3 best prosumer video cameras

Product description

The VIXIA HF R800 it's a lightweight camcorder with an extensive optical zoom and easy-to-use interface. Video recording system - MPEG-4.

• A 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD screen that is bright and clearly visible, even outdoors in the sun, with rich, natural color reproduction
• SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer helps correct camera shake quickly, so even handheld video taken at long focal lengths can be sharp and steady
• The 57x advanced zoom allows you to create videos with dynamic variety, and is less likely to disrupt the action you're shooting
• High-resolution HD CMOS Image Sensor features extra sensitivity that delivers beautifully lifelike Full HD video with natural color, even in low light
• Turn your VIXIA camcorder into a high-quality webcam using its clean HDMI output

User questions & answers

Question:	Can an IR filter be screwed on the front
Answer:	This camcorder has a 43mm filter thread for you to attach filters.
Question:	How much better than the
Answer:	I've owned both the R700 & this R800 and the only difference I can find is the R800 records MP4 video only. There might be some difference in the settings, but I'm not sure of that. The R800 "seems" to be a 'little' better in low light, but not much (if any). You're getting a newer model camera. But if you already have an R700 and you are satisfied, don't waste your money.
Question:	Does this camcorder have night vision
Answer:	Thank you for your time. Please note that this unit does offer a "night" mode but does not have night vision specifically.
Question:	So it can definitely accommodate an external microphone
Answer:	From the manual... "You can connect to the camcorder's MIC terminal commercially available condenser microphones with their own power supply. You can connect almost any stereo microphone with a 3.5 mm plug, but audio recording levels may vary." Note: "WITH THEIR OWN POWER SUPPLY."http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/0/0300025910/01/vixiahfr80-82-800-im-en.pdf

Product features

VIXIA HF R800

Capture your family’s most precious memories with the VIXIA HF R800 camcorder. Thanks to its powerful zoom, you can record moments near, far and in between. Exciting new features include Highlight Priority mode with backlight correction to help you get the best shots you can, and improved slow and fast recording options that let you experiment with different ways to record. The lightweight package of the VIXIA HF R800 means you can keep it on hand to record whatever you want, whenever you want, to removable SD cards that provide quick and convenient sharing. Easy to use and bring with you, pick up the VIXIA HF R800 and start making memories.

57x Advanced Zoom

The impressive 57x Advanced Zoom allows you to create videos with dynamic variety, and is less likely to disrupt the action you're shooting. It's ideal for formal ceremonies, animals in the wild, candid family videos and more. Available in manual mode, Advanced Zoom takes the camcorder's telephoto power from 32.5mm all the way to 1853mm (35mm equivalent) for amazing flexibility in shooting. For more convenient shooting and better creative control over your videos, the camcorder offers continually variable Zoom Speed settings with 15 levels available.

Optical Image Stabilization

Canon's sophisticated SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer helps correct camera shake quickly, so even handheld video taken at long focal lengths can be sharp and steady. Providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion, the Dynamic Image Stabilization system on the VIXIA HF R800 camcorder stabilizes rotational camera shake. Controlling rotational camera shake – horizontal, vertical and roll axis – helps ensure smooth, virtually distortion-free video, even when you're walking while shooting.

Full HD CMOS Sensor

The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is equipped with a 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor to capture your memories in true 1920 x 1080 resolution. Canon's advanced, high-resolution HD CMOS Image Sensor features extra sensitivity that delivers beautifully lifelike Full HD video with natural color, even in low light. On-chip noise reduction brings bright clarity to every frame. Video is rich, clear and amazingly detailed anywhere you view it, even when played back on a large HDTV.

DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor

The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder incorporates the powerful DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor for outstanding imaging performance. The DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor captures more light, for brighter, virtually noise-free images even in dark scenes. It also speeds up operation and enables steady image stabilization for clear images even when shooting handheld.

Record Video Directly to a Removable SD Card

The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder records Full HD video directly to a removable SD memory card. Widely available in several capacities, SD memory cards let you share your videos quickly and easily. In addition to SD memory cards, the VIXIA HF R800 also lets you use super-high capacity SDXC cards. The same size as a standard SD card, an SDXC card can hold up to 2048 GB, and provides ultra-fast data transfer.

MP4 1080/60p Recording

1080/60p recording captures a large amount of information, virtually eliminating diagonal noise so even fast-moving subjects can show up crisply. This great sense of detail and faithful rendering of moving edges, plus enhanced color and fine tonal gradation, helps you take advantage of all that Full HD has to offer. Files are captured at a bit rate of up to 35 Mbps, so image quality is incredibly high.

Lightweight, Portable Body

Keep the VIXIA HF R800 with you for life’s unforgettable memories. A lightweight, compact and convenient body means you can have the camcorder ready for those extraordinary moments, with no need to worry about it taking up precious luggage room for your vacations, outings and family trips.

Touch Panel LCD

The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder features a 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD screen that's bright and clearly visible, even outdoors in the sun, with rich, natural color reproduction. 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 even new videographers can feel confident as they create impressive videos.

High-capacity Battery Pack

The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is powered by a high capacity Battery Pack BP-727. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery not only lets you shoot for long periods, but features intelligent technology that can accurately indicate remaining battery time for extra insurance that you won't miss an important shooting opportunity.

Slow and Fast Motion Recording

The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder delivers flexible Slow and Fast Motion capabilities for a variety of customizable recording options. You can record slow-motion images at speed settings down to 0.5x, ideal for checking out your golf swing or creating movie-like slow-mo effects. Fast motion has a top speed of 1200x, recording an incredible 20 hours of action in a single one-minute scene. You can even choose new speed settings of 300x and 600x for added flexibility.

Highlight Priority Mode

Capture your memories exactly as you see them with the improved Highlight Priority Mode, which helps to prevent loss of detail in high brightness areas. Now featuring Backlight Correction, the VIXIA HF R800 camcorder delivers footage that’s more balanced and realistic, leaving you with beautiful memories to enjoy for years to come.

Zoom Framing Assist Setting

To complement the VIXIA HF R800 camcorder’s long-distance recording capability, Zoom Framing Assist helps keep distant subjects in the frame. When you're shooting at the long end of the zoom and you've lost your subject, simply press an icon on the touch screen and the zoom magnification will automatically decrease, making it easy for you to locate and zoom in on the subject. Available in Auto or Manual mode, Zoom Framing Assist helps you accurately track and capture your subject.

File Lock Function

With one simple setting, you can keep your videos safe from accidental operational errors. The File Lock function disables deletion, dividing, trimming, copying, MP4 conversion and thumbnail changes with a touch, giving you peace of mind when children or others use your camcorder.

Compatible with Canon Connect Station CS100

The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is compatible with Canon's photo and video storage device: the Canon Connect Station CS100. It provides up to 1TB of hard drive space, storing approximately 150,000 photos or approximately 70 hours of video content1. For ease of use, it features USB connectivity for quick file transfer, as well as simple menus for easy file storage, managing and sorting. Images and videos can then be viewed in Full HD on an HDTV, sent for printing and more.

CameraWindow DC Software

CameraWindow DC software is available as a downloadable application. The software can make it easy to import MP4 and JPEG files from your VIXIA camcorder to a PC or Mac, where they can be shared and edited.

[Disclaimers]

1. Calculated with approx. 6.6MB for each photo and with average 32 Mbps Full HD video.

• 4K Camcorder Vlogging Camera for YouTube: With 4K@24FPS Ultra HD resolution, ORDRO HDR-AC3 can perform extremely high quality image and capture wonderful moment. Multiple resolutions available: 2K@30fps, 1080P@60FPS, 720P@120FPS. 3.1 inches IPS capacitive touch panel, 30X digital zoom. You need to purchase a memory card separately to use the camera, supports a standard SD card, up to 128GB. This camera can be used as a webcam for live streaming or video call.
• Video Camera with SONY IMX258 CMOS Sensor: SONY IMX258 is 13.0MP sensor, the maximum pixels is 24.0MP by interpolation, and it adopts Exmor RS technology. With the high-sensitivity sensor, it can sense the surrounding environment and delicately handle complex light. With fast image capture rate and image processing capability, it can enhance image clarity to perform more naturally vivid and lifelike image quality. (Tips: This camera is a fixed zoom lens, the focus distance is 3 feet or more).
• Digital Camcorder with an External Microphone: The ORDRO CM520 external microphone is perfect for this camcorder. With the exclusive hot shoe design, this camcorder supports to attach an external microphone or LED video light(Not included). The microphone can accurately pick up the sound, eliminate the noise and NCR noise reduction during recording, bringing you purer sound quality. (Tips: Please use the mini usb/mic adapter to connect external mic to camcorder and turn to "+10dB" position.
• IR Night Vision and Time-Lapse Functions: This camera can perform nature and high definition image in dark environment by during on IR light and LED light. Note: The image in infrared night vision mode is black and white, the effective distance＜16 ft. Enabling the camera's time-lapse function can record wonderful scenes that human eyes cannot perceive, please connect the external power supply to the camera for a long recording. The camera supports recording while charging, and pause function.
• Professional Accessories(Wide Angle Lens, Lens Hood, Handheld Stabilizer): Professional 2-in-1 0.39x (with macro lens) wide angle lens for a wider range of shooting. The lens hood can block excess light and protect the camera lens from accidental damage. Handheld stabilizer can effectively improve the stability of the image, and perfect for low-angle video recording. The camera is also equipped with a remote control, battery charger, 2 batteries, lens cap, camera bag and strap, USB/HDMI cable.

Product features

ORDRO 4K Camcorder HDR-AC3

• 1. Please mount the microphone on the camcorder hot shoe position, insert the 3.5mm mic interface cable into the camcorder by the 1 to 2 mini USB/MIC adapter.
• 2. The external microphone switch: "OFF" is for power off(unable to pickup sound), "0dB" is for normal pickup, "+10dB" is for sensitivity enhancement pickup, it is suitable for long distance pickup.
• 3. When you switch from "OFF to "0dB" or "+10dB" on the microphone, the light will turn green. When battery is low power, the green light will flash, please use the micro USB cable to charge microphone, it has a built-in 200mAh lithium battery.
• 4. When installing the shotgun microphone, please slide the microphone slowly into the camcorder's hot shoe connector and then tighten the screws. If you want to remove the shotgun microphone, please be gentle to slowly slide it out and do not pull hard.
• 5. Please be sure to fully insert the microphone connector into adapter, and fully insert into the camcorder, the microphone icon will appear on the camcorder screen. If not, the camcorder will not pick up any sound.
• 6. Note: This is a monophonic microphone, not used for smartphone. And this camcorder only supports mono microphones. The ORDRO CM520 microphone is perfect for the HDR-AC3 4k camcorder.

Infrared Night Vision:

Camcorder with Night Vision: The HDR-AC3 camcorder has an IR infrared night vision light that can take clear video and photos even when there is no light at night. You can use it to capture the smile of your lovely daughter sleeping. And it also can be used to observe small animals at night(attach a macro lens), shoot in the wild in the evening and so on. The image in infrared night vision mode is black and white.

Note: Effective distance ＜16 ft.

Wireless Wi-Fi Connection:

HD Video Camera wit Wi-Fi: Download the APP named "LzxViewer" on your smart phone and connect the camcorder's Wi-Fi for preview and operation on the phone/tablet. You can download the videos and pictures on the APP and share with your friends at any time.

Note: Wi-Fi is not to connect to your router. Effective distance ＜9.8 ft.

Recording While Charging:

This Camcorder Supports Video Recording While Charging. You can use the usb cable to connect camcorder to an extra power bank for charging, which allow to take a long-time recording of video without worries.

Note: The camcorder has no pause function!!! When the video size reaches 4gb, the camcorder will automatically restart recording a new video file, this is determined by the camcorder system.

Lightweight and Compact Size:

Camcorder Size: L5.04 * H2.75 * W2.68 inches

Camcorder Wight: 0.89 lb

Unique exterior design, piano paint material, large enough camcorder is perfect for your right hand to capture the wonderful moment of your life!!!

13MP CMOS Sensor:

Sony IMX258 CMOS Sensor: IMX258 is 13M sensor, the maximum pixels is 24M by interpolation, and it adopts Exmor RS technology. With the high-sensitivity sensor, it can sense the surrounding environment and delicately handle complex light. With fast image capture rate and image processing capability, it can enhance image clarity to perform more naturally vivid and lifelike image quality.

4K Ultra High Definition Quality:

4K UHD: With 4K resolution (UHD 2880*2160p 24fps), ORDRO HDR-AC3 can shoot exquisite and clear images with rich color and high-contrast performance.

We recommend recording video at 2K resolution, because the 4k video file is too large, if you don't play it on 4K TV, it will reduce the video effect.

3.1'' IPS Touch Screen:

IPS Touch Screen: HDR-AC3 uses 3.1'' IPS high-definition capacitive touch panel, which provides 71% NTSC wide color gamut, and has 1,152,000 dots, 300 ppi. It has better colour accuracy and better performance of displaying images and videos in rich, smooth colour gradations than ordinary screen.

Time Lapse:

Photo series and video frames mode,compress everything in a short period of time no matter how long.

Time-lapse mode, the process of slowly changing objects or scenes is compressed into a short period of time, showing fantastic and brilliant sight that is usually undetectable by the naked eye.

E.g: Total 144 frames, 72 hours reproduce the growing of flower bud in 6 seconds (4K@24 fps).

ORDRO External Microphone (CM520):

With the exclusive hot shoe design, it can support external microphone. The microphone can accurately pick up the sound, eliminate the noise and NCR noise reduction during recording, bringing you purer sound quality.

Tips: Please use the microphone adapter to connect an external microphone to the camcorder. And make sure it is fully inserted, otherwise the camcorder cannot pick up the sound.

Wide Angle and Macro Lens (FS-1):

This video camera is equipped with a professional 2-in-1 0.39x (with macro lens) wide angle lens for a wider range of shooting. (Lens diameter 37mm). Use the macro lens for close up shots such as plants and animals, etc

Tips: The wide-angle lens is mainly used for long-range shooting, the shooting distance is greater than 1.5m.

Camera Handheld Holder (HC-1) :

The foldable handheld holder is used to increase the stability when shooting. It adopts U-shaped design and groove grip adds comfort and eases the long shooting fatigue. Bottom with a standard 1/4'' slidable screw which can be attached standard tripod. Please use the hexagon wrench to tighten the screws. (included)

Tips: Please insert the SD card (not included) and the battery first, then insert the microphone connector into the adapter and plug it into the camera's USB port, and then install the hand-held bracket.

Remote Control:

Remote Control: Remove the plastic film on the remote, then to remote control the camera shooting. When using the remote control, be sure to remove the wide-angle lens.

The effective range ≤ 16 feet.

Support Standard Tripod: It has a thread interface, can be attached a standard tripod to keep the camera steady. (tripod is not included)

ORDRO HDR-AC3 Video Camera 4K Camcorder with Microphone, Wide Angle Lens, Lens Hood, and Handheld Holder

Please Notice:

• 1. Please read the user manual carefully before use the camcorder. You can also view the ORDRO camcorder videos on YouTube. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact ORDRO team. We will provide the best service.
• 2. The package does not comes with any memory card, you need to purchase a standard SD card from other store first. We recommend using a>
• 3. After inserting the SD card into the camcorder, you must format the SD card and restore the camcorder's default settings, then take video recording.
• 4. Please install the battery into camcorder according to the direction of the arrow. And ensure that the positive and negative poles of the battery correspond to the positive and negative positions of the camcorder. Flip the screen or press the power button to turn on the camcorder.
• 5. Please confirm the focusing distance is 1.5 meters or more. If you need close-up shots, please use a macro lens and keeping 4-5 cm distance from the object.
• 6. The detachable macro lens for extremely high-resolution close-ups of small objects. To use the macro lens, you need to separate the two lens by unscrewing.
• 7. The ORDRO camcorder has Internal speaker and microphone, support windows XP/VISTA/7/8/10 and Mac. Please upload the videos to a 4k TV or computer, it will show the better sound and image effect.
• 8. Due to the limitation of the camcorder system, when you connect 4K TV with HDMI cable, only FHD is displayed on the TV, only supports recording, and does not support any live broadcast function.
• 9. When connecting to a computer with USB cable, "MSDC" and "PC Camera" will be displayed on the camcorder screen. Rotate the "ZOOM" button or touch the screen to select. Please be sure to press the "PHOTO" button to confirm.
• 10. In order to protect the camcorder and battery, please remove the battery from camcorder after you have finished recording.
• 11.The remote control signal is sent from the front of the lens. When using the remote controller, please remove the wide-angle lens, otherwise it will block the remote control signal.

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.