GoPro Vs Camcorder – Which Is The best One For Video Recording?

Size & Weight

In the 1990s, when video cameras were starting to take place in the market, they were very big - VHS tape camcorders. The reel tapes had to be inserted in them, and the entire setup had to be carried on the shoulders during the whole shoot.

However, these days we get to see sleek model handycams and camcorders, which is nice. Now comparing camcorders with GoPros. GoPros are even more tiny and also very easily portable.

The average weight of a GoPro is only around 100g, whereas the average weight of a Handycam will be greater than 450 grams.

If you're on a beach or do a lot of surfing, then a GoPro camera is the best. When you're moving around like hiking, cycling, fishing, etc., then you can simply mount your GoPro on your head/chest and then have a comfortable shooting.

You may ask me, this is also possible with a small camcorder, then what's the big deal? Yes, I agree, but mounting a camcorder on your head will not give you the same comfort as mounting a GoPro.

Bottom line: If the size is a matter of concern to you and you want to keep it simple, I recommend a GoPro camera. It is great for travelers, vloggers and those looking to take fast-movement shots.

But if you're a professional, then a GoPro will not do the best job for you because you cannot compromise on the video quality. I'll be discussing that in the next part. 

Video Resolution

If you want to take professional-style action videos but don't want to break the bank for it, then GoPros are the best. However, if you're someone looking for the details in a video, then a GoPro won’t serve the best.

Of course, GoPro Hero 10 has a 5K60p resolution, a GoPro Hero 9 has 5k 30p, but then the sharpness and overall video quality isn't that good as a Panasonic XC2000 or a Canon XA50 video cameras.

Next, the camcorder's sensor size is big compared to a GoPro camera. Also, there is no stretching of the field of view (the lens is not fisheye type), so eventually, the video quality is also far better than a GoPro action cam.
Also, if you’re using a GoPro and want to target a particular spot, you have to move near it physically.

Let’s see if camcorders can solve this problem. So, these days we only see digital camcorders, and most digi camcorders use both optical and digital zoom. In an optical zoom camcorder, glasses inside a lens perform the magnification.

In digital zoom, there is no magnification taking place. Instead, cropping of the subject is done so that it looks expanded. So if you ask me whether an optical or digital zoom is better, I'll choose the optical zoom because there is no loss in image quality when magnified. However, in digital zoom, the image quality is not that punchy on cropping.

Aso, recent model camcorders also have an Intelligent zoom power to maintain the image quality when completely zoomed in -A useful feature, though!

Bottom line: Overall in terms of video quality, if you are very keen on not missing even the tiniest details in your video, then I give a thumbs up for a camcorder. 

In-built lens

All GoPro cameras have a fisheye-type lens with a 170-degree field of view. So, most of the scene gets covered in the frame, and also there is going to be less movement distortion.

But optical zooming is not possible with GoPros as they have fixed lenses. However, though most digital camcorders have fixed lenses, they allow both optical and digital zoom.

Post-production work

Well, GoPros add a lot of fun while shooting. I totally agree with that. But then, when you try to crop the video using your computer in post-production, it sucks.

Recent models of GoPros like Hero 10, HERO9, and HERO8 cameras have a zoom feature. However, GoPros don't magnify the subject; instead, it also crops the picture to look expanded to you. And above that, when you use a crop tool, the image/video quality becomes more distorted and pixelated.

Whereas, if you're using a pro-grade camcorder/video cam, say a Canon M50, just mount it on a tripod to get stable footage. That's it. Post-production isn't going to be a tedious job for you as the clarity, color reproduction, and all other image aspects will be precise.

LOW-LIGHT PERFORMANCE

Camcorders have a larger sensor to capture the maximum light, even in ultra-dark situations. But in the case of a GoPro action cam, the sensor size is small, so you can't expect a tremendous low-light performance from it.

Also, camcorders have an extensive ISO range of upto 25,600 or even 5,12,000. In the case of GoPro, if you choose a GoPro with Protune settings, it will automatically adjust the ISO.

In the older model GoPros, you can only use the ISO max limit. But in recent model GoPro cameras, you can both ISO min and ISO max, but the downside is you can go only up to 6400 ISO in a GoPro.

Viewfinder

If you're keen on having a viewfinder mechanism, then you have to check for models that have it. Unlike camcorders, most GoPros don't have a viewfinder in them.

But by using a GoPro app, you can turn your smartphone or tablet into a monitor and view what you're shooting.

DURABILITY

GoPro cameras by nature themselves are waterproof up to 33 feet, so if you're looking for an underwater camera, then there could be no better option than a GoPro.

But not all camcorders are waterproof; you have to invest in a waterproof casing if you use it in the rain or underwater. So, think about that!

Memory capacity

No recent model GoPro cameras have in-built storage. But you can purchase extra micro SD cards to store your videos and photos.

However, most camcorders have a small amount of built-in flash memory. They also come with in-built card slots for inserting extra memory cards. 

Price

The average price of a GoPro ranges from 280$ to 449$. Whereas if you want a camcorder, you will have to invest somewhere between 300$ up to 6000$. You can get cheaper model handycams for under 500$. But for specific purposes like wedding videography or sports photography, you have to invest in costly ones to get the expected results. With that said, you can check my top picks of sports camcorders. 

Electronic Stabilization

GoPro cameras have an in-built electronic stabilization. Starting from Hero 7, GoPro has included Hypersmooth stabilization which stands out. Also, in camcorders, you get a 5-axis image stabilization.

So, overall in terms of stability, both are image stabilized. But in terms of their stabilization performance, camcorders take the win!

Battery life

GoPros are rechargeable, and with a single charging, a GoPro will last upto 1.5 to 2 hours.

Camcorders come with large battery packs, and the life span of the batteries will last around 1.5 to 3 years at the maximum. So you have to use the appropriate AC adapter and charge the camcorder with the plugged battery pack. Now the camcorders will run for about 150 min to 230 min operation time.