Best Camcorders

Though the specs are certainly top-notch, we would say that they aren't the camcorders most defining aspect as that title has to be reserved for all of the model's exceptional editing features and extra functions. Starting with the former, most people don't like dealing with complicated editing software and, with the camera's built-in cropping, panning, zooming, and subject tracking stabilization features, you won't have to.

The smooth zooming feature does a great job zooming-in on the subjects without making any changes to the angle of the camera. In terms of tracking, the model automatically keeps the subject inside the cropped area, so you won't have to spend the time trying to keep everything nice and centered as the camera does it for you. Speaking of the cropped area, the device's panning feature will allow you to effortlessly pan any scene, all you'll have to do is select the start and the end points. Other than that, the stabilizing technology is as great as it always were with Panasonic camcorders and so are the model's HDR capabilities that work wonders in terms of eliminating blown highlights and blocked shadows.

Finally, we did mention earlier the extra functions and though the camera has plenty of those, we feel the need to single out the Wireless Multi-Camera feature. Using the latter, you will be able to link up to three smartphones at the same time and record picture-in-picture from a number of different angles.

All things considered, the Panasonic HC-VX981K will prove to be a great choice for professionals and devoted enthusiasts who need a model with outstanding specifications, a few unique extra features, and serious editing capabilities to remove the need of dealing with clunky editing software.

The model's advanced zoom range aside, we reckon it wouldn't hurt to explore arguably the second most impressive characteristic of this camera - the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization technology. In the company's trademark fashion, the manufacturers have equipped the device with the sort of image stabilization that easily knocks the majority of competition out of the park. Without going into technical details, the technology instantly corrects camera shake, making even handheld videos that were taken at long focal lengths look sharp and steady. Naturally, this makes the model great for vlogging purposes.

Other than that, some of the camera's advantages include the Highlight Priority mode, which is essentially a gamma setting that you can use to give an HDR-like quality to any of your videos. There's also Framing Assistance, a nice little function that works wonders when you need to reduce the zoom magnification in those situations where you lose sight of a subject during zooming. Thanks to this function, it will be much easier for you to relocate your subject and zoom in again. Finally, there's the camera's surprisingly powerful DIGIC DV 4 image processor. The processor offers the sort of imaging performance that you wouldn't expect out of such an affordable model, capturing more light for brighter, virtually noise-free images even in dark scenes.

All in all, we would recommend the Canon VIXIA HF R800 to those filming enthusiasts who love shooting action-packed videos, be it formal ceremonies, footage of all sorts of animals in the wild, or amateur action movies. With this small camcorder, you'll be able to shoot great footage even while roaming around the scene.

The first device that took a digital photo was found back in 1981 and produced by Sony under the name of Mavica (Magnetic Video Camera). At the time, that was a full-fledged digital mirror camera with removable lenses which ironically wasn’t even considered as a camera but a static camcorder. The resolution of the first camera was equal to 570 x 490 pixels only (0.28 megapixels) which today isn't a case even for the cheapest camera, but back then, these numbers were a real breakthrough. All footage recorded with the camera was saved on a floppy disk (remember this one?) that could hold no more than 50 photos.

To use your new camcorder on your trips in a more comfortable way, we suggest you consider using it together with one of the tripods that we've handpicked for you in this review.

Now, as for those technical characteristics, we would first like to mention the model's 28mm wide-angle lens. Having the said 28mm of focal length at the wide end will allow you to fit more individuals and a large chunk of the background into your frame, and that is something that will prove to be especially useful in tight space scenarios. And since you'll be able to fit those subjects even as you film from up close, you will also be able to bring the microphone closer to the action, something that will obviously result in improved audio pick up. Though you won't have to worry too much about that as the model's 2-channel zoom microphone should be able to do a perfectly fine job providing clear audio at just about any reasonable distance.

Speaking of getting closer to the action, we simply couldn't afford to miss the 50x optical zoom and the 90x intelligent zoom, both of which will allow you to zoom in on the action without compromising your position. Plus, aside from the 5-axis image stabilization, the model comes equipped with a Level Shot feature that automatically detects and corrects tilting in images, so your footage will be as crisp and clear as it gets. Finally, let your imagination run wild with the model's creative filter effects that include 8mm Movie, Silent Movie, Miniature Effect, and Time Lapse Recording.

To sum it all up, if you don't have that much money to spare on a camcorder but you still need a capable and effective device for vlogging purposes or any kind of video shooting that could benefit from the model's small frame, the Panasonic HC-V180K will prove to be right up your alley.

Though what we have here might seem like an everyday camcorder, the model actually has an ace or two up its sleeve. One of those aces is definitely the infrared night vision sensor. The model's night mode that employs the services of that sensor redefines the limits of maximum low-light conditions that the user can work with. Of course, it will eat up your battery, but the night vision capabilities will allow you to capture pretty much any object even in the most dimly lit scenarios.

Though most of the model's specs are nothing to write home about, we can't say the same about its 0.39x wide angle lens and an external microphone. Both of these elements make the camcorder great not just for filming purpose but also for capturing media interviews, speeches, symposiums, and conferences. With the high-quality microphone, you'll be able to pick up the sound more clearly, so you won't have to waste your time editing out the all of the noise.

The 13 megapixels CMOS image sensor wouldn't be able to rival its high-end counterparts but it does bring some extra sensitivity that opens the possibility for capturing natural colors. Plus, there's also the processor's on-chip noise reduction technology that brings bright clarity to every frame. Finally, we would be remiss not to briefly mention the 3-inch touchscreen LCD monitor. The best part about it is that it features the sort of intuitive interface that allows the user to choose the right focal point, track all of the moving subjects, and shoots or watch videos with effortless ease.

Again, the 4k camcorder from Ansteker doesn't really offer enough to rival the most advanced options on the market. But for the sort of price tag that the model comes with, just the sheer ability to shoot in 4k and the wide angle of the lens make this camera worth your consideration.