Best Professional HD Camcorders And Video Cameras

1. CANON XA15 - BEST 1080P HIGH DEFINITION CAMCORDER

FEATURES:

This CANON XA15 professional HD camera is very versatile and ideal for all kinds of coverage. Whether you’re shooting weddings, sports, or using it for reportage, you’re bound to be impressed by the quality performance this camcorder can provide.

As it comes with a 20x zoom lens, it gives you a wide focal range to play with. Not only that, but the XA15 also features 50/60p recording in AVCHD and MP4 formats. With a sensitive sensor that’s part of Canon’s efficient Full HD system, you’ll be able to shoot sharp, precise video even in low light.

You won’t be disappointed by the audio quality either because you have a microphone jack in-built in the video camera. And guess what? It has 5 axis image stabilization making the camera suitable for any shooting scenario.

Overall, this is an outstanding Canon digital HD video cam, and for all its hefty features, it weighs only a little under 3 pounds.

DESIGN:

The camcorder’s 8-blade circular aperture produces excellent image quality and some brilliant out-of-focus effects. The XA15 has two SD card slots, so you can record on both simultaneously. One slot serves as an automatic backup when the other card gets full.

Moving on, the camcorder has a 3.0” LCD touchscreen with high contrast, colorful display that provides an exact replica of the subject. You can access all the camera settings via a joystick near the tiltable viewfinder, so you don’t have to keep looking for the touch panel controls.

The viewfinder has a 100% field of view and gives you great focus. With a large aperture range of f/1.8 to f/2.8, you can shoot practically anything on this cam. 5 customizable buttons make it possible to assign specific settings and functions.

PERFORMANCE:

This is one of the best quality video cameras that you can find, with a particularly effective image stabilization system that makes it easy to shoot even while walking. So wedding videographers and documentary filmmakers, this camcorder is perfect.

High-quality audio is also a huge selling point here, especially if you don’t want to strap on an external mic. The camcorder has a sensitive built-in microphone that should serve your purposes easily, especially if you’re a vlogger or a YouTube professional.

The autofocus and zoom speeds are also quite impressive. The SDI and HDMI outputs are an added bonus. If this video camera is on your shopping list, you won’t regret the purchase!

2. CANON XA40 - BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR STAGE PERFORMANCE

FEATURES:

Smaller than a lot of 4k camcorders and priced at roughly $1500, this Canon pro video camera packs quite a punch. It’s one of the best HD filmmaking cameras out there, with a 4K video lens that can record 25/30p video in MP4.

This is a lighter camcorder, so it’s ideal for journalism and documentary shoots. You can shoot in fast or slow motion so time-lapse lovers will find this camcorder very useful. The camcorder processes the HD footage with the help of it's CMOS sensor, to give you the best image quality. The 20x zoom range allows you to use this as both a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, and the 5 axis image stabilization system is amazing.

Although you might not necessarily turn to this camcorder for cinematic brilliance, it’s the perfect commercial video camera for news, reporting as well as event coverage, and possibly one of Canon’s best.

DESIGN:

This camcorder has a solid built-in microphone and a 3.5mm jack for plug-ins, as well as 2 XLR audio inputs. There are dual, high-compatibility SD card slots, and the camcorder also has a handle for convenient portability. The electronic viewfinder and 3.0” LCD screen (touch display) are very convenient add-ons, but the overall body of the camera still remains quite light, weighing in at about 730g.

Performance:

The smaller 1/2.3” sensor gives you very accurate, detailed footage while still keeping the price at entry-level. The 3D lens body also gives you HD images and a high zoom magnification ratio. This is a high quality video camera, with a particularly stellar image stabilization system (you’ll be impressed by its ‘Dynamic Mode’) and a quick, reliable autofocus system.

The 8-bladed aperture produces very impressive bokeh, and the tiltable LCD screen is bright. Although you’ll have to opt for the XA45 if you want an SDI camcorder, this is perfectly suitable for e-news professionals. You can easily mount this on a tripod, but shooting handheld is comfortable too.

You can check the Canon XA40 detailed review, to get more about this camcorder.

3. SONY HXR-NX80 - BEST PORTABLE VIDEO CAMERA

FEATURES:

Although this Sony NX80 isn't exactly a cheap professional video camera (over $2K), it's well worth the extra dollars. With its instant HDR feature, you don't have to do much processing in post-production. If you're a regular vlogger or shoot around tight deadlines, the footage this camcorder produces won't require heavy edits.

The 1.0" CMOS sensor produces great video with stunning bokeh and works well under low light conditions (activate the Low Luxe mode to get the best results).

Sony's Fast Hybrid AF covers up to 84% of the subject area and can capture the image in sharp and precise detail. You can also adjust AF features to set speed, track depth, and alter sensitivity.

If you're shooting with a digital extender, you can extend the zoom range as far as 48x. All in all, there's a lot to like about this efficient camcorder.

DESIGN:

This is what Sony calls a 'palm-sized' lens. It is well-built and has a decent weight but is still reasonably lightweight compared to most high-end camcorders.

The lens ring allows you to switch focus and zoom settings easily, while other controls are on the side of the lens. There are 6 customizable buttons, a high-resolution OLED viewfinder, along a 1550K dot LCD.

Although the camcorder has a built-in omnidirectional microphone, you can also use the dual XLR connectors. It also has dual SD card slots, and you can access a host of wireless features by logging into the (2.4GHz) Wi-Fi network.

Sony provides a Multi-Interface Shoe, so you can quickly connect to any Sony accessories. HDMI and micro USB connections are also available. In case you want to shoot at lower angles or need to convert the camcorder into a more portable device, a detachable handle is also included.

PERFORMANCE:

If you're looking for one of the best professional video cameras on the market and the price is no big deal, then this is a strong contender. The fact that you can remotely control the camcorder and sync other camcorders for a multi-camera setup is very useful.

It is even more beneficial for professionals who require something beyond single-cam setups.

Built quality is excellent, as you can expect at this price point. The optical zoom is highly effective and gives great results, proving that this is truly a professional HD camera. It's quite travel-friendly, and the 1.0" sensor lets in a fair bit of light.

4. SONY HXR-MC88 HD - BEST SONY BROADCAST CAMERA

FEATURES:

If you’re on the hunt for a more affordable option from Sony, then keep reading this high definition video camera review. This Sony HXR-MC88 is a great professional recording camera to start with if you’re looking to learn the ropes, and it’s reasonably priced too.

The 1.0” CMOS sensor lets in a lot of light and works with minimal noise and blur. Shooting in low light becomes simpler with Low Luxe Mode as well.

The HXR-MC88 also has a great AF system with lock-on technology to properly estimate subject movement. The best part is that you can also customize the AF system as per your requirements.

The built-in ND filters give you a shallow depth of field without the need for additional filters. You can take the 12x optical zoom all the way to 48x using a digital extender.

DESIGN:

This is a fairly light professional video recorder and hits that sweet spot between professional and consumer, making it an ideal Sony prosumer camcorder. The sensor features a BIONZX image processor so you’ll see vivid, full HD footages while using this piece of tech.

The built-in stereo microphone works great. You also have a 1550K dot LCD display, OLED viewfinder, dual XLR inputs dual memory card slots. You’re getting a really good deal for the price, and you can operate the camcorder remotely or place it in a multicam setup with Sony’s Live Producer.

Performance:

This is a compact, well-priced camcorder that’s perfect for videographers who are new to this field. But don’t be put off by that, it’s got pro-level technologies and is pretty easy to use.

It’s great for shooting in all conditions and has a highly customizable AF system along with remote control options. It’s a great option for vloggers or online educators, or even for business-related productions. If you’re looking to start a career in professional videography and want an affordable HD pro video camera, then this is the product for you.

5. PANASONIC X2000 - BEST STUDIO VIDEO CAMERA

FEATURES:

This is a top professional video camera from Panasonic, and although it comes at a heavy price tag, you’ll look and feel like a pro when you’re handling this. The HC-X2000 has a 25mm wide-angle (with a 24x zoom that can be extended to 48x using a digital extender) and shoots in 4K. 

It’s a low power consumption high definition movie camera that has a strong, precise AF system with Face Detection and color recognition features. So images can be captured blur-free and in sharp detail.

The AF system also helps to manage exposure issues, while the Panasonic’s image stabilization makes it easy to shoot from any angle without dealing with the consequences of camera shake.

The built-in LED video light is a huge bonus! Adding to it, there is a dimming dial that allows you to adjust lighting according to the shooting conditions.

In terms of video quality with 10-bit UHD footage at 50p through HDMI, this is one of the best professional camcorders you can find, and it’s perfect for streaming and other heavy-duty activities.

DESIGN:

With a weight of around 1.5kg (less, if you remove the detachable handle, the battery, hood, and eyecup), this is a light, easily portable camcorder that will come in handy in any shooting scenario. The camcorder has 2 manual rings for quick access to focus and zoom adjustments.

The camcorder has a large 3.5” LCD monitor (touch-display) to check camera menus and change the settings easily. The panel has 12 buttons and a total of 38 functions. The camcorder’s viewfinder is conveniently tiltable with an eyecup that comfortably fits the eye.

You can also access the built-in Wi-Fi settings for streaming purposes. Dual SD card storage gives you a lot of space if you’re shooting for long hours.

PERFORMANCE:

This Panasonic professional video camera won’t disappoint. It might be a bit of a steep investment, but it’s chock-full of the latest tech features.

If you’re looking for a low-light video camera, you should check this out. It’s ideal for vloggers looking for the latest video cam that can produce high-quality footage without stuttering or running out of battery.

If your business runs regular Facebook and YouTube live sessions, this camcorder should perform like a charm. It also supports SDI output. It also features a fan that keeps the camcorder cool while shooting for long hours. The camcorder also supports multiple file formats, including MP4, MOV, and AVCHD.

6. PANASONIC HC-X1 - BEST HIGH END VIDEO CAMERA

FEATURES:

One of the best ultra high definition video cameras on the market is Panasonic’s HC-X1. It’s a  professional video recorder that’s sure to impress with its quality. Its 24mm 4K lens minimizes distortion, while the 4-drive system with 4 lens groups give you the best video quality possible.

You can shoot in UHD, in slo-mo, and in several other formats. The 1.0” MOS sensor enhances the depth of field and makes zooming quick and clean. The 5 axis image stabilization system is also brilliant. With a correction area expanded to 900%, you can shoot from any angle and still minimize any effects of camera shake.

The AF system is designed to work intelligently and you can customize AF speed, sensitivity, and focus area as per your requirements.

DESIGN:

As a Panasonic pro cam, this is a videographer’s dream camcorder. The cam has three manual rings for zoom, focus, and iris control, and a total of 13 user buttons distributed over the body of the camera (with 4 on the LCD panel).

A dual SD card setup enables relay recording so you can store data up to 96 GB. A 3.5” tiltable display can be great for shooting from various angles, and the cam’s OLED display offers stunning color reproduction. Dual XLR inputs allow you to record audio as well. You can also shoot remotely from an iPad using the AG ROP app.

Performance:

In a market saturated with professional equipment, this is still one of the best pro video recorders you can buy. This is a versatile camcorder with some detailed and advanced functions, and particularly robust color and contrast enhancement settings.

This is the perfect cam for high-value productions like short films and documentaries, and the built-in microphone is quite good as well.

Daylight shoots show up beautifully with this camcorder, and it has a wealth of features for users to customize.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHILE PURCHASING A HD PROFESSIONAL VIDEO CAMERA

You might be wondering why are camcorders so expensive? It's not that there are no camcorders at an affordable price. There are numerous models at a budget-friendly price. However, they will be helpful for home use only.

If you're a professional investing in an expensive pro video recorder is essential. The factors mentioned below will help you choose the proper professional camcorder for you.

When considering sensor size, there are a few things to take into consideration. Today, most people shoot with full-frame or APS-C sensor sizes. You’ll also find Micro Four Thirds on the market.

If you’re looking for the best professional camcorder, you can’t settle for one that doesn’t support dual memory card slots. But what is the benefit of having 2 card slots?

Well, you can make adjustments to the settings such that once one memory card is full, the other automatically starts storing the data. It’s a great way to have a backup on hand, as you never know when you’ll run out of storage at a crucial point. You can also shoot simultaneously on both cards (dual recording) so that you have an automatic backup at all times.

The higher the fps (frame rate per second), the better the quality of your videos and images will be. 24fps is the standard frame rate, while 60fps is higher. 15-30fps is suitable for shooting videos at 1080p, while if you’re regularly shooting 4K UHD videos, your fps should be over 30.

Higher frame rates also give you better slow-motion videos or time lapses, so if you tend to use those in your videography, higher fps numbers are a must. However, you also need a fast SD card to keep up with higher fps, and you’ll see your storage filling up much faster.

The resolution, on the other hand, is to do with the number of pixels in the image. If you have a high resolution, the fps needs to process each pixel quickly. So, a higher fps can often affect resolution and give you a lower image quality on the whole.

It’s good to find a camcorder that strikes a good balance between frame rate and resolution. But keep a close eye on resolution when you’re shopping for quality video cameras, because low-res may be easy to pick up on when you’re reviewing the footage.

The number of colors your camera can read (by pixel) is what bit depth means in a nutshell. So even though two camcorders have a 4K resolution, the image quality might differ depending on the bit depth.

8-bit and 10-bit cameras are standard and provide good video quality, so you should be safe with those. If you really want to go a bit crazy and spring for the cinematic option, 10 to 16-bit is the highest you can go.

An 8-bit camera will read 16 million colors, while a 10-bit camera will read 1.07 billion colors. The more colors your camera reads, the more true-to-life your footage appears.

Battery life matters a great deal when it comes to camcorders, especially when you’re shooting high-quality footage and using a number of the camera’s built-in functions.

Of course, when you’re shopping from popular brands like Canon, Sony, and Panasonic, you don’t have to worry about battery quality. But it’s well-known that the durability of a battery decreases over time. Quality video cameras have better battery life overall, so the more expensive and well-made your camcorder is, the better the battery.

However, if you’re a professional videographer, you should always carry a backup battery in case your battery runs out at a crucial moment. You can also charge the camcorder via power bank while you’re shooting. Even a high-quality camcorder battery won’t last more than three or four hours and will need recharging.

DON'T KNOW HOW TO CHARGE YOUR VIDEO CAMERA?

Then kindly check my article on "How To Charge A Camcorder Battery Easily" using different methods.

As mentioned before, a standard fps (frame rate per second) can give you really good results with slow motion. Industry standards are 60fps or 120fps. Most cameras tend to shoot slow-motion in 1080p, but you’ll get the best results with a movie camcorder that’s shooting in 4K at 120fps.

If you’re focused entirely on getting good slow-motion videos, you can buy a camera with high frame rate (HFR) modes, where you get 240, 480, and sometimes even 960fps. However, you’ll see a significant deterioration in video quality with these camcorders, so sticking to the standard fps rate is the best idea if you want a well-rounded, versatile camcorder. Some camcorders also might have Slow/Quick Modes, and you can use those to achieve better slow-motion videos.

The camcorders we’ve listed here are all from reputable brands, so you should find plenty of compatible accessories for your device. Here are a couple of extras you should consider getting.

Before you buy an accessory, make certain that it’s fully compatible with your camcorder.

DO YOU HAVE DOUBTS LIKE, CAN I USE ANY LENS ON A CAMCORDER?

If yes, in that case, check my article on Can I use different lenses on a single camcorder?

A high-compatibility studio video camera is a worthy investment. Here are a couple of connectivity options you should look out for.

A camcorder will never be as light as a GoPro, but whether you’re interested in specifically buying a lightweight device will depend on your needs. If you need a vlogging camera, the lighter it is, the better. If you work in television or broadcasting, on the other hand, weight probably doesn’t matter.

Most of the camcorders on this list are on the lighter end of the scale, but can still be difficult to hold up for long periods. A solid tripod is the best companion to a camcorder if you’re a professional videographer, although it might be harder to carry around your equipment. You can buy a camcorder case for easier transport.

When it comes to durability, a camcorder sold by a reputable brand will definitely guarantee you a quality device. You’ll also have more support and access to repair and warranty options. However, it’s also best to protect your camcorder.

Keep it away from water, invest in camera sleeves, and keep your lens clean and dry. Don’t pair a weak, ill-sized, or off-brand tripod with your camcorder, as there will be damage if it tips over.