The best camcorders for video in 2020: which is the right one for you?

Times have never been better for the best camcorders! This looks set to be a banner year in camcorder tech, with Panasonic already using January's CES 2020 in Las Vegas to announce three of the industry's smallest and lightest 4K 60p camcorders: the HC-X1500, HC-X2000 and AG-CX10. While these cameras are yet to hit the market, there's no doubt that business is still very much booming for the best camcorders.

There's plenty to consider if you're shopping for a camcorder for yourself, with the market ranging all the way from budget-friendly family models to professional pieces of kit that are almost good enough for broadcast productions. How much resolution do you need? How big a camcorder can you tote around, and are you planning to mostly shoot out on location or in the studio? As you can imagine, there's a lot you need to think about.

That's why we're here. We've put together a list of what we reckon to be the best camcorders available on the market right now. From small, self-contained shooters designed for holidays and day-to-day casual shooting, to the best and latest 4K camcorders that produce footage of superior quality, there should be something for all users – and all budgets!

So, if you're the type who's wanting to shoot in UHD (Ultra High Definition), we’ve included some 4K camcorders that will fit the bill for you. If, however, you're more like the majority of camcorder buyers and are simply looking for something simple and tidy that'll record holidays and family events without too much fuss, we've included some options that'll give you all the functionality you need without clearing out your bank account.

If you're considering returning to the world of camcorders for the first time after adventures many years ago with 8mm and VHS-C tape, you may be wondering why you need one at all, when there's a perfectly functional camera built into a device that you have with you at all times. The key advantage of a camcorder over a camera phone is that you tend to get a big optical zoom lens built in, meaning you can get closer to your subjects without compromising the quality of your picture. This is particularly useful for shooting sports and wildlife, and is also something that sets camcorders apart from the best action cameras.

Of course, camcorders are not the only choice for videographers. The best 4K cameras for filmmaking have the advantage of not only providing a gorgeous picture, but also offering the capacity for the user to swap lenses. The best cinema cameras, meanwhile, are designed more for professionals and come with a price-tag to match; content creators working on their lonesome will likely be more interested in the best cameras for vlogging.

The best camcorders in our guide combine exceptional value and performance, and there should be a few solid selections in here for users of all stripes. So let's get started!

1. Sony FDR-AX33

Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160px | Image sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor | Total pixels: 8.29MP | Dimensions: 71(w) x 78.5(h) x 149.5(d)mm | Weight: 935g

The FDR-AX33 may be compact but it doesn’t skimp on features. Fronted by a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens, the FDR-AX33's niceties include a 10x optical zoom, 4K shooting (with super-down-sampling for 1080p displays), a low noise Exmor R CMOS sensor, and dual-video recording in XAVC S or AVCHD, plus easy to share MP4. For those who want convincing surround sound when playing back their footage into a home cinema or soundbar, there’s also a multichannel 5.1 microphone. Expect limitations in low light, but if you’re looking for an easy-to-manage but capable 4K shooter, then this model is a fantastic choice, and that balance between functionality, portability and price is why it takes our #1 spot.

2. Panasonic HC-X1000e

Max recording resolution: 4,096x2,160px | Image sensor: 1/2.3-type MOS Sensor | Total pixels: 18.91MP | Dimensions: 160(w) x 170(h) x 315(d)mm | Weight: 1,550g

If you want to shoot like a pro, then Panasonic’s HC-X1000e is the best camcorder in our list. Able to record 2160p at 60fps, it’s designed for event videographers and enthusiasts. At 1.6kg it isn’t a casual option, and you’ll want to partner it with a decent tripod. It features a large 3.5-inch colour touchscreen, has two XLR audio inputs, and dual SD card slots. Not only can it shoot 3,840x2,160 up to 60fps, but you can also record cinema-ratio 4,096x2,160 4K at 24fps. The HC-X1000E employs an 18.9-megapixel, 1/2.3 MOS sensor and a LEICA Dicomar lens. A 20x optical zoom and 5-axis optical image stabilisation offer plenty of compositional opportunities. Image quality is excellent, in both HD and 4K. Detail is high and colour rendering excellent. It's a superb semi-pro shooter, but understandably complex to use.

3. Sony FDR-AX700

Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160px | Image sensor: 1.0-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor | Total pixels: 14.2MP | Dimensions: 169(w) x 89.5(h) x 196.5(d)mm | Weight: 600g

A superbly specified 4K camcorder, the FDR-AX700 has a one-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, and shoots 4K video in both SDR and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR. Features include a 12x zoom, big 3.5-inch viewfinder, dual SD card slots, and advanced phase detection AF. The FDR-AX700 uses XAVC S for both 4K and HD recording, with 100 Mbps for 4K, and 50 Mbps for 1080p. It will also shoot in 1080p at 120 fps. The brand’s BIONZ X image processor keeps images crisp. The FDR-AX700 is one of the best camcorders for keen videographers and even aspiring filmmakers. A standard SMPTE timecode can be included on recordings. Trick replay includes Super Slow Motion. 

4. Canon Legria HF G60/Vixia HF G60

Max recording resolution: 4K | Image sensor: Dual-pixel CMOS 13.4MP | Total pixels: 3.09MP | Dimensions: 125 x 91 x 265mm | Weight: 1135g

Known as a Legria in Europe, and a Vixia in North America, the HF G60 is the latest 4K model for serious enthusiasts and semi professional. It not only shoots 4K, but has a big 1in sensor and a nine-blade diaphragm that is going to give your footage a more cinematic look than smaller models. However, with its familiar layout, this is definitely a good step-up model for someone who has used more basic camcorders. There is a 15x zoom lens with five-axis image stabilization, and a flip-out 3in touchscreen - as well as a tiltable eyelevel finder. Another useful feature is that there are two SD card slots.

4. Canon XA40

Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160px | Image sensor: 1/2.3" type CMOS Sensor | Total pixels: 8.29MP | Dimensions: 182.9 x 109.2 x 83.8 mm | Weight: 726g

Canon's impressive XA40 is a pro-grade camcorder that not only produces excellent 4K footage but also uses oversampling to ensure its Full HD footage is peerless in quality. Its palm-sized build means it's easy to pack up and take wherever you need it to go, while the 20x zoom lens gives you real shooting versatility. Optical 5-axis image stabilisation is also a boon, making it easier to capture professional-looking shots while you're shooting handheld. A camera for all seasons and all situations.

4. Canon LEGRIA HF G26

Max recording resolution: 1,920 x 1,080px | Image sensor: Advanced HD CMOS Pro | Total pixels: 3.09MP | Dimensions: 115(w) x 84(h) x 231(d)mm | Weight: 880g

If 4K isn’t a prerequisite, there are serious bargains to be had with high-spec Full HD models. The Canon LEGRIA HF G26 (sold as the Vixia HF G21 in North America) is one such creative tool. It boasts a 20x optical zoom, 8-blade aperture for focus blurring, and wide 28.8mm lens. You can record in AVCHD and economic MP4 formats to SD card (dual card slots offer double or serial recording), with images handled by Canon’s lauded DIGIC DV 4 processor. A high-sensitivity HD CMOS sensor promises above-average low-light video capture. The Canon HF G26 is literally a handful, but not so much that you wouldn’t want to take it on holiday. In addition to the 3.0-inch touchscreen, there’s a sharp, adjustable electronic viewfinder. Optical image stabilization ensures smooth shooting.

5 Sony FDR-X3000

Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160px | Image sensor: 1/2.5-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor | Total pixels: 8.29MP | Dimensions: 29.4(w) x 47(h) x 83(d)mm | Weight: 114g

Able to shoot 4K at 30fps, this dinky action cam will bring welcome detail to your sports footage. Using a Zeiss Tessar wide-angle lens, the Sony FDR-X3000 uses the same BIONZ X image processor found in Sony's A7 camera range, aided by a Balanced Optical SteadyShot (aka B.O.SS) image stabiliser. It will shoot 4K in XAVC S, and HD at 30fps in MP4. The FDR-X3000 comes with an underwater housing, waterproof up to 60m. There’s also a rather cool  watch-style remote monitor bundled, the RM-LVR3. This pairs wirelessly with the action cam over Wi-Fi. A capable, exciting alternative to a GoPro Hero or other action camera.

6. JVC Everio GZ-RY980HEU

Max recording resolution: 3,840 x 2,160px | Image sensor: 1/2.3-inch 1 Back-illuminated CMOS | Total pixels: 18.9MP | Dimensions: 79(w) x 76(h) x 162(d)mm | Weight: 620g

If you want a tough 4K camcorder with above-average build quality, this JVC is more than tough enough. The Everio GZ-RY980HEU has employed JVC’s Quad Proof chassis, which is shock-proof to survive drops up to 1.5m, waterproof down to 4.9m and freeze-proof to -10C. If you fall down a crevice while running from the Abominable Snowman, your camera should be fine. The GZ-RY980HEU offers a 10x optical zoom, with advanced image stabilisation. 4K is recorded in MOV format, at 70 Mb/s, plus 1080p to dual SD card slots giving simultaneous back-up. Alternatively you can use the dual slot for serial recording. Beneath the hood, there’s a 4K iteration of JVC’s FALCONBRID image processor. Special in-camera effects include time-lapse recording, and assorted filters. Basically, this is the Indiana Jones of 4K camcorders, and it's the best camcorder for adventurers who need more quality, control and zoom capability than they can get from a GoPro.

7. JVC Everio GZ-R405BEU

Max recording resolution: 1,920 x 1,080px | Image sensor: Super LoLux with Back-illuminated CMOS Sensor, 1/5.8-inch 2.5M pixel Back-illuminated CMOS | Total pixels: 18.9MP | Dimensions: 79(w) x 76(h) x 162(d)mm | Weight: 620g

A veritable pocket rocket, this palm-sized go-anywhere Everio is a great choice for the perennially adventurous. In addition to its Quad Proof chassis (waterproof down to 5m, dust and freeze-proof, and shock resistant with drops up to 1.5m), the GZ-R405BEU boasts a five-hour battery life and records 1080p to a 4GB flash memory, expandable with an SD card. It also offers easy upload to YouTube and Facebook. Other features include a 40x optical zoom and Advanced Image Stabiliser. It’ll even shoot stills (albeit only at 10MP).

8. Canon LEGRIA HF R86

Max recording resolution: 1,920 x 1,080px | Image sensor: CMOS | Total pixels: 2.7MP | Dimensions: 53(w) x 58(h) x 116(d)mm | Weight: 240g

This palm-sized go-anywhere Canon LEGRIA HF R86 is all about family fun. It records 1,080p to a 16GB of internal memory, expandable with an SD card. It boasts a huge 57x digital zoom, DIGIC DV4 image processing and an Intelligent Image Stabiliser with Zoom Framing assist. There’s even a decent parcel of filters, including assorted Cinema-Looks and an advanced Baby Mode, which lets you create albums for up to three children, automatically saving video footage to a designated album. It's inexpensive to buy and fun to use.

9. Sony HDR-CX405

Max recording resolution: 1,920 x 1,080px | Image sensor: Exmor R CMOS | Total pixels: 9.2MP | Dimensions: 54(w) x 59.5(h) x 128(d)mm | Weight: 190g

You don’t have to spend big to make great movies. Sony’s HDR-CX405 sells for under £200, but comes with a host of sophisticated tricks to help you make extremely polished movies. The camcorder records records simultaneously in XAVC S or AVCHD format and file-sharing friendly MP4 format, and you can edit in-camera using the onboard Highlight Movie Maker. You can even apply various visual effects without having to faff around with separate editing programmes. Optical SteadyShot, with effective Intelligent Active mode technology, goes some way to combating handshake. There’s a 30x optical zoom, and Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 26.8mm wide-angle lens. The camcorder even has 5.1 audio capture. Usability is good. We particularly like the tethered USB cable, which makes it a doddle to recharge the camcorder and copy footage to a PC. Given the spec you might be hard pressed to justify spending more, making this one of the best camcorders for filmmakers on a budget.

Also read:
Best cameras for vlogging
The best 4K camera for serious filmmaking
Best paid-for video editing software for vloggers and filmmakers