Last Updated on July 19, 2020
Its now possible to make professional movies on a budget. To help you choose the right camera let’s have a look at the Best Semi Professional Camcorders with XLR.
With so many camcorders breaking out in the market, deciding on what’s best won’t only come challenging but also even time-consuming! Hence, we’ll make it easy for you. Here is a roundup of some of the best semi-professional camcorders and video cameras to look out for.
These are Semi-Professional cameras that all come with XLR Audio inputs.
TOP 10 Best Camcorders with XLR Audio
HD Best XLR Video Cameras & Camcorders
Canon XA15 XLR Video Camera (HD)
XA15 Specification
- 2.91MP 1/2.84″ CMOS
- 20 X Optical Zoon
- Digic DV 4 Processor
- Advanced Auto Focus
- Dual slots SD/SDHC/SDXC
- Wired network access
- Slow & Fast Motion.
- HD-SDI on XA15
The Canon XA11 and 15 are the latest HD camcorders with XLR to be released from Canon. The only difference between the two is that the XA15 has a SD-HDI connection for broadcast. The XA15 has dual media card slots that allow you to record with different settings simultaneously. The XA15 also has a decent auto focus that allows you to quickly lock on it fast paced situations. These are just the basics, if you want to see more details and really understand this video camera, take a look at the detailed review.
Canon XF100 XLR Video Camera (HD)
XF100 Specification
- 1/3″ CMOS Sensor, 4:2:2 Color Sampling
- 50 Mb/s MPEG-2 Recording
- MXF File Format, Dual CF Card Slot
- Advanced Auto Focus
- Great for run & gun,
This video camera from Canon is also a very accomplished bit of kit. It includes very impressive stabilization technology that ensures that it captures smooth footage under most circumstances. This camera is great for fast and slow-motion effectss and will generally perform at a level consistent with expensive professional camcorders. The XF100 is larger but has more functionality than the XA11. These are just the basics, if you want to see more details and really understand this video camera, take a look at the detailed review.
Panasonic AC-90 XLR Video Camera (HD)
AG AC90 Specification
- 1/4.7 type 3MOS image sensor
- Auto Iris optical zoom (Full range AF)
- 12x Optical Zoom
- Advanced Auto Focus
- Great for run & gun
- Top rated camera for years
This video camera from Panasonic is a few years old now, however it still performs as well as any of the newer released 4K video cameras. These are still selling quickly which is a good indicator of a product that has stood the test of time. This is a gread HD camcorder with XLR audio from Panasonic. If you take a look at the detailed review you will be able to see how this camea works and what the finer details are.
4K Best XLR Video Cameras & Camcorders
The XLR video cameras below all film in 4K but are more expensive than the HD video cameras above. Even though you may not be using 4K, what you will find is that the technology in the newer 4K video cameras is superiror to many in the older HD range. This decision will of course come down to budget but the newer cameras with 4K and XLR are worth looking at.
Panasonic HC-X1 XLR 4K Camcorder (4K)
HC-X1 Specification
- 1″ Type MOS Sensor
- DCI 4K30, UHD 4K60
- 120 fps Slo-Mo
- Advanced Auto Focus
- Dual slots SDHC/SDXC
- HDMI and A/V Output
The Panasonic HC-X1 sits at the top when it comes to the performance of a nonbroadcast camera ( no HD-SDI connector ). It can film in 4K UHD and 4K DCI, it also can do 60 fps in 4K UHD which is only on the vert latest professional video cameras. If you are after the best 4K video camera in terms of value for money and functionality, then this is it. Either buy it now or take a further at our more detailed review. Either way, you can’t fail to be impressed by this video camera
JVC HM-250 XLR Streaming Camcorder (4K)
GY-HM250 Specification
- 12.4MP 1/2.3″ CMOS
- 12x Optical Zoom
- 4K UHD 30fps
- Live streaming optimised
- Advanced Auto Focus
- Dual slots SDHC/SDXC
- HDMI and A/V Output
JVC don’t have a lot in the video camera market recently. The best camera that has though at this price range is this HM250. The primary sales for this camera come from people wishing to use it for live streaming. You can remote control the laptop from your phone or a computer making it ver versatile. If you want to understand all the technical aspects take a look at the review below.
What about professional XLR Video Cameras?
If you want to look at what else is available you find many more cameras in our professional video camera range. We have tried to keep the cameras lon this list under $2000 so if you want something better then have a look at our video cameras in this link 4K professional Video Cameras or HD professional Video Cameras
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Retiring Cameras
Canon XA30/35
The XA30 is Canons newest HD Camcorder that builds of the success of the XA20. The XA30 and XA35 are ideal for professionals and non-professionals alike because they are remarkably easy to use. Have a look a the review to see the test footage get a better understanding of the differences between the XA30 & XA35. You will soon see why this is the best semi pro camcorder on the market today.
Sony NEX-VG30H Handycam – Interchangable Lens
JVC GY-HM15OU – Video Camera
JVC has long been at the top of the ladder in technological leaps, especially for filmography. Their impressive array of HD camcorders took the world by storm in 2004, essentially helping revolutionize 3D camcording. And now they’re at it again with their amazing handheld camcorder, the JVC GY-HM15OU. Many JVC enthusiasts who want a lightweight, easy-to-use ENG camera are choosing this. Click the read review button to see footage and learn more about this camera.
Canon XA10 – Still a Very Popular Semi-Professional Camcorder
The Canon XA10 is the predecessor to the XA20. However this video camera still sells as much as the XA20. Its general specification is slightly lower than that of the XA20 but this camera is around $600 cheaper and comes with 64GB internal memory. It’s ready to go right out the box and you don’t need to purchase anything other than a shotgun microphone. For many this camcorder will be enough to satisfy their semi professional filming requirements.
Sony HXR-NX30U Palm Size NXCAM HD 96GB Internal Memory
Sony Professional HVR-A1U
If you are looking for a compact or lightweight video camcorder , then the Sony Professional HVR-A1U should definitely be in your list! This prosumer model is most ideal for shooting that requires mobility. It is integrated with a 2.97MP CMOS sensor that can process large volumes of image data, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 10x optical zoom lens, Electronic Super SteadyShot System and has a Tele Macro function that allows users to capture macro images from a distance. It is handy, takes great HD quality shots and has a long battery life. What more is there to ask for?
Canon XA20 – Run & Gun at its best
The Canon XA20 is a prosumer camcorder made especially for run-and-gun shoots. It comes with a Genuine Canon 20x HD video lens that makes for an impressive optical zooming performance as well as an 8-blade circular aperture with a capacity to focus subjects down to 23.6 inches. It also has a tiltable electronic viewfinder, an OLED Touch Panel Display and multiple SD/HD recording rates. Its AVCHD codecs run-up to 28mbps and it has an industry-standard MP4 of up to 35mbps. This is one of the best semi pro camcorders available today.
ALL OF THE CAMERAS ABOVE HAVE XLR INPUTS
And that’s our ten best semi-pro Video Cameras that are out today
Hopefully, this list has somehow helped you in your decision-making as well as kept you updated with the market’s latest.
If you don’t require XLR inputs have a look at the Top Ten High End Video Cameras without XLR inputs priced between $1,000 – $2,500.
If you want 4K look at the Top 10 4K Camcorders
Best Top 10 Latest High End Consumer Cameras( WITHOUT XLR )
