Best Camcorders And Video Cameras For Beginners
Are you a newbie to using camcorders? Then a little advice from my side; Before you have your hands on a professional and expensive video camera, get used to using simple entry-level camcorders. The best camcorders for beginners aren't super pricey and neither jam-packed with too many features, which might confuse you in the starting. With that said, starter camcorders will have the necessary features that will help you improve your videography skills.
And this article is all about that. I Stefan, a cinematographist for 10 years, have included a list of the best beginner-level camcorders. Here, you will find camcorder models for semi-pros, intermediates, and ultimate starters. So, let's get started.
In a hurry?! Here are the top recommended beginner camcorders for you
REVIEWS OF THE BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS
1. KICTECK FULL HD - BEST BASIC BEGINNER VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Let me start my list of best camcorder reviews with this KICTECK Video Camera. Amateur and hobbyist videographers shouldn't miss this best deal.
This starter camcorder has no fancy controls on it. The design and construction are also very simple. It weighs around 0.5 kgs and is also small in size; it will fit your palms easily.
As a beginner videographer, the main thing you need is a lightweight design with quality filters and image filters. I'm glad this camcorder has these. And wait, you're not getting to get WiFi or an NFC connection in this budget model.
Now let's see about the performance of this video cam. This best video camera for beginners can record up to 1080P videos at 15FPS, which is more than enough for a beginner. If you want to learn to vlog, this camcorder can help you with that; Yes, the 3 inch LCD screen that supports a 270-degree rotation will help you get a perfect preview of your shots and frame the shots correctly.
You can also use the camcorder to take photos; it has a 24 MP image resolution and a 16x optical zoom for both photos and videos. There is also face capture and a beauty function to beautify your images and videos, which you can turn on or off at your convenience.
Overall, this KICTECK cam recorder is designed to suit your needs and is lightweight and portable. The camcorder also supports an external LED light and a standard tripod. However, both of which will not be included with the camera.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
2. CANON VIXIA HF R800 - BEST ENTRY LEVEL VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Thinking if you can get a Canon entry-level camcorder for beginner use. Well, here is a good pick for you from your fav Canon brand - The Canon RF800 model.
This super sleek camcorder is affordable and has many features that will satisfy a beginner's use. Unlike the Kickteck Video camera mentioned above, which didn't have an Optical Image Stabilizer, this one scores in that. You don't have to invest in a separate handheld stabilizer to remove camera shakes.
And guess what? This simple video cameras for beginners can zoom up to 57x in Advanced Zoom; this will make sure you don't miss any shot while you're recording. Also, the video quality is maintained even when tightly zoomed in.
Though this is a beginner camcorder, it is one of the best choices to learn video making. There are 15 Zoom Speed settings, option to record videos in slow and fast motion. You can use the continually variable Zoom Speed settings for more convenient shooting and better creative control over your videos (15-speed levels available).
The best part is the camcorder allows you to record Full HD videos directly to a removable SD memory card, thereby saving the overall storage.
Overall, the camcorder is best for ultimate starters and intermediates or those just looking for a beginner camcorder for travel/ taking candid family moments.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
3. SONY - HANDYCAM CX405
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Sony HDRCX405 Handycam is the improvised version of Sony's older CX330 camcorder model. Priced at about $230, this is one of the best starter cameras you can opt for.
The top features of this best video camera for beginners include:
- An incredibly lightweight design (25g only).
- A reversible LCD.
- Optical zoom of up to 30x
That too, with the camcorder's in-built stabilization, both beginners and kids can take comfortably shoot videos without worrying about camera shakes.
You can quickly learn how to use the controls on this camera. They are simply straightforward. There is a toggle switch on the camcorder's body for zooming in and out. There's also a button on the camcorder's top for clicking pictures. Similarly, for recording videos, there is a record button on the back of the unit.
Kindly note this camcorder has no viewfinder, so you'll have to rely on the flip-out screen (2.7-inch, not touchscreen-enabled) to see what you're shooting.
Lastly, you can easily take selfie videos with this camcorder and frame your shots from tricky angles as the flip-out screen is rotatable (180 degrees counterclockwise or 90 degrees clockwise).
NOTE: I have also compiled a in-depth review on SONY - HANDYCAM CX405. You can check that for more information.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
4. PANASONIC FULL HD HC-V770
PRODUCT DETAILS:
If you know the basics of using a camcorder and looking for a prosumer model, then the PANASONIC FULL HD HC-V770 is a good pick.
It costs around $600 and is loaded with many useful features like 1080p 60FPS video recording, image stabilization, WiFi connectivity, HDR Movie Feature, rotating type LCD screen, and a lot more.
Next, the camcorder has a 4-Drive Lens System that can zoom up to 20x, thereby allowing you to capture almost anything.
That too, you can turn your smartphone into a remote control and operate the camcorder settings easily. This is why I always love a WiFi-enabled cam.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
5. SEREE FULL HD - BEST STARTER VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Another third-party camcorder that is mostly on demand throughout the year is this Seree FULL HD 1080P camcorder.
This camcorder is the best budget pick if you've just stepped in as a beginner vlogger. I say so because it is compact and features a 3.0 inch IPS screen, 16x digital zoom, and a wide field of view.
It has also got an IR night vision so that this beginner camcorder will be a savior even in low light conditions.
Apart from these, this camcorder can record videos in 4K, has microphone inputs to attach an external mic, and has decent battery life. These features make it an excellent pick for those looking for an easy camera for beginners. Try buying this camcorder if you like the features.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
6. VIDEOSKY
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This Video camera from VIDEOSKY is a small, lightweight, and compact fit in any space. It is a perfect gift to amateurs making, editing, and learning the basic aspects of making a movie.
Advantageously, this video camera comes with a microphone at an affordable price. Now you will have clear audios and don't have to invest in a separate mic.
Also, the camcorder has a built-in fill light feature that makes the videos and images you shoot brighter. As beginners, you will be shooting handheld most of the time, but suppose you want to mount it somewhere, you can use a tripod. There are screw holes in the bottom of the camera for attaching a tripod.
Next, this video camera for amateurs has an excellent noise-eliminating feature that is handy while recording. The videos are produced at a 1080p 30FPS, and you can view/frame the shots using the 3-inch screen that rotates through an axis of 270 degrees.
Lastly, the camera implements an anti-shake and facial detection feature, another useful feature for beginners. You can also use the camcorder as a webcam and can control it with the help of remote control.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
7. ACTINOW - EASY TO USE VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The ACTINOW Video camera is a perfect camera with a microphone that shoots video in full HD 1080p and a frame rate of 30FPS. The camera's resolution is 24MP which is a decent one. It also has a 3 inches wide screen and can be tilted up to 270 degrees in any direction.
The camera also implements features like anti-shaking, face detection, Smile capture, self-timer, and beauty function that works fine. The interface of the camera is pretty easy to understand and use.
The USB 2.0 port is a feature that lets you transfer or output videos and images on other devices. However, the USB port is slow and not reliable. However, it can also be used as a webcam using the helpful USB port.
The camcorder and the built-in microphone work together to deliver videos with less noise than those shot without the microphone. Also, the camera's pause feature comes in handy, especially if you use the camera for vlogging or shooting Youtube videos.
The ACTINOW video camera comes with 1500mAH batteries that will last for 150 minutes with a single charge. So I would call it a perfect amateur video camera and a perfect deal!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
8. ALSUODA FHD 1080P - BEST MULTI MODE VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Lastly, a wonderful night performer comes in this list - The ALUSODA camcorder. Yes, this camcorder has an IR night vision mode with which you can shoot so clearly in a dark environment.
The remote control enables you to control the camera from a radius of 22 ft. Although the cam recorder has a jack to connect an external microphone, it works fine with the internal Microphone.
The video is delivered with good audio and 1080 p resolution using the 36 MP camera. You can view your recordings on the 3 inch IPS touch screen that can be rotated up to an angle of 270 degrees. If you are an amateur and looking for a camera that delivers perfect quality audio and video, this is your catch!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BEGINNER VIDEO CAMERA?
1. BUDGET
If you've just started off using camcorders and have no idea on how to use them any camcorder under 200$ will do your job. But if you know the basics and not confident in directly jumping to a professional camcorder purchase any intermediate video cam. You will find them within the price of $300 to $700.
2. VIDEO RESOLUTION
As a beginner, it is not necessary that you record videos in 4K. A video capture resolution of 1080p 60 FPS or 720p will be sufficient for your use.
3. 8-bit or 10-bit
Does the video camera deliver 8bit or 10bit video output? I prefer a 10bit video because the video quality will be far better than a 8-bit video. However, higher bitrates means it is going to consume more file size. So, also take that into consideration.
CONCLUSION
So, that was my list of the recommended beginner video cameras that are also budget-friendly. If you want to learn how to use a video camera, then these are the best for every amateur out there. Choose what seems best to you. Also, go through the buying guide listed above to purchase the right one. And that's about it, go get your choice of video cam now and enjoy capturing your best moments!
