How to choose the best video camera in 2021: top inexpensive models for amateur photography

How to choose a video camera?

We recommend choosing a video camera based on the following aspects:

• permission. Always the higher the better, but increasing it may reduce the number of frames per second when recording.
• zoom factor, including optical zoom. The latter is preferable since it only changes the focal length without cropping or stretching the video.
• autonomy. The bigger, the better. The model has a battery life of up to 4-5 hours.
• protection. It's good if the camera is protected from water, dirt and dust. This significantly expands the possibilities of its use.
• availability of additional functions.

Model selection criteria

It is obvious even to a person far from the world of cameras that the price of budget compacts, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras will differ significantly. Therefore, investing the same value is pointless.

Therefore, firstly, the review should include several models of different types. And secondly, it is important to understand that “budget” will mean the opportunity to purchase a good camera for a relatively small amount of money.

Also, when compiling the rating, we took into account not so much the release date of the camera, but its popularity among consumers in 2020. Sometimes, due to price reductions due to the release of new models, their older brothers fit perfectly into the “budget” class.

However, their characteristics cannot yet be called outdated. In addition, a budget camera is the optimal combination of price and quality. New products are often undeservedly overpriced.

Also, when selecting cameras, we took into account the fact that it would be necessary to subsequently purchase interchangeable lenses, flashes and other accessories. Of course, this only applies to DSLR and hybrid cameras. However, this can significantly increase the cost of the finished kit. Without this factor, it is difficult to compare models in this category .

And one last thing. When choosing a camera, we still considered mass market leaders such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic and some others. Still, these companies are trying to occupy the maximum number of niches.

In addition, brands known only to professionals rarely produce budget models. If there are any, they are usually already outdated.

The best video cameras in the middle segment: budget up to 60,000 rubles.

Video cameras in the mid-price segment do not yet claim to be professional. The compact size and cost do not allow placing a large number of controls on the body: to adjust the settings you will have to refer to the menu. But compared to the budget segment, they have a better matrix and optics that allow you to shoot in low light. Depending on your goals, you can choose a camera with a powerful zoom, 4K recording format or high-quality optics, guided by the ratings of the best video cameras/

Rating of the best video camera models

10. Panasonic HC-V160

This is one of the cheapest models presented in our review. The camera comes with a battery, a set of cables for connecting to a TV or computer, and a charger. There is no lens cap provided. The camera does not have internal memory, so you will immediately have to purchase an SDHC or SDXC memory card with a capacity of up to 64 GB. Has compact dimensions. It is perfect for amateur filming and is equipped with a wide-angle lens.

The battery capacity allows shooting for 40 minutes. If you plan to shoot longer, it is better to purchase an additional battery. Zoom 38x. The camera has a flip-out display that makes shooting easier; you should immediately take into account that it is not touch-sensitive; navigation through the menu is done using the buttons located to the left of it.

Advantages:

• Low price;
• Good zoom, even at its maximum, the picture remains clear;
• Fits comfortably in your hand;
• Excellent sound transmission;
• Wide viewing angle;
• The presence of buttons next to the display.

Flaws:

• The charging socket is not very conveniently located;
• Color rendering suffers in low light;
• The stabilizer does not perform very well at long distances;
• Low battery capacity;
• Photos sometimes turn out blurry.

Panasonic HC-V160

Sony HDR-CX405

The model, like the previous one, is one of the most compact and lightest - its weight is only 215 g. Users consider the almost complete absence of control buttons on the external body of the product to be a controversial decision. Below the display there is a side panel where there is a niche for installing a memory card and a Micro-HDMI video input socket. The menu is controlled only by a five-way joystick mounted on the display frame. The functional part of the camera is expanded: it has a 30x zoom, the ability to shoot in Full HD format, and the number of pixels in the matrix is ​​2.29.

The camera is compatible with memory cards of microSD, SDXC, microSDHC formats. It is equipped with a small 2.7-inch LCD display. Depending on the shooting format, the frame rate ranges from 25 to 50. It does not have a viewfinder, which significantly reduces shooting capabilities. The settings area is standard for amateur video cameras.

Advantages:

• 30x zoom keeps images clear even at long distances;
• A very convenient stabilizer that eliminates image fluctuations even when shooting while walking;
• Possibility of macro photography (for this you need to additionally purchase a tripod);
• All controls are located in close proximity to the display.

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Flaws:

• There is no way to quickly adjust the camera to changing shooting conditions;
• There is no built-in Wi-Fi module;
• The memory card slot is not always reliable - sometimes the media fits in it askew.

Sony HDR-CX405

Canon LEGRIA HF R706

The main distinguishing feature of this camera is the presence of a night shooting mode, and even when using it, the image quality will be in AVCHD format. The product can be used as a camera; the exposure can be set either manually or automatically. The screen is touch-sensitive and the camera is perfect for any family filming. Modern technologies allow you to get a beautiful and clear picture. It is possible to use fast and slow motion.

The Touch Decoration feature allows you to add video effects directly while recording. The ability to select the audio sequence function helps ensure high-quality sound.

The device interface is Russified, the screen is capacitive type with a diagonal of 7.5 cm. The camera does not have internal memory, so recording is done on a FlashAir format memory card. The files can later be viewed on a tablet, computer or smartphone. The camera lens is equipped with a 57x zoom with stabilizer. Due to this, the picture is clear even from a considerable distance. The automatic framing feature helps you keep your subject in the frame.

Advantages:

• Availability of a touch screen;
• High-capacity battery ensuring long-lasting battery life;
• Optical stabilizer;
• Intuitive setup system;
• Availability of the most necessary functions;
• Compact dimensions;
• High image quality;
• An ideal option for its price category.

Flaws:

• The battery under the cover is not secured very securely and becomes loose over time.

Canon LEGRIA HF R706

Sony HDR-CX625

This model belongs to the middle price category. It has an intelligent automatic Balanced Optical SteadyShot stabilizer - due to it, it is possible to minimize camera shake during shooting, regardless of the focal length, from shooting with a wide-angle lens to maximum zoom. With its help, vibrations are compensated in five directions at once, including when recording video while walking or running. Focusing is also automatic, working within a few milliseconds - the camera quickly responds to the press of a button and captures the most important moments.

Video is recorded simultaneously in two formats - XAVC S or AVCHD and MP4. As a result, there are two identical files on the memory card - one weighs little and is ready for instant transfer, and the other is professional, which can be edited if necessary. The camera has a reliable microphone that supports surround sound and suppresses any extraneous noise. 30x zoom, manually adjustable.

Advantages:

• Ability to support high-quality video recording in Full HD 1080p format;
• Widescreen recording mode is provided;
• Maximum photo and video resolution 1920x1080;
• There is a night shooting function;
• Matrix 2.29 MP;
• 30x zoom.

Flaws:

• There is no internal memory, files are recorded on flash media;
• The location of the socket for connecting the charger is not very convenient.

Sony HDR-CX625

Panasonic HC-VX980

The main distinguishing quality of this camera is the ability to connect any additional equipment to it without various adapters. The slot for installing a memory card is located quite conveniently here - at the bottom of the structure. The instrument panel is located under the folding display - there are three types of interfaces: Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI and analog input-output.

The display is liquid crystal, has a diagonal of 6 cm - this is quite enough for a semi-professional camera of this size. It is touch sensitive with high response speed. If necessary, it can be rotated up to 180 degrees. Photography is almost professional even with significant magnification. It does not overheat when working in video format, the microphone is protected from wind, and a USB cable is included for connecting to a laptop or computer.

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Advantages:

• Matrix 18.91 megapixels;
• 20x optical zoom and 60x digital;
• Convenient location of functional buttons;
• Touch display with a large degree of rotation;
• Ability to record video in wide format;
• The highest video resolution is 3840x2160.

Flaws:

• Low battery capacity - maximum battery life does not exceed one and a half hours;
• High price;
• Small touch screen size.

Panasonic HC-VX980

5. Panasonic AG-AC160

One of the best professional video cameras. The body is made of high-quality plastic with a matte structure. All buttons are located very conveniently, which facilitates the process of video shooting. Directly next to the lens there are rings for controlling the zoom, focus and aperture of the device. The viewfinder can be rotated up to an angle of 90 degrees, has a resolution of 1.22 megapixels, and displays a bright image.

The lens is wide-angle, has a 21x optical zoom, image stabilization, a four-position optical filter, and a very sensitive sensor. The camera takes excellent pictures even in low light conditions - 0.4 Lux is enough for it to work effectively. It is possible to carry out accelerated and slow motion shooting. The sound is high-quality, recorded in LPCM or Dolby Digital 2.0 format - it enters the camera through a built-in stereo microphone, there are connectors for connecting external sound recording devices.

Advantages:

• Reliable and strong case that can withstand falls from low heights;
• Long battery life;
• Good color rendering;
• Possibility of dynamic, accelerated and slow-motion shooting;
• Autofocus;
• Possibility of shooting in semi-darkness.

Flaws:

• Very high price;
• Omnidirectional microphone;
• Heavy weight, which makes handheld shooting difficult;
• Manual adjustment;
• The case is not waterproof.

Panasonic AG-AC160

Canon Legria HF G30

Another professional model in our rating. The camera is equipped with a body made of matte black plastic, additionally decorated with metal inserts. There are no backlashes, but due to the large dimensions of the case, creaking is sometimes heard. The lens hood can be removed if desired. On the right side of the case, under a small plug, there is a row of service connectors - a 3.5-inch output for standard headphones, an input for connecting a microphone; USB port, Mini-HDMI connector and remote control input.

There are stereo microphones on the top of the camera, and the flip-out display has two additional buttons for selecting the focus mode and activating the pre-recording or buffer recording mode. The battery allows the camera to work without interruption for almost 200 minutes.

Advantages:

• The picture turns out very clear even in low light conditions;
• Attractive appearance;
• Small dimensions and weight;
• Fast focusing;
• A significant number of settings;
• The color rendition is very high quality.

Flaws:

• Some lack of green in the picture;
• There is no separate charger for the battery; you have to charge it through the camera;
• Professionals note reduced detail of objects during fast shooting.

Canon Legria HF G30

Sony FDR-AX 100E

For a professional camera, it has small body dimensions; the net weight of the product is only 800 grams. The diameter of the lens glass is large, it allows you to get a very high-quality picture during video and photography. The lens does not have automatic shutters; instead, the kit comes with a standard cover made of hard plastic. The body is made of plastic with steel inserts.

Infrared illumination is provided for shooting in absolute darkness. The camera has a tilt-and-slide viewfinder, next to it there is a button that allows you to switch between photo and video modes. The display is touch-sensitive, under it there is a number of functional buttons - power on, selecting white balance, activating automatic or night shooting mode, a slot for installing a memory card, and so on.

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Advantages:

• Allows you to get a fairly sharp picture;
• Color rendition is as close to natural as possible;
• Powerful battery;
• A large number of manual and automatic operating modes;
• The menu is standard for all models of this brand;
• Long service life.

Flaws:

• The stabilizer is weak - the camera takes a long time to focus on the object;
• At maximum zoom, some blurring of the image occurs.

Sony FDR-AX 100E

Panasonic HC-V760

This is one of the best video cameras that is suitable for both professionals and amateurs. It produces images in Full HD 1080p format, has an optical zoom of 50x, digital zoom of about 1500 with a focal length from 29.5 to 612 mm. The effective resolution is 6.03 megapixels. The design includes a 3-inch diagonal rotating touchscreen display, which hides a number of functional buttons.

You can charge not only from the network, but also via a USB connector. There are outputs for connecting to a TV, computer, and a microphone input. The battery life is quite long - about 2 hours. The camera fits comfortably in your hand and can be used in lighting conditions as low as 1 Lux.

Advantages:

• Ergonomic design;
• Many video recording formats;
• High-quality sound transmission;
• Possibility of charging via USB.

Flaws:

• High price of additional batteries;
• When using a light filter, the picture at the edges turns out blurry;
• The microphone sometimes records extraneous noise.

Panasonic HC-V760 camcorder, workhorse features

Panasonic HC-V760

Panasonic HC-V770

This model rightfully occupies a leading position in the ranking of video cameras of the year. The lens system includes four groups, which allows you to obtain natural images without loss of quality even when using the maximum 20x optical zoom. The Crystal Engine processor reduces picture noise when recording in Full HD format, the maximum frame rate is 120 per second. Using the dial, you can adjust a number of shooting parameters - sharpness, focus, color saturation and brightness. The camera is well suited for both amateurs and professionals. The sound is high-quality, recorded using a system of four microphones. The device has a picture alignment system that makes shooting without a tripod easier. The camera is equipped with a Wi-Fi module.

Advantages:

• Fits very well in the hand;
• Matrix 12 MPix;
• A convenient stabilizer that allows you to shoot even while running or from a car window;
• High-quality assembly;
• Long-term operation without recharging - over 5 hours, no need to buy an additional battery.

Flaws:

• There are too many buttons, which would be difficult for even a professional to understand;
• There is no automatic mode for photographing smiling faces;
• Case elements sometimes emit an unpleasant squeaking sound.

Panasonic HC-V770 - CAMERA FOR A BLOGGER? / REVIEW AND TESTS

Panasonic HC-V770