Does it make sense to buy a camcorder?

Video cameras vs cameras with interchangeable optics

Over the past few years, SLR and mirrorless cameras have managed to surpass video cameras in many ways. Firstly, the cameras offer the user the flexibility of the system — a variety of interchangeable optics allows you to choose an object for almost any shooting conditions. And secondly, the physical dimensions of the camera sensors significantly exceed those of video cameras, which makes it possible to get a much better result in poor lighting and more subtly control the background blur.

The size of the matrix for camcorders usually ranges from 1/5.8" to 1/2.3", whereas for cameras it is many times larger. The physical dimensions of the sensor affect the size of each individual pixel that is involved in the construction of the final image. In a small matrix, pixels will also be small, which means that the amount of light absorbed by them when shooting in low-light conditions will not be able to provide a decent result without an increase in noise levels. To suppress them, image enhancement software algorithms are included, under the influence of which the picture loses its detail and becomes "blurred". Poor quality of shooting with poor lighting is the main disadvantage of most amateur—class video cameras.

Cameras with interchangeable optics cope with difficult lighting conditions much better. A vivid example of this is the specialized version of the camera Sony A7s II body , which is sharpened specifically for video shooting. An acceptable result with its help can be obtained when shooting with ISO values up to 102400 units:

Mirrorless cameras act as more affordable alternatives to the full-frame flagship Sony A6300 body and Sony A6500 body . The second option is more preferable for videographers, because a 5-axis matrix image stabilization system has been used inside the A6500 model.

Mirrorless cameras from the Japanese company Panasonic are also designed to compete with video cameras. Behind the flagship camera Panasonic DMC-GH5 body Price from 38 000 up to 76 547 ₴, capable of recording videos in 4K format with a frame rate of 60 fps and the highest bitrate (up to 400 MBit/s), queues lined up even before the start of sales. That's just the money for such a developed video functionality will have to pay much more than for an amateur video camera, even if it is of a top class.

Cameras of a simpler class Panasonic DMC-G7 kit 14-42 Price from 21 490 up to 36 896 ₴ and Panasonic DMC-GX80 Body Price from 17 361 up to 17 790 ₴ also fly away like hot cakes. They are taken for shooting videos at amateur and semi-professional levels, even though there is no output for connecting an external microphone among the interface slots on board the cameras. By the way, most video cameras have it, as well as a 3.5mm mini headphone jack.

In the world of DSLRs, the prerogative of shooting video is given to Canon products. Enthusiasts have released a special version of the Magic Lantern firmware for them, which significantly "pumps" the video capabilities of cameras. Among the most attractive "chips" of the firmware is the ability to record RAW video, which opens up new horizons when post-processing the footage.

Other players in the camera market cannot offer worthy opponents to video cameras. In addition, most cameras have one important feature — the duration of video shooting with their participation is often limited. In some instances, this need is caused by possible overheating of the sensor, but to a greater extent the restriction concerns problems with product certification, which is why rarely any camera produces continuous video recording for more than 30 minutes in a row.

Advantages of a camera with interchangeable optics:

• the ability to choose an object for specific shooting conditions;
• fine control of depth of field (background blur);
• flexible settings and higher video quality.

Disadvantages of a camera with interchangeable optics:

• not all controls are sharpened for video shooting;
• awkward camera grip;
• limitation in the maximum duration of the video recording;
• higher cost.

Video cameras vs smartphones

Modern smartphones have a couple of important advantages over video cameras: a mobile gadget is almost always at the hand of its owner, and a video clip captured with its help can be immediately shared on a social network or uploaded to a video hosting.

From other points of view, not everything is so rosy, since smartphones lose to video cameras in ergonomics and lag behind them in terms of image quality. There is a special lack of the ability to zoom in (zoom in on the picture). The lack of effective stabilization systems is no less acute, which is why the slightest trembling of the operator's hands is visible in the picture. A tripod or a steadicam will help fix the situation, but let's be honest — how often have you seen such a bundle?..

A good result in video shooting is given by many top smartphones and gadgets of the "above average" level, which are able to record videos in resolution up to 4K (3840x2160 pixels). For example, Samsung Galaxy S7 32 GB ) or Apple iPhone 7 32 GB .

Advantages of the smartphone:

• a smartphone is always at hand;
• the ability to quickly share a video over the Internet.

Disadvantages of the smartphone:

• less high-quality result in comparison with video cameras, especially in low-cost models;
• no zoom;
• the effectiveness of image stabilization leaves much to be desired.

Arguments "for" a video camera

One of the key arguments "for" when choosing a video camera is the optimal ergonomics of the body of most camcorders — they fit in one hand almost perfectly, while the camera or smartphone has to be held with two hands. In addition, the controls on the "carcass" of the video camera are focused solely on changing the parameters of the video recording, which cannot be said about the many buttons on board the cameras.

The second strong side of video cameras breathes into the back of ergonomics — a large multiplicity of optical zoom (from 20x and above). In fact, this allows you to shoot a wide variety of subjects on the same device:

However, the pursuit of a high multiplicity of approximation does not bode well. Judge for yourself, the camcorders often have optics with variable values of the maximum aperture, so zooming is always accompanied by a loss of aperture, and shooting at large focal lengths requires additional devices for video stabilization, because no matter how good the built-in stub is, it is unlikely that it will be able to compensate for camera fluctuations at a 50-fold approximation.

A separate caste of video cameras will appeal to video bloggers. An example of such a solution can be Panasonic HC-W580 with a second rotary camera built directly into the camcorder display. It provides various additional functions — from taking the author's comments when recording the main video to capturing the space invisible to the camera object.

What are the advantages of video cameras?

• ergonomics;
• large zoom multiplicity;
• the presence of ports for connecting a microphone and headphones (for more subtle quality control of sound recording);
• long battery life on a single charge (especially in comparison with cameras);
• there are no restrictions on the duration of the video recording.

And what are the disadvantages?

• poor image quality in low light conditions;
• low detail in cameras with small physical dimensions of the matrix;
• you can't take a high-quality photo with a video camera.

What is the result?

As a result, there will still be video cameras! They will be suitable for performing everyday tasks (for example, recording the first steps of a child or a kindergarten matinee for a home archive) and shooting video blogs. You should turn your gaze towards cameras with interchangeable optics if shooting at a higher level is given priority. It requires certain skills in handling equipment, as well as an understanding of the principles of image stabilization in order to obtain the most smooth picture in the frame. Well, a smartphone is always at hand. And when it comes to flagship-class mobile gadgets, their level of video shooting is quite high, but not yet so high as to compete on equal terms with the capabilities of video cameras.

Have a good shooting!