This review like it says is should you buy one of the best camcorders for making videos or I’m wrong if you are interested in the best mirrorless camera you can check our blog or you can continue reading this blog.
it seems like everyone has a camera and that is pretty accurate when it is considered that our cellphones have the best cameras out there.
however, these cameras don’t always work so well especially when you are shooting a video for professional purposes or just starting as a beginner which is why I started to wonder what would best video cameras for creatives.
after going through the best products in the market I have created a list of the best camcorders I found good.
And in this review, I will talk about the top best 4k camcorders in 2021 that are designed for different kinds of users.
I heard a lot that camcorders do not get the respect that they actually deserve.
Why camcorders even still exist because everybody knows we can take great videos and stills with a telephone these days.
What I’m gonna tell you is that that’s a super top-of-the-line telephone and we know the price tag on those things it’s about the same.
Now all of these cameras are excellent cameras you cannot go wrong with these cameras.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning that if you click on one of the links and purchase an item, I may receive a commission. All opinions however are my own.
Table of Contents
Canon XA50
You might not have realized it but camcorders are still a thing.
And that really surprises me from time to time because most of the YouTubers and other online video creators I mean we all end up using hybrid stills cameras like Canon XA50.
So we live in a world of big sensors and bigger lenses but cameras like XA 50 actually have a lot to offer.
8.29 MP 1-inch CMOS sensor
Video up to UHD 4K30
5-axis optical stabilization
DIGIC DV 6 processor
I mean over those that are saddled with all those lists those photography modes and all these camcorders which I have reviewed are still the best camcorders for making videos.
Tell me if these are some of the things that you’d like in a camera built at ND dual pixel autofocus XLR adapters a flip screen awesome stabilization great battery life and a very nice built-in zoom lens.
I have fallen for the allure of the hybrid but I do get frustrated with the need to attach a bunch of junk to my camera to get the image in the audio.
That’s how we ended up back with a camcorder because who doesn’t love just having a single package that does everything with no assistance and no needed accessories.
Features
- XA50 UHD 4K Camcorder with Dual-Pixel Autofocus
- CA-570 Compact AC Power Adapter
- BP-820 Lithium-Ion Single Battery Pack
- Lens Hood with Lens Cover
- Handle
- Microphone Holder
- WL-D89 Wireless Controller
- Shoots 4K up to 30 FPS.
- Built-in ND filter
- Built-in optical and electronic IS
- Dual-pixel auto-focus
- 2 XLR audio inputs
- 15x zoom at 4K and 30x zoom at 1080p
But if you are new to the XA 50 let’s cover the basic specs that way we can know at least where we stand comparatively.
The XA 50 is an 8.29 megapixel one inch CMOS sensor.
It can record in up to 4k 30 frames per second and can record 1080p and up to 60 frames per second.
Plus it can do that forever no there’s none of that stills hybrid stuff about 30-minute recording limits on this bad boy.
It just can record as long as you have power in memory.
It also comes equipped with canons dual pixel autofocus and much like the C 200.
It has that face priority mode so if it loses a face it doesn’t just go and start focusing on the background.
It waits until that face comes back again and that’s I think all face tracking autofocus needs to do that.
Not only does it have awesome autofocus but it also has three steps of built-in ND.
So if you were recording outdoors you don’t have to worry about closing the shutter or dragging along.
I mean you don’t have to drag along all of this crap of ND filters with you.
You don’t need that and you can combine that with the built-in optical image stabilization which can also be bolstered.
With power is an option and you can get some very nice stabilized images without too much work.
I will cover some more features as we go but this makes a very attractive solo content creator run-and-gun system.
My favorite part about this camcorder is it’s kind of like a mini cinema camera because it has canons a wide dynamic range profile.
Pros
- image quality is freaking good
- optical image stabilization
- 13.4 sensor resolution
- 382.5 max focal length
- Lcd viewfinder
- Fixed lens type
- 4k camera one inch CMOS sensor
- Ability to get soft Image
- Great dynamic range
- shoot slow motion in mp4 and XF ABC
- shoot time-lapse up to 12- 100 times in both 4k and HD
- shoot a 4k 23.98 frames per second in XF ABC
- recording 1080p up to 60 frames per second
- no limit while recording
- Built-in ND
- 15 times optical zoom lens
Cons
- doesn’t shoot 4k 60 frames per second only 30
- LCD screen is smaller
- doesn’t shoot raw ydr
- you can’t shoot 60 frames per
- second in 4K
It’s a Canon pro-level picture profile that will allow you to capture more information in both in your shadows in your highlights without needing to shoot it in a flat profile and grade it later.
So I mean I do kind of wish the ex a 50 head Canon C log profile because it’s darn useful.
From all the log profiles that I’ve started dabbling with it’s absolutely the easiest to slap the Canon LUT on top of it.
And tweak it slightly to get really good results but it’s not about C log the ex a 50s wdr is just about as handy.
Anyway, you don’t need to grade it at all because it’s not flat it doesn’t have that gross gray log footage thing.
Going on it’s just it’s a profile that’s designed to be shot and exported really quickly and I like it I mean
Now for me, that’s actually a good thing because that’s something that I want.
But this thing is so exciting because it is everything in one and that’s the theme of this review.
Conclusion
If you consider my four categories of things that I use as metrics for the success of camcorders for live streaming for the online content creator this basically crushes each one.
Panasonic AG 350
It fits really well into the houses of worship local broadcasts or even streaming for those people.
I think it’s a great camera we took it out on the streaming shoot that we had in a mixture of a few of our other cameras and operated really well as the best camcorders for filmmaking.
UHD 4K, 1080p, variable frame rate
TC input and output, 3G-SDI, HDMI output
UHD 4K, 1080p, Variable Frame Rate
20x Optical, 32x Intelligent Zoom
1 MOS
Firstly I do a lot of filming work in conferences and events so it’s very important for me to have a good rank controller system.
For those of you that don’t know Panasonic used to have their own proprietary lank controller.
And on this model of a camera, they’ve changed that to the more standard lank system as used by Sony and Canon and other manufacturers.
I found it very difficult to find a good controller that works smoothly on this camera
There is a lot of really cool features that I’ve kind of.
specifications
- Easy IP Connection Preinstalled NDI | HX*
- TC In/Out, 3G-SDI, HDMI Out
- UHD 4K, 1080p, Variable Frame Rate
- 20x Optical, 32x Intelligent Zoom
- 1 MOS Sensor
So I want to walk you through what I think a lot of people will appreciate in the single body right here.
So it’s up to 1-inch 4k sensor which is a huge step up from its predecessor the AJ PX 270.
I would say pound-for-pound this is a really strong offering if you’re doing streaming.
One of the defining factors is the fact that you can hook up an app to this.
Basically, put a Wi-Fi module in and you pulp an app on your iPad or iPhone you can control the camera a hundred percent from that app.
Secondly, it’s got professional audio, and who doesn’t love professional audio you got two XLR inputs phantom power everything you need when you are running proper audio.
I love the fact it’s got built-in Indies now I know it’s a smaller sensor so you’re not gonna get really crazy jealous of the field.
But you actually do get some she’ll let the field if you’re trying to achieve that and if you’re outside having an easy is pretty critical for them.
The optical stabilization on this camera is just impressive to say the least it does have a fixed lens which at first I was a little like ok.
But it’s got the equivalent of a 24 to 176 focal distance what was it 20 times optical zoom.
You can still shoot it on HR to 6 for essentially it gives you everything you’d want with lesser features and all the higher features in a brand new camera.
If you are familiar with these types of cameras the menu is super easy to navigate it all makes sense.
Pros
- proprietary lank controller
- ability to record mp4 files
- ability to do a live stream directly from the camera
- ability to send a stream to Facebook in 720 and record at 1080
- Great reliable autofocus system
- record at 24 frames per second
- 4K image with 10-bit Codec
- 0” 15M sensor for F12/F13
- Great HLG and SDR monitoring
- 5-axis hybrid I.S.
- 1″ MOS Sensor
- 20x Optical
- 32x Intelligent Zoom
- UHD 4K, 1080p, Variable Frame Rate
- Supports LANC Control
- 2 x Media Card Slot
- HLG Recording
- 3.2″ LCD Screen
- OLED Viewfinder
- Individual Zoom
- Front-Mounted Mic with Front Audio Level
- TC In/Out, 3G-SDI
- HDMI Out
- USB 3.0, USB 2.0 Host, LAN Port
Cons
- can’t record in 4k while streaming
I definitelyy recommend checking this camera out see if it’s the right tool for you.
Panasonic’s answer to cameras like the Canon XF705 and the sony ZED 280.
This is a professional standard fixed lens camera with all the features needed to compete with those options.
From the other manufacturers, you get HDR broadcast-quality codecs hey GBC, and a whole host of streaming capabilities.
And Panasonic is significantly lower cost than competing options from those other manufacturers.
It’s obvious right off the bat that this can definitely compete with the higher price rivals from Canon and Sony.
So the CX350 has a 1-inch sensor and is capable of recording UHD up to 60 P 10 bit 4.2 internally.
Conclusion
So in summary the AG CX 350 is a really great camera especially for those who are in that broadcast houses of worship streaming markets.
Canon XF 705
This is a camera I was really looking to testing and I know it is a long-awaited offering by Canon as well not knowing Canon xf705 at all brings extra excitement to the table, soI was tested and bring it along with how it goes.
15x optical, 30x digital zoom
1.0 CMOS sensor 13.4 megapixels
4:2:2, 10-bit color
UHD 4K up to 60fps
1080P at 120fps
Capable of 4K UHD 60P
Canon XF 705 is the first broadcast cam in the world to shoot h.265 HEV C codec, can do 10 bit 42 internal it’s super impressive 4k 60p impressive 15 times optical zoom and 30 times digital zoom, 5-axis image stabilization it boasts a wide dynamic range in the high dynamic range shooting capability and has also HD at 120 frames for those who want to do some slow-motion and an all-around impressive ergonomic built camera.
XF705 runs a one-inch sensor right definitely a nice the big one in sensor a nice for low-light
capability it’s not a broadcast standard to shoot with the 1-inch sensor so this camera is super impressive high resolution very rich colors coming out of Canon xf 705.
if you don’t want to deal with interchangeable lenses or you know any other components you would just want one camera that does everything
Even I have been working with a Super 35 sensor for such a long time it was a relief to have something easier to work with.
This model now is a very exciting camcorder that might be a little bit of an oxymoron for some of you.
I mean everyone at the moment is talking about large sensor cameras and interchangeable lens cameras.
That is a cinematic style of the camera which is of course absolutely amazing that’s what we spend most of our time on.
Canon VIXIA HF G60
This review is all about the Canon HF G60 64k camcorder is it one of the best camcorders for making videos or not.
1-inch 8.29MP CMOS Sensor
Records up to 4K 30 UHD
DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor
5-Axis Image Stabilization
Interval Recording 4K
This review is not going to be just training we’re going to go through all the features and functions.
So if you’re in the market for a prosumer level camera I’m going to compare this with the exact ones from the other manufacturers.
So let’s take a look and answer that question should you buy one of these the Hf G 60 from canon.
Something people generally don’t do and I’m going to tell you the down-and-dirty on these things is I’ve been approached shooter for many many many years.
So if you expect to go into a paying gig you’re not gonna see a paying gig with a guy walking with the telephone where everybody else has got a telephone.
It’s the current model of a long line of HfG series cameras 10 20 30 40 50 and now 60.
Including all the variants that have handles on top with XLR connectors.
But really they’re using a lot of the same technology in a very mature camera line.
Sony is one of the King sensors there they really make great sensors and they make great cameras with really excellent sensors.
Panasonic makes great moviemaking cameras the GH4 GH 5 series.
I prefer a camera that has balance performance in all the categories so let’s list the top criteria on Ganon G60.
If you’re looking at any top-quality 4k camera Canon VIXIA G60 is on my top six list.
Image Stabilization
This camera offers fantastic picture quality you auto focused fast accurate reliable autofocus.
For me is great image stabilization so I don’t have to use a tripod.
Other thing I want an optical zoom that’s very wide range and high quality something you’re not going to get on it on a phone and that it shoots 4k and many other HD formats.
So if I need to go down in resolution I can and last I want long battery life.
So I don’t have to keep changing batteries one of the things that’s really going to have.
Camera Sensor
A major impact on the performance of the camera is the sensor size so let’s take a look at what the trade-offs are.
The sensor picks up the image in back of your lens and this is where a lot of the production and engineering costs come in for manufacturers.
So with larger sensors, they are higher cost in general to produce and your cameras going to cost more but they produce better low-light images.
Also, bokya lickle bokya means those nice soft out-of-focus backgrounds that make the subject look really nice.
With a smaller sensor they are much lower cost to produce and they’re alright in low light not fantastic but they tend to have everything in focus.
It’s very difficult to get that nice out-of-focus background look my opinion is that a one-inch sensor is the sweet spot balance point for a 4k video camcorder now when it comes to lenses.
Canon has produced more lenses than any other manufacturer over the last decades, their variety and quality is unexcelled.
Camera Colours
Another thing candid excels at is what’s called color science that is how does the camera see and processes the colors in the image and does it look excellent to your eye.
If we compare a couple of simple shots with the Sony FDR AX100 which is in the same ballpark with Canon G60.
I have made shot an early morning low light with both cameras on full auto with FDR AX100 by Sony and now the canon H F and G 60.
But the colors are just more pleasing back to the FD AC100 Sony camera and now over to the Canon HfG 60.
I guess your results may vary but the canon always looks better to my eye.
Welll let’s make a chart and start comparing the attributes.
Canons is not at the top over here because the Panasonic lens has the longest optical zoom.
But these are licensed from Zeiss and Leica on the Panasonic and the Sony they have very great lenses.
But Canon also has tremendous experience there and I don’t use telephoto.
Most of the time I use wide-angle that’s where I’m sitting so the ultimate amount of soon really doesn’t matter to me.
So there you go didn’t win on the lens low-light the Panasonic automatically loses because it has a small sensor.
The other two have the one-inch sensor and that allows you to have much better low-light performance.
Now they should be roughly equal but they’re not quite in very low light the sony has a little more noise in the picture than the canon.
Camera stabilizer
The Panasonic also has a tremendous stabilizer in it combination of electrical and mechanical.
The son stabilizer is not quite as good on battery life they’ve all got it worked out really well at getting the same rating.
The large battery you can run all these for many hours and then you’ve got economics.
How does the thing feel in your hand and the design of the buttons exactly where you expect them to be well all in all.
I really like the Canon economics the best the zoom rocker the way that it feels when you’re pushing it.
You intuitively sort of know where the buttons are and it just feels best to me although the others who are very good.
Conclusion
But if you can spending this kind of money you want the best one and the Canon really is on top.
But this takes much better video and has a whole bunch of features that you just can’t get on a telephone these days.
Panasonic HC-X2000
At the time of production, the Panasonic HCX 2000 was the world’s smallest and lightest 4k 60p video camera. But now I want to take a closer review and look at this palm sized top handled video camera.
Audio 4:2:2 10-Bit Internal Recording
4K recording 4K 60p
5-axis O.I.S Optical Stabilization
Video resolution 480P
Only to see if it outperforms that small sense of reputation standing at just 257 millimeters in length and weighing only 1.5 kilograms.
It certainly lives up to the marketing blurb of being the smallest and lightest in its class.
At the front of the body it’s sporting, the Leica DICOM is 24 times zoom lens gain from a full-frame equivalent of 25 millimeters to 600 millimeters at the zoom end.
This impressive like a lens also features a very fast variable aperture of f-18 when wide open in of itself.
This is impressive as it’s rare to see a zoom with such a vast wide open aperture.
So what can we say about Panasonic HCX 2000 everything about this camera is built for ease of use on the go.
Item Specification
- WiFi live streaming
- Manual Rings
- ND filters
- Built-in LED video light
- Double SD card slots
- VW-HU1 HANDLE
- 4K RECORDING
- LEICA DICOMAR LENS
- Max Focal Length: 98.9
- Optical Zoom: 24.0
- Video Capture Resolution: 480P
The baked in features such as the built-in ND filters the top handle the five axis hybrid image stabilization the focus and iris rings.
All feed into that idea that this camera is built for filming on the go.
This is obviously going to affect the cameras low-light performance and to be sure that really isn’t that great.
However there are some interesting advantages to having this sized image sensor.
The smaller amount of light captured allows for this camcorder to have a wider maximum aperture to its lens.
F 1.8 isn’t just a rarity for variable zoom lenses but it’s also just an unusual pairing for video cameras.
Camera Sensor
Now let’s address the elephant in the room the sensor and the image it can render for you.
And the first key one with this camera is that the low-light performance of that tiny sensor is really gonna struggle in darkened conditions.
It is only one over two and a half inches in size and that is tiny in fact it’s probably the same size sensor like the one in your smartphone’s camera.
In my experience of using Panasonic cameras over the years for documentary interviews or even corporate work tells us that this camera is going to be one of the best camcorders for making videos and perfect for these environments.
And its reassuringly snappy autofocus all feed into that notion of a reassuringly easy camera to use.
So on to the bad points and like every single camera there is always compromises to have.
And the amount of gain you need to add to your image to make it usable in the dark will make your image very very noisy.
And then on to the price point which is an interesting place sitting around $6000 pounds.
It means that this camera finds itself in a very competitive and crowded price point.
For example for the same amount of money you could pick up a Fuji XT for which for outright quality is just a superior camera.
However, the dedicated features present on the HC-X mm such as the ND filters the image stabilization the ridiculous zoom lens the XLR preamps, and the quirky LED light all hint are that not being a fair comparison.
What I want to say there is a special place in my heart for camcorders and cameras.
That a dedicated video in general but of course I am a sucker for large sensors and the creative options you get with hybrid Stils and mirrorless cameras.
But there is a unique experience to be had with shooting video on a dedicated video camera.
The top handle or a side-mounted handle and in 2021 there are very few cameras that offer this experience in the sub 2 grand price point.
There is even limited options especially all the bells and whistles that we get that they hate 6 mm the 4k 64 to 210 bit recording for under two grand in a video camera is almost impossible to find.
Camera Features
And for that I absolutely love this little camcorder so let’s jump on the features of this camcorder.
Compact and lightweight 4k 50 of 60p camcorder with detachable handle and LED light built-in video light is extremely bright.
70 Lux at 1 meter integrated like a 24 times zoom lens 25 millimetres F 1.8 at wide-angle 600 millimetres f/4 at the tele end with fast face detection autofocus.
The LCD is two million seven hundred and sixty thousand dots a 1 over 2.5 inch sensor 5 axis hybrid optical.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization in both HD and UHD high efficiency video codec for 4k 50 P recording at 200 megabits per second.
It’s built for ease of use it thrives in those environments and features such that 5-axis hybrid image stabilization.
I’ve been genuinely impressed with the image quality the HC-X mm renders for sure isn’t as beautiful or as versatile as some of the high-end hybrids.
This professional camcorder does not have the conventional three positions switch for great balance.
However even with 12 user switches you have to prioritize the features you want to use.
The viewfinder is usable but uncomfortably small not recommended for use over along period of time but.
The twenty four times optical zoom is very useful although he will lose two stops of light as you zoom.
Conclusion
This is a video-only camera a camcorder built for 2021 and for that this camera occupies a kind of unique position in the market.
This review will give you the Sony Z 280 a half-inch seamless camcorder that records 4k footage in 42 to 10-bit SPS cards. It has a lot of features built into it with the limited to no crew type of productions in mind.
This review will give you the Sony Z 280 a half-inch seamless camcorder that records 4k footage in 42 to 10-bit SPS cards. It has a lot of features built into it with the limited to no crew type of productions in mind.
Sony Z 280
Three 1/2 Exmor R CMOS Sensor
4K 60p Recording
Integrated 17x Optical Zoom Lens
Supports XAVC Intra/Long MPEG HD, DVCAM
Simultaneous 4K/HD Recording
12G-SDI Output Supports 4K 60p
Z 280 has inherited the variable nd feature from the FS 5 and the FS 7, half-inch sensors versus the super 35 sensor that we have on an FS 5 or an FS 7.
It’s really important to have this feature because of the ability to separate the subject from the background and having the ability with the T19 lens.
Item Features
- Three 1/2 Exmor R CMOS Sensor
- 4K 60p Recording
- Integrated 17x Optical Zoom Lens
- Electronic Variable ND Filter
- Supports XAVC Intra/Long MPEG HD, DVCAM
- Supports S-Log3
- Supports HLG For an HDR Workflow
- Simultaneous 4K/HD Recording
- 12G-SDI Output Supports 4K 60p
- Build in 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
And the variable ND gives us the shallow depth of field that we experience with super 35 sensors.
Z280 comes with the capability of Wi-Fi into the content browser mobile app that’s allowing you to do a real-time feed from the camera.
It allows you to check critical settings also allows you to record on/of.
In many ways this is their successor to the very popular x200.
They’ve definitely taken a lot of cues from user feedback from that camera.
We have Sony’s fantastic variable ND technology camcorder which we seen on a few of their cameras now.
Conclusion
So if you’re looking for a fixed lens convenient camcorder for broadcast work this is probably one of the best camcorders for making videos and the right choices on the market right now.
Sony PXW-FS7
I’ve been shooting with the FS7 and FS9 for a couple of years. So, the FS7 is Sony’s interchangeable lens mount camera. It comes with its own handheld grip with remote control.
The one thing I would say about the handle that this camera comes with though is you can’t put it down with it on.
Super 35 Sized CMOS Sensor
UHD Up to 60 FPS, HD Up to 180 FPS
4096 x 2160 Via External Recorder
Constant f/4 Max Aperture
You can buy various accessories that allow you to just the handle quickly but for me, I actually tend to ditch it most of the time and use a smaller one mounted to my bars.
Sony has addressed the handle on the mark too so it’s quite possible.
This is no longer in issue the design of this camera mean that it does come apart into small pieces.
It’s great when you’re traveling on planes and you need to break it down and get it into a Pelley case with a bunch of lenses.
One of my favorite features of this camera is the mi shoe this is the media in spa.
As we see the camera is performing well with lots of features but let’s continue with others features.
Item Specifications
- Super 35 Sized CMOS Sensor
- Sony E-Mount
- UHD Up to 60 FPS, HD Up to 180 FPS
- 4096 x 2160 Via External Recorder
- Dual HD/3G-SDI & HDMI Output
- Full Frame Zoom Lens with E-Mount
- Dual XQD Memory Card Slots
- Ergonomic Handgrip with Camera Controls
- Constant f/4 Max Aperture
FS 7 hits the mark with full 4 2 2 recording from HD to true 4k whilst the FS 5 can record for 2 2 HD.
Another great feature of this camera it’s sense crop mode which means you can double the focal length of your lens.
An issue I have with that though is I had to go through the Sony menu which is not the easiest menu to navigate through.
What I most like on the FS 7 mark 3 is to have that matter press of a button so in summary I don’t think you can get much more bang for your buck.
If I’m honest it’s not the most well-built of Sony cameras and it’s not got all the bells and whistles of an F5 but you know it could pretty much do everything.
That its bigger brother cam I’d love to be able to shoot 100 FPS in 4k with it but until the FS7 Mark 3 comes out I think I can wait.
FS 7 certainly made its mark on the community being a production grade camera with internal 4k for 2 to 10.
Bit recording capability and the ability to accommodate studio shooting or running gun shooting right out of the box.
Camera Lens
And Sony’s 28 to 135 millimeters servo zoom lens is a great companion to this camera utilizing internal image stabilization and providing a constant 400 maximum aperture throughout the zoom.
Camera Sensor
It’s got a super 35 size sensor so the ergonomics of this camera mean that it’s ready to shoot with pretty much out of the box.
Complementing the FS7 super 35 sensor a constant F for maximum aperture allows greater consistency throughout the zoom range.
The sony FS7 is equipped with a super 35 single Exmoor CMOS sensor that captures images with cinematic depth of field 14 stops of dynamic range in a broad color gamut.
A quick run-through of the menu will show us a little bit more of what this camera is capable of.
Of the top menu is the user menu which is totally customizable you can add omit and rearrange.
The most features available in the other menus right here for quick and easy accessibility we’ve started our user menu with the base setting of the camera.
A custom base setting keeps the FS7 just like a traditional video camera.
In that it’s recording a rec 709 style profile so the image look that you see in the viewfinder or external monitor should look just like the image that you’re recording.
But you can engage so nicely in EEI mode which allows you to record in various s logs.
Recording s log provides you with a flatter image that preserves more shadow and highlights detail than shooting with a standard video gamma curve.
This flatter image is more conducive to adjusting your color and brightness and post.
Having the choice between these two shooting profiles is great because it allows you to choose a streamlined post workflow depending on your final deliverable.
Now when shooting an s log in the cine II mode you have the option to select from any of the pre-programmed Luntz or look profiles available in the camera.
You can even import up to four custom 3d lots of your own.
FS seven is capable of shooting up to 60 frames per second at full 4k uhd and HD.
With the slow and quick motion option engaged you have the ability to record up to 180 frames per second in HD.
let’s move along and take a look at the FS 7s exterior.
The FS 7 is traditionally utilized as a documentary-style camera.
The camera has a long record function allowing for hours and hours of internally recorded footage.
The camera mounts to a tripod plate or base plate with a standard 3/8 16 locking pin and a quarter 20 screw hole on the bottom.
It has a machine stainless-steel II mount however the shallow flange distance allows you to mount most other 35-millimeter lens types using mechanical adapters without a problem.
There are three levels of NDS built in over the sensor allowing you to run outdoors in an instant without having to install a matte box onto a cumbersome rig.
It has a very organic button layout there are three assignable buttons and one assignable dial on the camera body.
There are three separate assignable buttons in one assignable dial on the included smart grip that you can program custom features.
On the side it has the XQD card ports right here in the back next to the card slots it has a mini USB port for transferring footage and a utility SD port which allows you to update the FS sevens firmware.
It uses the standard Sony bpu batteries available in various sizes that can power the camera from approximately 1 to 3 hours.
So, you can use the included 12 volt DC power under this flap in the back.
It has the connection port for the XD CA FS 7 extension that I was referring to earlier.
This extension can also mount v-loc batteries for even longer run times.
Camera Monitor Performance
let’s talk about monitor performance and features real quick before we get into those.
It mounts to the end of a rod that’s attached to the end of the microphone mount with an adjustable rod lock.
So, it can be moved forward and back left and right up and down which is going to help you get that monitor right where you need it.
It whether you’re going shoulder-mounted tripod-mounted low mode.
I mean almost any style shooting the included eyepiece turns the monitor into a viewfinder to magnify the image.
but it also keeps extraneous light off the screen and provides another point of contact against your body for steadier shots.
When you are in shoulder-mounted or handheld mode you can flip the eyepiece open for a quick view of the monitor.
The monitor has a contrast adjustment wheel built into its side as well as its own peaking and zebra speed buttons for faster access.
There is a mere button also that flips and reflects the image in the monitor so that no matter how you flip or position it’s oriented in the correct direction.
There are two 3G SDI ports and an HDMI 2.0 out all capable of kicking out that full 4k or HD to an external monitor.
And recorder this remote part is where you plug in the included smart grip when used in conjunction with the shoulder pad underneath the camera.
You can hold the camera package in that more Eng style fashion while keeping camera control in your hands.
Great for run-and-gun shooting everything comes out to about four and a half kilograms or just under 10 pounds.
There are two XLR inputs that record 24-bit 48 kilohertz the adjustment dials and switches are found on the opposite side.
The microphone off of the top handle also features a zoom rocker and start/stop button.
It mounts to the top of the camera with four included screws making it really easy to remove if you have to fit it into a tight case.
And lastly, we have the WLAN port right here for you to plug in your included USB adapter to give your FS7 Wi-Fi capability enabling wireless camera setting adjustment file transfer and image preview from a smart device.
So now that we have an idea of what the sony FS7 is capable of let’s get into Effie peasy.
28 to 135-millimeter focal range lens powered variable zoom easily covers wide-angle to telephoto perspectives.
So no worries of exposure ramping as you zoom an optical SteadyShot.
The image stabilization system works to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed steps.
The lens features three independent control rings for zoom focus and aperture focus mode can be switched auto to manual.
FS 7 represents a new production standard for Eng sports reality TV even cinema by combining amazing internal capabilities with its ergonomic form factor.
And in the past lenses with the features that the twenty eight to one thirty five-millimeter has cost upwards of fifteen thousand dollars and they always needed an additional power source that makes these two together with a powerhouse package.
Canon XA11
HD CMOS Pro image sensor
Full HD 1920×1080 recording
Compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.26.
powerful DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor
5-axis image stabilization
Advantages
- Clear electronic viewfinder
- Very portable design
- sensor is on the small side
Canon XC15
DIGIC DV 5 processor
UHD 4K up to 29.97fps
24p mode for 4K and 1080p video
12MP 1” CMOS sensor
capturing Ultra HD 4K resolutions up to 29.97fps
1080p resolutions up to 59.94p
Advantages
- Articulating monitor
- You can control it wirelessly
- Eyepiece block touchscreen
Panasonic HC-X1 4K
4K 1.0-inch MOS Sensor
high-speed 4K 60p/50p recording
Optical Image Stabilizer (4K/UHD/FHD)
5-Axis Hybrid O.I.S.
Supports 4K, UHD, FHD; 60p/50p/25p/24p
electronic image stabilization
Advantages
- Timecode for editing
- High quality leica glass
Disadvantages
- Not clear screen
Sony PXW-FS5 MK II
4K Super 35 Exmor with 11.6 million pixels, 8.8 million effective pixels
4K 30p recording in XAVC Long GOP codec
4K 60p/50p in FS RAW format
electronic variable ND filters
240fps HFR in Full HD
240fps HFR in 4K with FS RAW
Video Resolution 1080p
- Super 35 mm sensor
- easy mount gimbals and drones
- LCD Monitor
Canon XA15
2.84-inch 1920 x 1080 CMOS Sensor
FHD 1920 x 1080 recording
Optical sensor resolution 3.09
Digic DV 4 Image Processor
Dynamic Image Stabilization
- 3 inch toiuchscreen
- Powerfull image processor
Sony PXW-FS7M2
Super 35 Sony CMOS sensor
Electronic Variable ND Filter
DCi 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 59.94p
UHD up to 59.94fps
HD up to 180fps xavc-i/L, MPEG-2
XAVC up to 600MB/s
- Build in Neutral filters
- Dual XQD card slot
- easy customizing
Sony FX9
Canon C300 Mark II
Conclusion
In today’s industry and there is your hands-on review for the sony PXW FS 7 camera and the FE PZ 28 to 135-millimeter lens whether you’re a hobbyist or professional VNH has the answers to your questions experience.
Our technology superstore team shoots and films with FS7 and FS9 every day.
What is the best camcorder for filmmaking?
after going through the best products in the market I have created a list of the best camcorders I found good.
1. Canon XA50
2. Panasonic AG 350
3. Canon XF705
4. Canon VIXIA HF G60
5. Panasonic HC-X2000
6. Sony Z 280
7. Sony PXW-FS7 MII
What is the best camcorder for making youtube videos?
nowadays even smartphones have sufficiently strong cameras to make decent youtube videos.
but if you’re a vlogger or an influencer you might want to consider upgrading your setup a bit.
I have a list of the top five cameras for youtube and we’ve hand-picked only the strongest best-selling cameras from huge brands.
1. Canon XA50
2. Panasonic AG 350
3. Canon XF705
4. Canon VIXIA HF G60
5. Panasonic HC-X2000
6. Sony Z 280
7. Sony PXW-FS7 II
8. Sony cinema line ilme-FX
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