Sony FDR-AX53 4K Ultra HD Handycam Camcorder
- 4K Ultra HD 24/30p & 16.6MP Stills
- Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- 26.8mm Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* Zoom Lens
- 20x Optical Zoom & 40x Clear Image Zoom
Canon Vixia HF G70 UHD 4K Camcorder (Black)
- 1/2.3" UHD 4K CMOS Sensor
- Record up to UHD 4K30 Video
- DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor
- 29.3 to 627mm, 20x Optical Zoom in 4K
Other Buying Options
Sony HDR-CX405 HD Handycam
- Full HD Video / 9.2MP Stills
- Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Bionz X Processor
- Zeiss 30x Optical Zoom Lens
Panasonic HC-V180K Full HD Camcorder (Black)
- 1080p Video at 60 fps
- 1/5.8" BSI MOS Sensor
- 50x Optical Zoom & 90x Intelligent Zoom
- 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ and Level Shot
Other Buying Options
Sony FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder
- 4K HDR Video Recording
- 1"-Type Stacked CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 273-Point Phase Detection Autofocus
Other Buying Options
Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera (Black)
- For Vlogging and Live Streaming
- 20.9MP 1" CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K up to 29.97 fps
- Full HD up to 59.94 fps
Panasonic HC-V785K Full HD Camcorder
- Record Full HD Video and 24MP Stills
- 1/2.3" Back-Illuminated MOS Sensor
- 20x Optical/50x Intelligent Zoom
- HYBRID OIS 5-Axis Image Stabilization
Other Buying Options
Zoom Q2n-4K Handy Video Recorder
- Up to 4K at 30 fps or 1080p60 Video
- 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
- 150° f/2.8 Wide-Angle Lens
- 5 x Wide to Tele Field-of-View Settings
Zoom Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder
- Records up to UHD 4K Video at 30 fps
- Wide-Angle 150° Lens
- Detachable X/Y Condenser Microphone
- Compatible with Zoom Microphone Capsules
Other Buying Options
Mevo Start Live Streaming Camera
- Stream and/or Record up to 1080p30
- Three-Mic Array + External Audio Support
- Controlled via Live Production Mevo App
- 6-Hour Battery; NDI-Enabled Video Output
Mevo Start Live Streaming Camera (3-Pack)
- Stream and/or Record up to 1080p30
- Three-Mic Array + External Audio Support
- Controlled via Live Production Mevo App
- 6-Hour Battery; NDI-Enabled Video Output
Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder
- Ultra HD 4K Video at 24/30 fps
- 1/2.3" BSI MOS Sensor
- 20x Leica Dicomar Optical Zoom Lens
- Wireless Multicamera Support
Panasonic HC-VX1 4K HD Camcorder
- 4K30 MP4 HD Video & 26MP Stills
- 1/2.5" Back-Illuminated MOS Sensor
- 24x Leica Dicomar Optical Zoom
- Wireless Multi-Cam Smartphone Function
Panasonic HC-W580K Full HD Camcorder with Twin Camera
- 1080p Video at 60 fps
- 1/5.8" BSI MOS Sensor
- 50x Optical Zoom & 90x Intelligent Zoom
- Twin Camera and Wireless Multi-Camera
Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera (Silver)
- For Vlogging and Live Streaming
- 20.9MP 1" CMOS Sensor
- UHD 4K up to 29.97 fps
- Full HD up to 59.94 fps
Zoom Q8 Handy Video Recorder
- Records up to 2304x1296 Video at 30 fps
- Wide-Angle 160° Lens
- Detachable X/Y Condenser Microphone
- Compatible with Zoom Microphone Capsules
Other Buying Options
Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder
- 4K Ultra HD Video and 25.9MP Stills
- 1/2.3" Back-Illuminated MOS Sensor
- 20x Optical Zoom / 40x Intelligent Zoom
- HYBRID OIS 5-Axis Image Stabilization
Panasonic HC-WXF1 UHD 4K Camcorder with Twin & Multicamera Capture
- UHD 4K Video at 24 & 30 fps/26MP Stills
- Twin Camera & Wireless Multicam Options
- 1/2.5" Back-Illuminated MOS Sensor
- Viewfinder & 3" LCD Display
Panasonic HC-V180K Full HD Camcorder (Black, Refurbished)
- 1080p Video at 60 fps
- 1/5.8" BSI MOS Sensor
- 50x Optical Zoom & 90x Intelligent Zoom
- 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ and Level Shot
Panasonic HC-V380K Full HD Camcorder
- 1080p Video at 60 fps
- 1/5.8" BSI MOS Sensor
- 50x Optical Zoom & 90x Intelligent Zoom
- Wireless Multi-Camera Support
Other Buying Options
Minolta MN4K30NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder (Champagne)
- 13MP CMOS Sensor
- Record up to UHD Video, 30MP Photos
- IR Illumination in Video and Stills
- Tiltable 3" Touchscreen LCD
Panasonic HC-V800 Full HD Camcorder
- Full HD Video and 26MP Stills
- 1/2.5" Back-Illuminated MOS Sensor
- 24x Leica Dicomar Optical Zoom
- Three OIS Stabilizer Systems
Other Buying Options
Sony FDR-AX43A UHD 4K Handycam Camcorder
- UHD 4K 24/30p & 16.6MP Stills
- Built-In Gimbal, Optical Stabilization
- 1/2.5" Exmor R Low-Light CMOS Sensor
- 3" LCD Flip-Out & Tilting Touchscreen
Other Buying Options
Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder with Twin Camera
- 4K Ultra HD Video at 24/30 fps
- 1/2.3" BSI MOS Sensor
- 20x Leica Dicomar Optical Zoom Lens
- Twin Camera & Wireless Multi-Camera
Other Buying Options
Minolta MM90NV Full HD Night Vision Digital Camcorder (Black)
- 1/3.2" Full HD CMOS Sensor
- Record up to 1080p30 Video, 24MP Photos
- Infrared LED Light with 35' Range
- Tiltable 3" Touchscreen LCD
Minolta MN220NV Full HD Night Vision Camcorder with 16x Digital Zoom (Purple)
- 1/3.2" Full HD CMOS Sensor
- Record up to 1080p30 Video, 24MP Photos
- Infrared LED Light with 35' Range
- Tiltable 3" Touchscreen LCD
Minolta MN80NV Full HD Night Vision Digital Camcorder (Black)
- 1/3.2" Full HD CMOS Sensor
- Record up to 1080p30 Video, 24MP Photos
- Infrared LED Light with 35' Range
- Tiltable 3" Touchscreen LCD
Minolta MN4K20NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder (Black)
- 8MP CMOS Sensor
- Capture up to UHD 4K Video, 30MP Photos
- 35' IR Illumination in Video and Stills
- Tiltable 3" Touchscreen LCD
Selecting Camcorders/Video Cameras
Although DSLRs and smartphones capture video, few have the all-round capabilities of video recording cameras, which have the primary function of video recording. As technology has evolved, video recording abilities have improved; the size of camcorders is now at the point where consumer models are small, lightweight, easy to handle, and capable of stunning results.
How Video Cameras Work
Digital video cameras record motion and sound to produce movies. Camcorders use either CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensors to capture action and convert this information into a digital signal. The number of sensor pixels determines the camcorder's definition, while the size of the sensor affects its low-light sensitivity. Camcorders use digital viewfinders and LCD screens for monitoring filming. Data records to some form of memory for later downloading, editing, and viewing on computers or televisions.
Differences Between Standard, HD, and Ultra HD Camcorders
Early digital camcorders worked to the NTSC SD standard based on a resolution of 720 x 480 pixels, with a 4:3 aspect ratio. While still available, this isn't common, but has the advantage of smaller files that are easy to process and upload to the internet.
Full HD video cameras have a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1920 x 1080 pixels, identified as 1080i or 1080p. The difference is that 1080i signals are interpolated while 1080p aren't, but the latter offers slightly better definition. HD camcorders can film at 1280 x 720 pixels (720p) to reduce file size with minimal loss of definition.
Professional camcorders have ultra HD capability (4K) and produce the best results with a 3840 x 2160 pixel capability.
Recording Medium for Consumer Digital Video Cameras
Digital camcorders use various ways to record data, ranging from digital video tape to hard drives and flash memory. Many camcorders have some built-in storage capability, while others use removable media such as SD cards and memory sticks. When filming in HD and UHD, most manufacturers recommend fast SDHC and SDHX type cards. Some use CF cards and SxS express cards commonly found on used pro and prosumer camcorders.
Features of Consumer Video Camcorders
The range of features built into consumer camcorders is a major reason why they're so popular, and these include:
- Standard zoom lenses with high levels of magnification
- Variable frame rates, including 24, 30, and 60 fps, and slow-motion capabilities
- Robust action cameras and accessories for extreme sports
- Optical stabilization to reduce camera shake
- Several video-encoding options
- Range of finishes, such as a black or white camcorder
- NTSC and PAL options
- Good low-light sensitivity
While some DSLRs have similar capabilities, few are as compact and usable for video filming as dedicated camcorders that have the ability to get close to the action.
B&H Photo and Video stocks a comprehensive selection of consumer HD video cameras, as well as a wide array of related accessories. Take advantage of its stock whether you film on a daily basis or plan some casual vacation recording.