3 best prosumer camcorders

Product description

If you’ve ever been astonished by the depth and beauty of 4K High Dynamic Range, if you’ve ever longed to achieve these results for your own projects, Sony has the ideal camera. Presenting the FDR-AX700. Small as it is, it packs the most power we’ve ever built into a palm-sized Handycam camera. With advances like 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, Instant HDR2, a generous 1” (1.0-type) image sensor and Fast Hybrid Auto Focus, this is the perfect tool for making unforgettable videos. You can charge the battery pack using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz range. NFC: Yes (NFC forum Type 3 Tag compatible). Dimensions (W x H x D) (main unit only)- Approx.4 5/8 x 3 5/8 x 7 3/4inch(Approx.4 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 10 7/8 in(including Lens Hood and Large Eyecup)). Dimensions (W x H x D) (including supplied battery)- Approx.4 5/8 x 3 5/8 x 7 3/4inch(Approx.4 7/8 x 4 1/8 x 10 7/8 in(including Lens Hood and Large Eyecup)). Weight (main unit only)-Approx.2 pounds 1oz(including Lens Hood and Large Eyecup). Weight (including supplied battery)-Approx.2 pounds 4.3oz(NP-FV70A)(supplied battery), Approx.2 pounds 6.1oz(NP-FV100A)

• 1” (1.0-Type) stacked Exmor RS back Illuminated CMOS sensor
• Incredibly fast, Hybrid AF with 273 points and wide coverage
• 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) in addition to full HD. Filter Diameter: 62mm. Minimum Focus Distance- Approx.13/32inch(Wide), Approx.39 3/8inch(Tele), Approx.1cm(Wide), Approx.100cm(Tele). Viewfinder Type-1.0cm(0.39type) OLED/ Color 2,359,296dots equivalent
• Instant HDR workflow with Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) encoding
• ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom Lens w/ 29mm wide angle.Power Requirements:7.4V (battery pack), 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

User questions & answers

Question:	What is a good monitor to use with this model
Answer:	I use my Sony .oled tv.
Question:	Does this unit come with SD card(s)? If so, what specs
Answer:	Hi, this camcorder does not ship with an SD card. We recommend SDHC/SDXC memory card (Class 10 or faster, or U1 or faster.)
Question:	Sound cannot be recorded? so that means it does not have a built in mic
Answer:	This camera has a mic. If you are having issues. Please call tech support @ 1-800-222-7669
Question:	Can you record to while monitoring from the hdmi out simultaneously
Answer:	You can record internally. HDMI can be set to monitor with UI overlay.

Product features

Sony 4K Handycam camcorder with 1” sensor

If you’ve ever been astonished by the depth and beauty of 4K1 High Dynamic Range, if you’ve ever longed to achieve these results for your own projects, Sony has the ideal camera. Presenting the FDR-AX700. Small as it is, it packs the most power we’ve ever built into a palm-sized Handycam camera. With advances like 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, Instant HDR2, a generous 1” (1.0-type) image sensor and Fast Hybrid Auto Focus, this is the perfect tool for making unforgettable videos.

Large, 1” back illuminated Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor

This large 1” (1.0-type) back illuminated Exmor RS stacked image sensor with DRAM chip not only enhances efficiency and speed of A/D conversion through its stacked structure due to more circuit sections; it also realizes super-fast readout speed - thanks to a DRAM chip integrated into the sensor structure. Together with the BIONZ X processing engine and front-end LSI, it allows for stunning 4K1 (3840 x 2160) with fast AF and AE tracking, and super slow-motion HFR2 (High Frame Rate) movie clip recording of up to 960fps (40x), not to mention remarkable low-light low-noise capability. The large sensor makes for more cinematic imagery, with the blurred backgrounds that cinematographers cherish.

Incredibly fast, Hybrid Auto Focus

The FDR-AX700 An extraordinarily accurate AF system Using 273 focus points covering 84% of the frame, the system combines the strengths of both Phase Detection AF and Contrast Detection AF for unsurpassed results. Focus is always important, especially in large-sensor 4K imaging. With its powerful high-speed BIONZ X image processing engine and advanced new movie AF algorithm, the FDR-AX700 can hold focus even on fast-moving subjects such as sports, pets or children at play. Refinements like 4K face detection and object tracking technology make it easy to follow your subject.

4K1 movie w/ direct pixel readout, no pixel binning and fast AF

The FDR-AX700 offers the advantages of 4K1 (QFHD 3840 x 2160) movie recording, with full pixel readout without pixel binning, capturing approximately 1.7x more information than is required for 4K6 movie output ensuring that all the finest details are captured accurately. Utilizing the XAVC S codec to record video at a high data rates, users have the option of shooting at either 24p or 30p in 4K mode up to 100mpbs, or in frame rates of up to 120p in Full HD up to 50mbps..

The detail of 4K, the beauty of HDR2

4K High Dynamic Range2 astonishes viewers with visual depth and impact that are less like conventional movies and television – and more like real life. With the ability to reproduce images from deep shadows to piercing highlights, 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) is astonishing. With Instant HDR, a first in palm-sized cameras, the FDR-AX700 empowers you to capture High Dynamic Range without complex post production. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) recording captures HDR, yet plays back beautifully on both HDR and conventional televisions. For added versatility, the camera also provides S-Log3 encoding.

ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens

The FDR-AX700 comes equipped with a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 29-348 (35mm equivalent) lens that delivers corner to corner sharpness with beautiful defocused background bokeh. Not only is this 29mm wide-angle lens ideal for capturing grand landscapes, but it covers wide-ranging image expression thanks to maximum 12x optical zoom and 24x Clear Image zoom (18x in 4k). Lens ring enables smooth, natural adjustment of focus or zoom, depending on mode.

Compact size, packed with pro features

The FDR-AX700 has a variety of features for professional production, including Picture Profiles, S-Log3/S-Gamut3, Gamma Display Assist, Proxy recording, Time Code / User Bit and more, as well as input for external microphone via MI (multi-interface) shoe or mic jack and output for headphone monitoring. Focus and exposure can be monitored for fine control with peaking function and zebra respectfully. You also have the choice of region setting between NTSC and PAL movie frame rates. The AX700 uses XAVC S for detailed recording up to 100 Mbps in 4K or HD and AVCHD recording for HD.

Dual media slots with Relay and Simultaneous recording modes

To extend recording time and flexibility, the camera provides two slots for SDXC and SDHC cards. Slot 1 is also compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2) / PRO-HG Duo cards. To take advantage, Relay mode automatically switches recording to the second memory card when the first is full. Simul mode enables simultaneous recording to two memory cards (for example to create an immediate back-up version).

Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe

The FDR-AX700 takes advantage of Sony’s flexible Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe, which provides power, signal connections and coordinated on/off switching to compatible accessories. For example, you can connect and control Sony’s 2-channel UWP-D Series wireless microphone systems4.

Large 3.5" Xtra Fine LCD (1,550K)

The 3.5” (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD screen (1,550K) displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily -- even outdoors, while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene.

Notes & Legal:

1 SDHC/SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required for movie recording in XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps recording.

2 3840 x 2160 pixels. Connect this product to a HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR movies.

3 Sound cannot be recorded. A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC memory card is required.

4 Sold Separately

Product description

Seeing is believing–and with 4K capabilities in the VIXIA HF G50 camcorder, you'll be seeing everything more dramatically, more intensely and more realistically. Detail and color reign supreme with the large-format CMOS Sensor, which combines with the DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor to deliver brilliant results on any screen. An advanced 20x Optical Zoom lens gives you impressive telephoto power and a wide angle of view, while the 5-axis Image Stabilization system provides the steadiness and focus you need for your productions. With 4K resolution, amazing features and a mobile-friendly design, the VIXIA HF G50 gives you stunning video quality on the go.

• 4K UHD 30p Recording
• Genuine Canon 4K-compatible 20x Optical Zoom Lens and Wide 29.3mm Angle of View
• Advanced Full HD
• Intelligent 5-axis Image Stabilization
• Turn your VIXIA camcorder into a high-quality webcam using its clean HDMI output
• Max focal length: 73.4
• Video capture resolution: 1080p

User questions & answers

Question:	Can I hook up a live preview monitor to this camera
Answer:	Yes, through the mini-HDMI port. It is also a "clean" output so you can record it live. Unfortunately while it can record internally to 4k, its output is only 1080p60.
Question:	Does this have an SDI output
Answer:	No, it does not.
Question:	The g40 came with a remote, the g50, does not
Answer:	The G50 does not have a remote. But the remote for the G40 will work on the G50.
Question:	what size of Filters would be best? thanks
Answer:	Thank you for your time. In regards to your inquiry this model offers a 58mm filter diameter.

Product features

Canon VIXIA HF G50

Seeing is believing–and with 4K capabilities in the VIXIA HF G50 camcorder, you'll be seeing everything more dramatically, more intensely and more realistically. Detail and color reign supreme with the large-format CMOS Sensor and DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor combining to deliver brilliant results on any screen. A 20x Optical Zoom lens gives you impressive telephoto power and wide angle of view, while 5-axis Image Stabilization provides the steadiness and focus you need for your productions. With 4K resolution, amazing features and a mobile-friendly design, the VIXIA HF G50 gives you stunning video quality on the go.

4K UHD 30p Recording

The combination of a large-format, high-sensitivity CMOS Sensor and Canon’s DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor with Over Sampling HD Processing enables 4K UHD recording with outstanding image quality.

The DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor instantly analyzes a scene, taking into account dozens of image parameters to provide fully optimized results, capturing every detail while reducing image noise, even in low light.

An advanced automatic white-balance system analyzes different areas of an image and makes adjustments where they are necessary to capture beautiful, natural scenes with true-to-life color.

Genuine Canon 4K-compatible 20x Optical Zoom Lens and Wide 29.3mm Angle of View1

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder features a Genuine Canon 4K-compatible 20x Optical Zoom lens. It offers a 35mm equivalent of 29.3–601mm, with a minimum object distance of just 23.6 inches (600mm)1 and 0.4 inches (10mm) at wide end. Incorporating advanced elements and coatings, it helps reduce flare, ghosting and other distracting effects to deliver sharp, clear images with minimal distortion.

Advanced Full HD

The VIXIA HF G50 represents Canon's Full HD System, delivering truly excellent image quality and reproduction for most any application. Its Over Sampling HD Processing utilizes the image data delivered by the powerful 4K UHD CMOS Sensor to enable Full HD recording that is nothing short of stunning.

Intelligent 5-axis Image Stabilization

Canon's SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer helps correct camera shake quickly, so even handheld video taken at long focal lengths can be sharp and steady. The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder’s DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor enables its versatile Dynamic Image Stabilization mode. Providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion, with extra compensation applied at wide-angle focal lengths, the Dynamic Image Stabilization system stabilizes rotational camera shake. Controlling rotational camera shake helps ensure smooth, virtually distortion-free video, even when you're walking while shooting.

DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder incorporates Canon's DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor, which is integral to providing high image quality, advanced performance and convenient operability. This advanced core technology component provides the image-processing power and speed that enables features such as 4K UHD video acquisition, image stabilization and slow and fast motion recording. It also captures high amounts of light for brighter, virtually noise-free images even in dark scenes.

8-bladed Circular Aperture

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder features an 8-bladed Circular Aperture, which helps reduce the "starburst" effect found in camcorders with non-circular apertures. The result is that points of light in out-of-focus areas, usually the background of your shot, are circularly blurred, creating beautiful images with an authentic and artistic feel. The professional touch of a manual focus ring allows accurate and precise control. For extra flexibility, the manual focus ring can be easily set to control zoom instead.

3.0-inch LCD Capacitive Touchscreen

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder features a bright, 3.0-inch capacitive LCD touchscreen that's clearly visible with rich, natural color reproduction wherever you go. Its streamlined user interface makes choosing focal points, tracking moving subjects, and shooting and watching your videos easy and fun. Clear explanations pop up when selecting shooting modes and recording formats, so videographers can feel the confidence to create impressive videos.

Tiltable Electronic Viewfinder

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder features a 0.24-inch, approximately 1.56 million-dot color electronic viewfinder with approximately 100% field of view coverage for detailed, accurate composition judgment. The viewfinder can be tilted up to 45° from its normal resting position to enable a great amount of shooting freedom. Settings can be adjusted with the handy joystick, so you won’t have to stop looking through the viewfinder. Because it is positioned where the thumb naturally rests, you can shoot and adjust easily–even with one hand.

Five Assignable Buttons, Joystick, Lens Ring and Custom Dial for Creative Control

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder’s many control features help make professional customization and functionality easy. Equipped with five assignable buttons for quick-access and custom shooting, the camcorder can be tailored to your specific needs. The joystick enables control of camera settings on the viewscreen without having to use touch panel controls. The manual focus/zoom lens ring allows you to make precise focus and zoom adjustments. A Custom Key and Dial feature allows you to assign functions to an easily accessible key and adjust the settings with a control dial.

Slow and Fast Motion, including Interval Recording for Both 4K and Full HD

Slow and Fast Motion Modes allow the VIXIA HF G50 camcorder to record a different frame rate than the playback frame rate for a fast or slow-motion effect during playback. Since the camcorder is recording real frames and modifying the playback rate, there is virtually no quality loss and maximum image quality is maintained. Additionally, interval recording allows you to record frames at specified intervals, providing time-lapse recording of up to 1200x and slow-motion down to 0.4x of the original speed.

MP4 "FHD (1920x1080)" 60p (35 Mbps) Recording

With the VIXIA HF G50 camcorder, you can record in MP4 format in 60p at up to 35 Mbps. 1080/60p recording captures twice the amount of information as 60i, and with images captured at a rate of up to 60 frames per second, diagonal noise is virtually eliminated so even fast-moving subjects show up crisply with motion and patterns clearly recorded. This greater sense of detail and faithful rendering of moving edges, plus enhanced color and fine tonal gradation, gives your video everything Full HD has to offer.

HD (1280x720) Recording (8 Mbps)

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder supports 1280x720 HD resolution recording at 8 Mbps. Reaching approximately 7.62 megapixels, it’s ideal for film projects, weddings and more shoots that require high quality video production.

Dual SD Card Slots

The VIXIA HF G50 camcorder allows you to record video directly to widely available SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards with capacities ranging from over 32GB to 2TB. They are available in ultra-fast reading and writing speeds and make it easy to share video.

[Disclaimers]

1 With 4K UHD, the focal length is approximately 30.6–612mm with Dynamic IS On and approximately 29.3–601mm with Standard IS / IS Off.

Product description

The Panasonic WXF991 is the pinnacle of hand-held 4K video capture, featuring several in-camera cinema creative and editing solutions that can enable anyone to capture and produce like a pro. For those without 4K display options, the WXF991 offers in-camera down sampling to 1080p Full HD displays. Enjoy multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording via a second built-in camera, or add a Wi-Fi link to a mobile device camera to increase creative possibilities.

• Ultra sharp 4K ultra HD recording, plus in camera editing for 1080p displays
• Electronic Viewfinder EVF emulates a semi Professional recording experience; Dedicated HDR button enables quick mode changes; Exclusive high dynamic range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions
• Leica Decoma Lens optical 20x zoom, 5 axis hybrid optical image stabilization; Image sensor 1/2.3 inch BSI MOS sensor; Total pixels 18.91 megapixels; Focal length 4.0 to 81.6 millimeter
• Built in Twin Camera, plus Wi Fi mobile features add multi camera scene picture in picture recording; Digital Zoom 60x / 1500x (The maximum value of zoom magnification can be set in two patterns)
• 4K cinema in camera editing and effects (Dolly zoom, slow/quick motion, 4K Post cropping, stabilization and zoom)
• 4K photo captures high quality photos from 4K video frames

User questions & answers

Question:	I want to record my band can I record audio too off my mixerboard
Answer:	I had terrible results with that. I am using a Yamaha mixer straight into the camera. I am recording loud electric guitars. The VU meter on the camera is so crude as to be pretty useless. No matter how I set the VU meter or the master on the mixer, the audio would come out distorted badly. Nothing I tried worked. That was my main reason for buying the camera was to use a mixer to use two mics to record a speaker cab. I sent the camera back, the results were just too crude and useless. I ended up buying an upscale Panasonic UX180 that has stereo XLR inputs, a fully manageable recording system in camera with separate audio dials for each channel. My mixer works perfectly with it so I get video and audio on my SD cards to dump straight into Final Cut ProX, works like a dream. I simply could not find another camera that had professional audio recording capabilities using a mixer. I tried a budget JBC pro camcorder, what a horrible piece of junk, the view finder was completely worthless, image quality was terrible, the UX180 is a big camera with big pro features, worth every penny I paid for it. The V770 is a great camera on its own, but dumping audio into, was a huge fail for me, with no work around.
Question:	What the frame rate
Answer:	Max240
Question:	Is power supplied through the mic input, to operate a mic with out a battery? Or would you have to buy a mic with a built in power source
Answer:	The built in mic is excellent. That said, if you want an external mic, I'd suggest one like the Rode VideoMic. You have to supply your own power, there is no phantom power.
Question:	Does it have a jack for an external microphone
Answer:	Yes it does. External Microphone. Another for external headphones. It also has an external hot shoe for boom mic or lighting.

Product features

Panasonic 4K Cinema-Like Video Camera Camcorder HC-WXF991K

The Panasonic WXF991 is the pinnacle of hand-held 4K video capture, featuring several in-camera cinema creative and editing solutions that can enable anyone to capture and produce like a pro.

For those without 4K display options, the WXF991 offers in-camera downsampling to 1080p Full HD displays. Enjoy multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording via a second built-in camera, or add a WiFi link to a mobile device camera to increase creative possibilities.

Features

• Ultra-sharp 4K Ultra HD recording, plus in-camera editing for 1080p displays.
• Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) emulates a semi-professional recording experience.
• LEICA Dicomar Lens optical 20x zoom, 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization.
• Built-in Twin Camera, plus WiFi mobile features add multi-camera scene picture-in-picture recording.
• 4K Cinema in-camera editing and effects (Dolly Zoom, Slow/Quick motion, 4K Post Cropping, Stabilization and Zoom).
• 4K PHOTO captures high-quality photos from 4K video frames.
• Exclusive High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode reduces the overly high-contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions.