Mobile phones are incredibly easy to use and boast many great features. But, to produce great YouTube videos, many steer towards a different breed of cameras. The best camcorders for YouTube videos are small, lightweight, and feature-packed!
There are many reasons why someone would choose a camcorder over a mobile phone or DSLR, but the way we see it, it gives you the filmmaking or vlogging experience.
The ergonomics of the camcorder really make it fun to use and are especially good for beginners and kids. It seems easier to pull out and shoot than a DSLR and you can focus more on the filming experience. Plus you won’t get the shaky mobile footage that seems amateur!
In 2020, camcorders are becoming more of a thing of the past but they are still functional and great tools for YouTube videos.
“I don’t want to spend a whole lot of money,” you might say. Well, I’m happy to inform you that camcorders can be very cheap. You can get a high-quality 4K camcorder or a beginner camcorder for under $100.
So why choose a camcorder?
Advantages Of Using A Camcorder For YouTube
If you want more recording time, a higher quality video, or more lens capabilities, you need a video camera or camcorder. A DSLR camera may have good video capability, and will definitely have more lens capability, but these are often quite large compared to camcorders.
A point-and-shoot camera may also be a good, cheap camera choice but sometimes doesn’t provide all of the features and quality that a camcorder will. It kind of depends on the feel you want to go for.
Many of the lower-priced and smaller DSLR choices will prove to have some limitations for video use. Especially in the entry-level models, auto-focus and lens zoom noises can be problematic.
A camcorder won’t have these issues. The best video cameras for YouTubers will have a wide-ranging zoom lens, discerning auto-focus, and excellent sound quality. You can add an external mic too.
Camcorders also automatically store all data on an internal storage SD card. This makes it very easy to transfer your recordings from your camera to a laptop or desktop computer for editing. Some camcorders even offer live streaming functionality and webcam software so you can make conference calls or share live feeds from your camcorder to the internet.
Limitations Of Using Camcorders For YouTube
There are limitations, though. Some of the smaller, least expensive camcorders have sensors that aren’t much bigger than the higher-end smartphones.
That means there isn’t a giant difference in image quality. This applies mostly to the very lowest-priced video cameras. Their wide-ranging optical zoom lenses still make even these inexpensive video cameras a great choice.
Additionally, even with the improvement in sound quality, the lower-priced units usually don’t have any way of adding a different microphone. The sound quality is still quite good, but you’ll have to spend more on the ability to upgrade audio capabilities.
Let’s look at some camcorder video cameras!
Main Differences Between Consumer and Professional Camcorders
Professional camcorders can look very similar to a simple consumer camcorder with a sleek design, but they’re usually 5 to 10 times more expensive compared to your average camcorder. How can something of the same size and look have such a different price range, you may ask? Well, it’s all about the features and functionality.
Professional camcorders offer the following advanced features that make them a worthy investment.
Interesting Video Quality
Professional grade camcorders usually take higher resolution images and videos compared to your average cheap camcorder. The HD video recording quality is also exceptional in terms of clarity, lighting, focus, and zoom. You can take stunning videos by investing in a quality piece of equipment.
More Connectivity Options
Consumer camcorders usually don’t have a lot of connectivity options. The video recordings are automatically stored on an SD card and need to be manually transferred to your editing or sharing device.
Professional camcorders, on the other hand, can have quite a few connectivity options. Some of these can connect to the Wi-Fi for live streaming video and audio content, while other devices can sync with smartphone apps for instant video footage transferring.
Professional camcorders can also come with external ports that allow you to link to recording equipment like external microphones, speakers, lights, and other equipment to enhance your video recording quality, audio quality, and functionality.
Larger Sensor Size
Some professional camcorders have a larger sensor size while the sensors on commercial devices tend to be very small. This sensor is what makes your camcorder digital. It’s the device that transforms the captured light into a digital signal that can be stored on the SD card or shared.
Both Canon and Sony have been releasing camcorders with larger sensors so users can capture a more beautiful video in limited lighting conditions.
A Lens Mount System
Most vlogging cameras are designed with lenses that offer a zoom function, but the lenses of commercial devices are always fixed. Professional compact cameras do, however, come with a lens mount system that allows you to fit different zoom lenses.
Frame Rates
Consumer cameras usually offer a fixed frame rate of 29.97 fps. They sometimes offer a cinema mode and other settings that can help you mimic a slower frame rate. Pro cameras can shoot at a much lower frame rate since they usually come with different frame rates like 23.97, 24, 29.97, or 30fps.
This gives the user a lot more flexibility in terms of the type of videos or the style of videos they want to create.
Body Stabilization Equipment
It can be tough to take smooth footage when your hands are shaking or you’re moving. The body stabilization equipment and auto video stabilization software that come with professional cameras will help you get rid of any unwanted shaking or jerking movements on the recording.
Top 6 Best Camcorders For YouTube Videos and Vlogging
Now that you understand the different types of camcorders and their functionality better, it’s finally time to take a look at the best devices to get for your video recording sessions. Here’s a look at the top 6 best camcorders for YouTube videos and vlogging.
1. kicteck 1080P Camcorder – (Cheap + Most Popular)
1. This is the most popular and best cheap camcorder out there. For less than $100, content creators get a super functional device. If you’re looking for a budget camcorder, this one is for you!
You might spend more on the memory card! Don’t discount it as a toy just because of its price, though. It’s another very feature packed camcorder.
At first look, this camera is light. Very light. So light it almost seems a little flimsy. Once you get used to that, you’ll realize it isn’t really an issue. The plastic does have the look and feels that doesn’t imply high-end. That being said, this little camera will be a great option for many beginner YouTube Vloggers.
Now to the zoom lens. It’s actually not a zoom lens. All the zooming is done digitally, so by the time you get to maximum zoom, the image quality has degraded significantly. The image stabilization helps, but if you’re wanting high quality long telephoto, you’ll need to explore other options.
The screen image is bright and clear and the menu is surprisingly easy to navigate. Some things I noticed while setting any of the lower quality framing rates resulted in a finished video that looked grainy and somewhat soft. The zoom seemed to jump very quickly through some ranges, and slower through others. If you need to use digital zoom, it might be good practice to zoom in before beginning recording.
Actual filming was very easy and comfortable. The strap fits nicely and the controls fall under your fingers just right. The operation was very simple and straightforward. The anti-shake feature works well. Playback is either from the camera or from the SD card.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that this is a value priced video camera. It is a very good camcorder for someone just dabbling in video, on a vacation, casual family and friend shooting, or perhaps a beginner or younger YouTuber/vlogger.
2. Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Camcorder
This 4K camcorder is an absolute juggernaut of video quality, but it is significantly pricier. Still, not as expensive as earlier 4K cameras were. Stepping up to extremely high quality video costs more, but this camera is not out of reach for serious YouTube Vloggers.
Like many Sony video cameras, the Zeiss lens starts out wider than many other branded lenses. In practice, this means you are less likely to back into a wall, or fall off the pier, or get hit by a garbage truck when framing a large group or getting a whole scene into your shot.
This can be valuable for some videographers, a non issue for others. This wider angle allows for a whole lot of freedom in setting up even a basic indoor vlog shot.
Besides the view screen, this video camera has a viewfinder, too. A great tool for action shooting, but the battery pack sticking out makes it a little uncomfortable.
This camera has a great optical image stabilization called Balanced Optical Steady Shot (B.O.S.S.) In use, it is very effective. Handheld filming, walking while filming, panning and zooming, all look absolutely incredible with this feature turned on. You can out strip it. Pan really fast, or shoot video while riding a dirt bike, and it won’t keep up. If you do a lot of live action or walk around shooting, this can really enhance your end results.
Conclusion
Shooting 4K in bright daylight can cause a framing effect that some people find a little bit unnatural, but that can be alleviated by adjusting settings in camera or in post production. I’m assuming that if you’re considering this camera, you are probably also into some of the very fine video editing software available.
Extended use of this camera in the field is a joy, as this is a very high quality, full featured video camera. Size and weight are up from the mid priced camcorders, but that seems to lend a feel of confidence to the user. An expensive, but very good choice of camcorder for YouTube videos.
3. Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder – A True Heavy Weight
This camera is slightly larger and noticeably heavier than the mid priced competition. While you might relish that higher end feel, it comes with a much steeper purchase price.
What do you get for the money? A whole lot of camera! The high quality 20X zoom lens and Panasonic’s excellent imaging sensor provide a very nice video experience in crispy 1080p. The built in microphone is very good as well, being capable of recording digital surround sound in camera.
In addition to surround sound, other options are an HDR recording mode, dual camera recording, Wi-Fi, and a built in light.
Another mode that is actually going to be very useful to many videographers/YouTubers is the HDR mode. Just like HDR in a still photo, this increases the dynamic range of any scene. Subjects with deep shadows and bright highlights come out very well exposed in a natural looking way.
Using the built in light obviously shortens battery life by a large margin, but is a great aid when you really need it. It was best used at medium distance, like a ¾ or full length portrait.
Conclusion
For more serious users, or for anyone with a need for a more solid video camera, this more expensive option is a great choice of video camera.
4. Canon VIXIA HF R70 Camcorder – Great For Beginner & Intermediate YouTubers
This is another excellent video camera from Canon. Canon is a premier brand in the world of photography and video, so it’s hard to go wrong with any of their offerings. This mid priced camcorder is no exception.
It sports a high resolution sensor and an excellent lens with a 57X optical zoom range. With that much optical zoom, digital zoom enhancement simply isn’t needed. With that much reach, you’ll be thankful for Canon’s very effective image stabilization.
This lens starts out a little less wide than the Zeiss lenses on many Sony camcorders, but it does have a a threaded lens front, so an accessory wide angle supplemental lens can be added. Supplemental lenses add another layer of optics to your rig, but lens quality can still be very high if you choose a quality supplement, like Canon’s own.
Again, with many features and options, come many menus and sub menus. Get to know this camera first, and you’ll have lots of good ways to add that little something extra to your YouTube videos.
Conclusion
This camcorder also has Wi-Fi and NFC and allows for live streaming. Seeing your YouTube video on a large TV while you’re filming was a great way to set up and adjust camera postion, framing, and lighting before actual filming. You can do that on the view screen, but seeing it large can show you little things you might have missed that when adjusted makes for a better video.
This mid priced video camera has a very great vide angle lens, beautiful video quality and lets you enhance its capabilities with auxiliary lenses and microphones. A very good choice for virtually any YouTuber.
5. Canon VIXIA HF G40 Portable Video Camera Camcorder
All I can say is, Wow! What a camera! Except for not including 4K capability, this is very close to what are commonly referred to as prosumer models.
This camera and the Sony above would actually probably be considered by some as prosumer cameras. I loosely define prosumer as a camera that an established professional would be comfortable using on a job or that an advanced user could easily transition to the world of paid videography with.
Size and weight are up there, especially compared to the mid priced camcorders. For some, that will be a make or break deal. If you need or want light weight, that’s not this camcorder.
The size and weight make the viewfinder a welcome addition to this camera. This viewfinder is positioned well, no battery poking your cheek while using it. It’s so clear that you’ll think it’s optical, but it’s an EVF.
Hey, it is a more featured camcorder. Got to get to those features somehow. Again, this is a good reason to get familiar with your camera before taking it out into the wild.
The dual slots for SD cards is great for longer filming times out in the field. Take an extra battery with you and you could do a weeks worth of YouTube videos in a day.
Conclusion
Using the camcorder in full automatic mode will get you a superb video. In this video camera, full manual option is available, as is a full mix of some things auto and some not. The exposure and focus is spot on, in virtually all conditions and situations.
Now, why would a YouTuber need such a full featured prosumer camcorder? You don’t. But if you can afford the price, in size, weight, and money, it sure is nice, your viewers will love you for it.
6. Sony HDRCX405 Camcorder
This Sony HDRCX405 video camera has a high quality Carl Zeiss zoom lens with 27X true optical zoom and digital zoom to 54X. The wide angle end of this zoom allows for a lot freedom in framing the perfect shot.
Photographers know the reputation of Carl Zeiss for image excellence and Sony for video expertise. Know YouTubers will experience the same.
When first picking up this video camera, it’s small size and light weight are surprising considering its specs. It’s really not much bigger than a can of Mountain Dew or bottle of Snapple! If you are transitioning from a smartphone, this small, light camcorder will not present any challenges.
Another huge plus is Sony’s image stabilization. When recording on the go, the image stabilization helps minimize that shaky cam effect. Helpful in still photography, but a virtual necessity when filming video in wide angle or when framing extremely close up. Sony’s version of it is very effective. Even helps smooth out motion when walking and filming. Not a Steadicam, but a very helpful feature.
Beyond basic use, the menu is a little confusing at first. My advice is to sit with the camcorder and the instructions and go over everything. Which will be helpful in the long run because there are neat features that can enhance your videos.
Using it is a joy. The auto-focus is quick and decisive in most lighting levels. It has pretty good image quality in low light conditions.
Conclusion
The flip out screen is bright and very clear. It swivels so you can adjust it out of the way of direct sunlight or turn it all the way for a selfie video. The menu and control buttons are a little small, but still offer comfortable operation.
Playback can be from the Micro SD card or Micro Memory Stick loading to your computer, or direct from the camera via the built in USB connector. Plug it directly into your HDTV and enjoy.
For its size, operating comfort, and price, this is one of the best camcorders for making YouTube videos.
Captured Thoughts
The question of what is the best camcorder for shooting YouTube videos requires an involved answer. What is of higher importance to you? Low price? High quality? Lots of features? Maybe your answer falls somewhere in between.
The lowest priced units we looked at have some limitations. Maybe even some quality issues. But for the price, they are a great way to break into video beyond your smartphone.
The most expensive video cameras we looked at have quality and features approaching lower end models made for professionals. But, the price is high. Expensive, fairly big, definitely much heavier.
This brings us to the camcorders I found to be most intriguing. Small and lightweight without feeling like a child’s toy. Useful features and video quality surpassing what is required for online posting. I wouldn’t say they are a compromise, but rather a very logical choice.
The two mid priced units that won my heart are the Sony HDRCX405 Handycam Camcorder and the Canon VIXIA HF R70 Camcorder. Both camcorders attractively priced, are high quality, and possess a pleasing array of features. Either one would be great choice.
With the Canon, you get a much longer telephoto optical zoom, but you need to add a supplemental lens to get a wider angle. While with the Sony, you lose telephoto on the longest end, unless you employ digital zooming, but it has superior audio characteristics and image stabilization for its price point. You can learn more about how to get into YouTube Vlogging here What are the best camcorders for YouTube videos? Any of these video cameras reviewed will do the job. Which is produce a great video for use online.
What are the best camcorders for YouTube videos? Any of these video cameras reviewed will do the job. Which is produce a great video for use online.
If you’re looking for the cheapest and best camcorder, consider the kicteck 1080p Camcorder. Under $100 for a high-quality 1080p camcorder is a steal!
Hopefully this article gave you some information on the best camcorders. I have also written a guide on how to pick the right Vlogging camera for your needs and budget here and our site is packed with lots of other tech reviews that you should check out if you want to learn more about other quality vlogging or podcasting accessories.
Learn more about Vlogging cameras and gear
- Guide To Picking The Best Vlogging Camera
- Best Vlogging Cameras with Flip Screens
- Best Budget Vlogging Cameras
- Best Cameras for YouTube and Vlogging of 2020
Mr David thorpe says
What camcorders allow you to see what is recording. On a separate tv monitor