Whether it is to record their sporting exploits, to film their vacations without complicating their lives or for amateur filmmakers who want an almost professional image, everyone can find what they are looking for in the range of models on offer.
Whatever use you plan to make of it, here are our tips for buying a camcorder.
How to choose the right camcorder
Image quality, optical zoom, image stabilization and ergonomics… Discover the essential criteria to help you choose your digital camcorder.
The recording quality above all?
The first criterion that comes to mind when choosing your camcorder is often the quality of the image. It depends on the sensor and the recording mode, which is measured by the number of pixels in the image. Entry-level models offer at least Standard Definition (or SD) of 720 x 576 pixels. This is the resolution of a DVD, and it is already sufficient to have a correct picture. Next come the High Definition (HD) cameras at 1280 x 720 pixels, which have become very affordable. For an image quality equivalent to that of a Blu-ray, you can opt for Full-HD (also called HDV or AVCHD according to the manufacturers): with its 1920 x 1080 pixels, it allows you to get the best of a state-of-the-art television screen. Finally, for a quality worthy of cinema,high-end camcorders offer Ultra HD or 4K resolution which proudly display a resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels.
Likewise, not all camcorders have the same audio recording quality: it all depends on the content of the built-in microphone.
For Blu-ray or cinema quality sound reproducible in 5.1, you will need to use an external microphone, provided you have the appropriate audio input on your camera.
HD, what for?
Before rushing to a Full-HD or HD camera, you should know that it is a restrictive format, especially if you want to edit videos on a PC.
Large files require a large hard drive and computers with powerful qualities to manage image editing, consuming RAM.
Likewise, if you can't plug your camcorder into a Full-HD or 4K television, you might not be able to take advantage of those resolutions.
Regardless of your choice, even a high definition camcorder can be set to produce a lower resolution image.
Optical zoom and image stabilizer type
Beyond resolution, is your camcorder capable of recording quality images even under difficult conditions? If you don't want the hassle of a tripod, choose a camcorder with digital stabilization, or better yet, optical, in order to obtain a relatively stable image, even while on the move. Likewise, if you happen to shoot in the great outdoors, a quality zoom will be warranted. Again, it can be optical or digital, the optical zoom offering the best image quality. A large focal length camcorder can capture distant images with perfect clarity. A wide-angle lens, meanwhile, will allow you to capture an image that encompasses the entire scene you have in front of you, even up close, perfect indoors or in confined spaces. For successful images,even in low light, the sensitivity of the device is preponderant. It is measured in lux: the lower it is, the better the device will perform in low intensity lighting. A camcorder with automatic white balance can also correct a dimly lit image.
The ergonomics of the camcorder
The shape, size and weight of the camcorder can also be chosen according to the use you want to make of it.
Here too, you are spoiled for choice, models ranging from a few tens of grams to several kilos for semi-pro models.
Mini camcorders are perfect to slip into any bag and to use discreetly, in the palm of your hand.
If you are an occasional user, favor ease and simplicity of use, which goes through the manufacturer's ergonomic choices.
For example, the quality of the LCD screen, touchscreen or not, is decisive for your camcorder to be pleasant to use.
Some models even integrate a mini-projector, to display the images on a white surface (wall or canvas) in front of the device.
Video Format and Inputs / Outputs
Then there is the question of storing files, which are sometimes large.
Indeed, an hour of Full-HD video can easily occupy more than 10 gigabytes of memory.
Three storage modes are possible: the hard disk, which offers the highest volumes;
internal memory, which guarantees safe storage;
and the camcorder memory card which, like cameras, can easily be detached to slip into a PC and transfer movies with ease.
The most modern camcorders sometimes offer Bluetooth, to transfer videos to a nearby device.
Wi-Fi cameras, meanwhile, allow you to export your films directly to the Internet, to online storage or to a video-sharing site.
Which camcorder for which use?
From these criteria, it is now a question of deciding which type of camcorder is best suited to the type of use you want to make of it, even if it means choosing a versatile model if you intend to vary the pleasures.
Sports and thrill-seeking camcorders
Sports camcorders, which have recently entered the market, have won the hearts of users thanks to their ergonomics and their all-terrain qualities.
They are recommended for athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts who can film their outdoor activities thanks to the different attachment systems on the shoulder, wrist, forehead or chest, sold as a pack or separately.
In the absence of a large LCD screen, user comfort is a little relegated behind the simplicity of ergonomics and the responsiveness of the equipment.
Choose waterproof models thanks to a made-to-measure plastic box, but also shock-resistant.
Several camcorders indeed promise to be resistant to falls, sometimes several meters.
Pocket camcorders
If you like to have your camcorder in your bag, ready to be unsheathed at the slightest opportunity, then go for a mini camera.
Again, these are simple to use, responsive models with few buttons to favor speed and ease of execution.
These featherweights, which measure less than 100 grams, offer entry-level technical qualities.
Often equipped with an SD or HD sensor, they are also among the cheapest on the market, perfect for a first shooting experience before moving on to more advanced equipment.
Camcorders for family reunions or travel
To indulge yourself with a quality image, you can opt for versatile camcorders, halfway between pocket camcorders and comfort models, offering a large screen and ergonomics accessible to occasional users.
These mid-range models now offer HD at an affordable price, without sacrificing ease of use.
The Wi-Fi connection can be an asset, to share videos quickly from a hotel's internet connection, without necessarily going through the tedious step of image editing.
Also, choose a wide-angle model for successful indoor shots without sacrificing part of the scene.
High-end and semi-professional camcorders
If you have the ambition to work in the image, or if you want the best of the best, these 4K or Full-HD cameras offer breathtaking resolutions.
Whether you are an aspiring director, film student or confirmed videographer, these relatively expensive models provide you with their wide-angle, high-end sensor and optical stabilization to ensure an irreproachable image, even without a tripod.
You can also choose a model with a projector to feed you back between shots.
Camcorder - camera hybrids
Image lovers who can not decide between photo and video can always choose a hybrid camcorder, which allows both taking photos and making videos, with superior quality in each area.
Rather high-end, these models generally offer the look of a digital camera whose video mode would have been extremely developed.
They often allow you to take stunning slow motion using their wide-angle lens.
What accessories for my camcorder?
Body fixation accessories and tripods
Sports camcorders have greatly diversified the mounting accessories.
They allow the camcorder to be placed on the wrist, on the chest, on the forehead, on a helmet or on the shoulder to produce on-board videos worthy of extreme sports professionals.
Waterproof cases are also recommended, whether accompanying a surf session or at the pool with the children.
Wiser, camcorder tripods are still popular.
In addition to the classic model at chest height, there are mini-tripods to stabilize your camcorder on a table, and telescopic arms to play with the depth of field.
The sound recording
Indispensable for amateur filmmakers or journalists, camcorder microphones add professional sound to your shots.
Make sure the camcorder is equipped with the correct audio inputs.
The back helmet
In the same logic of professional sound recording, you can equip your camcorder with audio return headphones, to get a true idea of the sound quality in real time.