Vlogging has been on a steady rise over the past few years. People are looking to connect with their audiences through their vlogs. One of the most important aspects of a vlogger’s channel is its video quality. This in turn means that you should invest in a quality video camera for all your vlogging needs. Choosing a hand-held video camera can be a great decision, they offer high-resolution HD video capture capabilities and are usually lightweight, and easy to carry around and work with.
Here we’ll be going over some of the best hand-held video cameras you can get this year, from budget-friendly options to mid-range and higher-end camcorders.
Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder
The Canon VIXIA R700 is an excellent HD camcorder offering image stabilization, advanced zoon, full high definition video, and crisp image quality. Pair that with its external mix allowing for clear sound recording and you’ve got yourself a great hand-held video camera. Many also prefer to buy the Canon VIXIA R800 due to its low price.
Here are some notable features:
- 57x advanced zoom range for long-range shooting
- Ruper-range optical image stabilization for sharp and steady video quality
- Canon 3.28 megapixel Full HD CMOS image sensor for high-resolution HD video
- DIGIC DV 4 image processor for outstanding brighter, lighter, noise-free images even in dim settings
- MP4 recording at 1080/60 p
- Lightweight and portable body
- Flexible slow (0,5x) and fast motion (1200x) capabilities
- Zion Frame Assur for easy subject locating and zooming
- Highlight Priority Mode for a more balanced and realistic light capture
Pricing:
The Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is priced at just $249.
Sony HDR CX675 Camcorder
The Sony HDR CX675 is a full HD handheld camcorder featuring the Sony wide-angle G 30x optical zoom lens and balanced optical SteadyShot image stabilization for smooth video capture. For its price, you’ll find the camera to be a perfect fit as an entry-level camcorder. The size, clarity, and UI all pair together for ease of video shooting.
Here are some notable features:
- 1930×1080 30p/60p video capture
- 26.8mm ZEISS Lens for wider landscape capturing
- 30x optical zoom and 60x clear image digital zoom
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot for reduced noise and distortion in videos
- Intelligent AF for precise moment capturing
- High definition time-lapse capture
- 30-inch clear photo plus LCD display
- 5.1 inch surround sound mix for reduced noise reduction
Pricing:
The Sony HDR CX675 Camcorder is priced at $598, a great mid-range camcorder for beginners and professionals alike.
Sony HDR CX405
The Sony HDR CX405 is a great handheld camcorder providing all the basic features you’d need. With 4K 1080p high definition video capture, wide-angle ZEISS lens, 30x Optical Image Zoom capacity, and its small hand design is perfect for handheld shooting. To top it off, the camera is extremely budget-friendly, and great for beginners especially if you’re looking to buy a video camera for your kids.
Here are some notable features:
- Intelligent auto face detection
- Optical SteadyShot for advanced image stabilization
- Up to 26.8mm wide-angle lens
- Highlight Movie Maker automatic transition sync and streamlined movie editing
- Motion Shot Video capabilities
- EXMOR R CMOS sensor for enhanced image clarity and soft background defocusing
- BIONZ X image processing for lifelike image quality processing
- ZEISS lens for outstanding image capture
- Smile Shutter for automatic snapshots of smiling faces
Pricing:
The Sony HDR CX405 is priced at $229, perfect in the range of budget-friendly camcorders on the market.
Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder
The Panasonic HC V770 HD camcorder is the best midrange camcorder in the market, offering high-definition video recording and affordable pricing. It comes in with some highly advanced hardware and great manual control that is perfect for professionals. The only feature that some might miss is the 4k high definition video recording, Panasonic hasn’t added the 4K feature to their HC V770 camcorder, but it still offers pretty good quality HD recording If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t feel the need for 4K then you’ll find the V770 a great option.
Here are some notable features:
- High image quality with an advanced 1 /2.3 inch BSI sensor featuring 6.03M effective pixels.
- The Crystal Engine allows for slow-motion videos and effective noise suppression, even in dim-lit settings.
- Up to 20x Optical Zoom
- HDR (high dynamic range) movie features crisper and clearer videos
- Wireless twin camera – connect your smartphones video camera as s ub camera for a picture in picture video effects
- Panasonic Image App allows for remote shooting from a distance
- Flexible LCD
- High-quality audio technology for suppressed wind noise and clear recording
Pricing:
The Panasonic HC V770 is priced at $597, a great mid-range camcorder.
Sony FDR-AX53 Ultra HD Handycam Camcorder
Sony’s FDR AX53 is a great 4k consumer camcorder, perfect for handheld use. Its intelligent Active Mode allows for enhanced image stabilization even when you’re on the move to offer crisp 4K video resolution. You can alternatively film in ultra HD, Full HD, and standard HD resolutions. Some argue that the DR AX53 offers the most advanced image stabilization features on any camcorder on the market. This is because the camera comes with a built-in physical gimbal, the “Balanced Optical SteadyShot” system. It features a 5-axis stabilization system that will offer stable videos during handheld shooting.
Here are some notable features:
- 4K image quality for full high definition capture
- Exmor R CMOS sensor for high-quality image capture and noise suppression
- New ZEISS Vario Sonnar T lens for 4k advanced image quality
- Up to 26.88 wide-angle lens to capture landscapes
- Rapid Fast Intelligence AF or speedy autofocus
- Balanced Optical SteadyShot for stable high quality movies
- 20x optical zoom lens
- Realistic audio recording
- 4k Time-Lapse Capture
- Face detection and smile shutter to automatically capture still shots of smiles, even while recording videos
- Lock-on AF features to lock onto fast-moving targets while shooting.
- Live streaming capabilities via Ustream
Pricing:
The Sony FDR AX53 is priced at $925, more on the higher end side of camcorders but well worth the price.
