Best camcorders for 2020

Not so long ago, all the best moments were captured on a large camera, and then the pictures were developed in a dark room. The process was long and interesting, but the quality of the photo was poor. Today, the development of technology allows you to get the best quality picture, and the development of the video format has made it possible to watch memorable shots of life at any second on large screens. In the article, we will consider the most important points of choosing a video camera, its types and main functions. To help you purchase a high-quality model, the editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" has prepared a rating of the best camcorders for 2020.

When you need to purchase a camcorder

The technique of this format is quite expensive, and accordingly the choice must be approached responsibly so as not to lose money in the end. First of all, you need to understand the purpose of the acquisition. If a camcorder is purchased for amateur video filming at the most important moments of life, such as a birthday, New Year or graduation, it is better to turn to professional videographers. Otherwise, modern phones support high-quality shooting formats, which guarantees a good picture on any screen.

Another point is updating the models. The developers are trying to frequently release new models with a wider range of functions, as well as with improved shooting performance. Therefore, the camera purchased a year ago is unlikely to be relevant today and will not give a clear picture on modern TVs, or the recorded format may not be reproduced.

Before deciding to purchase expensive equipment, you need to clearly set goals and ask whether the purchase really justifies the costs.

History of the origin of technology

The video camera initially consisted of two main parts: the camera itself and the recording tape recorder. It is very difficult to tell right away who exactly created the technique, since it was the combination of various inventions that made it possible to create video. However, the main function: converting the video signal into an image, was introduced by Paul Nipkov, a technician of German origin. In 1956, the first model was first created, presented by a group of scientists and it cost about 75 thousand dollars. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, it became possible for the population to acquire cameras for personal use. The first company to start selling such models was Sony. The highest peak in demand for equipment dates back to 1990. It was during this period that many different video cameras were released, from miniature to professional.

In the 21st century, there is a video camera in almost every device: tablet, phone, video recorder, computers or video surveillance equipment. But these cameras do not have very high technical characteristics of shooting, but separately the camcorder allows you to shoot a real film in high quality.

Criteria for choosing the best camcorder

In order to avoid mistakes when choosing and buy the best video camera, you need to know the basic technical characteristics.

Carrier

The memory of the camera can be either external or internal. Basically, all modern models are equipped with an SD card input, which allows you to purchase the largest amounts of memory. Also in expensive models there is a hard disk that writes to the "native" memory. In any case, the two types of media can be combined.

Sweep type

For those new to camcorder recording, this indicator may be incomprehensible. The main feature of this type of characteristic is that when the video is stopped to create photos, the quality will differ. There are two types in total:

• i - this category will produce slightly blurry photos, so such cameras are cheaper;
• p - the best models, as it reproduces the best photo quality in any shooting mode - progressive scan.

Shooting recording standard

There are many formats, but let's highlight the most popular ones:

• SD - the resolution is small, and when viewed, it will be seen that the quality of the shooting differs from other videos on the TV, made by professionals. This type is practically leaving modern technology, it is used mainly in cheap cameras for amateur use;
• HD - medium quality, the picture will be clear and bright, but it is unlikely that you will be able to get an ideal option, like in a movie;
• AVCHD - Full HD or 4K video for professional use.

Matrix or pixels

What you should pay attention to - matrix or pixels. Measured in MP and physical size - inches. Megapixels allow you to determine how well the picture will be taken or the video is shot, the higher the indicator, the clearer, richer the image. But do not chase the number of megapixels, since a camera with an indicator of 10-12 will already transmit a high-quality picture. Above 20 megapixels, the price of the equipment will be much higher. In this case, it is also necessary to pay attention to other characteristics, because it is the combination of all indicators that guarantees the buyer a good video camera.

Lens

This indicator is important for those who are going to engage in professional photography. In short, this is the ability of the camera to process a certain angle of view, shoot panoramas and increase / decrease the distance from the object. For amateurs, the standard setting of almost any technique is suitable, since only the same functions will be involved in the work. But if you want to figure it out, then on the websites of professional photographers, videographers you can find detailed information and study it.

Sound

In amateur camcorders, sound is recorded thanks to sensors built into the body. For professional use, a microphone is designed that protrudes from the housing and is equipped with a special coating that protects against unnecessary noise. There may also be models that allow you to additionally purchase a microphone and attach it to the body.

Battery performance

An action camera will require a long battery life, so you need to choose a more capacious one. If the camera is parried to be used only at home or in the studio, then thanks to the outlet, the equipment will always be at work.

Display Necessity

For cinematographers, using a conventional video finder is more practical because it allows you to capture the correct angle and follow the movement of the subject. In cases of using equipment for amateur photography, a convenient function will be the use of the display, which allows you not to strain your eyes. It is possible to put the camera in any place and not constantly adjust the focus.

Additional options

Each manufacturer has its own set of additional options. Thanks to the options, the price of the equipment will be higher, but the quality of shooting and image processing options allow you to get more interesting shots. Let's consider the most popular additional functions:

• stabilization - this function is responsible for the clarity of the picture, regardless of external factors: hand shake, picture enlargement, etc.
• night shooting - allows you to record at any time of the day;
• photo - using this option, you can take a photo during shooting;
• manual configuration - professionals can manually adjust the required parameters;
• interfaces - the camera allows you to connect to other equipment via Wi-Fi, NFS and other wireless connections.
• support for 4K, Ultra HD, 3D - additional formats that allow you to get the picture in the best quality.

Types and characteristics of equipment

The table will help you understand what cameras are and their main characteristics.

Type name	Description
Amateur	Designed for everyday use and is an affordable segment on the market. Performs basic functions and produces good image quality. Usually has a standard matrix and allows recording only in daylight. You should not expect 4K quality from such a camera, but it will be possible to watch video on a large screen in good quality.
Semi-professional	Slightly different from the amateur one and is selected according to the main parameters: matrix, zoom, optical zoom. Attention is focused on one, sometimes two important indicators. For example, multiple zoom or high resolution
Professional	It is purchased for the purpose of recording and further playback of high quality video format. These models have good optics, multiple zoom, a long-lasting battery, an additional microphone and high matrix standards. In such types of equipment, a stabilizer may not be available, since in practice the cameras are used in conjunction with a tripod. A professional-type video camera can only be dealt with by a specialist who has been trained in all the parameters of the technique
Action Cameras	This type of technique is used for filming various videos by bloggers or active travelers. It is attached with a special device to the head of the shooter or to another place and produces high-quality image recording. Thanks to the functions, the viewer will be able to feel the "effect of presence" while watching.

Top manufacturers

Which company is the best to buy a camera? The best manufacturers, first of all, are Sony. Many companies are already ready to produce equipment of this kind and pleases customers with quality and great opportunities, the pricing policy is designed for a different segment of the population.

The second place in sales and camcorder models is the Panasonic brand. The third and fourth places are taken by manufacturers Samsung and Canon. All the companies presented above provide a large guarantee and high-quality assembly of models. For any problems that arise, the companies meet halfway and make quick repairs or replacement of equipment.

Almost all cameras are made in China, but buying equipment of this kind on Ali Express is not recommended, since there will be no guarantee for a high-quality assembly.

Rating of quality video cameras for 2020

The review is compiled on the basis of real customer reviews and provides an opportunity to find out the best models of camcorders.

Sony HDR-CX405 Camcorder

Best camera according to buyers. Media type: flash drive. Supports video: Full HD 1080p. The resolution is 1920 × 1080. You can shoot in night mode, widescreen mode Sensor type: CMOS size 2.29 Mpix (1 / 5.8 ″).The focal length of the lens is 1.9 - 57 mm. Zoom optical / digital: 30x / 350x. Manual exposure and focusing are performed. Functions: Image Stabilizer, Optical LCD Screen, White Balance: Auto, Presets, Manual. Recording formats: 720p, 1080i, 1080p. Shooting modes: portrait, sunrise and sunset, landscape, beach, snow, fireworks, face focus. Options: ExifPrint support, H.264 recording, MPEG4 recording, Photo mode. Interfaces: AV-out, HDMI-out, also can record to memory card. Package contents: NP-BX1 battery pack, AC adapter, USB cable, HDMI (micro) cable, instruction manual. Average price: 17,000 rubles.

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Camcorder Panasonic HC-VXF990

Rewritable memory (Flash). Supports UHD 4K. Maximum video resolution: 3840 × 2160. There is a night and wide-angle shooting mode. Matrix type MOS in 18.91 Mpix (1 / 2.3 ″). The focal length of the lens is 4.08 - 81.6 mm. Zoom optical / digital: 20x / 60x. There is a manual setting of exposure and focus.

Functionality: image stabilizer, LCD screen, touch screen, viewfinder: 1555200 pix. White balance: auto, presets, manual. Recording formats - 720p, 1080i, 1080p. Additional options: support for ExifPrint, recording in H.264, recording in MPEG4, photo mode. Interfaces: AV-out, HDMI-out, USB-interface, headphone-out, mic-in, Wi-Fi, micro SD recording and regular card. Package Contents: AC adapter, battery, HDMI cable, USB cable, shoe adapter, lens cap, software. Average price: 50,000 rubles.

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Camcorder Canon LEGRIA HF G26

Media type: rewritable memory (Flash). Full HD 1080p high definition video support. The maximum video resolution is 1920 × 1080. Sensor type CMOS with 3.09 Mpix (1 / 2.84 ″). Lens focal length: 3.67 - 73.4 mm, Zoom optical / digital - 20x / 400x. You can manually adjust the exposure and focus.

Functionality: Image Stabilizer, LCD Screen, Touch Display. Viewfinder: 1,560,000 pixels. Recording formats: 1080i, 1080p. Shooting modes: portrait, sports, sunrise and sunset, beach, spotlight, snow, fireworks, photo mode. Interfaces: AV-out, HDMI-out, USB-interface, headphone-out, microphone-in, recording to memory cards. Complete set: lens hood with integrated shutter, power supply unit CA-570, battery BP-820. Special effects: standard, wide dynamic range, highlight priority. Average price: 58,000 rubles.

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Camcorder Canon LEGRIA HF R806

Media: rewritable memory (Flash). Full HD 1080p support. Maximum video resolution: 1920 × 1080. There is a night mode and a widescreen mode. CMOS matrix - 3.28 Megapixels (1 / 4.85 ″). The focal length of the lens is 2.8 - 89.6 mm. Zoom optical: 32x. Manual adjustment: exposure and focus. Functionality: optical image stabilization, LCD screen, touch display. Recording formats: 720p, 1080p. Shooting modes: portrait, sports, sunrise and sunset, beach, spotlight, snow, fireworks, photo mode. Standard interfaces. The ability to write to a memory card. Features: "Kid" mode for children. Package contents: CA-110E power supply, BP-727 battery, USB cable, Mini-HDMI cable. Average price: 16,000 rubles.

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Camcorder Rekam DVC-540

The popularity of the model is due to the low price and high quality of video shooting. Media type: rewritable memory (Flash). Supports Full HD 1080p high definition video. Maximum video resolution: 1920 × 1080. There is a widescreen mode. Sensor type CMOS 5 megapixels Zoom digital - 8x. Functionality: image stabilizer, LCD screen, touch display. Interfaces: HDMI-out, USB-interface, Wi-Fi, recording to a card maximum 32 GB. There is a flash. Complete set: mains charger, USB cable, battery, case. Average price: 7000 rubles.

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Professional Inspection Recommendations

Before making a purchase of equipment, it must be checked. It is better to do this in the presence of store managers. Professionals note the following steps to check a video camera:

1. Check the screen. At this stage it is necessary to check for dead pixels. Aim the camera at a white sheet of paper, where white deviations will immediately be noticeable.
2. Zoom. Zoom in and out on the object, during these actions the camera should not give out additional noise: clicking, grinding, creaking.
3. Buttons. Check all possible buttons, joystick for sticking.
4. Charging. The camera must record both from the network and without it.
5. Equipment. Check the availability of all required functions and spare parts according to the technical documents.

“I always take a camcorder with me” is the slogan from the beloved program of the 90s. It was during this period that there was an active excitement for cameras and filming of everyday life. Today, thanks to the development of technology, the separate camera itself is practically not used in the amateur sphere, since mobile phones and tablets are equipped with a good camera. But in some cases, some people, such as bloggers, are interested in high-quality image reproduction and purchase a camera for everyday use. The presented review will be able to understand which model is better to buy for yourself, as well as find out how much a certain option costs. If you purchased one of the products described in the rating, or use another brand of camcorder, then share your opinion on the quality of image recording and playback in the comments.