Video Cameras: Top Recommendations 2022

The video camera is, more and more, something to take into account for lovers of photography. For many of us, as visual creators, the subject of the video usually ends up calling our attention at some point.

From recording documentaries, travel videos, family videos, event videos, product videos, for YouTube or vlogs… Videos occupy an important space in our personal and professional lives, and they have a unique way of transmitting and bringing us closer to the viewer.

And we couldn’t have chosen a better time for our double hobby because, today, in some DSLR or EVIL models we find very interesting video cameras without having to pay exorbitant sums for professional video cameras. So the fun is guaranteed.

However, choose a camcorder It is not an easy task, there are many models, prices and differences in performance. In this guide I intend to guide you when choosing a perfect camera for you, teach you what you should pay attention to when doing it, what are the features that I consider most important, as well as some models that may be interesting to you, as well as other equipment that I consider it important to enter the world of video with high quality results.

Let’s go to the mess ;).

Important note: if you are in a hurry and want to see our video camera recommendations directly, here they are.

How to choose a video camera?

the moment of choose a video camera You should always start by answering these two questions: What budget do I have? That is, how much do I want (or can I) spend and what kind of videos do I want to record with it?

What budget do you have?

With the budget I always recommend you keep a cool head and think that the equipment, whether for video or photography, does not start, far from it, with the camera. My advice is to always keep in mind that for best results, You should not only invest in a camera but in other accessories such as (above all) a good lens. So keep this in mind when calculating your maximum budget ;).

What kind of videos are you going to record?

There are so many ways to make video that it is very important, before going into technical specifications, models, etc., define what kind of video do you want to record. Do you want a camcorder to document your family life? To advertise products? To upload videos to your social networks? Do you want to record interviews? Landscape? Videos for your YouTube channel? yourself very often?

The answers will determine which is the ideal camera for you.

Main characteristics when evaluating cameras to record videos

In my experience, the points that I detail below are the most important when looking for the best video camera.

• Manual controls: You definitely need a camera with manual settings if you want to get good results with your video camera. Some manual controls will allow you, among other things, to control the aperture and, therefore, the blur.
• Interchangeable lenses: Very important also to achieve good results and have versatility in your work.
• Flip screen: It is essential if you want to record yourself for your video channel or vlog, but also if you want to get interesting angles without leaving your back 😉 . It is a more than interesting option to record video.
• Autofocus effectiveness: Give priority to this point as well because it is essential. Having a good autofocus can be the difference between success and failure in a forceful way. Whether you want the camera to record yourself or for another type of video, it is essential that the autofocus is not lost, that it does not constantly search for the subject (focus hunting), or simply the wrong protagonist.
  • face detection
  • Eye AF (Automatic eye focus detection)
• integrated stabilizer: When you record moving situations, especially freehand, you are going to need that stabilizer on camera body that reduces unwanted motion and jitter. Unless you are going to always have the camera mounted on a tripod, it is important that you look for a camera with a good stabilizer.
• Audio input: Another interesting option is that it has an audio input, since the audio microchips of the cameras are not always optimal, being able to add a micro in a simple way can be a point in favor.
• 4K recording: Nowadays, you have many options of cameras that record in 4K, so unless you want to make very simple videos for more “home” use, I would go for one that records in 4K. Of course, 4K takes up much more storage space since it generates heavier files, keep that in mind.
• Frames per second: You have several fps options, from 24p, 30p to 60p. My recommendation is that if you are looking for a somewhat more off-road video camera, go for 60p, it will allow you to obtain higher quality slow-motion videos.
• Good response to high ISOs: To get good image quality in low light situations you will need a camera that responds well at high ISO values.
• Compact and manageable size: Whether you want to use it freehand or if you are going to add accessories such as a Gimbal, a camera that is compact in size and not very heavy, becomes more manageable and efficient.
• WIFI: A very interesting option if you want to be able to control the video from other devices.

Other features to consider when choosing a camcorder

There are other features that, although they are not the priority, are very interesting, especially if the subject of the video is something that you want to “professionalize” a little more:

• full-frame: It is not essential to start with and you probably won’t need it, but it is interesting especially if what you like is the landscape or something similar. With a Full Frame sensor, you will avoid the crop factor and have a better response at high ISOs.
• Sealed for water and dust: If you are looking for a camera for outdoors, nature, and more extreme conditions, I recommend that you consider this option.
• Battery duration: Short battery life should be contemplated with multiple spare batteries.
• Dual SD slot: A dual slot will ensure you don’t lose work due to memory card failure. If you are thinking of professionalizing yourself in some way through video, this option is important.
• Headphone output: To listen precisely to what we are recording.
• Color profiles or specific profiles for video: Cinestyle, profiles with logarithmic curves.
• Unlimited Recording: Most cameras have a limit of 30 minutes per clip, but there are some that offer the possibility of unlimited recording, which may be essential depending on the type of videos you have planned to make.

How to choose a camera to record videos?

After seeing, in a general way, the most important characteristics of a camcorder, let’s see which ones may be more interesting depending on the type of video you are thinking of making.

Trips

Given the above points, if you are looking for a camera to accompany you on your travels, I would recommend that it fulfill the following functions:

• manual controls
• interchangeable lenses
• integrated stabilizer
• 4K recording
• flip screen
• Dual SD slot
• Compact and manageable size
• Sealed to dust and water (not essential but it does not hurt)

For a Youtube channel

If you are going to record yourself to upload to YouTube, for example, these are the functions that may be most interesting for you:

• Good autofocus, preferably with face detection or, better yet, eye detection 😉
• manual controls
• interchangeable lenses
• audio input
• flip screen

for events

The ideal is to have a very off-road camera with the maximum possible performance and that allows you to function in various areas: outdoors and indoors, in motion, in a more static way…

• manual controls
• interchangeable lenses
• Dual SD slot
• integrated stabilizer
• Good response to high ISOs
• audio input
• Folding screen (not essential but always adds)
• 4K recording
• Compact and manageable
• good autofocus

for vlogging

This is an extensive and very generic field because it will depend on the content you want to create, but in general you will be looking for a versatile camera that covers both studio and outdoor trips.

• manual controls
• interchangeable lenses
• flip screen
• Good autofocus, preferably with face detection or even better eye detection 😉
• Compact and manageable
• audio input
• 4K recording

for interviews

• manual controls
• interchangeable lenses
• Good autofocus, preferably with face detection or even better eye detection 😉
• audio input
• headphone output
• Unlimited recording

best video cameras

After this introductory guide, I leave you with a few recommendations for cameras to record video that, in addition, are great options as cameras 😉

1. Canon EOS 850D

This Canon SLR camera is very balanced in terms of price and quality in both photography and video. If you are not looking for a professional camera but you do not want to fall short, the Canon EOS 850D is a very interesting option:

• Camera with manual controls
• interchangeable lenses
• Good autofocus system (Dual Pixel CMOS)
• Flip-up touch screen, ideal for Vlogging
• Video recording in 4K (25fps)
• External microphone input
• No in-body stabilizer (integrates into lenses)
• Recording limit per clip of 30 minutes
• Weight: 515gr. Approx.
• WIFI

Its price is below 1000 euros on Amazon.

2. Nikon D7500, for advanced hobbyist

This SLR camera can be an interesting option if you want good photographic results while getting very good quality 4K video shots even in low light situations.

Here some interesting features of the Nikon D7500:

• Camera with manual controls
• interchangeable lenses
• Record in 4k at 60p
• audio input
• headphone output
• HDMI output
• WIFI
• Weight 720g.

Here you can see it in action:

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, beautiful, light and strong

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV It is a mirrorless camera from Olympus, ideal for travel, it has very good value for money and can be…