Camcorders will enable you to safe-keep your precious memories or upgrade your filmmaking setup if you’re after something more serious. They are built on a similar infrastructure as cameras, but their use is very different.

Camcorders are used chiefly for video recording purposes on a professional and personal level.

These versatile beasts of technology feature a larger sensor and a proper optical zoom lens, as well as the ability to capture video at higher bit rates and resolutions – up to 8K. They’re also larger, with better ergonomics and handles, so you can hold them more easily and not put your finger over the lens.

Here is a guide to 5 handled camcorders from Sony, Canon, and Blackmagic brands.

1. Blackmagic Design Pocket Camera 6K Pro

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a favorite among independent filmmakers, content creators, and enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality video production.

This pocket-sized cinema camera is known for its impressive image quality and professional-grade features.

• Image Quality: The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro can record high-resolution video in 6K resolution (6144 x 3456) at up to 50 frames per second (fps). It utilizes a Super 35-sized HDR sensor, which delivers exceptional dynamic range and excellent low-light performance.
• Raw Recording: One of the standout features of this camera is its ability to capture footage in Blackmagic RAW format, which provides maximum flexibility in post-production with extensive color grading capabilities.
• EF Lens Mount: The camera features an EF lens mount, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of high-quality EF lenses from various manufacturers.
• Built-in ND Filters: It includes built-in neutral density (ND) filters with four adjustment stops, enabling proper exposure in bright lighting conditions without compromising image quality.
• Advanced Controls: The camera provides complete manual control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus. It also offers professional features like zebra patterns, focus peaking, and timecode support.
• Display and Connectivity: It features a 5-inch touchscreen display for easy menu navigation and monitoring. The camera offers multiple connection options, including HDMI output, mini XLR inputs for professional audio, and USB-C for data transfer.
• Compact Design: Despite its impressive capabilities, the camera is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and suitable for shooting in various environments.

2. Canon XA60

The Canon XA60 Professional UHD 4K Camcorder is a compact, lightweight camera suitable for documentary or journalism-style productions.

This camera is designed to meet the growing demand for online streaming content creation while keeping the same advanced core functionality and high-mobility form.

• Sensor: The AX60 features a 1/2.3-type CMOS sensor with a resolution of approximately 8.29 megapixels.
• Optical Image Stabilizer: Advanced optical and dynamic image stabilisation over the 5-axis, which helps to reduce camera shake and ensures steady footage, even when shooting handheld
• Lens: Canon X60 has a fixed 20x optical zoom lens, providing a focal length range of 29.3-601mm (35mm equivalent).
• Recording Formats: The XA60 supports multiple recording formats, including MP4 and XF-AVC, allowing for versatility in capturing high-quality video. It also supports recording in 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at up to 30 frames per second (fps) and in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at up to 60 fps.
• Advanced Features: The AX60 offer a wide range of advanced features, including Easy focus point and camera control via a 3.5-inch touch screen, Dual slots for simultaneous or relay recording via SD card, Linear PCM and 2 x XLR terminals plus a built-in mic, and Video live stream output via Mac or PC

3. Canon XA55

The Canon XA55 is a professional camcorder designed for videographers and filmmakers who require advanced features and high-quality video recording capabilities.

• Image Sensor: The XA55 features a 1.0-inch CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20.2 megapixels. This sensor size allows for improved low-light performance and better depth of field control.
• Lens: It comes with a fixed 15x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 25.5-382.5mm (35mm equivalent). The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.5, allowing for good low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Image Stabilization: The XA55 incorporates Canon’s Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization system, which helps to reduce camera shake and maintain stable footage even when shooting handheld or in motion.
• Recording Formats: It supports various recording formats, including MP4 and AVCHD. It can record 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video at up to 30fps and Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at up to 60fps. It also has slow and fast motion recording capabilities.
• Connectivity: The XA55 offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, headphone and microphone jacks, USB, and Wi-Fi. It also supports remote control operation through a compatible smartphone or tablet.
• Recording Media: It supports dual SD card slots, allowing for simultaneous recording or relay recording. The camera is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
• Display and Viewfinder: It features a 3.0-inch touch panel LCD screen with a resolution of approximately 1.56 million dots. Additionally, it has a 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder with approximately 1.56 million dots.
• Other Features: The camcorder offers a range of additional features such as built-in ND filters, custom picture profiles, infrared shooting mode, timecode, zebra patterns for exposure control, and built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and file transfer.

4. Sony NX80

The Sony NX80 is a professional camcorder that offers advanced features and capabilities for video production.

It is designed to meet the needs of professional videographers and filmmakers who require high-quality video recording, advanced autofocus, and connectivity options for versatile shooting scenarios.

• Sensor and Lens The NX80 features a 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor with a resolution of approximately 14.2 megapixels. It has a fixed 12x optical zoom lens, providing a focal length range of 29-348mm (35mm equivalent).
• Image Stabilization: The camcorder incorporates Sony’s Balanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system, which helps to minimize camera shake and ensure stable footage, even when shooting handheld.
• Recording Formats: The NX80 supports various recording formats, including XAVC S, AVCHD, and MPEG-4. It can record in 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at up to 30 frames per second (fps) and in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at up to 120 fps.
• Fast Hybrid AF: The camcorder features Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF system, combining phase detection and contrast detection autofocus for quick and accurate focus performance, even in challenging conditions.
• XLR Inputs: The NX80 includes two XLR audio inputs, enabling the connection of professional microphones or other audio devices for high-quality sound recording.
• Touchscreen LCD: A 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD monitor can be rotated and tilted for flexible framing and monitoring.
• Additional Features: The Sony NX80 offers features such as S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 for improved dynamic range and color grading capabilities, built-in ND filters, time-lapse recording, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) for eye-level shooting.

 

5. Sony PXW-Z190

The Sony PXW-Z190 is a professional camcorder offering advanced video production features.

• Sensor: The PXW-Z190 features a 1/3-inch type Exmor R CMOS sensor with a resolution of approximately 2.07 megapixels.
• Lens: PXW Z19 has a fixed 25x optical zoom lens, providing a focal length range of 3.7-92.5mm (35mm equivalent).
• Image Stabilization: The camcorder incorporates Sony’s Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system to minimize camera shake and ensure stable footage, even when shooting handheld.
• Recording Formats: PXW Z190 support various recording formats, including XAVC, AVCHD, and MPEG-4. They can record in Full HD (1920 x 1080) at different frame rates, offering flexibility in capturing high-quality video.
• Touchscreen LCD: It has a 3.5-inch LCD monitor that can be rotated and tilted for convenient framing and monitoring.
• Dual SD Card Slots: The camcorder support dual SD card slots, enabling simultaneous recording to two cards or relay recording for extended shooting sessions.
• Additional Features: The Sony PXW-Z190 offers additional features such as S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 for improved dynamic range and color grading capabilities, built-in ND filters, time-lapse recording, and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) for eye-level shooting.