TOP 5 video cameras of 2015

Canon LEGRIA HF R606

Canon LEGRIA HF R606 is interesting primarily because of the combination of a large matrix and a high speed video stream (bitrate). Thanks to this, the video camera is able to produce a less noisy image in low light conditions — the manufacturer claims a parameter of 0.4 Lux. For example, it allows you to capture a romantic candlelit dinner or a funny pose of a sleeping baby with a night light without dropping the frame rate or the effect of a night vision device. In addition, tests and user reviews indicate a high quality of colour rendering and with sufficient illumination.

The inscription on the 57x case implies the use of digital magnification (which is better to turn off), and the optical zoom here is 32x. If you need gigantic focal lengths, pay attention to the next participant in our TOP 5. The Zoom Framing Assist function helps with filming in teleportation: by pressing one button, it will first reduce the focal length to search for an object that has disappeared from the field of view, and then automatically returns the previous zoom value. The five—axis image stabilizer analyzes the shooting parameters and automatically selects one of the desired modes — normal, for large focal lengths or macro.

The parameters of the LEGRIA HF R606 shooting are controlled via a three-inch touch screen. Therefore, there are a minimum of buttons on the plastic case. The quality of the transfocator is located on the upper face, closer to the removable battery. This is convenient when shooting from a normal position, but if you want to make a lower angle, from the waist or hip, it will not be easy to change the focal length without the help of the second hand.

A pair of microphones (the camera records a Dolby Digital stereo track) is located under the object and is directed forward. This is the most optimal layout option. The sound quality, according to the owners, is much better than when using a mobile phone. This is especially felt when watching on a TV with a good speaker system.

Creative filters can be applied to the image, for example, to give the effect of a "big movie". The camera also allows you to slow down (x0.5) and accelerate (up to x1200) the flow of screen time. As a result, Canon LEGRIA HF R606 is an excellent choice for those who want to purchase a universal camera with an emphasis on indoor shooting.

Panasonic HC-V260

Panasonic HC-V260 was presented at CES in January 2015. The video camera successfully combines an affordable price and impressive characteristics, the main of which is a 50x optical zoom. The focal length starts from 28 mm, which allows you to put a lot of objects in the frame even from a minimum distance .

The objective provides not only huge magnification, but also optical image stabilization. HYBRID O.I.S. not only compensates for the camera shake in the user's hands, but also, within certain limits, is able to automatically align the horizon line in the frame. The autofocus system confidently keeps the shooting object sharp even if there is a moving object between it and the camera, for example, a person passes. The picture turns out to be well detailed, with calm and correct colour rendering, and there are no complaints about green (the most important for a person) or red (usually causing difficulties for low-cost matrices).

The materials of the case and the build quality correspond to the price category. The plastic is shiny, so with careless handling, the appearance will become unpresentable. But it is very light. The tripod socket is metal. Taking into account the maximum focal length of 1740 mm, it is strongly recommended to use a tripod. The 2.7-inch LCD screen is touch-sensitive, its resolution is small, but this is usually for models from the low-cost segment.

The zoom control cradle is located on the upper face of the case, in the area of the index finger. Nearby, closer to the removable battery, there is a button for photographing (it also works at the time of filming). In the stowed position, the front lens of the object is closed with curtains — an perfect solution, it is simply impossible to lose the cover.

The camera is equipped with a capacious 3.6 V / 1940 mAh battery (the same as the leader of our rating). It can be charged from a 230 V network or from USB, which together with portable battery increases battery life when shooting outdoors.

Panasonic HC-V260 can be recommended to those who are looking for a model with a large zoom. This video camera has the largest range of focal length variation and the maximum value in the teleposition among the participants of this TOP 5.

Sony HDR-PJ410

Sony HDR-PJ410 belongs to a new generation of video cameras, which have standard features complemented by innovative features.

The ability to connect to a wireless network via Wi-Fi for a video camera means not so much the transfer of footage — it's easier to do with a memory card, even if in the case of this model many will need a Micro SD/SD adapter, but remote control. An application is installed on a smartphone or tablet, through which the focal length and a number of shooting parameters are changed. The screen of a mobile device turns into a remote viewfinder, and the distance between the camera and a smartphone or tablet can be tens of metres.

Sony HDR-PJ410 is equipped with a miniature projector that is capable of playing not only recordings from memory cards, but from external sources, for example, from a computer, via an HDMI cable. Of course, there is enough brightness for a picture the size of a newspaper spread, but it makes an impression on the audience (at least at the first demonstration).

The parameters are controlled by a mini-joystick in the upper left corner of the folding 2.63-inch LCD screen. For a camera without an electronic viewfinder, such a solution by Japanese engineers should be recognized as useful: after active manipulations with the menu, fingerprints remain on the shiny screen, which are annoying, especially in bright sunlight.

A USB cable for charging the battery is built into the camera. In the marching position, he hides in the adjustment strap . The idea is interesting, but it's better to get a good USB extension cord right away so as not to think about the safe placement of the camera at the wall outlet.

The manufacturer did not forget about the main thing — the image quality is on top. The colour reproduction is accurate, under normal light conditions, noises are invisible. The owners and experts highly appreciated the speed and stability of the autofocus results. Even in teleportation and in low light, he is tenacious. Sony HDR-PJ410 is able to record videos in the amateur version of the professional XAVC S format with a stream speed of up to 50 Mbit/s. This improves the transmission of small movements in the frame, for example, foliage in the wind or flocks of birds, and also gives more freedom for subsequent video editing.

Sony HDR-PJ410 is a video camera for gadget lovers. She knows everything that a low-cost model needs, plus she will please with a set of interesting and useful bonuses.

Sony HDR-CX620

Sony HDR-CX620 is a modernized version (2015) of the classic, in the understanding of the 2010s, video camera. This means that during development, the main emphasis is placed on the main function — video recording. This is noticeable when viewing the footage. The colour rendering is correct and calm, in conditions of good lighting, the image pleases with detail.

Like the HDR-PJ410, the HDR-CX620 is equipped with an object whose focal length in a wide-angle position starts from the equivalent of 26.8 mm. The difference of only 1.2 mm gives a significant increase in the angle of view, and in the teleposition such a difference can only give an order of magnitude larger values. The SteadyShot optical stabilization system has earned flattering user reviews — the picture turns out smooth even when shooting with hands.

This video camera allows you to install lamps on the body for shooting in low light conditions. If you are going to purchase such a lamp, be sure to try on the mount before paying: the shoe is deeply recessed and closes with a lid on the top panel, there may be cases of size mismatch. Another "semi—professional" feature is a thread for a light filter, for example, a polarizing one.

Built-in microphones allow you to record both stereo and 5.1-channel tracks. The built-in Dolby Digital module encodes audio on the fly. Some users reported excessive sensitivity: microphones "hear" the operation of the stabilizer. To get the perfect soundtrack in silence, it is advisable to manually adjust the recording level. It's good that it's convenient to do this on a touch-sensitive LCD screen.

The built-in Wi-Fi/NFC module is responsible for communication with other equipment. The camera is capable of controlling other Sony cameras, or giving control of itself to a smartphone or tablet . At the same time, the network is created by the video camera itself and does not depend on the availability of wireless infrastructure. Another "trick" that the BIONZ X processor embodies is the MotionShot Video function. Thanks to her, the video turns into an amazing photo, which captures the phases of the object's movement against a static background.

Sony HDR-CX620 will be appreciated by prudent buyers who prefer to pay only for the necessary functions. There are cheaper models on the market, but when it comes to quality, the middle price segment is preferable.

Panasonic HC-VX870

Panasonic HC-VX870 is one of the cheapest options for those who want to shoot video in 4K. However, high resolution is not the only advantage of the camcorder. After all, the key to a high—quality picture is a good matrix. And the HC-VX870 has 18 MP and is the largest in size (1/2.3") among the TOP 5 participants. To digitize the video, 8.3 or 6 MP is used (for 4K and Full HD, respectively). Just the frame "floats" on the matrix, ensuring the operation of the five-axis stabilizer.

The camera allows you to shoot video with extended dynamic range (HDR). Unfortunately, only in Full HD resolution, but the result looks normal, not artificial. But even without HDR, the picture turns out to be attractive, especially in 4K, where the detail still seems incredible. If the purchase of 4K TV is not yet included in the financial plans, the material captured in 4K resolution is hardware recoded to Full HD, and visually the interpolation result looks better than shooting a similar plot directly in Full HD. The camera can record Full HD at a speed of 120 fps, and the in-camera interpolator is able to recalculate it to 240 fps, which at normal playback speed will give almost a tenfold slowdown.

If the capabilities of the built-in multi-channel microphone seem small, there are sockets on the side panel for connecting an external microphone and headphones, allowing you to monitor the quality and level of recording in real time. The removable shoe is used to install accessories, for example, a camera light lamp, if the built-in power is not enough. And those who are used to manual control will surely like the multifunctional ring located near the object, in the area of action of the left hand.

Wi-Fi has found a very interesting application. If you connect your smartphone to the HC-VX870, it will use the smartphone camera to record video in picture-in-picture mode.

Panasonic HC-VX870 is a great option for owners of 4K TVs and those who are trying their hand at serious filming. Of course, this is not a professional tool, but this camera has a lot of the arsenal of cameras from the world of cinema and television.