If you’re shopping for a camcorder, you may find yourself navigating a jungle of technical jargon. Today’s camcorders are sophisticated and full of features that may be confusing to sort out. Camcorder prices range from $75 to $3,500. Here’s a simple list of some of the best high-end to mid-range camcorders of 2013 based on top customer and industry reviews.
SONY NEX-VG30H Handycam
If you want the cream of the crop in digital camcorders, this high-end camcorder offers several lenses and captures cinema feature video with surround audio recording capabilities. The large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor allows for high quality photos and video recordings and has an image quality of 16.7 megapixels. It features touchscreen technology, 1080p Full HD recording, weighs 3.5 pounds and has a 1/4000 movie shutter speed, HDMI input projector, and OIS zoom lens image stabilizer.
CANON XA10 PROFESSIONAL Camcorder
This camcorder provides a 64GB flash memory drive with relay recording. It offers SDHC/SDXC memory card slots, effective image stabilizer, 8 megapixel capacity for photo images, CMOS Image Sensor with a wide range, 24p Cinema video and an External microphone jack. Other features include a manual focus ring for optimum focus, two XLR audio input ports, HDMI Mini Connector for HDTV, an ample 3.5-inch LCD screen and an LANC protocol Compatible Remote Terminal.
PANASONIC HC-X920 Digital Camcorder
This camcorder features a touchscreen LCD viewer for video recording with Flash Memory and professional Full HD video with SDHC/SDXC memory card slots. It has a 29mm wide-angle lens, a new 3MOS system with backside illumination, MP4 audio recording capacity, takes high resolution photos at 20.4 megapixels and weighs 15 ounces with no battery. Additional features include an HDMI mini for HDTV connectivity, 3D compatibility and Wi-Fi for transferring files with remote.
SONY HDR-PJ430V Handycam Camcorder
This mid-range camcorder offers 32GB memory, built-in projector, recording at 1080p at 60 frames per second and standard movie film speed, new G-Lens with wide angle, built in GPS tagging for video or photos, Exmor R CMOS sensor with back illumination for low light recording. It offers 8.9 megapixel for still pictures, a shutter speed range of 1/30 – 1/10,000, and weighs 12.2 ounces. One new feature on this model allows for HDMI input to a mobile device or laptop projection.
CANON VIXIA HF M52 Full HD Camcorder
This camcorder is equipped with a Dual Flash Memory 32GB drive that can record directly off the drive or its SDHC/SDXC card slots. It has a 1/3-inch HD CMOS sensor for low light recording, enhanced focusing for speed, MP4 audio recording feature and Wi-Fi capability for file transfer. The M52 weighs 12.3 ounces, shutter movie speed of 1/2000 seconds, 2.37 megapixels for photos and touchscreen technology. Additional accessories include an HDMI Mini Connector for connecting to HDTV and a Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe for additional lighting or microphone.
SONY HDR-PJ380V HD
This low priced camcorder offers a dual flash memory with 16GB capacity and built in projector. It is equipped with Optical SteadyShot stabilizer for action shots, GPS with geo-tagging, touchscreen 3.0-inch LCD monitor, Exmor R CMOS sensor with backlight illumination, slots for Memory Stick Pro Duo™ and SDHC cards and HDMI component for HDTV. The device weighs 7.23 ounces, a 26.8mm wide-angle lens and features a Clear Voice with Face Detection component that switches to enhanced audio mode upon detecting a face.