Whether you want to record your child's birthday party or an epic trip to Hawaii, a compact video camera or camcorder is going to get the job done with flare.
The range of features video cameras now offer is extraordinary. And the footage you can achieve with a simple, palm-sized camera is exceptional.
We’re talking incredible quality in low light scenarios, advanced high optical zooms, quality video recording at Full HD 1080p or 4k, good battery life, and sturdy builds that help your video camera weather all the elements.
Of course, there’s a huge difference in budget and features across the full spectrum of camcorders. There are basic video cameras perfect for home videos and vacations. And then there are professional-quality video cameras ideal for YouTube, travel, sports, and any other more demanding videography pursuits.
Read on to find out what our favourite video cameras are!
The best 4k video camera: Sony FDR-AX33
With 4k video, you’re going to get four times the level of detail than Full HD footage. Imagine the sharpness and clarity you’ll achieve with your videos with one of the most portable camcorders on the market.
This affordable video camera comes with a multichannel 5.1 microphone that will create incredible audio to accompany your footage.
Additional features include dual recording capabilities in XAVC S or AVCHD plus user-friendly MP4. An advanced image stabiliser smooths out even the shakiest recordings.
Finally, you’ll appreciate the ergonomic manual controls, which give you greater control over your zoom, focus, exposure, shutter speed, AE shift, and white balance shift mode.
Check out the Sony FDR-AX33 video camera today.
The best camcorder for home videos: Canon Legria HF R806
A fantastic video camera for travel or for family events, the Canon Legria HF R806 camcorder packs a powerful punch in a palm-sized body.
Though not capable of recording in 4k, the camera records high-quality Full HD videos with the DiG!C DV4 processor. An advanced image stabilisation tool makes it easier for you to shoot clear, sharp, and smooth videos.
A 32x optical zoom lens can be expanded to 57x with digital zoom, making this video camera a fantastic choice if you’re recording sports or taking a safari.
A range of fun and easy-to-use recording modes means you can add simple, creative touches to your movies with ease.
There’s even a handy backlight correction mode that automatically adjusts the brightness so there’s always detail in your scenes even when there are clear skies and other bright objects.
Check out the Canon Legria HF R806 video camera today.
The best professional video camera: Sony FDR-AX700
A fantastic video camera for enthusiastic videographers and filmmakers, the Sony FDR-AX700 comes with a host of features that will turn your video visions into sharp, impressive reality.
Expect crisp quality 4k video or 1080p video capable of shooting at 120 frames per second for great slow-motion footage. Dual SD card slots will keep you recording for longer while the built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to share your videos in a snap.
This video camera offers an unrivalled Fast Hybrid autofocus system and AF tracking that keeps up with the action. Combine this system with the BIONZ X imaging processor and you have a camera that can capture even the fastest moving subjects.
The range of professional-calibre features makes this one of the best video cameras around for aspiring professionals.
Check out the Sony FDR-AX700 today.
Alternatively: Panasonic HC-X1000
Another popular video camera for professionals is the Panasonic HC-X1000, which was the world's first video camera capable of recording 4k at 60fps onto an SD card.
Alongside this title, this video camera comes with a Leica Dicomar lens, a 3.5-inch touchscreen, 20x optical zoom and 5-axis optical image stabilisation. You can even record in cinema ratio 4096 x 2160 at 24fps.
A brilliant professional video camera for event videographers, this camcorder renders colour beautifully, captures high levels of detail, and is a versatile choice.
Check out the Panasonic HC-X1000 today.
The best video camera for travel: GoPro HERO 7 Black
Is it any surprise the GoPro HERO 7 makes it onto this list for best travel camera? This powerhouse of an action camera will record striking sports and travel videos, making them a favourite among YouTubers, bloggers, and influencers.
Waterproof down to 10 metres without any housing, this camera is also dustproof, crushproof and exceptionally sturdy - as the GoPro always has been.
But an array of incredible new features makes the GoPro HERO 7 far superior to its predecessors. Start with the HyperSmooth image stabilisation, which helps you achieve smooth gimbal-like recordings (without needing a gimbal!).
Combine the HyperSmooth stabilisation with the TimeWarp function and you’ll have enviable time-lapses of all your best journeys.
Voice control is another brilliant feature that recognises 12 separate commands so you can operate your camera hands-free.
We could go on about the native live-streaming functionality, 4k high-quality video, or 8x slow-motion captured with Full HD at 240fps.
But it might be best just to check the GoPro HERO 7 out for yourself.
Find something you like?
Finding the right video camera to meet your budget and your needs isn’t always easy.
If you’re still not convinced which video camera best suits your style of videography, pop into your nearest Camera House store, where our experienced staff will help you out.
Alternatively, browse our full selection of video cameras online at Camera House today.
