The best camcorders in 2024: perfect all-in-one video cameras (2024)

The best camcorders can certainly compete with modern mirrorless cameras, but with the convenience of a big built-in zoom lens and in most cases, better audio options.

With cameras for filmmaking now being available at every price point, more people are realizing that having a device that is designed solely for shooting video oftenmeans that when choosing the best camera for video, a camcorder is a much better choice than a multi-purpose camera phone.

Did you know there is more than one type of camcorder? You might normally think of smaller, inexpensive all-in-one camcorders for casual use, but there's a growing professional broadcast market too, as demonstrated by the recent Canon XA75, for example.

There's plenty to consider if you're shopping for the best camcorder with the market ranging all the way from budget-friendly consumer camcorders to professional camcorders for TV broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking.

We've put together a list of what we reckon are the best camcorders available on the market right now. From small, self-contained shooters designed for holidays and day-to-day casual shooting, to the best and latest 4K camcorders that produce footage of superior quality, there should be something for all users – and all budgets!

Our Top Picks

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The best camcorders in 2024

Best for families

You don’t need to spend big to make great movies – Sony’s HDR-CX405 sells for well under $300 but also comes with a host of sophisticated tricks to help you make extremely polished films.

The camcorder can record simultaneously in XAVC S, AVCHD, and friendly file-sharing MP4 format. You can edit in-camera using the onboard Highlight Movie Maker and caneven apply various visual effects without having to faff around with separate editing programs, which is a real bonus for those that want a simple solution.

There’s a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 30x optical zoom, with an impressive 26.8mm wide-angle setting. The camcorder even has 5.1 audio capture. Given the spec, you might be hard-pressed to justify spending more, making this one of the best camcorders for filmmakers on a budget.

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Best affordable 4K camcorder

The FDR-AX43 may be compact, but it doesn’t skimp on its features. Fronted by a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens, which includes a 20x optical zoom, 4K shooting (with super-down-sampling for 1080p displays), a low noise Exmor R CMOS sensor, and dual-video recording in XAVC S or AVCHD formats, plus easy to share MP4.

For those who want as if you were there surround sound when viewing their footage on a home cinema or soundbar, there’s also a multichannel 5.1 microphone. However, expect limitations in low light, but if you’re in the market for an easy-to-manage camcorder, capable of 4K video, then this model is a fantastic choice, and that balance between functionality, portability, and the price is why it takes our #1 spot.

Although it looks like it has now been discontinued, it is still available to buy from several camera retailers.

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Best 4K compact

The Sony FDR-AX700 has a one-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor that shoots 4K video in both SDR and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR. Features include a 12x zoom, a big 3.5-inch viewfinder, dual SD card slots, and advanced phase detection AF.

The FDR-AX700 uses XAVC S for both 4K and HD recording, with recording speeds of 100 Mbps for 4K, and 50 Mbps for 1080p. It will also shoot Full HD 1080p slow-motion at 120 fps. The brand’s BIONZ X image processor keeps images crisp and makes the FDR-AX700 one of the best camcorders for keen videographers and even aspiring filmmakers. A standard SMPTE timecode can be included in recordings.

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Best price to performance

The Canon HF G70 stands out as a solid pick for those seeking a user-friendly video camera that delivers good quality straight off the bat. It's likely to gain traction among wedding photographers adept at using DSLRs or advanced mirrorless cameras for stills but seeking a dedicated video setup.

While the controls aren't flawless, the five assignable buttons offer a decent level of customization, enhancing its adaptability. However, the absence of Wi-Fi connectivity might deter content creators from seeking seamless sharing options. Moreover, its lack of serious waterproofing doesn't align well with the needs of outdoor filmmakers.

For those serious about video production, hybrids like the Panasonic Lumix S5 II present a compelling alternative. Offering interchangeable lenses, enhanced durability, and a plethora of filming formats, these options double up as stellar stills cameras, a feature the HF G70 lacks.

Priced around $1k/£1k, the Canon HF G70 appears ideal for those eyeing a camcorder in this budget range. Yet, I find it challenging to outright recommend due to Canon's enthusiast EOS R mirrorless models excelling in both video and stills. However, the HF G70 holds its appeal for individuals who are comfortable with the functionality and handling of a traditional camcorder, prioritizing simplicity over extensive video modes, codecs, or formats tailored for intensive editing.

Read our full Canon Vixia / Legria HF G70 review

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Best for Professionals

If you're wanting to shoot like a pro, then this Panasonic HC-X2000 is the best run-and-gun camcorder on our list. Capable of recording 2160p at 60fps, it’s designed for event videographers and enthusiasts.

Weighing in at 1.5kg it isn’t a casual option, but it is much lighter than its predecessor the HC-X1000 and you can remove the handle with its built-in LED light and mic holder, if you need to travel light. It features a large 3.5-inch color touchscreen and has two XLR professional microphone inputs for professional audio options and dual SD card slots. Not only can it shoot 3,840x2,160 up to 60fps, but can also shoot slow motion at 120fps in Full HD 1080p.

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Best zoom range

This is a 4k professional camcorder that you can take wherever you go and can capture stunning and highly detailed 4K HDR video. This compact, palm-style camera offers phase-detection Autofocus (AF) along with HDR capabilities in a relatively small body.

Suitable for corporate events, broadcast news, and television production, the HXR-NX80 camcorder features a stacked 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor with 14.2MP, an 18x Zeiss optical zoom in 4k or 24x in 1080p, an OLED viewfinder, and a 3.5" touchscreen LCD monitor.

This camcorder records 4K in XAVC S 4K codec, and it includes S-Log3/S-Gamut3 functions for additional image control. Additional features include built-in 2.4 GHz for multiple streaming options via RTMP/RTMPS protocols, making this the best professional camcorder for a vast number of applications.

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Best for weddings

The Canon XA65 stands out as an excellent option for professionals seeking a high-quality video camera without the hassle of swapping lenses or diving deep into exposure settings. Upgrading from the HF G70 to access enhanced audio controls and XLR microphone inputs through its detachable handle is a worthwhile consideration.

However, its limited connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, does limit its versatility. Still, the option to stream live events via UVC remains a viable choice. While the design is practical, it lacks the flair to excite, and the absence of waterproofing restricts its use in adverse outdoor conditions.

Comparatively, hybrid Canon cameras like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II deliver superior video quality, and versatile autofocus across various filming formats, and double up as proficient still cameras, a feature the XA65 lacks.

Priced around $2,299/£2,000, the XA65 offers value by eliminating the need for additional lenses. It caters well to videographers focused on quick, news-oriented content or documentaries rather than aiming for visually stunning cinematic productions. Despite feeling somewhat dated initially, I found the XA65's handling and simplicity highly enjoyable. Although it may have niche appeal in a shrinking market, professionals who prefer the traditional camcorder form factor without requiring a larger sensor will find the XA65 a reliable companion.

Read our full Canon XA65 review

Best for journalism

The Canon XA75 presents a unique balance – powerful enough for broadcasting yet discreet. This feature makes it an ideal companion for covering live events such as conferences and weddings, where remaining inconspicuous is paramount. Having filmed multiple weddings using various top-tier hybrid cameras, I found the XA75's form factor notably more user-friendly compared to a DSLR. Its low-light performance also pleasantly surprised me, rivaling that of my Canon EOS R6.

However, despite being Canon's top-tier professional camcorder, the absence of a Wi-Fi module feels constraining. In situations where swift content sharing is essential – common when using a camcorder on the move – relying solely on SD cards or USB-C transfers becomes a limitation. While this might not hinder everyone's workflow, it's a consideration, especially for wedding photographers aiming to create a seamless post-production process.

Another point of contention lies in its pricing versus capabilities. At this price range, the maximum UHD 4K30p video recording capability seems underwhelming. Comparable camcorders like the Panasonic HC-X2000E offer 4K 50p/60p at a higher bitrate, while the Canon EOS R6 Mark II provides 6K 60p ProRes RAW via HDMI. Nonetheless, the XA75 excels in critical areas such as autofocus tracking, power zoom, XLR inputs, and uninterrupted continuous recording, catering precisely to the needs of working professionals.

Despite these drawbacks, the XA75 stands out for its practicality. Its ease of use, particularly in live-streaming scenarios, positions it among the top choices for camcorders.

Read our full Canon XA75 review

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Best for documentaries

The XC15 comes with the MA-400 microphone adapter, which connects to an XLR audio input. The MA-400 was originally designed for the C300 Mk II and is geared toward single-user applications such as news gathering. It's shoe-mountable from two different positions and offers an external mic holder.

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Best for run-and-gun shooting

TheXC10 4K is capable of recording professional Ultra HD 4K video and is presented in a package ergonomically designed for optimal handheld operation and portability.

The camera incorporates a 10x f/2.8-5.6 SLR-style manual zoom lens with auto and manual focus capability, along with the camera's 1" CMOS sensor that is backed by a DIGIC DV 5 image processor. With a 4224 x 3164 total resolution, it can capture video at up to 3840 x 2160 and 4:3 photos in up to 12MP (4000 x 3000).

The 8.9 to 89mm lens yields a 35mm equivalent focal length of a versatile 27.3 to 273mm in video mode or 24.1 to 241mm in the 4:3 photo mode. Video is recorded with H.264 compression and packed in the widely-supported MXF wrapper. Bit rates of 35 and 50 Mb/s are available for 1080i/p recording, along with 205 and 305 Mb/s modes (depending on frame rate) for UHD 4K.

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How to choose the best camcorder

If you're considering returning to the world of camcorders for the first time after adventures many years ago with 8mm or VHS-C tape, you might be wondering why you need one at all.

The key advantage of owning a camcorder over a camera phone is that you get a vast optical zoom lens built-in, meaning you can get closer to your subjects without compromising the quality of your image. This is particularly useful when shooting sports and wildlife, and is also something that sets camcorders apart from the best action cameras.

Of course, camcorders are not the only choice for videographers. The best cameras for filmmaking have the advantage of not only providing a gorgeous picture but also offering the capacity for the user to swap lenses. The best cinema cameras, meanwhile, are designed more for prosumers and professionals, but come with a price tag to match; whilst content creators working on their own will likely be more interested in the best cameras for vlogging.

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