Best Camcorders 2022

Let’s say right away that video cameras are devices with a fairly narrow specialization. In order to understand their features and intricacies of shooting, it will take a lot of time, trial and, most likely, mistakes. This is especially true for their professional commercial applications. You need to be aware of this when buying.

On the market now you can find many models for every taste and budget. First of all, you need to decide on the purposes for which you are going to purchase a camcorder. If you want to shoot streams or live broadcasts, you definitely need Wi-Fi support, wildlife – autonomy and security, solemn events – a good microphone and a tripod, which is comfortable to shoot for a long time. There are also highly specialized solutions, such as 360° cameras, but if that’s what you need, chances are you know what you need.

At the beginning of the 20s of the XNUMXst century, one should not chase after the figures for the characteristics, they incorrectly reflect all the features of a single device, and may be needed only for professional use.

In order to simplify the selection process and clearly show the diversity of the current market, the KP editors have prepared an overview of the best and most popular video camera models in 2022.

Top 10 rating according to KP

Editor’s Choice

1. Sony HDR-CX405

Balanced budget model from a well-known brand. Despite the 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 poor lighting. But it’s cheap.

Advantages and disadvantages

2. Panasonic HC-V770

In fact, this is an amateur camera close to the reference one. The characteristics are adequate to the cost, the setting is quite flexible and convenient. The software and ergonomics are thoughtful. Slightly frustrating stubby standard equipment. In addition, the price has gone up significantly in recent years. All its disadvantages can be smoothed out by setting up and buying accessories.

Advantages and disadvantages

3. Panasonic HC-VX1

This is a decent device that is already heading towards professional equipment for simple commercial shooting. Allows you to record video in Ultra HD at 25 frames per second. The device can be charged from Power Bank’a, it supports Wi-Fi connection, slow zoom and other modern features. The main gripe is the software. The options management is quite specific and not everyone will like it, as well as the ergonomics of the camcorder.

Advantages and disadvantages

What other cameras are worth paying attention to

4. Panasonic HC-V260

Inexpensive model from Panasonic. Stands out from competitors as much as 50x optical zoom and high autonomy. The impressions are spoiled mainly by the features of working with a memory card and the not very convenient interface on the touch screen. Unfortunately, there are no mechanical buttons for duplication.

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Canon LEGRIA HF R806

Another budget model in our top best camcorders of 2022, now from Canon. This device is unremarkable, except for the ratio of price and quality, the set of settings and specifications are standard. At the same time, there is nothing superfluous in it, and it is easy and simple to manage it.

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Sony FDR-AX700

Video camera from the medium-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 sports events in colors. A capacious battery will help you not to miss an important shot, ensuring uninterrupted shooting. It is one of the best camcorders in its price range.

Advantages and disadvantages

7. Panasonic HC-V760

This camera stands out for its good night shooting and high-quality 5-axis stabilizer. An extremely convenient manual dial is located on the body, providing comfortable adjustment. Decently writes sound, it is possible to connect a discrete microphone. The weak side of the camera is photography, it takes rather mediocre pictures, although this is not its specialty. However, all specialized cameras do not know how to take good photos.

Advantages and disadvantages

8. Sony HDR-CX625

High quality camcorder with excellent value for money. It writes sound well, provides good approximation and stabilization, has good ergonomics and small dimensions. The design of the USB cable causes surprise and criticism: it is brought out directly from the case and cannot be removed, because of this it often fails.

Advantages and disadvantages

9. Sony FDR-AX33

A mid-range camcorder capable of shooting 4K video. It has good image stabilization, high detail in 1080p resolution. Equipped with a high-quality display that does not give glare and allows you to comfortably shoot. Can provide decent photography for a video camera. Among the shortcomings, not very convenient ergonomics can be noted – the device is weighty, while short. Despite the fact that the camera shoots perfectly in FullHD, there may be complaints in 4K.

Advantages and disadvantages

10. Everio GZ-R435

An extremely democratic 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. Features are not very high, the cost too. Good autonomy, quite comfortable. An excellent “home” and amateur solution that will not hit your pocket hard.

Advantages and disadvantages

How to choose a camcorder

To understand the intricacies of choosing a modern video camera will help us Vladislav Kubyshev — freelance commercial operator, amateur photo and video shooting.

How to start choosing a camera

In order to choose a device for your needs, first of all, you need to prioritize and indicate the amount that you are willing to spend on a camcorder. Often people who do not have a “base” immediately buy an expensive camera, the potential of which is not something that they cannot reveal, but 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 entertainment and amateur photography, a phone may be enough, and for professional commercial use, you need an expensive camera from 50-100 thousand and accessories for at least the same amount. When you decide on priorities and budget, the choice will not be so big.

Should I buy an expensive camera to start with?

Probably not. If you are determined to shoot a video and are ready to spend time and resources on training, a camera costing from 10-15 thousand rubles will be enough to start with. More budget models are not the most obvious solution, since mobile phones can compete with them now. With a video camera for + -15 thousand rubles, you can already start your way as an operator and start working with video. You can choose almost any device to your taste, focusing on well-known major brands.

How difficult is it to shoot and work with video

This requires certain knowledge and experience. Getting started is easy enough, 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 shooting itself is only half the battle. You will need to process video, for this you will need a modern powerful computer, and the process itself will be facilitated by accessories that you also need to pick up and purchase (we are talking about lenses, fast flash drives, extra 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 goes to dust on the shelf. So, the most important thing at the start is to understand the technical aspect and gain experience, and not chase the most expensive equipment.