Compare the best video cameras

Most video cameras record higher quality video and audio than our smartphones, making them solid investments for the amateur or serious videographer. Find the best model for your needs by comparing overall features, price and video quality.

Top video cameras

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Optical zoom	Effective pixels	Weight (oz)	Purchase
GoPro Hero8	$400	N/A	12MP	0.8	Buy now
Canon VIXIA HF R800	$260	32x	2.07MP	8.3	Buy now
Sony HDR-CX405	$270	30x	2.29MP	6.7	Buy now
Panasonic HC-V800	$600	24x	6.17MP	15.1	Buy now
Sony FDR-AX33	$720	10x	8.29MP	22.9	Buy now
JVC GZ-RY980H	800	10x	8MP	21.9	Buy now
Panasonic HC-VX1	$800	24x	8.29MP	15.1	Buy now
Canon Legria HF G40	$1,120	20x	3.09MP	31.7	Buy now

Why buy a video camera?

If you primarily use your smartphone or digital camera to record videos, consider upgrading if these features are important to you:

• Video quality. Generally, the quality of video recordings is higher in camcorders than in digital cameras and smartphones. Some digital cameras offer HD recording, but they’re typically more expensive than HD camcorders and don’t usually record high-quality audio.
• Microphone. Most camcorders have significantly better microphones than digital cameras or smartphones. Many camcorders allow you to zoom in on the sources of specific sounds and some offer surround-sound recording.
• Zoom. Even ultra-zoom cameras don’t typically offer the zoom capacity of a camcorder, and many digital cameras don’t allow you to use a zoom lens while recording video. You can find camcorders with up to 60x zoom lenses and — unlike digital cameras — camcorder microphones won’t pick up the noise of the zoom lens.
• Internal storage. Like digital cameras, camcorders allow you to record on memory cards. However, many cameras also feature high storage capacity internal hard drives.
• Ease of use. Camcorders are easy to hold for long periods of time while filming. They’re usually better at reducing the shakiness of footage than still cameras.
• Action cams. Action cams — GoPro’s Hero cameras, for example — can capture sports, outdoor activities and extreme adventures. They are durable and typically mountable so you can capture the action hands-free.

What are the drawbacks of video cameras?

Specialized video cameras aren’t for everyone. Springing for one might not be for you if:

• Your smartphone does the trick. Many smartphones allow you to record HD and 4K video. If you’re happy with the video quality of your phone camera, it’s not worth buying a camcorder.
• You wouldn’t get your money’s worth out of it. Video cameras typically range from $250 to $5,000. If you just want to record videos of all the cute positions your dog sleeps in, your smartphone already offers everything you need.

Which video camera is best for me?

The best video camera for you depends on your budget, what you plan to film and the conditions you’ll be filming in. Someone who wants a camcorder on-hand to capture every important moment of their toddler’s growth will have very different needs than a filmmaker who wants to shoot their latest masterpiece.

Check out the best and worst aspects of using these popular models below:

How to compare video cameras

When looking for a camera, consider the size, weight and how easy it is for you to use. If you can, try them out in the store to get a hands-on idea of how comfortable the camera is. Next, consider the following key features:

• Zoom

  An optical zoom uses a moving lens to help get closer to an object, whereas a digital zoom enlarges an image and reduces its quality. Look for a camera with a high optical zoom range.

• Stabilization

  Stabilization helps reduce blur when the camera is moving. Optical image stabilization (OIS) is the most effective form of stabilization.

• Sensor

  The sensor transforms the light coming into your lens into a digital video or image. The larger the sensor, the better the video and image quality you’ll get.

• ISO

  The ISO camera setting allows you to brighten or darken an image. Higher ISOs will make photos taken in low-light look brighter, but they will also make footage look noisier or grainier. Look for a camera with a larger sensor so you can record at a higher ISO without affecting video quality.

• Audio quality

  Look for a camera with a quality built-in microphone. If you get a chance to test out the camera in person, check if the audio recordings are clear and free of excess noise. Some video cameras offer an external microphone jack so you can attach an additional microphone for the highest audio quality.

• Media recording

  If you want to record and store a lot of videos, look for a camera that includes internal storage.

• Megapixels

  Camera resolution is measured in megapixels (MP). This measurement is not as critical in video cameras as it is with still photography. But if you plan on printing images from your footage or displaying your footage professionally, look for a higher megapixel count.

• Display

  Most camcorders feature LCD screens. If you plan to shoot outside, look for a screen that’s bright enough to use in the sun without getting washed out.

Bottom line

If you want to upgrade your videos from what your smartphone is capable of, a video camera could be a good fit. Compare your options based on price, video quality and overall features.

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of cameras do YouTubers use?

  Most serious vloggers use a video camera as opposed to a smartphone. Flip-screen models tend to work best for taking selfie videos, since they allow you to see what’s in the field of view as you film.

• What qualities should I look for in a video camera for beginners?

  Start with a model that’s affordable, lightweight and easy to use. You don’t necessarily need or want all the bells and whistles when you’re just starting out, as advanced features can make the camera more difficult to use.

• What's the difference between 4K and HD?

  4K video cameras have a higher resolution than HD cameras.