10 Best Professional Camcorders

Are you in need of the best professional camcorders? The right camcorder can deliver high-quality videos and images for your projects. If you are searching for a professional camcorder, then this guide will provide the information you need to choose the right one for your photography needs.

 

 

 

1. Canon VIXIA HF G50 Camcorder

The Canon VIXIA HF G50 features a 20x optical zoom lens that delivers telephoto power and a wide-angle view. This camcorder records in 4K UHD 30p which make you see everything clearly and detailed. Additionally, with its CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 6 image processor, the color quality is of the highest and the images are very detailed. You benefit from a steady performance with its 5-axis image stabilization. The video quality is also top-notch with its 4k resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• High-Quality Videos & Images
• Full HD Recording
• Intelligent 5-axis Image Stabilization
• 20x Optical Zoom Lens
• Wide 29.3mm Angle of View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder

The Canon XA11 is another high-quality camcorder from Canon. It also features an advanced HD CMOS Pro image sensor, DIGIC DV 4 image processor, and a 20x optical zoom lens to deliver high-quality video recordings. You have ensured a steady performance with this Canon camcorder thanks to its intelligent optical image stabilization system. It delivers full HD recording.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• High-Quality Videos
• 20x Optical Zoom Lens
• Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization System
• Full HD Recording

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Canon XA40 Professional Video Camcorder

The Canon XA40 is yet again another high-quality video camcorder from Canon. Like many from Canon, it delivers high-quality video recordings and images. It records in full high definition. This camcorder delivers high-quality 4K UHD video with its 4K UHD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, a powerful DIGIC DV 6 image processor, and a 20x high definition optical zoom lens.

Additionally, its high-quality image is enhanced by an 8-blade circular aperture design which negates the “starburst” effect of point light sources in non-circular aperture designs. It renders out-of-focus areas smooth, natural, and appealing. It also features a 5-axis image stabilization for steady performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 4K UHD 30p Recording
• 20X Optical Zoom Lens
• 5 Axis Image Stabilization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Panasonic X1500 4K Professional Camcorder

The Panasonic X1500 is a lightweight and compact 4K 60p camcorder. This Panasonic camcorder also features a wide-angle 25mm and optical 24x zoom lens to deliver stunning videos and images. With its 5-axis optical image stabilization, it delivers high-quality results with almost no significant incident of shaking. Its 4K high-precision autofocus system helps to deliver clear and detailed images and videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Lightweight & Compact
• 5-Axis Optical Image Stabilization
• 4K High-Precision Autofocus System
• 24X Optical Zoom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Sony HXR-NX100 Camcorder

The Sony HXR-NX100 is a compact full-HD camcorder that delivers amazing results with a no-compromise big 1.0-type sensor. Its 24x clear image zoom and 48x digital zoom help in delivering stunning videos and images. Any amount of shake is resolved with its active steady shot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

• Active Steady Shot
• High-Quality Videos & Images
• 24x Clear Image Zoom & 48x Digital Zoom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Panasonic HC-X1 Professional Camcorder

The Panasonic HC-X1 supports 4K 24p, UHD 60p/50p, multi-format recording, and HD super slow-motion. This professional Panasonic camcorder also features a wide 24mm angle LEICA DICOMAR 4K 20x lens. With its 4K 1.0 inch MOS sensor with a depth of field and excellent balance between image quality and sensitivity, you get high-quality output. The Panasonic HC-X1 also delivers slow-motion recording.

Additionally, this camcorder is a 4 drive lens system that simultaneously and independently drives 4 lens groups. The Panasonic HC-X1 also features an intelligent autofocus system to help deliver stunning videos. Hand-shakes are detected and corrected with its 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

        What We Like:

• Advanced Optical Image Stabilizer
• 4-Drive Lens System
• 20X Optical Zoom
• Intelligent AF
• 5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Canon Vixia HF G50 Camcorder

The Canon Vixia G50 delivers 4K high-resolution videos. It features a 1/2.3″ UHD 4K CMOS sensor, a DIGIC DV 6 image processor, an 8-blade circular aperture, 5-axis image stabilization, a 20x optical zoom, and up to UHD 4K30 resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 20x Optical Zoom
• 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• UHD 4K30 Resolution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Sony PXW-Z90V Camcorder

The Sony PXW-Z90 delivers images and videos of superior quality with 4K resolution, an Instant HDR, a large 1-inch Exmore RS image sensor, and a Fast Hybrid Auto Focus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Fast Hybrid Auto Focus
• 4K Resolution
• Instant HDR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Sony HXR-MC88 Camcorder

The Sony HXR-MC88 is a compact and lightweight camcorder that delivers high-quality results. It features 24x zoom, fast hybrid autofocus, and dual XLR professional audio for amazing results. Additionally, it features built-in ND filters, a BSI Exmore CMOS sensor with a BIONZ processor that delivers high-quality images.

 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• Fast Hybrid Auto Focus
• Lightweight & Compact
• 24x Zoom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Panasonic HC-X2000 Pro Camcorder

The Panasonic HC-X2000 shoots and records UHD 4K. It has a 1/2.5-inch 8.29M MOS sensor that shoots at 4K resolution. Its Venus processing engine delivers the 4K image to full HD. The Panasonic HC-X2000 features a 25mm wide-angle lens and 24x optical zoom. The camera shake is detected and corrected with its 5-axis hybrid image stabilization. It also features high-precision autofocus.

 

 

 

       What We Like:

• 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilization
• 24x Optical Zoom
• High Precision Autofocus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Professional Camcorder?

1. Image Stabilization

This is one of the important features to consider when choosing a professional camcorder. Image stabilization minimizes an incident of shaking to produce a steady performance and professional output. Many camcorders have 5-axis optical image stabilization.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Autofocus

The autofocus feature helps to automatically zoom in on the subject and produce a clear and detailed image. This is an important feature to pay attention to when you are looking at camcorders.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Zoom

Many camcorders today have both an optical and digital zoom to deliver a high-quality image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. 4K Resolution

4K resolution delivers the highest quality for images and videos. Many professional camcorders are built with this capability. When you are in the market for a camcorder, it is always good to choose one with 4K resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Sensor

The sensor is also important for the quality of the videos and images and the size of the sensor is crucial. Large sensors gather more light thereby allowing the camcorder to produce better low-light images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Memory

The memory that a camcorder possesses is also very important. You don’t want to run out of space and have to purchase more memory. However, most camcorders today are built with enough memory to take on projects of a full-time photographer.

 

 

 

 

 

7. Aperture

The aperture is another important feature to consider. It is the size of the opening in the lens that lets in light. If you will often shoot in low-light situations, then it is advisable to pay attention to the maximum aperture of the camcorder.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Audio

The quality of the audio of a camcorder is also very important especially if you will cover formal events and other events that rely on quality audio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Camcorder Accessories

1. Camcorder Bag

The camcorder bag is used to store it when not in use.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Camcorder Tripod

The camcorder tripod is used to set the camcorder as you shoot your videos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Camcorder Handle Grip Stabilizer

The camcorder handle grip stabilizer holds the camcorder to allow you to move easily and capture the events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

There are so many camcorders on the market that it can be a little overwhelming to find the best professional camcorder for your projects. In this guide, we reviewed a list of some of the best camcorders to help you make an informed decision on your next or first professional camcorder.

The Canon VIXIA HF G50 4K30P Camcorder is a good choice for a professional camcorder if you take into consideration price and performance.  Additionally, the Panasonic X1500 4K Professional Camcorder is also another good choice.