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The choice may seem baffling when you are looking for the Best Camcorders, and that is why we have put together this handy guide for the Best of the best. If you want to record in UHD (Ultra High Definition), we have a 4K camcorder that produces virtually broadcast quality footage. Backpackers and adventures will want something lighter and more rugged, so we also have their backs.
Statistically, most camcorder buyers (new to the hobby or returning to the fold after early adventures with 8 mm and VHS-C) are simply interested in capturing holidays and family events. If you are, we have some suggestions that are both easy to handle and soft for the pocket.
List of the best Camcorders
All these camcorder crackers combine exceptional value and performance, so let’s crack. Here is our guide to The Best camcorders you can buy right now. As someone wise once said: light, camera, action!
Sony FDR-AX43
Portable and affordable, this is a fantastic 4K camcorder
- Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
- Image sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Total pixels: 8.29MP
- Dimensions: 173 x 80.5 x 73mm
- Weight: 625g
The Sony FDR-AX43 may be compact, but it doesn’t skimp on features. Driven by a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens, the FDR-AX43’s features include a 20x optical zoom, 4K recording (with super-down-sampling for 1080p screens), a low-noise Exmor R CMOS sensor, and dual-video recording in XAVC S or AVCHD, plus easy-to-share MP4.
For those who want convincing surround sound when playing back their recordings in a home theater or soundbar, there’s also a multi-channel 5.1 microphone. Expect limitations in low light, but if you’re looking for an easy-to-use but capable 4K photographer, this model is a fantastic choice, and that balance of functionality, portability, and price is why it’s our number one choice for the best camcorders.
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Sony FDR-AX700
High-spec but compact, the Sony FDR-AX700 is a capable 4K HDR camcorder
- Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160px
- Image sensor: 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- Total pixels: 14.2MP
- Dimensions: 169(w) x 89.5(h) x 196.5(d)mm
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
A beautifully specified 4K camcorder, the FDR-AX700 has an inch-sized Exmor RS CMOS sensor and records 4K video in both HDR SDR and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) images. Features include a 12x zoom, large 3.5-inch viewfinder, dual SD card slots, and advanced phase detection AF. The FDR-AX700 uses XAVC S for both 4K and HD recordings, with 100 Mbps for 4K and 50 Mbps for 1080p. He will also shoot in 1080p at 120 fps.
The BIONZ X image processor of the brand keeps the images clear. The FDR-AX700 is a solid choice for both The Best videographers and even those who want to film. A standard SMPTE timecode can be recorded on recordings. Overall, this is one of the best camcorders that you can buy right now.
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Canon Vixia HF G50
A more affordable Canon 4K camcorder option
- Max recording resolution: 4K
- Image sensor: CMOS 21.1MP
- Total pixels: 8.2MP
- Dimensions: 114 x 84 x 231 mm
- Weight: 953g
From the looks of it and the model name, it’s easy to think that this is just a small step down from the Canon Vixia HF G50. But in fact, this cheaper model has a more significant difference at its core. This camcorder uses a significantly smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor, which not only makes it more affordable, but also makes it a more suitable model for everyday use – because the sensor provides more depth of field and is therefore easier to focus on.
The smaller sensor also means you get a wider 20x zoom lens. But there are still plenty of serious features on offer, including a dual memory card slot, which is much loved by avid videographers. Overall, this is one of the best camcorders right now.
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Canon XA40
A 4K camcorder from one of the best in the business
- Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160px
- Image sensor: 1/2.3″ type CMOS Sensor
- Total pixels: 8.29MP
- Dimensions: 182.9 x 109.2 x 83.8 mm
- Weight: 726g
Canon’s impressive XA40 is a high-quality camcorder that not only produces outstanding 4K images, but also uses oversampling to ensure that Full HD images are of unparalleled quality. The palm-sized design makes the camcorder easy to pack up and take anywhere, while the 20x zoom lens gives you true shooting versatility. The optical 5-axis image stabilization is also a plus, making it easier to get professional-looking shots when shooting handheld. A camera for all seasons and all situations. Overall, this is one of the best camcorders right now.
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Panasonic HC-X2000
Powerful 4K camcorder for truly professional results
- Max recording resolution: 3840 x 2160px
- Image sensor: 1/2.5-type MOS Sensor
- Total pixels: 8.29MP
- Dimensions: 129 x 159 x 257mm (5.08 x 6.26 x 10.1in)
- Weight: 1.5kg / 3.31 lb (with battery and handle)
If you want to film like a pro, Panasonic’s HC-X2000 is the best run-and-gun camcorder on our list. Capable of recording 2160p at 60 fps, this camcorder is designed for event videographers and enthusiasts. Weighing 1.5 kg, it’s not an everyday option, but it’s much lighter than its predecessor the HC-X1000 – and you can remove the handle with built-in LED light and microphone holder if you need to travel light. It features a large 3.5-inch color touchscreen, has two XLR professional microphone inputs, and two SD card slots.
Not only can it shoot 3,840×2,160 at up to 60 fps, but it can also shoot 120 fps at 1080p if you need slo-mo. The HC-X2000E is equipped with a 1/2.5 MOS sensor of 18.9 megapixels and a Leica Dicomar lens. A 24x optical zoom and 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization offer numerous composition possibilities. Image quality is excellent in both HD and 4K. Detail is high and color reproduction excellent. It is an excellent semi-pro shooter, but understandably complex to use. Overall, this is one of the best camcorders right now.
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Panasonic HC-X1000
Powerful 4K camcorder for truly professional results
- Max recording resolution: 4,096×2,160px
- Image sensor: 1/2.3-type MOS Sensor
- Total pixels: 18.91MP
- Dimensions: 160(w) x 170(h) x 315(d)mm
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
If you want to photograph as a professional, the HC-X1000 from Panasonic is an excellent option. Able to record 2160p with 60 fps, it is designed for videographers and event enthusiasts. With 1.6 kg it is not a casual option and you will want to work together, it was a pretty tripod. It features a large 3.5-inch color touchscreen, two XLR audio inputs, and two SD card slots. Not only can it shoot 3,840×2,160 to 60fps, but you can also record a cinema ratio of 4,096×2,160 4K at 24 fps.
The HC-X1000E uses an 18.9-megapixel, 1/2.3 MOS sensor, and a Leica Dicomar lens. 20x optical zoom and 5-axis optical image stabilization offer numerous possibilities for composition. The image quality is excellent, both in HD and in 4K. Detail is high and color reproduction excellent. It is an excellent semi-pro shooter, but understandably complex to use. Still, this is one of the best camcorders that you can buy right now.
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Canon VIXIA HF R800
The pocket camcorder for families
- Max recording resolution: 1,920 x 1,080px
- Image sensor: CMOS
- Total pixels: 2.7MP
- Dimensions: 53(w) x 58(h) x 116(d)mm
- Weight: 0.5 pounds
This Canon VIXIA HF R800 can be used anywhere in the world for fun for the whole family. It records 1,080p in an internal memory of 16 GB, expandable with an SD card. It features a huge 57x digital zoom, DIGIC DV4 image processing and an Intelligent Image Stabilizer with Zoom Framing Assist. There is even a decent package of filters, including various Cinema-Looks and an advanced baby mode, with which you can create albums for up to three children and automatically store video images on a designated album. It is not expensive to buy and fun to use. And overall, the Canon VIXIA HF R800 is one of the best camcorders that you can buy right now.
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SONY HDR-CX405
A budget belter from Sony
- Max recording resolution: 1,920 x 1,080px
- Image sensor: Exmor R CMOS
- Total pixels: 9.2MP
- Dimensions: 54(w) x 59.5(h) x 128(d)mm
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
You do not have to spend too much money to make great films. Sony’s HDR-CX405 is sold for less than $200 but comes with a host of advanced tricks to help you produce exceptionally polished films. The camcorder records in XAVC S or AVCHD format and MP3 format for file sharing, and you can edit in-camera with the Highlight Movie Maker onboard.
You can even apply different visual effects without having to trudge around with separate editing programs. Optical SteadyShot, with effective Intelligent Active-fashion technology, offers a solution for a handshake. There is a 30x optical zoom lens and Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 26.8 mm wide-angle lens. The camcorder even has a 5.1 audio recording. Overall, this is one of the best camcorders that you can buy.
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Conclusion
Although there are people who own camera phones that are suitable for video recording and image recording, many video and photography enthusiasts prefer HD camcorders via smartphones when it comes to recording and photographing. So why do these people prefer to use camcorders instead of their smartphones? This is because they know better. Best Camcorders, especially the more expensive, offer better video and audio quality.
The built-in microphones of these models are much better resistant than phones and digital cameras. In addition, these HD camcorders offer more video options and large internal memory. Most even have dual memory card slots for extra storage and simultaneous recording.