Sony camcorders: review of the best models in 2022

There are a wide variety of video cameras on the world market. Moreover, they differ not only in price and quality, but also in functionality. Professional-grade camcorders deliver the sharpest HDR images, even in poor lighting conditions. All devices differ from each other in terms of weight and dimensions. According to user reviews, a rating of the best Sony camcorders was compiled.

How to choose a Sony camcorder

Not all people can boast of intelligibility in technology. Often, buyers enter the store, and their eyes simply run up from the variety that is now presented. Without having any idea about the characteristics of the camcorder, it is rather problematic to acquire a really worthwhile thing. Do not rely too much on the help of consultants.It is much better before you go to the store, read some recommendations that will help you make the right choice.

People are already so accustomed to filming everything always and everywhere that sometimes it seems to them that a regular camera on a smartphone, tablet or laptop is not enough. However, for amateur shooting, they are quite acceptable. But for professional shooting a good video camera is a must! You may need it, for example, to create high-quality content on the YouTube channel, for your own video blog and, of course, to shoot a movie.

Many users have come to the conclusion from their own experience that even inexpensive camcorders shoot much better than other devices with a video function. The same is true for professionals. However, it is worth noting that all camcorders have a different service life, feature set and recording quality. In some instances, there are even additional functions with which you can significantly expand your field for creativity. It is not worth relying only on the price here, since even models from the middle or budget segment can pleasantly surprise you with their quality and functionality. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics of video cameras:

1. Matrix resolution. The more pixels, the better the image quality and the higher the clarity.
2. Maximum video resolution. Most models shoot video in Full HD 1080p resolution, but there are other camcorders such as: Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Canon - they are capable of more. They support high-quality 4K resolution.
3. The magnification of the zoom lens. Any zoom allows you to change the scale of the image being shot, without operator movement.But there are some peculiarities here. So, for example, digital zoom crops and stretches the picture, reduces the resolution, and, accordingly, the quality of the video. But the optical zoom only changes the focal length, so the picture quality suffers much less.
4. Autonomy. No matter how good a camcorder is, if its battery runs out in just an hour or two, it will be problematic to use. Not many companies can boast of a large battery, but still they are. Camcorders with the most capacious batteries operate without recharging up to 4-5 hours.
5. Number of shooting modes. The more of them, the more interesting it will be to work. Experimenting with various effects will appeal not only to a professional, but to an amateur.
6. The number of frames per second. The more of them, the better the video will be. The picture will change smoothly and evenly.
7. Moisture protection. Even the basic level of waterproofing will allow you to continue shooting in the rain without worrying about your equipment. And thanks to the waterproof case, you can shoot video underwater.
8. Minimum light level. The quality of video shot in the dark depends on this parameter. The lower this figure, the better.
9. Support for wireless interfaces.
10. Additional functions.
11. Weight and dimensions.

Which video camera to choose

You need to purchase a camcorder according to your needs. First of all, the choice is influenced by the conditions of use of the device, as well as the level of professionalism of the operator.

1. For people involved in professional video shooting, a camera that records images to a hard drive and works with the AVCHD format will be an ideal option.Such models are positioned by manufacturers as professional. The device must be equipped with a 3CCD matrix only. It is better to choose a combined scan, although progressive is also not a bad option. Since the lens can be changed, there are no special requirements for it. Here it is only worth paying attention that the image stabilization is optical. As for additional functions, we can say - the more the better. The camera microphone requires special attention. In order for the sound to be at the highest level, it is necessary to choose a device with a microphone of good range and the ability to record on 4-5 channels.
2. Semi-professional models will be an excellent option for home directors or video journalists. The matrix here is a little simpler - CMOS, however, its power consumption is much lower, so the battery will last for a long time. If you choose a device that supports Full HD, the image will be better, but you can limit yourself to regular HD. Image stabilization is better to choose optical. The presence of a slot for a memory card will greatly facilitate the work. The display, for cameras with a large number of additional functions, is swivel, as the operator often has to access the on-screen menu. To make this process as comfortable as possible, it is better to choose a screen with the largest possible diagonal.
3. Compact amateur camcorders are only suitable for entertainment or home use. In this case, it is enough to purchase a model with one CMOS technology matrix and the ability to write to a USB flash drive. The image will be much better if the camera supports HD, but if there are financial constraints, you can opt for SD.However, in this case, you will have to put up with a very low image clarity. The choice of lens depends on the conditions in which the camera is used. For example, for landscape photography, a wide-angle lens would be an excellent option, and for video recording of family members, a telephoto lens would be an excellent option.
4. For fans of sports and extreme sports, a video camera from the category of action is suitable, which has a special mount on the helmet. You don’t have to worry about the characteristics here, since all these devices have rich modern functionality. The viewing angle in them can vary from 160 to 170 degrees, and the video is recorded in 4K or Full HD. It is also possible to turn on the accelerated mode for slow motion and many other additional features. It is necessary to focus only on the resolution of the matrix - it must be at least 8 megapixels. The number of shooting modes and the level of moisture and dust resistance will depend on the price category of the device. The more expensive the better.

Overview of the best Sony camcorders

Sony X3000R

In the ranking of 2022, the Sony X3000R was designated as the best action camera with stabilizer. In principle, this model is an improved version of the HDR-AS300. Many of the parameters and functions are similar, but the X3000R has a number of advantages that have affected its cost. This camcorder model is equipped with Sony's famous SteadyShot optical stabilizer.

On a note! Despite the huge advantages of GoPro's HyperSmooth technology, SteadyShot performed much better in comparisons. Even the presence of three microphones in GoPro does not provide the same sound quality as two in Sony.

There are many other strengths in this camcorder model.The X3000R can shoot 4K at 30fps and Full HD at 120fps. The desired parameters are set on a black and white display. You can view the footage using an external Live-View remote control. The camera has built-in support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFS. The body of the device is made of waterproof material, but you can shoot underwater only in a case. It was in this that Sony lost to the popular model from GoPro - Hero 7. The camera lens has an optimal resolution of 8.2 MP. In 4K mode, the battery lasts for 60 minutes of continuous recording, and in Full HD - for 135 minutes. The camcorder weighs only 114 grams and has small dimensions - 83x47x29mm.

The only significant drawback of this model is its price tag, because of which many buyers, after much deliberation, still prefer the model from GoPro. Although the competitor's video camera is inferior in some respects, it has much more opportunities.

• image stabilization;
• video quality;
• Remote Control.

• price;
• black and white display.

Sony HDR-AS300

The shape of the camera is made in the traditional Sony style. The camcorder is equipped with two remote microphones, which are located very conveniently. You won't be able to accidentally close them, and if you need to record without sound, you can easily close the hole with your finger. With the camera, you can dive under water up to 60 m, but only in a case.

Important! You can choose from basic or advanced packages. The first includes a case, instructions for use and adapters, and in the extended version, the buyer additionally receives a remote control holder on the wrist and a remote control with a display.

The camera is equipped with various useful connectors.Moreover, thanks to them, the user can attach the camera to the bracket or connect an external microphone. The display is black and white. It is intended only for management and configuration. Starting video recording with this model is easy and simple - you just need to press one button. Sony HDR-AS300 is equipped with Wi-Fi, NFC and Blutooth. Using the remote control with a display, the operator can see what the camera is shooting. The model has compact dimensions - 83x47x29mm and light weight - 109 grams.

Functions:

• minimum focusing distance - 0.5 m;
• Full HD 60 fps video recording;
• optical image stabilization;
• lens resolution - 8.2 MP;
• timelaps - a series of snapshots from which a video is obtained after processing in a video editor;
• burst photography - 10 fps;
• photo image resolution - 20 MP;
• The battery lasts for 3 hours of video shooting.

The model has an ideal ratio of the price and quality. There are advantages and disadvantages here. But it's safe to say that she records video very high quality, and in any light and even shaking.

• good autonomy;
• timelapse;
• optical image stabilization;
• you can look at the filmed material using the remote control;
• easy to start recording.

• camera mount is not included in the basic package;
• lack of 4K;
• protection hides the microphone, so the sound volume is reduced.

Sony HDR-CX405

This model is also from the category of compact and weighs only 215 grams. Many users do not like the lack of buttons on the camera body, but others at the same time argue that this does not bother them in the slightest. On the panel under the screen are connectors for storage media and a MicroHDMI video input.Control comes only from the joystick, which is located on the display frame. From the functionality, you can highlight the possibility of shooting in FHD format and a 30x zoom.

The device supports such modern storage media as microSD, SDXC, microSDHC. The display of the device has a diagonal of 2.7”. The frame rate in this model ranges from 25-50fsp, which depends on the video format. The lack of a viewfinder greatly affects shooting capabilities, not for the better. The settings area is unremarkable, the usual standard for an amateur camera.

• 30x zoom;
• good stabilizer;
• macro photography;
• convenient location of control buttons.

• the camcorder takes a long time to set up, which is not at all convenient under changing shooting conditions;
• lack of Wi-Fi;
• the storage media socket is not credible (the memory card sometimes goes in at an angle).

Sony HDR-CX625

The camcorder is equipped with an Auto-type Intelligent Stabilizer, so that image shake can be minimized both when shooting with a wide-angle lens and at the maximum zoom. Focusing here is automatic, and it works in a fraction of a second, so capturing the necessary moments is not difficult.

The camera records two video files at once: professional and lightweight for transfer. They have different formats - XAVC S (AVCHD) and MP4. The device is equipped with an excellent microphone that supports surround sound and also suppresses noise.

• the ability to shoot in FHD 1080p and widescreen mode;
• night shooting;
• matrix resolution - 2.29 MP;
• 30x zoom.

• lack of built-in memory (material is recorded only on external storage media);
• The charging port is not located in the most convenient place.

Sony FDR-AX 100E

The camera belongs to professional, but it has a relatively small size and weight of about 800 grams. The glass in the lens has a large diameter, so that the image is always obtained at the highest level. There are no curtains here, but instead of them, the manufacturer supplies a convenient cover, which is made of very hard plastic. However, almost the entire body of the product consists of this plastic and numerous steel inserts.

The camcorder is equipped with infrared illumination, thanks to which the operator can shoot video in complete darkness. The manufacturer preferred to equip the camera with a rotary-retractable viewfinder, next to which he placed a button to switch from photo to video mode and vice versa. Under the touch screen are buttons for turning on the camera, adjusting the white balance, switching between shooting modes, as well as a slot for a memory card and much more.

• excellent image clarity;
• natural saturated color reproduction;
• excellent autonomy;
• a huge number of modes;
• traditional menu for similar models;
• long service life.

• rather weak stabilizer (the device focuses for a long time);
• blurred image when shooting at maximum zoom settings.

Beginners in the art of video shooting should first pay attention to devices from the budget or mid-price segment. There is no point in expensive equipment without experience and skills. Learning is much easier on non-professional models.When the videos get better and better and there is a desire for further development, you can already look at more expensive equipment options. There is no single answer which camera is the best. Each user chooses what he likes and best suits his requirements.