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Nicky LaMarco. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn. Updated on April 27, Rich Scherr. Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. Our Fact-Checking Process. Twitter LinkedIn. Article fact-checked on Apr 20, Tweet Share Email. The Rundown. Best Overall:. The video camera has essential features such as an in-camera dolly, zoom, cropping, Wi-Fi connectivity, and optical image stabilization.
Best Features:. Capturing beautiful footage is effortless with the use of all the connectivity hardware and technology encompassed in the video camera. Best Zoom:. Best Value:. Best for Beginners:. Best Rugged:. The lens has three layers of protection to reduce glare and a coating to protect against elements such as water and dirt.
Best Budget:. Our Picks. About Our Trusted Experts. What to Look For in a Video Camera. What We Don't Like Expensive.
What We Don't Like Pricey. Panasonic HC-V Review. What We Like Zoom capability Portability. What We Don't Like Design isn't most attractive. What We Don't Like Unprofessional quality. What We Like High resolution Megapixel range. What We Don't Like Lacks premium features. What We Don't Like Video quality is average. The 6 Best Vlogging Cameras of View On Amazon. What We Don't Like Consistency of video quality. Most of the camcorders we tested have a maximum recording resolution of p.
These high-resolution cameras record an image pixels high and pixels wide. A 4K camera is known as ultra-high-definition and shoots at x pixels. Most modern camcorders have optical image stabilization and some degree of in-camera editing so you can at least cut your videos before uploading them. Determining your priorities will help you get a camera that is right for you.
Jump to: Best camcorders Camcorder advice. Panasonic HC-X Specifications Resolution max pixels : x Weight lbs : 3. Dimensions inches : 5. Reasons to avoid - Expensive. Weight lbs : 0. Dimensions inches : 2. GoPro Hero8 Black. Specifications Resolution max pixels : 4K Image sensor: 12MP. Reasons to avoid - No front facing display.
Image sensor: 1. Weight lbs : 1. Dimensions inches : 4. Reasons to avoid - Pricey for hobbyists. Canon Vixia HF G Weight lbs : 2. First, decide on the type of high-definition camcorder you want to buy. If you want better quality and more options, consider a full-sized model. If you need a smaller, more portable model, get an action cam, which is about half the size of regular pocket camcorders.
They fit easily in your hand and weigh as little as a half-pound yet still include at least a 10x optical zoom lens and other powerful possible features: Ultra High Definition, or 4K, resolution; 3D capability; GPS for geotagging; and built-in, or pico, projectors.
Unlike analog camcorders of the past, digital models allow you to do a lot more with video than just play it back on a TV. You can edit and embellish with music using a computer, then play your productions on a computer, or on a DVD or Blu-ray player. You can also email recordings or upload video clips to sites such as YouTube. Many video-editing software suites also let you combine video with digital stills, graphics, and text. Most full-sized camcorders have at least a 10x optical zoom, although some have more as much as 50x.
At maximum zoom, most full-sized camcorders will produce jittery video because of hand shake or other factors. To compensate, most have an image stabilizer. Such models are very small and lightweight, and they often have rugged bodies. Action cams are designed for people who engage in outdoor sports and activities such as biking, surfing, and snowboarding, and want the ability to capture hands-free video. Because of their compact size, they may lack features such as a viewfinder or an LCD.
Although some have a waterproof exterior, most have a rugged and waterproof housing or removable case and mounting brackets for attaching the camcorder to a helmet or another object. This type of viewer is common on all full-sized camcorders but few action cams. Some higher-priced camcorders include touch-screen LCDs. LCDs are useful for reviewing video and can be easier to use than an eyepiece viewfinder. But LCDs are difficult to use in sunlight—a drawback of models that have only a display and no eyepiece.
This feature automatically reduces most of the shaking that occurs while you hold the camcorder. Most stabilizers are either electronic or optical, although some models have both.
Either type is effective; though mounting the camcorder on a tripod is the surest way to get steady images. Full-auto switch: This control, which goes by different names depending on the manufacturer, provides you with point-and-shoot simplicity. Autofocus: Adjusts for maximum sharpness. Some models include a manual-focus override that can be helpful in problem situations, such as low light.
Zoom: This is typically a finger control—press one way to zoom in, the other to widen the view. The rate at which the zoom changes depends on how hard you press the switch. Optical zoom: Typical optical-zoom ratios range from to about —or are described as having 10x optical zoom or 50x optical zoom. Digital zoom: Many camcorders also include a digital zoom to extend the range to or more, but at a lower picture quality than optical zoom gives.
Some camcorders can capture 3D photos or video, or both. To do this, the camcorder may capture two different images or use software to create them , representing the different perspectives of the left and right eye. The differences between those two images create a sense of depth. Some models include built-in projectors also known as pico projectors. The feature is now incorporated into some HD camcorder models from Sony.
Each includes a tiny projector embedded on the back of the flip-out LCD, which Sony claims will be able to project a inch diagonal image. Although most newer camcorders do not have this feature, some higher-priced models will have an electronic viewfinder that lets you compose a shot without needing to use the display. This conserves battery life and is helpful in bright-light situations that wash out the LCD. The number of camcorders with WiFi is growing. It allows you to wirelessly transfer photos and video to your computer, quickly back them up on a hard drive, or upload them directly to a social networking website.
Some models even also allow you to wirelessly connect and transfer video and photos to mobile devices or control the camcorder remotely from an app on a smartphone or tablet.
Some camcorders also include near field communication NFC , which makes connecting to mobile devices quick and easy.
Models that are rugged and waterproof have bodies that are claimed to resist moisture and withstand falls. A camcorder with 4K resolution x pixels offers four times the resolution of a full HD camcorder x pixels. Because of the higher resolution, these new types of camcorders can provide finer detail, but you need an Ultra High Definition 4K TV to see that detail. Consider the type, size, weight, controls, and features: In the store, try different camcorders to make sure they fit your hand and are comfortable to use.
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