With the improvement in the technology for digital photography, the high-end models have advanced features, such as impressive video recording property. However, when it comes to capturing and recording a video, nothing beats the quality that a camcorder brings to the table.
Camcorders are electronic device dedicated to this function. For people looking for the best camcorder, they will quickly realize that there are numerous models to choose from on the market. It is impossible to find the best camcorder without consulting the feedbacks from other customers first. Since it takes a lot of time, we have taken the liberty to do the search and we compiled five of the most celebrated camcorders on the market.
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Best Camcorder Reviews
1. Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD Camcorder
Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)
Canon has always kept up with the development in the technology for camcorders. In fact, its latest installment which is the Canon VIXIA HF G20 HD camcorder is one of the best camcorders. It has only been introduced on the market but it certainly has impressed a lot of buyers. It uses the Canon HD CMOS pro image sensor that delivers impressive resolution. It is equipped with image stabilization feature which is one of the important properties required in a camcorder.
2. Canon VIXIA HF R500 Digital Camcorder
Our Rating: (4.4 / 5)
Another impressive product has been developed by a reliable camcorder manufacturer that is Canon. The Canon VIXIA HF R5000 Digital camcorder has a sleek and ergonomic design that proves to be an advantage for all of its users. It is not as popular as the VIXIA HF G20 but it sports some of its features that are signature to the Canon camcorders. There were issues on low light shooting, but aside from that, all were praises and compliments for the Canon VIXIA HF R500.
3. Samsung F90 Black Camcorder
Our Rating: (4.0 / 5)
Samsung has always put up impressive electronic devices, making it one of the most trusted providers of impressive gadgetry, especially camcorders. The Samsung F90 camcorder is one of its latest innovations. It is a popular unit on the market and a lot of people love its lightweight and ergonomic structure. It features a CMOS sensor that can shoot 1280x720p quality videos. However, the property that separates it from other camcorder models is its amazing audio recording quality.
4. Sony HDRCX240/B Video Camera
Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)
In the field of digital photography and videography, Sony is a trusted name to provide well-constructed electronic devices that give justice to a beautiful and artistic subject. The Sony HDRCX240/B video camera is one of Sony’s attempts to put up the best camcorders but its features are not quite there yet. Its Exmor R CMOS sensor is designed for performing better in low light conditions. It captures really good video under such settings but some of its features are not as impressive as the other three camcorders.
5. JVC GZ-E200BUS HD Everio Digital Video Camera
Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)
Among the five camcorder models, the JVC GZ-E20BUS1080p digital video camera is the least popular in the camcorder reviews and its features are painfully inferior as well. But, if the prices are compared, this camcorder certainly delivers well considering its really affordable price. Because it is an entry level camcorder, its features and functions are not as complicated as the others. This proves to be an advantage for people who are not tech-savvy and just wishes to document a happy family event.
Best Camcorder Buying Guide
The advancement in the technology used for photography has sprung out models which deliver the most stunning images possible. Cameras have become more handy and efficient. High-end models are even equipped with excellent video recording features. However, even with high-brow technology for cameras, camcorders remain the best gadget to use for capturing high quality videos. Complex gadgets can be very hard to choose if one has limited knowledge. And considering how camcorders can be expensive and sensitive, it is important to know at least a thing or two about the ideal features to look for. Here is a list of camcorder features which, according to professional videographers, should be prioritized in choosing the best camcorder.
Model
Camcorders are obviously pricier than cameras with video capturing features. The good news is, price-wise, there still are options. Two major categories for camcorder are full-featured and pocket camcorders. Pocket camcorders are a lot cheaper than full-featured models, but are also inferior when it comes to features and quality. Our experts suggest that if price is not an issue, it would be best to go for full-featured camcorders. Despite its expensive price, the quality and performance is totally worth it.
Memory and Storage
It took years before camcorders were able to upgrade from tapes, discs, to cards. Manufacturers found a way to make file storage less bulky while increasing its storage capacity. The rule of thumb is that bigger storage space means better flash memory card. High-end camcorders can record up to 11 hours of good-quality videos with 120 GB of storage space. This is perfect for capturing wedding events, your children’s recital performances, or recording raw videos for short films.
Resolution
One of the edges of a camcorder over a high quality digital camera is the quality of the videos it captures. Resolution is definitely everything. Older models of camcorders use 680K-pixels CCDS. Today, entry level camcorders feature at least megapixel-plus chips. It is definitely better in capturing videos with great quality and still images. Camcorders with high Megapixel counts are better.
Zooming
Zooming is important because it allows you to maximize the angle of your shot, especially over far distances from the subject. The ability to capture good image quality scenes even from afar can set apart a particular camcorder model from the rest of the models on the market. Choose a camcorder model with lenses that start at 30 mm or less. This means that it has a wider angle focal length – a property that will come in handy when shooting at a limited space such as small rooms where one can’t back up any further.
Audio Quality
The best camcorders are not only designed to capture videos with great image quality but correspondingly great sound quality as well. In term of audio quality, full-features camcorders are absolutely superior. Pocket camcorders have little space for a decent microphone which is why it cannot capture sound just like full-featured camcorders. The latter has the ability to record 5.1-channel surround sound which works perfectly with a compatible speaker system.
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