The 8 Best Professional Camcorders | Digital Camera Review

This Review has been updated 10 times since it was first published in July of 2018. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a news reporter, or a wedding videographer, having a professional camcorder at your disposal can dramatically improve your work. Compared to lesser models, these boast better lenses, bigger sensors, and more controls to let you hone an image to your satisfaction. We’ve ranked them here by their picture quality, handling, rigging options, and special features. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Review. Skip to the best professional camcorder on Amazon..

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The 8 Best Professional Camcorders

8. Canon XA11

The 20x zoom lens on the Canon XA11 only opens up to about a 27mm equivalent at its widest, so it might not make for the best angles when shooting in tight quarters. However, the rest of its features make it a formidable option in almost any other environment.

7. Sony PXW-Z280

The Sony PXW-Z280 utilizes a trio of 1/2-inch sensors, each dedicated to one of the red, green, or blue portions of the visible spectrum. The result is incredible color fidelity, which combines nicely with this model’s excellent array of controls.

6. JVC GY-HM620U

The JVC GY-HM620U is a smart choice for a news reporter on the go, whether you’re chronicling a local parade or headed into a disaster area. Its grab-and-go style handle and lightweight design allow you to carry it around with ease.

5. Panasonic HC-X1

If you like shooting at high speeds, but you don’t want to sacrifice 4K resolution, the Panasonic HC-X1 will let you record UHD footage at up to 60 FPS. Zoomed all the way in at 480 mm, its lens aperture is only f/4.5, giving you a great shallow depth of field..

4. Canon XA15

The Canon XA15 has just about everything you need to comprehensively cover an event or shoot a film, all rolled into one compact package. Its zoom lens boasts a 20x optical range, so you can compose your shots from a distance with significant clarity.

3. Sony PXW-FS7M2 XDCAM

The Super 35mm sensor inside the Sony PXW-FS7M2 XDCAM provides a dynamic range and depth of field that is reminiscent of celluloid, making this a great choice for filmmakers or those who want their event coverage to be more cinematic.

2. Canon XC15

If you have spent any time shooting with a DSLR, the shape and layout of the Canon XC15 will immediately feel familiar to you, making for a fairly easy transition. It boasts a nice set of manual controls built into its body.

1. Sony PXW-FS5 Mk II

If you want a model with a small footprint, but that is also outfitted with enough external controls that you can set up your shots without a lot of menu diving, then the Sony PXW-FS5 Mk II is a great choice. It can provide a 4K RAW output at up to 120 FPS.

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