It boasts a 20x optical zoom, 8-blade aperture for focus blurring, and wide In addition to the 3.

Optical image stabilization ensures smooth shooting. It doesn't just give you a step up in resolution, it gives you some scope for cropping and panning later while you're editing your videos. Here are some great 4K camcorders that let you step up the quality without overstretching your budget.

Features include a 12x zoom, big 3. It will also shoot in p at fps. Trick replay includes Super Slow Motion. If you want a tough 4K camcorder with above-average build quality, this JVC is more than tough enough. If you fall down a crevice while running from the Abominable Snowman, your camera should be fine. Alternatively you can use the dual slot for serial recording. Special in-camera effects include time-lapse recording, and assorted filters.

Basically, this is the Indiana Jones of 4K camcorders, and it's the best camcorder for adventurers who need more quality, control and zoom capability than they can get from a GoPro. Mention 'camcorder' and most people think of affordable, consumer-friendly all-in-one video cameras, but there's also a growing market for professional camcorders that share the same broad design but are intended for professional news gathering and broadcasting, with underslung grips for low angle run and gun shooting or as shoulder mounted camcorders fitted to chest harnesses or rigs.

Canon's impressive XA40 is a pro-grade camcorder that not only produces excellent 4K footage but also uses oversampling to ensure its Full HD footage is peerless in quality.

Its palm-sized build means it's easy to pack up and take wherever you need it to go, while the 20x zoom lens gives you real shooting versatility.

Optical 5-axis image stabilization is also a boon, making it easier to capture professional-looking shots while you're shooting handheld. A camera for all seasons and all situations. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Today, numerous devices are capable of shooting videos, including smartphones, tablets, and GoPro cameras.

Everyone is skilled enough to preserve memories of small and large events. Any person buying a new camera should critique each model based on these three top factors: durability, video quality, and battery life. Durability will dictate the environment where you can record. Video quality will affect the final produced video. Identifying the ideal screen display, looking for a long-lasting battery, and knowing what type of terrain underwater, sports, etc.

Considering the options available to record video these days, we understand how overwhelming the video camera buying process can be. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these cameras, from durability to video quality. The video camera has essential features such as an in-camera dolly, zoom, cropping, Wi-Fi connectivity, and hybrid optical image stabilization.

Max Photo Resolution : Somehow Panasonic managed to find the right balance of features, hardware, design, value, and convenience. Capturing beautiful footage with the HC-V is effortless with the use of all the connectivity hardware and technology encompassed in the video camera. Linking your video camera and your phone allows you to broadcast live and command the video camera from your mobile device. By this metric, the Panasonic HC-V is, sadly, not a full success.

For travelers, sports photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the Nikon Coolpix P takes you directly into the heart of the action by allowing you to shoot far-off subjects. Regardless of a low-lighting or action-heavy scenario, you can employ the video camera's auto-focus, image stabilization, and other pre-programmed settings to catch the best possible visuals. The sound quality is just as impressive as it records true stereo sound directly through the in-camera audio. Zooming in for the ideal up close and personal is easy as the Coolpix P weighs just 3.

The HF R delivers outstanding p picture quality and powerful zoom ability, similar to the Canon R82 model, but at a lower cost. For extra flair, you can even film slow-motion videos or create a time-lapse.

The processor encapsulates more light, eliminating noise from even the darkest scenes and enhancing brightness and visual quality. The video camera boasts of respectable zoom specs such as 30x optical and 60x clear image digital zoom. Other features include a 9. The video camera has a 2. As such, the video camera is a great introductory budget video camera, especially for anyone who is a beginner video camera user.

Max Photo Resolution : 2. DJI has designed its video camera so that its features are thoroughly protected. Thanks to its protective coat, the video camera can be submerged up to 11 meters and can be taken into environments that dip as low as degrees Celsius. The Osmo Action Cam offers more than just ruggedness. To switch between different settings and modes quickly and easily, the camera has a QuickSwitch button. If you need to perform basic commands, you can also control the camera with your voice.

The action camera can achieve a native resolution at no higher than 25fps. The advantage of a viewfinder is for use outdoors in the bright sun, where your LCD screen may be washed out and hard to see. When indoors and space is limited, a viewfinder will allow you to bring the camcorder further back toward your face to get a wider view. So a camcorder with a 10x zoom can bring a distant object about 2 times closer than a camcorder with a 5x zoom. Larger zoom lenses can give you more options.

If you see a reference to digital zoom , this is an electronic representation of optical zoom, and really just crops the picture and you lose resolution. With optical zoom, you do not lose resolution. Digital zoom should not be a consideration in our opinion to purchasing a camcorder, while optical zoom should be considered.

Most of our top-rated camcorders come with a 10x zoom which is good for most applications. Why do cheaper camcorders have higher zoom? You may wonder why a high end camcorder has a 10x zoom, and a cheaper camcorder a 25x zoom. The answer is the imager size. Two camcorders with the same lens, but one with an imager half the size of the other will have double the zoom.

While you may gain in the amount of zoom, you lose in image quality and low light capability with a smaller imager. Microphone — All camcorders record in stereo sound.

All have built in microphones. For better quality you can buy higher quality microphones, and even get a wireless microphone for some models. Several camcorders have a built in surround sound recording system Dolby 5.

There are two ways to add an extra microphone to a camcorder. One is to plug it into a microphone jack if available , or what is called an accessory shoe which allows accessories to attach to your camcorder. Related Article: Getting the best sound from your camcorder. Related Article: Camcorders with an external microphone jack. Night Vision infrared Camcorders. Many are touchscreens which makes going through the menus easier. You just touch a choice on the menu. A larger LCD screen is much easier to see.

In addition to size its also important to look at the resolution of the screen i. Reliable no-drop audio, degree field of view and autofocus allows you to broadcast masterfully. The setting up of the portable PXWZ is flexible and effortless. It enables the content creators, whether experienced or beginners, to deliver impressive imagery for content and events shooting scenarios.

It is ergonomically designed to provide a lightweight and easy-to-use shooting experience. The Wi-Fi functions make the camcorder competent in a variety of tasks. It automatically detects and corrects tilting in images and lets you adjust exposure compensation and white balance with a single button on the LCD. It is a cheap 4k camcorder that comes with accessories including mics, 2 lenses, 2 batteries, a LED light, and a bag that can carry all accessories.

It is straightforward to install and use, even though it has quite some accessories. Its battery life is perfect. Use the camcorder to share your life with your loved ones and leave you a beautiful happy memory in your life. The Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilizer rival gimbal systems and allow high-resolution 4K movie recording and high-quality sound with a unique microphone.

The AX43 Handycam camcorder makes it easy to grasp the professional production and allows simple movie sharing. Now, preserving your memories, getting smooth footages, and sharing the same has become easier.