Let's say right away that video cameras are devices with a fairly narrow specialization. In order to understand their features and the intricacies of shooting, it will take a lot of time, trial and, most likely, error. This is especially true for their professional commercial use. You need to be aware of this when purchasing.
On the market now you can find many models to suit every taste and budget. First of all, you need to decide on the purposes for which you are going to purchase a video camera. If you want to shoot streams or live broadcasts, you will definitely need Wi-Fi support, wildlife - autonomy and security, special events - a good microphone and a tripod with which you can comfortably film for a long time. There are also highly specialized solutions such as 360° cameras, but if you need one, you probably know what you need.
In the early 20s of the 21st century, you should not chase performance numbers; they do not correctly reflect all the features of a single device and may only be needed for professional use.
In order to simplify the selection process and clearly show the diversity of the current market, the editors of KP have prepared a review of the best and most popular video camera models of 2021.
Editor's Choice
Sony HDR-CX405
Sony HDR-CX405 Photo: Sony
A balanced budget model from a well-known brand. Despite its relatively low cost, it boasts Full HD shooting with 50 frames, a compact form factor, good optical stabilization and zoom. The problems are standard for inexpensive models - the lack of fully manual settings and mediocre shooting in low light. But it's cheap.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Great value for money ● Easy to use ● Optical stabilization and zoom ● Light and compact
● Poor shooting quality in low light conditions ● No touch screen
show more
Panasonic HC-V770
Panasonic HC-V770 Photo: Panasonic
In essence, this is an amateur camera close to the reference one. The characteristics are adequate to the cost, the setup is quite flexible and convenient. The software and ergonomics are well thought out. The skimpy standard equipment is a little disappointing. In addition, the cost has increased significantly recently. All its disadvantages can be smoothed out by setting it up and purchasing accessories.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Decent characteristics ● High-quality software ● Rotatable touch screen
● Poor equipment ● Standard battery is not capacious enough
show more
Panasonic HC-VX1
Panasonic HC-VX1 Photo: Panasonic
This is a worthy device that is already aiming towards professional equipment for simple commercial photography. Allows you to record video in Ultra HD at 25 frames per second. The device can be charged from a Power Bank, it supports Wi-Fi connection, slow zoom and other modern features. The main complaint is the software. The control of options is quite specific and not everyone will like it, just like the ergonomics of the video camera.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Shoots in 4K ● Supports modern capabilities ● Suitable for entry-level commercial use
● Not very convenient controls ● Sometimes there are problems with the software
show more
The best mid-range video cameras
Panasonic HC-V770 is considered a good and inexpensive modification of the famous V700 version at a price of 24 thousand rubles. The changes affected the sound recording system, which now works in 5.1 format. The new version has a headphone jack. The buyer will also have the ability to transfer files directly to their phone or tablet.
The camera has a full range of functions that a novice operator may need. There is even the possibility of remote control of Wi-Fi facilities. The image quality cannot be called ideal, but you definitely can’t find fault with it. Like many cameras from Panasonic, there is 5-axis stabilization. Unfortunately, the engineers had to sacrifice optical zoom to increase the size of the matrix.
Panasonic HC-V770
| Advantages | Flaws |
|
|
The new model from the Japanese from Canon is called LEGRIA HF M56, and will clearly take a leading place in the middle segment with a price of 38 thousand rubles. The engineers added a WiFi module and added 8 GB of memory. The camera's capabilities allow you to comfortably shoot in different modes and under different lighting conditions.
LEGRIA HF M56
| Advantages | Flaws |
|
|
Panasonic HC-VX870 is an affordable camera option for recording video in 4K format at a price of 43 thousand rubles. To do this, engineers from Japan had to increase the size of the matrix and build in a module with a resolution of 18 megapixels, which is why they had to cut the zoom to 20x. Unfortunately, when shooting in 4K, optical stabilization begins to lag.
| Advantages | Flaws |
|
|
What other video cameras are worth paying attention to?
Panasonic HC-V260
Panasonic HC-V260 Photo: Panasonic
An inexpensive model from Panasonic. It stands out from its competitors with its 50x optical zoom and high battery life. The impressions are spoiled mainly by the features of working with a memory card and the not very user-friendly interface on the touch screen. Unfortunately, there are no mechanical buttons for duplication.
Advantages and disadvantages
● 50x optical zoom ● Low cost ● High battery life
● Memory problems ● Touch screen control only
show more
Canon LEGRIA HF R806
Canon LEGRIA HF R806 Photo: Canon
Another budget model in our top of the best video cameras 2021, now from Canon. This device is unremarkable, except for the price-quality ratio, the set of settings and technical characteristics are standard. At the same time, there is nothing superfluous in it, and it is easy and simple to operate.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Relatively inexpensive ● Quite convenient ● Simple
● There is no highlight that would distinguish it from its competitors
show more
Sony FDR-AX700
Sony FDR-AX700 Photo: Sony
Video camera from the mid-high price segment. It can shoot in 4K at 30 frames per second, in FullHD the shooting speed reaches 120 frames per second, which allows you to capture fast scenes and sporting events in vivid colors. The high-capacity battery ensures uninterrupted shooting will also help you avoid missing an important shot. It is one of the best video cameras in its price category.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Shoots in 4K with high frame rates ● Long lasting battery ● Advanced specifications
● Quite heavy ● Requires quite complex setup and selection of accessories
show more
Panasonic HC-V760
Panasonic HC-V760 Photo: Panasonic
This camera stands out for its good night photography and high-quality 5-axis stabilizer. There is an extremely convenient manual dial on the body, providing comfortable adjustment. It produces decent sound and has the ability to connect a discrete microphone. The weak side of the camera is photography; it takes rather mediocre pictures, although this is not its specialization. However, all specialized cameras cannot take good photographs.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Night shooting ● Stabilization ● Convenient mechanical control
● Not the most sensitive and convenient touch screen
show more
Sony HDR-CX625
Sony HDR-CX625 Photo: Sony
A high-quality video camera with an excellent price/quality ratio. It records sound well, provides good proximity and stabilization, has good ergonomics and small dimensions. The design of the USB cable causes surprise and criticism: it is pulled straight out of the case and cannot be removed, which is why it often fails.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Good performance for the money ● Excellent stabilization and proximity
● Poor USB cable design
show more
Sony FDR-AX33
Sony FDR-AX33 Photo: Sony
A mid-priced video camera capable of shooting 4K video. It has good image stabilization and high detail in 1080p resolution. Equipped with a high-quality display that does not produce glare and allows you to shoot comfortably. Can provide camcorder-worthy photography. Among the shortcomings, we can note the not very convenient ergonomics - the device is heavy, but short. Even though the camera shoots perfectly in FullHD, there may be complaints in 4K.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Quality of detail and stabilization ● Cool display
● Ergonomics (the video camera is relatively heavy and short) ● Complaints about the quality of recording in UltraHD
show more
Everio GZ-R435
Everio GZ-R435 Photo: Everio
An extremely affordable solution from a not very well-known company that provides decent shooting quality. This is the cheapest model in our rating, which has gained popularity among users. The characteristics are not very high, and neither is the cost. Good autonomy, quite convenient. An excellent “home” and amateur solution that won’t hurt your pocket too much.
Advantages and disadvantages
● Autonomy ● Price ● Good sound
● Strange charging device (consists of 4 parts) ● Mediocre quality
show more
Panasonic HC-V260
A model from the budget segment, featuring very good parameters - the ability to shoot in FullHD format at 50 fps, 50x zoom and a 2.7-inch touch screen. Other features include a weight of only 211 g, a photo mode and the ability to shoot in fairly poor lighting.
Video camera Panasonic HC-V260 black in the rating of video cameras
However, due to the budget cost, the user will have to put up with certain shortcomings - for example, the lack of a viewfinder, a minimal set of interfaces and a working time of about an hour. Although the last minus is compensated by the use of an external battery.
Several important advantages:
- 50x optical and 150x digital zoom;
- possibility of operation from an external battery;
- good photos, despite the use of a matrix with a resolution of only 2.5 MP;
- many automatic and manual settings;
- Effective stabilization, allowing you to get good rollers even when moving.
Disadvantages of HC-V260:
- not very convenient control using the touch screen;
- relatively short operating time, which is why it is worth taking a spare or external battery with you.
Where to start choosing a camera
In order to choose a device that suits your needs, first of all, you need to set priorities and indicate the amount you are willing to spend on a video camera. Often people who do not have a “base” immediately buy an expensive camera, the potential of which not only cannot be revealed, but they do not even understand. This is a big mistake, since you need to choose a device based on your personal preferences, experience and requirements. For recreational and amateur photography, a phone may be enough, but for professional commercial use you need an expensive camera from 50-100 thousand and accessories for at least the same amount. Once you decide on your priorities and budget, the choice becomes limited.
Canon LEGRIA HF R806
One of the most affordable models, which can be found on sale for only 19 thousand rubles. Moreover, it has an optical zoom of 32x, and digital zoom allows you to scale the image by 57x. The high-capacity battery provides up to 3 hours of operation, and the powerful DIGIC DV 4 processor allows you to shoot videos in both fast and slow motion.
Canon LEGRIA HF R806 video camera in the rating of video cameras
The list of features includes facial recognition technology, film filters and a special “Baby” mode for shooting even the most active children. Some users may lack a Wi-Fi module, but the equipment has support for Flash-Air - memory cards with a wireless interface.
Main advantages:
- shooting in FullHD format with a frequency of up to 50 fps;
- 32x optical zoom and 57x digital zoom;
- good battery life – at least 3 hours;
- many functions, including a “Baby” mode for photographing children;
- possibility of shooting at minimum illumination (0.4–4 lux).
Disadvantages of the model:
- lack of viewfinder;
- Not very convenient settings.
How difficult is it to shoot and work with video?
This requires certain knowledge and experience. It’s quite easy to get started, the equipment is now available, there are plenty of guides and courses on the Internet. You need to understand that buying a video camera and filming itself is only half the battle. You will need to process the video, for this you will need a modern powerful computer, and the process itself will be facilitated by accessories that also need to be selected and purchased (we are talking about lenses, fast flash drives, additional batteries, microphones, etc., etc.). Many people, having spontaneously bought a camera, even an expensive one, without understanding its specifics, very quickly face a lack of experience and expensive equipment is sent to gather dust on the shelf. So, the most important thing at the start is to understand the technical aspect and gain experience, and not to chase the most expensive equipment.
Best Action Cameras
Action cameras have become a huge industry, and they now offer many useful features beyond just recording videos on the go.
