Top 20 best camcorders for video recording: rating 2021-2022 for price / quality and which to choose for video surveillance on the street

To record family events and professional fixation of the most important moments, manufacturers offer a rich assortment of video cameras.

We have compiled a rating of the most popular models for 2021-2022 for any purse and for any purpose, taking into account the features, advantages and disadvantages.

Top 20 best camcorders of 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
Top 3 best camcorders by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Panasonic HC-V770	Check price
2	Canon LEGRIA HF G26	Check price
3	DJI Osmo Pocket	Learn the price
Top 3 best surveillance cameras
1	Dahua DH-HAC-HDW1230TLP-A-0280B	Learn the price
2	HiWatch DS-T591 (3.6 mm)	Ask the price
3	Falcon Eye Jager	Find out the price
Top 3 best camcorders for shooting
1	Canon XA40	Check out the price
2	Panasonic HC-V760	You can find out the price of
3	Sony PXW-Z90	Learn the price
Top 3 Best Action Cameras
1	GoPro HERO8 Black Edition (CHDHX-801-RW)	Learn the price
2	DJI Osmo Action	Learn the price
3	Insta360 One R 1 Inch	Learn the price
Top 3 best camcorders with optical stabilizer
1	Sony FDR-AX700	Check price
2	Panasonic HC-X2000	You can find out the price of
3	Canon XA50	Find out the price
Top 3 best camcorders with electronic stabilizer
1	Panasonic HC-VXF1	Check price
2	Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K	Check out the price
3	Sony PXW-FS7	Check price
Top 2 best camcorders with Wi-Fi
1	Panasonic HC-V800	Check price
2	Canon EOS C200	Check price

How to choose a camcorder in the price/quality ratio?

The main and very important parameters for choosing a camcorder are:

The size and type of matrix. The bigger the sensor, the more light falls on it, and therefore the image quality becomes several times higher.
Resolution .. Provides clarity, sharpness, detail of the image, so in today's environment do not buy devices with a resolution of less than Full HD.
Presence of zoom. Zooms in and out the image, but here it is important to make sure that the zoom does not affect the video quality.
Stabilization and autofocus. It is good when the camcorder is equipped with both. This indicates a clear and sharp frame, with no blurring or shaking. Good autofocus should switch instantly with any movement of the camera.
The ability to use additional hardware. Check whether you can connect an external microphone, flash, tripod. Whether there is a remote control. Whether charging is possible not only through the network, but also through a USB cable.

Top 3 best camcorders by price/quality for 2021-2022

Panasonic HC-V770.

Budget model that will be a reliable assistant and can accompany you on Travel or family events.

The technical characteristics are enough to provide good quality video and sound, plus you can use an external microphone.

The sensor here is small, so there is no night shooting, the image quality will depend directly on the degree of light.

A feature of this model is the Slow Motion mode.

The movement in the frame is softer, smoother, but the detail of the picture is inferior to conventional photography. The picture format can be adjusted by selecting between 4:3 and 16:9.

During shooting, you can take a photo (in 6 MP) or take individual photos at 24 megapixels.

It's nice that there is image stabilization and the frame does not shake when viewing on a small screen.

Main features:

The maximum resolution is 1920?1080.
Night recording is available.
Optical/digital Zoom - 20x/60x.
Image stabilizer.
LCD touch screen 3 inches.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone input.

Pros of

A handy camcorder with a good matrix;
there is the stabilizer;
a lot of settings;
you can connect an external microphone.

Cons

no lens cap;
battery drains quickly.

Canon LEGRIA HF G26

An example of high-quality and compact camcorder that records in Full HD. Twenty times zoom is responsible for professional image quality, and good aperture ratio makes the image look natural.

The high-sensitivity sensor makes it easy for the operator to record even in low light conditions.

The body is light and compact, high quality materials ensure the device is safe for transportation.

The smart stabilization function allows you to get a smooth and stable picture, there is a fast auto focus, which reduces the number of blurred frames when you change the position of the lens.

Focus is unerringly determines the distance to the subject.

Video does not require additional processing, the fast processor is responsible for light sensitivity and high contrast, making the picture juicy. There are modes of slow motion and accelerated recording.

Main features:

Maximum resolution - 1920?1080.
No night recording.
Optical/digital Zoom is 20x / 400x.
Image stabilizer - optical.
LCD touch screen, 3 inches.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone jack.

Pros of

The clarity and color reproduction of the image;
Parameters of the zoom;
rich and flexible system of settings;
compactness, low weight.

Disadvantages

Poor quality of stabilization when watching the video on the big screen;
drains quickly.

DJI Osmo Pocket

A unique compact camera with stabilizer that allows you to record bright moments in your life in high image quality.

Modest size allows you to carry the camera in a pocket or bag. Mechanical stabilization allows you to record smoother video when shooting dynamic scenes. Videos are shot at 60 frames per second, there is a photo mode (12 MP).

During operation, the device does not heat up, the passive cooling system allows the temperature to be evenly distributed across the body of the device.

Rough coating will not allow the gadget to slip out of your hand, there is a jack to connect to a smartphone or mount the device on a tripod. Intelligent shooting modes allow you to implement any idea, improving image quality directly in the process of shooting.

Main Features:

Maximum resolution - 3840?2160.
There is night recording.
Matrix is 12 megapixel.
Optical image stabilizer.
A screen.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone input - yes.

Pros of

high quality recording;
you can connect an external microphone;
keeps a long charge;
picture stabilization;
there is a case.

Disadvantages

Viewing angle of only 80 degrees;
no zoom.

Top 3 best surveillance cameras

Dahua DH-HAC-HDW1230TLP-A-0280B

Dome multi-format camera for wall or ceiling installation, both indoors indoor and outdoor.

Able to work in infrared mode, has high quality recording even when recording at night. The manufacturer interfaces offer video output, a built-in microphone and a function to improve the image when the sun shines or under headlights.

There is also noise reduction.

IR illumination has a range of 30 meters. The high degree of protection against moisture and dust allows the camera to be placed outdoors without fear.

The image is displayed on the monitor, the power is supplied by an adapter, the voltage is 12 V.

Worthy option for site protection, as well as for shooting in hangars or studios.

Main characteristics:

Maximum resolution - 1920?1080.
Night recording.
Image stabilizer - mounting on the wall or ceiling is not required.
Temperature range -40...+60.

The advantages of

Several recording formats;
IR-illumination with a good range;
Water and dirt protection;
image enhancement function.

Cons

No significant drawbacks.

HiWatch DS-T591 (3.6 mm)

Another version of the street video camera with a high degree of protection against moisture and recording speed 25 fps recording speed.

There is IR illumination and night recording mode, the camera is mounted on the wall or ceiling, supports image enhancement and records video in a resolution of 2592?1944 pixels.

The camera is equipped with illumination sensors, recording is possible at values from 0.01 lux.

Infrared illumination range is estimated at 20 m. The model has a fixed focus, the image on the screen is clear, with clearly distinguishable details, without flare from the sun or a lantern.

Main characteristics:

Maximum resolution - 2592?1944.
There is night recording.
Image stabilizer is not required.
IR-illumination.
Temperature range -20...+60 degrees.

Advantages

image quality;
Color and black and white picture;
The maximum angle of rotation of 350 degrees.

Cons

Not found.

Falcon Eye Jager

Decent version of the dome camera for street surveillance with built-in The camera is equipped with a speaker and a microphone, as well as IR illumination with a range of up to 10 meters.

There is a night recording mode, the maximum resolution is 1920?1080 pixels. The camera is equipped with a memory card slot and can connect to Wi-Fi.

Video is recorded in color, there are motion sensors.

The minimum illumination index for comfortable operation is 0.04 Lux.

The camera is mounted on the wall and is powered through an adapter with a voltage of 12 V.

It is not afraid of rain and other precipitation, does not overheat in the sun and can withstand both severe frost and heat, so it is popular in all regions.

Key Features:

Maximum resolution - 1920?1080.
Night recording is available.
Image stabilizer is not required.
IR-illumination.
Temperature range -30...+50 degrees.

Advantages

functionality;
good image quality;
there is a slot for a memory card;
there is a night mode.

Cons

Small radius of action of the IR illumination.

Top 3 best camcorders for shooting

Canon XA40

The camera is designed as a compact "palmtop" shooting device, but The presence of a removable grip-module indicates its "semi-professional" purpose.

1/2.3" matrix size made the camera more compact and cheaper, but the hybrid stabilizer and high light sensitivity allow for excellent image quality, up to 4K resolution.

It is convenient that you can record on two cards at once (or use only one card).

Through the touch screen you can quickly select the desired settings, there is a mode of recording in the infrared range.

Five-axis stabilization saves footage from shaking every time the lens is moved to the side.

The battery doesn't have a long operating time, but spare power sources will come to the rescue.

In any case, the camera does not heat up and does not hang when working for a long time, the fast processor is here for a reason.

Main characteristics:

Maximum resolution - 3840?2160.
There is night recording.
Optical/digital Zoom. 20x.
Image stabilizer.
3 inches LCD touch screen.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone jack.

Pros of

fast lens;
Combination of optical and electronic stabilization;
Two microphones can be used at once if a special module is installed;
Shooting at a light of 0.3 lux.

Cons:

Small screen makes it difficult to indicate focus by touch.

Panasonic HC-V760.

This model is considered by many experts to be the best camcorder for both professionals and For amateurs who are just planning to do video filming on their own.

Good image quality, a 50x optical zoom and a digital zoom of about 1500 with an excellent range of focal length operation.

There is a three-inch touch screen with a rotating mount, under which there are several buttons, making the settings control more convenient and accessible just in the shooting mode.

It is nice that the camcorder is loaded not only from the usual network, but also via USB-cable, you can use a "can" or laptop.

The camera can be connected to a computer, TV, there is an input for an external microphone. In standalone mode, the device shoots up to 2 hours, shooting is possible in light from 1 Lux.

Main characteristics:

Maximum resolution - 1920?1080.
There is a night record.
Optical/digital Zoom 20x / 60x.
Image stabilizer.
3 inches LCD touch screen.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone input - yes.

Pros of

ergonomic design;
A large number of video formats;
Quality sound transmission, you can use external equipment;
charging via USB.

Cons

additional batteries are expensive;
A light filter makes the picture blurry at the edges.

Sony PXW-Z90

Reliable and high-quality camcorder for professional shooting with high image quality and great details.

Allows you to use a lot of useful equipment, including a flash and an external microphone. Suitable for streaming, gives a great choice when mounting a lens.

There is an optical zoom and hybrid stabilizer, a fast processor provides stable autofocus.

For cooling is responsible fan that remains inactive during the shooting (although, under the threat of overheating may suddenly turn on), but it reduces the temperature during breaks between takes.

It is convenient to adjust the settings, the LCD screen allows you to select certain parameters, and some can be changed even during active recording.

Key features:

Maximum resolution - 3840?2160.
There is night recording.
Optical/digital Zoom 12x.
Image stabilizer - yes.
The screen is 3.5 inches.
Photo mode - is.
Microphone input - is.

Pros of

rich interface;
4K image;
compact size;
suitable for streaming;
value for money.

Disadvantages

In low light, there is a lot of noise;
not very comfortable handle.

Top 3 best action cameras

GoPro HERO8 Black Edition (CHDHX-801-RW)

An indispensable tool for the blogger and traveler with high quality stabilization image stabilization.

Allows you to be in the thick of things and not worry about detail, contrast and richness of the picture. Compact, with lots of automatic settings, can be securely attached to a helmet or clothes, mounted on a tripod.

Shooting speed can be adjusted, as well as to set the focus on the object.

There are three automatic modes for sports, standard or artistic recording. And these modes can be adjusted manually using the settings from the menu.

The weight of the device is only 1-3 grams, it is easy to disguise or hide it if necessary.

In 4K resolution, a shooting speed of 60 frames per second is available.

Key Features:

The maximum resolution is 3840?2160.
Night recording is available.
Image stabilizer - is.
Screen is 2 inches.
Photo mode.
Microphone jack - no.

Pros of

size, lightness;
high image quality;
wireless connection;
a lot of automatic settings.

Cons

no major drawbacks.

DJI Osmo Action

Compact and reliable action-camera that will not let you down at the most inopportune moment. Protected housing from water allows you to dive with this device to a depth of 11 meters, there is a small screen on which the image is displayed and the menu is rich in settings.

The viewing angle of the lens is 145 degrees.

The user receives a bright and saturated image even on the sunniest days, flares do not affect the picture in any way.

There is a shooting mode with eightfold deceleration, voice control is available, which is very convenient when passing the track or at high altitude.

A really worthy tool for bloggers and extreme shooters, which does not require any special shooting skills and is easily adjustable through the menu.

Main features:

Maximum resolution - 3840?2160.
There is night recording.
Image stabilizer.
LCD screen is 2,25 inches.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone input - no.

Pros of

stable wireless connection;
supports cards up to 256 GB;
voice control;
you can dive under the water.

Cons

no significant found.

Insta360 One R 1 Inch

Compact action camera with video recording up to 5312?2988. There is a solution widescreen image and night shooting, electronic image stabilizer and instant autofocus on the subject.

For operation, it offers a menu-rich setup, which is displayed on a small touch screen.

The camera can be attached to a tripod, bicycle frame, clothing, helmet, etc.

There is a mode of accelerated video recording and recording a clip at dusk.

The memory card slot is placed on the side, the maximum capacity is 265 GB.

Built-in illuminator allows you to work in the camcorder even in low light conditions, there are several automatic modes that eliminate flares and noise on the clip.

Main features:

Maximum resolution - 5312?2988.
Night recording is available.
Image stabilizer.
Touch screen.
Photo mode.
Microphone input - no.

Pros of

convenience of settings;
A lot of recording modes;
High picture quality.

Cons

No significant problems were found.

Top 3 best camcorders with optical stabilizer

Sony FDR-AX700

Thanks to the use of high-quality optics Zeiss this camera at small The size allows you to record detailed images with excellent color reproduction.

The body is equipped with a shoe to which you can connect a flash, external microphone and other equipment. There is an IR remote control for controlling shooting from a distance.

A handy wheel is available for manual focusing, and several function buttons on the body let you adjust the shutter speed and aperture.

The model supports recording accelerated or slow motion video, where the frame rate ranges from 1 to 960 frames per second or 1,000 frames per second.

The professional-level settings menu will allow you to quickly select the necessary sound and image parameters, if necessary, the menu can be put into translucent mode to change the settings while shooting without interrupting it.

Key Features:

Maximum resolution - 2160?3840.
Night recording is available.
Optical/digital Zoom 12x / 192x.
Image stabilizer - optical.
Screen - yes, touch screen, 3.5 inches.
Photo mode - is.
Microphone input - there is.

Pros of

The shooting quality and usability;
high speed autofocus;
excellent stabilization;
bright touch screen display;
there is a viewfinder.

Cons

cost;
no 60 fps when shooting in 4K.

Panasonic HC-X2000

Popular model for professional video shooting with a viewfinder that supports 4K resolution.

Minimum illumination is 1.5 lux, there is a built-in illuminator, flash and freelance microphone can be used. The camera easily connects to a computer or TV and records on a memory card.

Optical stabilizer effectively removes shake from the frame, making the picture clear and detailed. Fast autofocus also contributes to this.

There is active cooling, but the battery life is not long, so it is recommended to stock up with a couple more, especially if you plan to shoot for a long time.

Extensive and rich in settings menu is regulated through the LCD screen of 3.5 inches.

There's a widescreen recording mode and a photo mode.

Key features:

The maximum resolution is 3840?2160.
There is night recording.
Optical/digital Zoom is 24x / 10x.
Image stabilizer.
Screen is 3.5 inches, touch screen.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone jack.

Pros of

lightness, compactness;
the ability to use additional equipment;
a wide range of settings;
built-in illuminator.

Cons:

Unstable wireless connection.

Canon XA50

Another professional camera option with an optical stabilizer that Has proprietary image quality and fast processor performance.

Both the picture and the sound are on the level here, the user-friendly menu offers a wide range of settings. There is both manual and automatic focusing. The low weight of the device allows you to work with it for a long time, without hand fatigue and body overheating.

The ability to pick up any lens makes the model even more attractive in the eyes of the user.

The use of external equipment is allowed, there is a wireless connection. A 3.5-inch rotary display with touch screen control is available for menu navigation.

Several function buttons are placed on the body of the camera, allowing you to make changes to the settings during operation.

Main characteristics:

Maximum resolution - 3840?2160.
Night recording is available.
Optical/digital Zoom 15x / 300x.
Image stabilizer.
3.5" LCD touch screen.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone jack.

Pros of

White balance settings are convenient;
fast focus, there is a manual mode;
good weight indicators;
picture quality.

Disadvantages

no significant found.

Top 3 best camcorders with electronic stabilizer

Panasonic HC-VXF1

A compact model with a 3-inch rotating screen and touch control, which Suitable for amateur and semi-professional shooting.

The modern sensor provides 4K resolution image recording, even in low light conditions. It supports widescreen image and has several automatic modes which can improve the quality of the recording.

The small size and light weight of the device allows you to take the camcorder with you on trips.

Quality zoom, electronic stabilizer and fast autofocus will provide a clear and detailed image no matter what object will be used to record.

Let's not forget about the ability to connect additional equipment, which greatly extends the functionality of this model.

Main Features:

Maximum resolution - 3840?2160.
Night recording - Yes.
Optical/digital Zoom - 24x / 70x.
Image stabilizer - is.
3 inches LCD touch screen.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone input - yes.

Pros of

A good optical zoom;
Easy and flexible picture and sound settings;
auto horizon;
good photo mode.

Cons

stiff power cord;
hour of use from the regular battery.

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

A compact camcorder in a stylish design, perfect for preserving the highlights moments and events of your life.

Due to the steel sides and rugged body is particularly durable, the camera can be taken with you on trips without worrying about its safety. The modern matrix allows the addition of any lenses, there is a slot for a memory card and a slot for a tripod.

The 5-inch matte display makes it easy to adjust the sound and picture settings.

The camera works quickly, without freezing, a wide range of light sensitivity provides a clear and detailed image with the ability to remove extraneous noise.

There is a good photo mode, so this model is considered a good universal apparatus.

Key features:

Maximum resolution - 4096?2160.
Night recording - there is.
Image stabilizer is electronic.
Screen - there is, 5 inches.
There is a photo mode.
Microphone input - yes.

Pros of

compactness and reliability of the body;
high image quality;
a wide dynamic range;
a lot of automatic settings;
movie mode.

Disadvantages

high price;
noticeably warm when used for a long time.

Sony PXW-FS7

The model of camcorder from a popular manufacturer, which at the moment can afford Only in-demand professionals or studios can afford this camera at the moment.

A device that offers high image quality and is capable of working with the most powerful lenses, which gives the camera its versatility.

It can be used to write feature film takes or to take high-quality nature documentaries.

Video recording is provided on a memory card. You can set up this process both with dubbing and recording individually.

There is a module for connecting several microphones and other studio equipment.

Note the high stability of the wireless connection to the computer and a large number of automatic modes and manual settings.

Main characteristics:

The maximum resolution is UHD 4K.
A night record.
Image stabilizer.
3.5 inches LCD touch screen.
There is a photo mode.
A microphone input.

Pros of

professional level;
A wide functionality and versatility;
High quality of sound and image.

Cons

cost.

Top 2 best camcorders with Wi-Fi

Panasonic HC-V800

An inexpensive camcorder model with good shooting quality that can be considered as a variant for an amateur.

You should not expect a lot of settings and modes, but it is considered a good example of value for money.

Backlit sensor allows you to record in low light conditions, although there is no classic, familiar to many night mode.

For everyday subjects quite enough 24x zoom. To zoom offers a handy lever at the top of the body, there under these goals and the buttons on the 3-inch LCD screen.

Automatic focus is smooth and silent, there is also a manual focus, but the operator can only control it through the screen. Sound recording is available in stereo format and Dolby Digital 5.1.

Main features:

The maximum resolution is 1920?1080.
There is no night recording.
Optical/digital Zoom - 24x / 70x.
Image stabilizer - yes.
Screen - LCD, touch screen, 3 inches.
Photo mode - is.
Microphone input - no.

Pros of

The best option for the price;
smooth autofocus;
Good quality soundtrack and video;
the matrix has backlighting.

Cons

Sometimes there is noise when recording sound in Dolby Digital 5.1.

Canon EOS C200

This model is rightfully considered one of the best among professional camcorders. For Thanks to its full-frame sensor and an abundance of suitable lenses, the operator gets unlimited possibilities for work.

With this camera you can arrange a photo hunt, and participate in the recording "art".

4K resolution is available, resulting in detailed images with minimally spoiled noise. And I don't need to tell you about the abundance of settings.

Such power of the sensor and the use of two processors at once can lead to overheating, so the manufacturer has equipped the camera with active cooling in the form of a fan.

It activates either at a high risk of overheating or in between takes, dropping the high temperature.

The camera is modular, so there is both a display and a viewfinder, as well as a mount for additional accessories.

Separately note and fast, tenacious autofocus with a large number of settings and instantaneous response to the operator.

Key features:

Maximum resolution - 4096?2160.
Night recording is available.
Image stabilizer-no.
Screen is LCD, 4 inches, touch screen.
There is a photo mode.
A microphone input.

Pros of

A full-frame sensor;
4K recording;
You can easily pick up a lens;
Abundance of interfaces.

Disadvantages

low capacity of the regular battery.

Which company should I choose?

Sony and Panasonic are considered to be the undisputed leaders and drivers of progress in the digital video camera market.

Canon and JVC brands from Japan are one step down, but their models are inferior only in the amateur and medium segment.

Professional cameras do not differ in technical characteristics, but at the same time have a more adequate price than competitors.

Customer reviews

{{ reviewsOverall }} / 5 Owners Rating (2 votes)

Brand/Model Rating

Number of votes

Sort by:

Be the first to leave a review.

Verified by

{{{review.rating_title }}}

{{{review.rating_comment | nl2br}}}

Add your review!

Helpful video

From the video you will get an overview of the best camcorders: