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Despite times in which every smartphone can record reasonable videos and SLR and compact cameras are increasingly being used for filming, camcorders have not lost their popularity as handy video specialists. If you want to buy a branded model, it is worth looking at Canon camcorders. A cheap Canon camcorder is usually a little more expensive than many other entry-level models, but the investment can be worthwhile. In the test, we examined many popular models and put the three best Canon camcorders in our list of the best for you.
However, when deciding, you should not only understand the advantages of Canon devices, but also the areas of application and functions of the various types of camcorders.
What Are the Best Canon Camcorders in India?
Canon XA50 UHD 4K30 Camcorder with Dual-Pixel Autofocus
The Canon XA50 UHD prevailed as the test winner. Although it no longer belongs to the latest generation, the equipment features, and functions are still state-of-the-art and were convincing across the board.
The camcorder offers 15x optical zoom, a focus ring for manual focusing, and a high-resolution 3” LCD touchscreen for easy operation and control of all functions. The lens is a 26.8mm wide-angle lens with 1″ CMOS sensor. The Canon HD CMOS PRO sensor, together with the DIGIC DV4 image processor, ensures a very high image quality with FullHD resolution and a maximum of 50 images per second. Thanks to WLAN, the camcorder can be easily controlled remotely, and recordings can also be shared directly. A high-speed HDMI cable as well as a USB cable and AC cable as well as a remote control are also included.
The bottom line is that the 23.1 x 11.5 x 8.4 cm device, which weighs just around 960 grams, and the image quality can still be rated as very good overall, even in poor lighting conditions. Only the fact that the device only offers a limited selection of creative functions such as slow-motion for hobby users clouded the overall impression of the otherwise very good device a little.
Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
The 23.11 x 13.21 x 18.03 cm camcorder works with Full HD resolution, is priced in the semi-professional range and impresses with 20x optical zoom, a 26.8 mm 1: 1.8 wide-angle lens, and a 1 / 2.84 Inch Canon HD CMOS PRO sensor, which in conjunction with the DIGIC DV 4 image sensor ensures clear and good recordings, even when the lighting conditions are not ideal.
The camera offers very fast autofocus, face detection, and a focus ring, with which you can also focus manually. The functions can be easily controlled via the 8.8 cm large touch display and even autofocus can be controlled via the touchscreen.
Thanks to expanded connectivity options, you can transfer data to mobile devices via WLAN, but of course also transfer data and video signals via AV output, HDMI, or USB. With creative options such as slow-motion, time-lapse, or the cinema look filter as well as DR and tonal value priority, even hobby users can achieve excellent results. In terms of price, the model is already slightly above the average of what hobby users usually spend on a very good camcorder, but for those who value a wide range of functions and good image quality, the purchase is definitely worthwhile.
Canon VIXIA HF R800
If you are looking for an affordable hobby camcorder, look at the Canon VIXIA HF R800. It works with FullHD resolution, offers a very strong, 57x advanced zoom, and overall good image quality, thanks to the DIGIC DV 4 sensor.
The model is very interesting for beginners due to the extensive creative functions such as slow-motion, time-lapse, decoration at the touch of a finger on the touch display, or the cinema look mode.
The device has a compact design, can be operated very easily with the help of the swivelling 7.5-inch touchscreen, and has solid technical equipment with an automatic zoom assistant, WLAN, and NFC connectivity, and IS image stabilization. The bottom line is that the sound quality is also convincing, even without the option of connecting an external microphone. Although the model does not offer manual focus or professional setting options, it is overall very recommendable and, above all, interesting in terms of price.
Buyers Info
Uses of camcorders
The Japanese company Canon is based in Tokyo and was founded in 1937. The company is one of the largest and most popular manufacturers in the world, particularly in the field of cameras. This applies to compact and SLR cameras, but also to camcorders, especially in the professional sector. The advantage of Canon or a high-quality brand, in general, is, in addition to the constant availability of spare parts, the high-quality workmanship, and the wide range of accessories, also from third-party suppliers. The products are designed for durability and, depending on the model, meet the highest requirements.
In general, modern camcorders are extremely mobile and handy, even with the very high recording quality. Temperature fluctuations do not affect the devices either. They can be used universally and are often used for training courses, but also for film and action. In all areas, the areas of application extend from the hobby to the advanced to the professional area. High-quality models offer a large lens and a large sensor, which gives the models a clear quality advantage over compact cameras.
Types of camcorders
When many people hear the word camcorder, they have a certain construction in mind. However, the models are available in a wide variety of designs and variants. The following is a brief overview of the most common construction methods:
Handheld: This is the most common design, which is impressive because it can be conveniently operated with one hand. They are very compact and in terms of image quality, capacity and performance are superior to most conventional cameras with video function, even in the entry-level segment.
Pistol Grip: Pistol grip camcorders are now out of fashion, but they were among the most popular models in the 80s and 90s because filming with one hand was very comfortable, but this came at the expense of compactness.
Mini camcorders: The very compact models are often similar to a smartphone because they are usually very flat and small. The advantage is that they can be stowed away very easily and are ideal for traveling. The compact design is at the expense of the image quality so that they hardly offer any additional use compared to a smartphone.
Action cams: Action cams are in a category of their own, but technically they are also compact and robust camcorders. They are specially designed for demanding and action-packed recordings, are often waterproof and very robust. Depending on the model, they offer good image quality that is comparable to that of modern smartphones.
Functions
In addition to the recording capacity, resolution, optical and digital zoom and operation, it is also worth paying attention to other functions when deciding between different models in question. The following is a brief overview of other aspects that you should consider when purchasing.
Touchscreen: On many models, the screen now also serves as a control unit with a touch function. This is very convenient and generally recommended.
Focus ring: Especially if you want to take professional pictures, you should make sure that you can focus manually and that you can manually adjust settings such as sharpness, aperture, or lighting. Because only then does a camcorder differ significantly from a simple compact camera or smartphone.
Connection: The simple connection via HDMI, USB, WLAN, NFC, or Bluetooth to other external devices can also make handling easier if you want to transfer, upload, or play content.
Waterproof: Depending on requirements, it can make sense for the camcorder to be waterproof or splashproof. This not only applies to action cams, but also to sports or nature filmmakers who are often outdoors.
3D and 4K: Full HD support most camcorders. Modern devices increasingly also have 4K resolution or even – if two lenses are installed – even three-dimensional recording. Of course, you have to decide for yourself whether and which resolution you really need and whether you need a 3D-capable camcorder. Canon does not offer 3D camcorders.