Now high definition content has become a standard for consumers, just imagine how demanding video resolution requirements are in the field of professional filming. Well, to some, HD Camcorders that shoot in full HD may still suffice; however, with the advent of 4K camcorders, others may not think the same anymore. Many of the newer 4K mWhile there are people who own camera phones capable of video recording and image capturing, many video camera and photography enthusiasts prefer to use HD camcorders over smartphones when it comes to recording and taking pictures. So why would these individuals rather choose handycams over phones? This is because they know better.
Camcorders, especially the more expensive ones, offer better video as well as audio quality. The built-in microphones of these models record far much better than phones and digital cameras. Moreover, these HD video cameras offer more video options and large internal memory. Most even have dual memory card slots for additional storage and simultaneous recording.
What is the Best HD Camcorder
Canon VIXIA R800 Full HD Camcorder
TYPE: Consumer HD Camcorder
This compact full HD camcorder is lightweight at just a little over 10 ounces even with its battery pack. Designed with an intelligent auto system, the R800 boasts of a face-detection feature that does the focusing and picking the perfect setting for the user. It also has a 3-inch touchscreen LCD display and is capable of shooting in 1080p HD video at 60 fps. WiFi connectivity is available and this handycam is compatible with a smartphone app that lets the user operate the device remotely. Other features include a battery life of 1.5 hours for continuous recording and integrated storage of 32GB.
- A 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD...
- SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer...
- The 57x Advanced Zoom allows you to...
- High-resolution HD CMOS Image Sensor...
Sony HDR CX675 32GB Camcorder
TYPE: Consumer HD Camcorder
The Sony HDRC 675 is the best hd camcorder from Sony in the consumer range. The advantage this has over the 455 and 405 is that this has 32GB of internal memory and a larger filter size. This is also a slightly newer model that the other two which makes it a good purchase if you have the budget. This is a good entry point into professional filming for people new to movie making.
- Full HD with XAVC-S, 9.2MP, Exmor R...
- G Lens 26.8mm, 30x optical zoom, 60x...
- Minimum Focusing Distance:0.4 Inches....
- 3.0" LCD Touch panel, Wi-Fi/NFC, 32GB...
Panasonic HC-V770 Best HD Camcorder
TYPE: Consumer HD Camcorder
The HC V770 is the best pure HD camcorder from Panasonic. It comes with 20X optical zoom and a 4-drive lens system. The WIFI connectivity lets you remote control the camera and do picture in picture recording for Vlogging. This camera is great for Live Streaming, there are plenty of tutorials on how to set this up.
- 20X Optical Zoom: Long 20X zoom draws in...
- HDR Movie Feature: Exclusive high...
- Wireless Twin Camera: Wirelessly connect...
- 1/2.3 Inch BSI Sensor: The Back Side...
Sony HDR CX455 Video Camcorder
TYPE: Consumer HD Camcorder
This is another decent HD consumer camcorder from Sony. It has a 30X optical zoom and an advanced auto-focus system that allows you to capture things very quickly. The lens is a ZEISS Vario so you can be assured this HD camcorder produces high quality 1080P Video. It comes with WIFI and has great connectivity options which makes it very easy to move videos.
- Full HD with XAVC-S, 9.2MP, Exmor R...
- ZEISS Lens (26.8mm), 30x optical zoom,...
- 3.0" LCD (Touch panel), Wi-Fi/NFC, 8GB...
- Digital Zoom: 350
What is the Best Budget HD Camcorder
The two best budget HD camcorders are the Sony CX405 ( above ) and the Panasonic V180 ( below) it is important to note that these do not have Wifi functionality which makes them cheaper. If you want a budget HD camcorder with Wifi, I suggest you look at the generic full Hd at the end of this list section. All these cameras come with 1080/60 fps meaning you will still get the same smooth action as the models above. These have 8GB storage onboard compared to the Sony 675 above that has 32GB.
Sony HDR CX405 HD Camcorder No Wifi
TYPE: Budget HD Camcorder No Wifi
The HDRCX 405 from Sony is the lowest priced entry HD camcorder from Sony. Don’t be put off by its good value price, its very good value. This camera is a bit cheaper than the other Sony’s as the CX405 does not have wireless connectivity. This film sin FULL HD @ 60 fps. This comes with Sony’s steady shot which will make sure you get smooth video.
- 50Mbps XAVC S1 1920x1080 at 60P, AVCHD...
- Automatically creates highlight video in...
- Face Detection with voice enhancement...
- View on 2.7” Clear Photo Plus LCD...
Panasonic HC-V180K HD No Wifi
TYPE: Budget HD Camcorder No Wifi
The HC V180 from Panasonic is their entry level HD camcorder. This video camera is exceptional value for money but still has a lot of advantages over a phone. 50X and 90X Optical Zoom are available which is very good for a camera of this value. If you do not need wireless connectivity then this is a very good value camcorder to take a closer look at. IF you want Wifi you can look at the HC-V380K instead.
- Super-sharp Full HD 1080p recording;3...
- Intelligent 90x zoom, with 5-axis Hybrid...
- Wi-Fi and NFC enabled for quickly...
- Wi-Fi mobile device Camera feature adds...
YeeHao FHD 24MP HD Camcorder
TYPE: Budget HD Camcorder with Wifi
Of course we need to look at some more generic brands to make sure you have all options available. Many of the new generic HD camcorders coming out of Asia are very good quality. Many of these generics perform as well as some of the hd camcorders above but many prefer trusted names. If you are after a generic HD camcorder.
YEEHAO WiFi HD 1080P 24MP 16XZoom
- Camcorder with External Microphone:...
- Camera with Wide Angle Lens＆Lens Hood:...
- WiFi& IR Night Vision Camera Camcorder:...
- Camcorder with Remote Control: The...
What is the Best Prosumer HD Camcorder
AS we move more towards 4K technology more cameras come with that as an option. In many instances the cameras still perform better with HD and 4K is a bit of a gimmick for some. These cameras below sit between the consumer and the professional video camera market. What we are looking for with a Semi-pro HD camcorder is a 1″ sensor with good zoom and autofocus. The cameras below are the 4k camcorders that attempt to bridge the gap between a pro and a beginner. However if you think an HD camcorder with 4K could be a good idea, have a look at our list of the best 4k camcorders
Sony HDR CX900 1″ Sensor Camcorder 20MP
TYPE: Semi Pro HD Camcorder with Wifi
This versatile and compact Full HD camcorder comes with a 1-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor perfect for capturing cinematic images. It also boasts of a wide-angle Zeiss Vario Sonar T lens with 24x digital zoom and 12x optical zoom. Full HD video capturing is at 1080p of up to 50mbps and still camera resolution of 20 megapixels. Aside from the 3.5” touchscreen LCD, this model also has a 0.39’OLED electronic viewfinder. Optical zoom is 12x while digital zoom is 160x. Other features include image stabilization, creative effects, built-in mic and speakers, HDMI and USB ports as well as WiFi connectivity and NFC support. This camera bridges the gap between pro and ametuer.
- 1" Exmor R CMOS sensor with Direct Pixel...
- 14MP resolution video and 20MP still...
- Versatile shooting with XAVC-S, AVCHD...
Canon VIXIA G21 HD Video Camera
TYPE: Semi Pro HD Camcorder with Wifi
This full HD camcorder is packed with features that are perfect for filmmakers. Capable of shooting videos at 1920 x 1080 resolution at 60 fps, the HF G20 also comes with a Canon 1Ox HD lens, complete with an 8-blade Iris, for better and professional-looking stills and footage. The Canon HD CMOS Pro image sensor offers a wide dynamic range that allows for shooting in low-lighting environments. Capturing 12 hours of HD video is also possible with its built-in 32GB memory capacity. Aside from professional shooting functions, other features of this reliable Handycam are a 0.24’ color viewfinder, 3.5” touchscreen LCD and a 58mm filter.
- Genuine Canon 20x high Definition...
- New, advanced HD CMOS Pro image sensor...
- Full HD 1920x1080 recording capabilities
- Outstanding image Reproduction
What about other Video Cameras?
When it comes to professional video cameras, what sets them apart is connectivity. A typical professional video camera will need to have an SD 3G-SDI port and XLR audio connections. Most will know what the SDI connector is for TV broadcast, so if thats what you want then have a look at the links for Best hd professional Video cameras
Best Professional HD Video Cameras
Best 4K Camcorders
Guide : Choosing a HD Camcorder
With a myriad of HD camcorders to choose from, it helps to know what to look for when shopping for the model that will suit your preference and needs.
Here are some factors to consider when searching for the best hd camcorder
Design
When it comes to the design and build of a camcorder, it is not only the aesthetics that matter. While an awkward-looking Handycam is not appealing, the weight and size of an HD camcorder are important when shopping for the right equipment. Moreover, it is necessary to take into consideration the handling and portability of the video camera. Other considerations include the LCD screen as well as the grip and ease-of-use.
Features
It is also imperative to know what features will of great use to you when choosing the perfect fit. These includes the presence of internal memory, size of the sensor, menu settings, focus and image stabilization systems, intelligent auto mode, backside illumination, flash and audio quality. If you are into action shooting and film making, it is also best to go for models capable of accommodating low light environments and motion as well as EVF to enable you to shoot from various angles. WiFi connectivity and HDMI ports are also important for video and file sharing. Ensure to choose the HD camcorder that has the most of the features you need but are not too excessive since the more features a model has, the more it can affect its price.
Video and Image Quality
These two considerations play a major role in settling for the right camcorder since this will affect your videos and still images. That said, resolution and frame rate should be noted. The higher the frame rate, the better, say, 60 fps, since the human eye is only capable of processing images below 30 fps. As for the resolution, it is also important to go for the kind that offers higher resolutions.
Price
When investing in an HD camcorder, how much you are planning to spend is a consideration to make. Buy one that has the features you need but is at the same time within your budget. While most high-end Handycams have better features, there are also models with lower prices but with great features.
Accessories
Another significant factor to keep in mind is the availability of accessories you can buy to enhance the performance of your camcorder and improve the quality of your images and videos. Aside from the accessories that come with the package, a good choice would be a camcorder which is compatible with accessories from most brands like the lens and mount.
After-sales Support
Before you part with your hard-earned money for your equipment, ensure that the store you will be buying it from offers support and the product has warranty. Choose the manufacturer or dealer that has online support and offers downloadable files like manuals and apps, if available.
Conclusion
HD camcorders offer a myriad of features that smartphones do not have, such as, more internal memory storage, image stabilization systems, better image and video quality, and autofocus features, among others. Moreover, they come with different specifications that can meet whatever personal preferences you have. They are also capable of handling auto exposure with ease, a characteristic that camera phones and even DSLRs capable of capturing videos can boast about. These come in handy when you are on-the-move while capturing videos and have no chance of manually focusing the lens for optimum quality.
In a nutshell, HD camcorders offer much more in terms of features, performance and results as opposed to smartphones. That said if you need to capture videos and images, whether for personal or professional use, go for the Best HD camcorder.
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- 【Recording While Charging】: The...
- A 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD...
- SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer...
- The 57x Advanced Zoom allows you to...
- High-resolution HD CMOS Image Sensor...
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