Camcorders

Pros & Cons

Great image stabilization system, so it works well for action shots

Clear image and accurate color reproduction

Good option for corporate or film student use

Probably too expensive for the average person

Not the best for casual or everyday use

Digital zoom

48x

Optical zoom

12x

Optical sensor resolution

14.2 effective megapixels

Memory compatibility

Slot one: SD, SDHC, or SDXC card, memory stick duo hybrid; Slot two: SD, SDHC, or SDXC card

Maximum video resolution

4K

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Sony NXCAM Full Review

MOST POPULAR

Sony HDR-CX405

Pros & Cons

Built-in USB cable makes it simple to transfer files and charge the camera

Records excellent video at an affordable price

Small and lightweight, so it's easy to transport

Small body and button size can make it difficult for some to use

No microphone input for external audio

Digital zoom

350x

Optical zoom

30x

Optical sensor resolution

2.29 megapixels

Memory compatibility

MicroSD, microSDHC, microSDXC, memory stick micro

Maximum video resolution

1080p

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Sony HDR-CX405 Full Review

BEST VALUE

Seree Camcorder

Pros & Cons

Night vision feature for shooting in low light

Easy to learn to use; intuitive controls and user interface

Comfortable hand strap

Doesn't record audio well on its own

Emits a loud chime any time it's turned on or off

Digital zoom

16x

Optical zoom

1x

Optical sensor resolution

24 megapixels

Memory compatibility

SD card

Maximum video resolution

1080p

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Seree Camcorder Full Review

BEST FOR TRAVEL

Panasonic HC-V770

Pros & Cons

Smaller and lighter than many camcorders; good for sports games or school plays

Great image, even in low light; audio works well

Large, bright display

Can be complicated to switch from the built-in microphone to an external one

Microphone can't be muted

Digital zoom

1500x

Optical zoom

20x

Optical sensor resolution

6.03 effective megapixels

Memory compatibility

SD, SDHC, or SDXC card

Maximum video resolution

1080p

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Panasonic HC-V770 Full Review

Canon XA11

Pros & Cons

Impressive video stabilization

Records great video in low light conditions, including indoors

Lots of professional features; great for small businesses

Menu can be tricky to navigate

Rubber port covers don't seem very durable

Digital zoom

400x

Optical zoom

20x

Optical sensor resolution

3.09 megapixels; 2.91 effective megapixels

Memory compatibility

Two SDXC card slots

Maximum video resolution

1080p

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Canon XA11 Full Review

Panasonic X2000

Pros & Cons

Great camera for semi-professional or hobby videographers

Programmable user buttons

Lots of features and formats

Video is grainy in low light conditions

Will probably take most people a long time to learn to use it

Digital zoom

48x

Optical zoom

24x

Optical sensor resolution

8.29 effective megapixels

Memory compatibility

Two SD card slots

Maximum video resolution

4K

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Panasonic X2000 Full Review

Canon VIXIA HF G50

Pros & Cons

Sensitive microphone

Large zoom and quick auto focus

Works well for live streaming (with necessary adaptor)

Unlike many high-end camcorders, it doesn't come with a remote

Only records in 4K, so the file sizes are large

Digital zoom

None

Optical zoom

20x

Optical sensor resolution

8.29 effective megapixels

Memory compatibility

Two card slots; compatible with SD, SDXC, and SDHC cards

Maximum video resolution

4K

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Canon VIXIA HF G50 Full Review

Zoom Q8

Pros & Cons

Flexible audio recording options; microphones are interchangeable

Good option for people looking to make music videos

Simple and affordable

Touch screen is difficult to use

No optical zoom

Digital zoom

4x

Optical zoom

1x

Optical sensor resolution

3 effective megapixels

Memory compatibility

SD card

Maximum video resolution

1080p

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Zoom Q8 Full Review

Sony FDR-AX700

Pros & Cons

Accurate light and color reproduction

Wide field of view and fast autofocus

Sharp, clear video

Touch screen isn't very sensitive

Menu is complicated and difficult to navigate

Digital zoom

192x

Optical zoom

12x

Optical sensor resolution

14.2 effective megapixels

Memory compatibility

Micro SD card

Maximum video resolution

4K

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Sony FDR-AX700 Full Review

Canon VIXIA HF R800