We've picked our top choices in camcorders for consumers that want to take home movies up a notch or two.
While many consumers rely on smartphone or digital cameras built-in video capture capabilities, camcorder enthusiasts still walk among us. And to their benefit, these movie-making devices are taking leaps and bounds, putting near-professional level quality on shelves. Check out our rundown of the best, recent video cameras on the market, including everything from sleek and simple pocket camcorders to DSLRs with astounding video options built inside.
Amateur/advanced consumer
Canon Vixia HF M40 ($600)
Canon’s M-series camcorders continue to please, and the Vixia HF M40 follows suit with some user-friendly hardware fine-tuning and top-notch image quality. The device sports an LCD touchscreen and doesn’t back down in dim lighting. It has a 16GB internal flash drive and an HD video devoted CMOS sensor, all in a discreet package.
Check out our full review of the Canon Vixia HF M40 here.
Key specs
- Approx. 2.37 megapixels
- 10x Optical Zoom/200x Digital (Video Only)
- f/6.1 – 61mm (35mm equivalent 43.6 – 436mm)
- Frame rate: 60i
Sony Handycam HDR-CX130 ($400)
This tiny camcorder will make you forget the Flip ever existed. It’s incredibly compact for its breed with a rotating, touschreen LCD that all fits nicely into the palm of your hand. Of course, it also captures great video, partly in thanks to its impressive 30x wide-angle lens—which is a notable feature for a camera in this price bracket.
Key specs
- f/1.8-3.4
- 2.2 megapixels
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p Recording w/3MP still image
Panasonic HDC-TM90 ($335)
The HDC-TM90 from Panasonic is the introductory version to the TM900—a prosumer video camera if there ever was one. But if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable and don’t need quite as much imaging control, look no further than the TM90. This easy to use HD camcorder offers great image stabilization (which tripod-less users will appreciate) and has a nice wide-angle lens.
Key specs
- 3-inch LCD touchscreen
- 3D video capability (need lens accessory)
- 40x zoom
- Frame rate: 60i
High-end/prosumer
Panasonic HDC-TM900 ($899)
Feedback on this camcorder ranges between intensely satisfied and awestruck. This powerful, handheld video camera wields full manual controls that produce extremely high-quality video. It features a big, 3.5-inch, bright, touchscreen that provides full HD playback, so immediately viewing your clips has never been better. And what stunning clips they are: limited noise, natural saturation, and quick, seamless AF make the TM900 a top choice in its category.
Key specs
- 1080 / 60p, 1080 / 60i, 540 / 30p
- 3D capability
- Optical zoom: 12x; intelligent zoom: 20x
- f/1.5 (wide); f/2.8 (telephoto)
Canon Vixia HF G10 ($1,500)
A favorite of advanced consumer and prosumer camcorder enthusiasts, the Canon Vixia HF G10 combines top image quality with an incredibly user-friendly design. Canon outfits the HF G10 with a new CMOS Pro chip that bumps up video capture capabilities. Combine this with the camcorder’s outstanding lens, and stunning color, and you might be hooked.
Key specs
- 24 Mbps
- 24p native progressive video
- 3.5-inch LCD display
- 10x HD video lens (35mm equivalent of 30.4mm – 304 mm) with 8-blade iris
Sony Handycam HDR-TD10 ($1,500)
If you’re looking for 3D video, look no further. The HDR-TR10 captures “double full HD” 3D images using its twin lens and unique sensor system, setting it apart from the crowd. If you are looking for immersive 3D imaging in a compact device, this is a great option. It has superior zoom and playback, as well as extensive manual controls.
Key specs
- 3.5-inch LCD display
- 1920×1080 Full HD 60p/24p recording
- 10x optical zoom in 3D
Showing 9 comments
RSS