Rating of the best amateur and professional video cameras according to buyers' reviews

Modern video cameras are different. They differ in both cost and function. For example, some professional models are capable of HDR-video shooting, thanks to which details are not lost even in very light or dark areas of the frame. Also, professional models differ in their dimensions, which can not be called minimal. Well, amateur camcorders must fit in the palm of your hand. Although they are not always cheap - models with support for 4K-resolution still cost a lot of tangible money. But let's get down to acquaintance with the best video cameras, collecting only positive reviews from their customers.

Video camera for which firm to buy

Canon

For many years the JapaneseCanon specializes in the creation of film cameras. But gradually the world moved into the digital age, as a result of which the film had to be abandoned. Cameras and video cameras have become very close in their structure."Why not start producing them?"Thought the Japanese. As a result, Canon is now one of the largest manufacturers of camcorders. And if the amateur models from the company are not very interesting, then even some operators working in Hollywood are professional.

JVC

In the 1990s, the JVC brand was familiar to many of us on VCRs and video cameras that are making a picture on a VHS videocassette. Later, the company forgot about the first type of devices, but the camcorders moved to the digital age. First they began to write video on digital cassettes of the MiniDV standard, as well as on tiny DVD-blanks. But now almost all JVC camcorders save the result to a memory card. Unfortunately, these devices are much inferior to their competitors from Sony and Panasonic in terms of image quality and the breadth of functionality, it must be remembered.

Panasonic

Panasonic produces video cameras not for the first decade. Yes, there to say, even the famous American filmmakers shot their first amateur films with the help of Panasonic camcorders. These devices are improved after the development of technology. Now amateur camcorders are capable of boasting of miniaturized dimensions and a remarkably effective optical stabilizer. Well, professional models often do not have any complaints at all.

Sanyo

Another Japanese company. It was founded in 1947.In its history, this manufacturer produced a variety of electronics. It even reached the production of mobile phones. Ended all in 2012, when the corporation was swallowed up by Panasonic Corporation. However, the existence of the brand has survived. In particular, the Japanese produce under it amateur camcorders with a non-standard form factor.

Sony

Sony has also been creating and selling video cameras for a long time. And if Panasonic's amateur production pleases with the best image stabilization, Sony's camcorders of the same class surprise with the presence of a pico-projector. With its help you can display the image on any flat surface. Of course, there are video cameras without a picoprojector, they are slightly cheaper. Also on sale you can find Sony video cameras with video support in 4K-resolution, but they can afford not everyone.

Rating of the best camcorders

This rating, based on user feedback, takes into account:

• Multiplicity of optical zoom;
• Maximum video resolution;
• Photofunctional;
• Type of physical media;
• Kind of image stabilizer and the quality of its work;
• Dimensions and weight;
• Customer complaints;
• Aperture;
• The type of matrices installed inside and their number;
• Available on the housing connectors;
• Duration of shooting from one battery charge;
• Average price in retail stores.

Best budget camcorders

Sony HDR-CX405

One of the most intelligent budget camcorders. The manufacturer supplied its creation with a CMOS matrix, albeit very small. As a result, the device wins in some competitors for color reproduction, but loses in detail.

Advantages:

• The matrix is ​​created using CMOS technology;
• Low cost;
• 30x optical zoom;
• Stable 50 frames / s at Full HD resolution;
• The presence of HDMI and AV output;
• Decent battery life.

Disadvantages:

• Very small matrix;
• Small LCD display;
• No microphone input.

Completely sound video camera, not enough stars from the sky. Approximately these words are uttered by customers, a string of reviews on the Sony HDR-CX405.The display here is small and not equipped with a sensor substrate. The menu is controlled by rotating the joystick, which seems uncomfortable to some. And the picture you shoot can not be called ideal. But from one charge the device is able to shoot for two hours. This is not possible for many camcorders from the higher price segment!

Canon LEGRIA HF R606

Today even budget video cameras began to receive at their disposal an optical image stabilizer. It is also available in the Canon LEGRIA HF R606.He copes with his work very well. These words can be said about the remaining components.

Advantages:

• 32-fold zoom;
• A decent-sized screen;
• High frequency with Full HD resolution;
• The sensor was created using CMOS technology;
• Presence of the output to the headphones;
• Presence on the case of AV- and HDMI-output;
• The imputed cost.

Disadvantages:

• The sound of fast zoom is heard;
• The matrix turned out to be too small;
• No microphone input;
• Impressions appear quickly on the glossy cabinet.

Reviews for Canon LEGRIA HF R606 indicate that this is an excellent value for money. But the video camera must be tested in the store. The fact is that some instances have a certain marriage - with fast zoom you will hear a loud unnecessary sound. If such a marriage is not present, then the camcorder is ideal for home shooting. Unlike some competitors, he writes well not only the picture, but also the sound.

Panasonic HC-V270

Japanese from Panasonic can create decent budget video cameras. Their creations are matte plastic body, thanks to which the device and does not slide in the hands, and does not collect dust.

Pluses:

• Availability of Wi-Fi and NFC;
• One of the best optical stabilizers;
• With Full HD shooting, the frequency reaches 50 frames per second;
• Qualitative matrix;
• The body has an HDMI-out and an AV connector;
• The price tag does not scare.

Disadvantages:

• Not a very large LCD;
• The sensor could be larger;
• Not the longest shot from a regular battery;
• I would like to receive a mic input.

Another good video camera, as evidenced by the reviews on the Panasonic HC-V270.If you forget about not the longest work from one charge, then it's simply impossible to find fault with a camcorder with such a low price tag. Here there is a 5-axis stabilizer, which perfectly copes with the jitter of the picture. It's all right here and with the quality of the picture. Well, what about the time of work, then it can be increased by buying a more capacious battery. But with the lack of an input for a microphone, there is nothing to be done - it is only present in devices of a higher class.

The best amateur camcorders of the mid-range segment

Panasonic HC-V770

This camcorder can be considered an improved version of the once popular Panasonic HC-V700.The most noticeable changes are the recording of the sound, which now occurs in 5.1 format. Also there was an output on the headphones. To please the buyer should also the possibility of transferring the material to a smartphone or tablet. Advantages:

• Well removes even in the dark;
• Three-inch LCD display;
• Embedded NFC and Wi-Fi modules;
• Large CMOS-matrix with high resolution;
• Sound in 5.1 format;
• Sufficiently comfortable manual focusing;
• Headphone output and microphone input.

Disadvantages:

• No longer the minimum weight( 353 g);
• Only a 20x zoom.

One of the best video cameras among those whose price tag does not yet make hair stand on end. There is almost everything that an amateur can use. There is even a remote control function - it is implemented via Wi-Fi. You can not find fault with the quality of the image. And, of course, there has not been without a proprietary five-axis optical stabilizer. It remains to regret only that for the sake of increasing the matrix, the creators had to forget about the very large optical zoom.

Canon LEGRIA HF M56

New from the Japanese company Canon, supplemented by a pleasant trifle in the form of an integrated Wi-Fi module. An interesting feature of the camcorder is 8 GB of internal memory. Not God knows what, but to assess the possibilities of the camera they allow.

Advantages:

• Large CMOS-matrix;
• Large LCD screen;
• The presence of Wi-Fi;
• There is a built-in memory;
• Presence of a socket for ear-phones.

Disadvantages:

• The sensor resolution could be higher;
• Only 10x optical zoom;
• No microphone connector.

It's amazing how the Japanese managed to squeeze out so much of the matrix they had. Its resolution is very small, but the device produces a very high-quality picture. This is evidenced by reviews on Canon LEGRIA HF M56, as well as video-examples, which can be found on various videohostings. However, the camcorder is still far from ideal. For example, a tenfold zoom is frankly small. And the sound here is written not in 5.1 format.

Panasonic HC-VX870

One of the most affordable methods of high-quality shooting in 4K-resolution. To achieve this, the Japanese built in their creation a large MOS-matrix, whose resolution is 18 megapixels. However, for the sake of preserving the compact size of the device, they only had to attach the camcorder with a 20-fold zoom.

Advantages:

• Capability of video recording in 4K-resolution( 25 frames / s);
• Very high quality sound;
• Good photos;
• The LCD display is large;
• There are connectors for headphones and microphones;
• Synchronization with smartphone via Wi-Fi and NFC;
• Support for high-speed shooting.

Disadvantages:

• Not the biggest zoom;
• Short shot from a single charge;
• Stabilization does not work well for 4K-video;
• High cost.

Reviews on Panasonic HC-VX870 show that people are happy with their acquisition. But even the most satisfied customers can not but note the fact that the 4K mode here is a bonus, and not the main one. With its use, the optical stabilizer stops working perfectly, and the frequency is unlikely to please you. But when shooting in Full HD resolution, the picture is as if you were working with a SLR camera. What else can you ask of an amateur camcorder? Perhaps, only a lower price.

The best amateur camcorders of the highest price segment

Sony FDR-AX100E

Very advanced video camera, able to shoot 4K-picture. The Japanese decided to supply it with the maximum number of controls, adding at the same time a quality matrix. As a result, the dimensions of the device increased, as did the weight( up to 790 g).All this led to the fact that this camcorder is convenient only for men with a large palm.

Advantages:

• High-quality CMOS-matrix;
• Viewfinder presence;
• Excellent shooting in 4K-resolution;
• Beautiful photos;
• There is an input for the microphone and headphone output;
• Highly sensitive microphone.

Disadvantages:

• 12-fold zoom does not suit everyone;
• Price tag scares any buyer;
• Optical stabilizer could be better;
• Decent weight;
• Strongly working autofocus.

Technology 4K-video shooting in amateur camcorders is still not worked out to the ideal. This is shown by the reviews on the Sony FDR-AX100E.This camcorder really cope with shooting at such a high resolution. However, it regularly loses focus and poorly stabilizes the picture. Do you expect such a result for almost a hundred thousand rubles spent? However, nothing is better yet, the other 4K-camcorders do their job even worse.

Panasonic HC-X920

By the release of this model, the Japanese tried to put an end to the development of the Full HD format. They squeezed out the maximum of its capabilities. So do not be surprised at the decent weight of this camcorder( 417 g) and the excellent picture quality.

Advantages:

• 3 MOS-matrices;
• Extremely high image quality;
• Very large and clear screen;
• The best image stabilization;
• You can connect headphones and a microphone;
• Focus ring;
• Support for Wi-Fi;
• Good shooting even in the dark.

Disadvantages:

• Only 12-fold increase in the picture;
• The cost is slightly overestimated;
• Not the longest shot from a standard battery;
• Sound not in 5.1 format.

Reviews on Panasonic HC-X920 show that this is one of the best amateur camcorders among those designed only for the format of Full HD.It has at once three matrices( each captures its own colors) and a very high-sensitivity microphone. And also here there is a special ring, with which you can carry out manual focusing - just like in SLR cameras or professional video cameras.

The best professional camcorders

Sony NEX-VG30EH

Ideal for wedding video shooting. The camera still can not be called huge, but it can not fit into the pocket either. As usual among professionals, recording is carried out at a resolution of 1080p. This is done with a 16-megapixel CMOS-matrix format APS-C.

Advantages:

• No complaints about the CMOS matrix;
• The possibility of 11-fold zoom;
• High-quality LCD screen;
• Availability of color viewfinder;
• Support for recording 5.1-channel audio;
• Several supported video formats;
• A large number of connectors;
• Interchangeable Optics;
• Remote control.

Disadvantages:

• The creators forgot about the optical stabilizer;
• Poor performance in low light conditions.

If you are professionally engaged in wedding photography, then this camcorder will be for you the best choice. It uses a very popular bayonet E, so you can easily find the right lenses. Also, the reviews on the Sony NEX-VG30EH show a decent number of connectors, which allows you to attach a large number of accessories to the "carcass".

Sony NEX-FS700E

This model has an unusual shape of the case. Also its distinctive feature is the huge number of buttons. The menu will have to go only for a very rare occasion - for example, to change the system time and date.

Advantages:

• CMOS-matrix does not cause any complaints;
• Large LCD screen;
• The possibility of using the viewfinder;
• Select between several video formats;
• All necessary connectors are available;
• Interchangeable lenses;
• Theoretical possibility of creating 4K RAW-video;
• Built-in ND filter;
• High-speed shooting function.

Disadvantages:

• Not the lowest price.

Reviews on the Sony NEX-FS700E show that not for nothing in favor of this video camera make their choice, many clipmakers. The device shoots a clear picture in both Full HD resolution and 4K.But in the second case, the operator will need an external recorder. Quality shooting is facilitated by ease of control - all the most popular functions and settings are hung on buttons and knobs. You can monitor the process both with a 3.5-inch screen, and using the viewfinder.

Which camcorder to choose

The choice of a camcorder depends primarily on the means at your disposal. Believe me, it's better not to feel sorry for the money, in this case you will get the best picture quality available to you.

1. For example, if you are the owner of a TV channel or a television studio, then use Sony NEX-FS700E for shooting or something else more expensive.

2. Well, an amateur dream can be Sony FDR-AX100E and Panasonic HC-X920.

3. If you can not afford to spend so much money, then focus on the Panasonic HC-V770.And only in case of an acute need to purchase a video camera right now, look towards budget models.