Camcorders have been a companion to our happy memories for a long. Also, for a long time, camcorders defined what a good video looks like.
While that job is completely taken over by smartphones and vlogging cameras today, camcorders remain the first choice for YouTube videos!
However, it’s not an easy job to find the camcorder for the task.
Let’s look at our provided list of the best camcorders for YouTube videos and vlogging in 2021 and detailed information about why it is useful to have a camcorder in your vlogging equipment.
We have collected and shared information on how to buy a camcorder along with its pros and cons, you could check it in the Buyer’s guide firstly.
Table of Contents
- Best Camcorders for YouTube Videos
- 1. Sony FDRAX33 – Best Camcorder For YouTube Videos in 2021
- 2. Canon XA11 – Best Affordable Professional Camcorder for Short Movies
- 3. Canon VIXIA HF R800 – Best Budget Camcorder For YouTube Beginners
- 4. Canon VIXIA HF R700 – Great Handy Camcorder for Amateurs [Affordable Price]
- 5. Canon VIXIA HF G40 – Superior HD Quality Semi-Professional Camcorder for Vlogging
- 6. Panasonic HC-V770 – Best Camcorder for Sport / Travel Type Vlogs [Slow Motion Videos]
- 7. Sony HDRCX405 – Cheap Good Low Light Camcorder for Vlogging
- 8. Panasonic HC-V180K – Best Camcorder for YouTube Videos Under $200
- 9. Sony HDRCX240 – Pure and Simple Camcorder for Enthusiasts
- 10. SOSUN HD – The Best Camcorder for YouTube Under $100
- Camcorders Buyer’s Guide
- Conclusion
Best Camcorders for YouTube Videos
| Name | Mic. Jack | Flip Screen | Weight | Video Resolution | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony FDRAX33 - Editor's Choice | Yes | Yes | 1.54 lbs / 698 g | 4K | Price |
| Yes | Yes | 1.6 lbs / 725 g | 1080p | Price | |
| Yes | Yes | 8.4 oz / 235 g | 1080p | Price | |
| Yes | Yes | 1.35 lbs / 612 g | 1080p | Price | |
| Yes | Yes | 1.98 lbs / 898 g | 1080p | Price | |
| Yes | Yes | 1.72 lbs / 780 g | 1080p or 4K | Price | |
| No | Yes | 1.5 lbs / 680 g | 1080p | Price | |
| No | Yes | 1.6 lbs / 725 g | 1080p | Price | |
| No | Yes | 15.2 oz / 430 g | 1080p | Price | |
| No | Yes | 1.24 lbs / 560 g | 1080p | Price |
1. Sony FDRAX33 – Best Camcorder For YouTube Videos in 2021
Nowadays, people are becoming less interested in bulky camcorders, and they want to use their smartphones instead of cameras.
However, after we got our hands on the Sony FDR-AX33 camcorder, we were amazed.
If you are looking for the best possible camcorder that can record a video in superior quality and has a slim and comfortable design – this one might be the best.
Also, it is a budget-friendly mini camcorder that makes a big step forward if you want to upgrade your current camcorder or just buy a new one.
All in all, we think that is the totally one of the best camcorder for YouTube videos and vlogging in 2021 to us, and let’s see why.
Sony FDRAX33 Camcorder Features:
The one of main reasons why we listed in in the 1st place is the overall size and dimensions. It seems to be just perfect device for vlogging. The AX33 camcorder weighs only 1.4 lbs / 652 g. The body is designed to fit in one hand perfectly so that you can film your videos easily. Taking everything into account, the FDRAX33 feels solid and well-made.
- Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels / [email protected]
- Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor
- Screen: LCD 3” touchscreen
- Optical Zoom: 10x
The Sony FDRAX33 camcorder comes with standard and rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs that can be charged via a built-in USB charging cable.
The Sony FDRAX33 camcorder comes with Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. You can control your device remotely and share your files with any other smart devices easy and hassle-free. You can also use the PlayMemories mobile app to manage your images and videos.
- The camcorder can record a 4K videos.
- Slim and comfortable design that fits in one hand perfectly.
- Excellent BOSS image stabilization.
- The EVF is smaller than usual.
- The Sony AX33 doesn’t have slow-motion video recording.
2. Canon XA11 – Best Affordable Professional Camcorder for Short Movies
If you are looking for an affordable professional camcorder for YouTube videos or making short movies – Canon has a great offer.
We’ve tested out the Canon Pro XA11 camcorder and let us tell you what we think.
Firstly, it has a Wide Dynamic Range Gamma sensor that offers you excellent low-light shooting. The camcorder provides 1920x1080p Full HD video resolution for your high-quality videos.
Thanks to the 20x HD Zoom lens, even in low-light, you can get excellent image and video quality.
You don’t have to worry about the image or video stabilization. We have noticed that the Dynamic SuperRange image stabilization feature works excellent in the XA 11 camcorder (even when we’ve held the device without any tripod).
Canon XA11 Camcorder Features:
On the top of the XA 11 camcorder, you can see an audio handle. It enables any external microphone extension for additional audio quality.
- Image Sensor: 1-Chip 1/2.84″ CMOS Sensor
- Image Stabilization: Hybrid with both sensor-shift and electronic
- Battery: Rechargeable li-ion
- Zoom: 20x optical
- Resolution and Frame Rate: 1080p at 60fps
- Video Shooting: Full HD 1920x1080p
- Screen: 3″ LCD touch screen
The camcorder has USB Hi-Speed input connection, 2 XLR audio input connections (with the attached handle), microphone input, headphones jack, and accessory shoe (with the attached handle.)
- The Canon XA11 shoots incredible slow-motion videos.
- Has a full HDR 20x zoom lens.
- The camcorder has the Canon intelligent image stabilization system.
- Comes with a detachable handle for extra audio quality.
- The Canon XA 11 doesn’t support 4K video quality.
- The camcorder might be too expensive for a beginner videographer.
3. Canon VIXIA HF R800 – Best Budget Camcorder For YouTube Beginners
If you are looking for a simple, cheap, and easy-to-use camcorder to shoot your videos, we have a great suggestion.
Why not try out the Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder?
Comparing to a lot of camcorders, this one is way smaller and cheaper; however, it lacks a lot of advanced features that high-end camcorders have.
But do you really need all of them?
Let us tell you more about this device and why it is still shining in our TOP camcorders for the YouTube videos list.
Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder Features:
After unboxing and testing out the Canon XA11 camcorder, it was a huge shock after we’ve opened the box of the Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder.
It has a tiny and small design that fits into your hand. It is the same size as your usual consumer-type video camera. It is certainly not common for such devices. Really great job!
The first thing that came to the notice is that the camcorder has a small number of control buttons. However, it offers a touchscreen where you can find all of the control.
The LCD touch screen rotates, allowing you to film and see yourself at the same time. For us – it is a pretty basic and excellent super cheap camcorder for those who are looking for a simple, but a relaible device.
- Sensor: 1-Chip 1/4.85″ CMOS sensor
- Effective pixels: 28MP
- Video resolution: Full 1920x1080p HD
- Screen: 3″ LCD tiltable touch screen
- Image stabilization: Optical & digital
- Weight: 8.5 oz / 235 g
The battery of the Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is pretty simple. It is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that helps you to enjoy a continuous video shooting.
The one downside of this Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is that it doesn’t offer any Wifi or NFC connection. However, you can still transfer your files using a USB cable.
- The attached hand strap eases the use.
- Easy-to-use and makes the device simple enough for beginners.
- An excellent image stabilization feature.
- The relatively cheap price tag.
- Doesn’t have a Wi-fi connection feature.
- Picture and video quality could be better in low-lighting.
4. Canon VIXIA HF R700 – Great Handy Camcorder for Amateurs [Affordable Price]
The Canon VIXIA HF R700 is visibly different from the G-series camcorders, and for a good reason.
It provides almost everything you might want from a camcorder for YouTube videos and does an excellent job at that for a perfect price!
Let’s check the main features of the camcorder.
Canon VIXIA HF R700 Camcorder Features:
A 3-inch capacitive LCD screen is attached to it with 180-degree rotation. It comes with a built-in mic and slot for an external mic too, which is one of the main criteria for YouTube videos.
Images are shot at 1920×1080 resolutions with 3.28MP Full HD CMOS image sensor and DIGIC DV 4 image processor. Moreover, the R700 comes with 57x Advanced Zoom!
- It can draw power directly from the wall charger and run for days, making it great for time-lapse videos.
- The video quality is very smooth and contains no patchy segments at all. It justifies the 1080p Full HD resolution.
- The image quality is also superior due to multi-mode image stabilization.
- The SDXC card can store up to 2TB of data, making it an ideal choice for long video recordings.
- It doesn’t come with software of its own, so no dedicated application to use the device.
- The 57x long zoom often blurs the image, and even auto-focus is not able to clear the focus.
- There are not enough manual features available. Also, it is not Wi-Fi-enabled.
5. Canon VIXIA HF G40 – Superior HD Quality Semi-Professional Camcorder for Vlogging
Canon is a force to be reckoned with, and this goes for every product it launches.
The VIXIA HF G40 is a camcorder that puts its entire stakes on quality and comes off with flying colors.
However, for some people, the price could be too high. Despite this fact, this camcorder, in our opinion, deserves every single penny! Especially if you are looking for a semi-professional camera for high-quality videos.
Canon VIXIA HF G40 Camcorder Features:
The images are at 2136×1362 pixels with 2.91 MP HD CMOS image sensor. The camcorder comes with 20x HD Optical Zoom lens. Manual buttons are provided that could be assigned appropriate functions by you.
- Canon VIXIA G40 gives a real HD experience with extremely high-quality videos and images.
- The image and video quality are ensured by exciting features like Focus Assist, wide DR Gamma, Highlight Priority mode, and Optical Image Stabilization.
- The dual SD slots allow you to have up to 2 TB of memory storage at your disposal.
- The WiFi is challenging to set up for some users.
- The buttons, instead of making things simpler, actually make them all the more complicated.
6. Panasonic HC-V770 – Best Camcorder for Sport / Travel Type Vlogs [Slow Motion Videos]
![Best Camcorder for Sport Type Vlogs [Slow Motion Videos]](http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00RBG5J02&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=vlogtribe-20&language=en_US)
The Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder is sitting at a reasonable price tag and a decent amount of great features.
However, in 2021, where the 4K video shooting options are standard, especially for this price, the HC-V770 camcorder has to fight its way to the top.
The camcorder uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI MOS sensor combined with a total of 12.7MP and records Full HD 1920x1080p video. It has a Hybrid Optical image stabilization feature that allows you to get smooth footage, and also, it has an extended 50x zoom range for sharp and detailed shots.
What is better, the HC-V770 camcorder offers a slow-motion feature. We have noticed that this slow-motion camcorder footage is noticeably smooth.
You might be thinking, is it worth buying a device for under $500 and without 4K video?
Here’s the deal:
If you need a 4K quality, you can check almost the same camcorder (the newer version of it) with an additional 4K recording.
| Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|
 | Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Video Camera Camcorder HC-VX981K, 20X Optical Zoom, 1/2.3-Inch BSI Sensor, HDR... | CHECK THE PRICE |
Panasonic HC-V770 Camcorder Features:
The Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder is small but a little bit heavier than usual. However, it is still easy to pack it in a bag and travel along the way.
Besides, we’ve noticed that it doesn’t pop out with a unique design. The camcorder stays pretty simple and straightforward—the first thing that came out to our eyes – a bump where the microphone sits.
Besides, on the top of the device, you can see the zoom-rocker and a photo button. We liked the functionality of the function wheel, but the operating feels a bit off.
Apart from it, the Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder has an LCD touch screen that can tilt 180 degrees forward and 90 degrees backward.
- Sensor: 1/2.3 Inch BSI Sensor
- Effective pixels: 6.03MP
- Video resolution: Full 1920x1080p HD
- Screen: 3″ LCD screen
- Image stabilization: Digital image stabilization
- Battery: rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
The Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder comes with a standard rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Upon consumer reports, it can last up to 2 hours of recording. For us – it is a decent amount of battery life for a simple camcorder like.
The Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder does have a wifi connection and a lot of features alongside. For example, the Twin Camera allows you to display an image that is transmitted from a smartphone.
The Baby Monitor feature will enable you to use the camcorder for babysitting your baby and even sending you a notification when it cries.
Home Cam feature offers you to use the camcorder as your security camera. The wifi and NFC connections also allow you to share your files with any other smart devices.
- A lot of wifi-based features that expand the camcorder usage.
- Excellent audio quality and image stabilization feature.
- Easy and simple to use, even for any entry-level videographer.
- The touchscreen could provide better navigation and operation.
7. Sony HDRCX405 – Cheap Good Low Light Camcorder for Vlogging
Needless to say that Sony is an electronics giant, but it is lesser-known for its camcorders.
The HDRCX405 is trying to break into that niche with a fresh portfolio. It has tried to keep things simple with minimal features and interface.
However, what it does, it does well.
The reason why we listed this camera in 8th place is the lack of an external microphone, which is more or less recommended for making YouTube videos, especially for if you are making shots with a camcorder.
On the other hand, this camcorder costs less than $300 and for this price, you are getting almost the best features of it.
Sony HDRCX405 HD Camcorder Features:
- The Optical and Clear Image zoom is impressive, allowing you to record from over a large distance.
- The interface is easy to use; one can simply unpack and start shooting with the device.
- Visual quality is great despite the limited features. The HD quality videos are clear, while the MP4 codec gives you an easy-to-edit format.
- The device is easy to carry around, given its small size and weight.
- There are many features missing from it, which are provided by the competing models. For instance, there is no Wi-Fi, and thus, you can transfer files only via USB cable.
- The device is made of light plastic, which can break easily under fall.
- No slot for an external microphone, so you would have to make do with the built-in mic only.
8. Panasonic HC-V180K – Best Camcorder for YouTube Videos Under $200
The Panasonic HC-V180K seems like a great choice at first for a starting vlogger.
Further inspection reveals some gaping holes, but still, even without external microphone input, the product comes through as one of the coolest camcorders for YouTube videos (especially for a super good price).
In general, you can use it for streaming, daily vlogging by taking with yourself around, home videos and so on.
Panasonic HC-V180K Camcorder Features:
- The large zoom allows you to record and shoot things that are a large distance away.
- The camcorder allows you great creative control over your recordings, including time-lapse, filters, and special effects.
- The audio quality is superior even through the built-in mic. Additionally, the audio is adjusted when you are zooming in on objects.
- It has a far better battery life than other camcorders in the same range.
- There is no port for external microphone input, which puts it as a serious disadvantage.
- The poor touchscreen of the LCD panel, along with a poorly designed interface, makes it very hard to use the menu options.
9. Sony HDRCX240 – Pure and Simple Camcorder for Enthusiasts
The Sony HDRCX240 looks very decent and performs as we expected either.
Despite lacking in areas that its competitors excel in, according to its price, the camcorder has some fantastic features to boast, including full HD video quality.
Let’s dive into camcorder features:
Sony HDRCX240 Camcorder Features:
- The camcorder has a decent battery backup, easily allowing to record long.
- It is small and easy to use for long periods.
- It has a decent image and video quality in its price range.
- SteadyShot image stabilization feature.
- Face Detection feature.
- The expandable memory storage is not large enough.
- No external mic could be attached to it.
10. SOSUN HD – The Best Camcorder for YouTube Under $100
SOSUN is another brand not many are familiar with, but it is forming a niche in the lower price segment.
The HD SOSUN HD video camera – camcorder is explicitly made to target clients who are looking for that type of camera under $100 and does an excellent job at it too.
So, if you have a very tiny budget of around $100 and also you are looking for a decent camcorder for YouTube videos – it might be your choice.
Video Camera Camcorder SOSUN HD Features:
- The camcorder has a decent battery backup, easily allowing to record long.
- It is small and easy to use for long periods.
- It has a decent image and video quality in its price range.
- There is only a single video format, making it necessary to convert in most cases.
- The expandable memory storage is not large enough.
- Video quality is not very high.
- No external mic could be attached to it.
Camcorders Buyer’s Guide
Most people don’t know do they really need a camcorder in the vlogging equipment. It is the reason that we have looked at this buyer’s guide from the other side to present you it with the biggest PROS and CONS of these cameras in general.
After reading this section, you will find out if you need to have a camcorder in your equipment or not.
I hope it helps!
Advantages of Camcorders
The mere fact that camcorders are still in fashion speaks volumes about its utility.
While mobile phones and standard vlogging cameras have become the primary medium for capturing videos today, camcorders are still going strong for YouTubers.
- Larger Data Storage:
Despite the ease of recording videos on mobile phones (very popular at this moment), the fact remains that you have limited memory on the device.
On top of that, this storage is also utilized by other applications, their app data, and whatever else you use on your phone. In the case of digital cameras, too, the limited data storage results in “Not Enough Space Available” message popping up quite often.
However, camcorders come with flash memory slots that can store a lot of data. Flash data storage is also relatively cheaper, so you can easily carry backups with you.
- Longer Videos:
Taking up from the previous point, the limited data also limits the length of your videos. Most digital cameras come with a self-imposed limit on the length of the video recorder. This makes long videos, like recording a match or creating a time-lapse video, virtually impossible.
Phone cameras, on the other hand, can’t handle long videos at all. The high processing required to capture videos usually drains them of battery soon; if not, the memory might get filled pretty quickly.
However, camcorders are specifically designed to record long videos. There is no default limit on the length; you can record as long as there is free memory storage. Typically, camcorders can record 3 hours of video without breaking a sweat.
- Better Audio/Video:
Camcorders could record at 60fps or more. This has a significant impact on the quality of the video recorded. In general, most camcorders for YouTube videos and vlogging have a quality still unmatched by even the latest phones or cameras.
Something similar happens in the case of audio. Digital cameras are mostly optimized for still images, which have no sound. Moreover, mobile phones have microphones specialized for calls only.
Camcorders, on the other hand, have dedicated microphones (or slots to add additional audio equipment), which results in superior sound quality!
- Ease of Use:
Imagine you want to record a long video – how are you going to do that?
Digital cameras are made for taking a few shots and then keeping them back (in the side-pocket or hanging from the neck). Mobile phones can only go back into the pocket as well. In both cases, the only way to shoot a long video is by holding the device in hand for the said period. Needless to say, it is not a very comfortable situation.
On the other hand, camcorders keep in mind the requirements for shooting long videos. They have a great grip on the device and are equipped to be fitted on a tripod stand.
- More Creativity:
While digital cameras and mobile phones offer many features for still images, the same could not be said about video recording.
However, camcorders come with a host of features for the same. You could zoom in and out to greater lengths, adjust the exposure, and apply filters on the videos while recording.
Thus, you can customize the video you are recording without necessarily having to edit it on video editing software.
Drawbacks and Issues of Camcorders
- Camcorders Aren’t Upgrading As Quick As Cameras:
For example, mobile phones started recording VGA videos a decade ago. Today, they are capable of recording 4K videos at 60fps.
On the other hand, the resolution of camcorders has more or less remained the same. This helped smartphones to catch up, and they might soon overtake camcorders regarding sheer video quality.
- Not Easy to Share:
While it is quite easy to record and edit videos on camcorders, sharing them is a whole different issue.
While you don’t have to use cables anymore, thanks to the Wi-Fi feature, the fact remains that you still have to transfer the videos to your computer/phone before you can share them.
- Not Easy to Carry:
Needless to say, that It is effortless to record long videos with a camcorder, but carrying them is a far enormous headache as camcorders tend to be heavier than digital cameras and far more massive than casual vlogging cameras or smartphones.
Anyway, from our list you can see that mid-level camcorders are upgrading their design and become more and more comfortable to carry it.- Take Care of Proper Lighting:
Everyone who wants to create video content by using a camcorder should have proper lighting. Camcorders have a very tiny sensor, and in this case, they lose the video and image quality in low-lighting.
Conclusion
All in all, camcorders are perfect devices if you are going to film video content for an extended period of time. Also, the camcorder is a fantastic device for beginners and mid-level YouTubers who are looking for a decent camera to start their YouTube channel.
According to our editor’s review and opinion, these are the best camcorders for YouTube videos in 2021 you can find to buy online. Needless to say that each of them has its pros and cons, and in the end, you should decide which product matches your needs the best.
If you have any questions about which camcorder to choose, leave a comment below or write us directly. We are ready to help you!
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