In today’s business world the ever-changing demands of customers change with the speed of light. It is increasingly important that businesses keep up with consumer’s needs for multi media advertising and instructional videos that are fun, captivating and have studio quality video and sound. Bearing this in mind, it is essential that any business videography technician has the best camcorders at their disposal, in order to produce the best possible content, and typically those tools start with a high quality camera. The top 5, according to business videographers on Cnet.com are listed here, along with their most important details.
Canon XH A1
Overall rating: The Canon XH A1 came complete with a 5 star user review and walked away with the Cnet Editor’s Choice award in May 2007. Users and editors agree that it is the best in class video camera for entry-level professionals and independent filmmakers.
What they liked: Consumers liked the full HDV resolution, the wide angles and simple picture adjustments. The sound quality on the mic input was also widely praised, as well as the numerous manual controls. Picture quality on this was rated near to perfect, and the spotlight mode made filming feel like it was taking place in Hollywood.
What they didn’t: Consumers didn’t like that there isn’t a built in HDMI output adapter, and they mentioned it is very front heavy, especially with the wide-angle adapter attached.
Where to buy: There are many merchants that sell this particular model, but the best place to buy for the value is at Dell.com
Pricing: This camera ranges in price from $2,799.00 to $3,999.95
Sony Handycam DCR-TRV260
Overall Rating: The Sony Handycam squeaked into the number 2 position, earning a 4.5 star review from consumers. High quality performance for the price is the main contributing factor for this camcorder. Best suited for small businesses or start-ups that are on a strict budget.
What they liked: Consumers praised the ease of use, and reliability of this camera, as well as good video quality for the money.
What they didn’t: Many buyers felt that the editing software included with the camera was amateurish for their needs, and they had to purchase editing software elsewhere in order to get more professional grade results.
Where to buy: The best place to buy is directly from the Sony store.
Pricing: Coming in at a very inexpensive $189.99
Panasonic AG-DVX100B Mini DV Camcorder
Overall rating: This camera received overall 4.5 stars from users and a 4 star solid rating from Cnet.com editors. This mini DV camcorder was also the recipient of the Cnet editor’s choice award in January 2006. Suited for any business video production.
What they liked: The weight for this camera was said to be very comfortable, and the audio quality professional. Consumers liked the easy to focus, high quality LCD that produced sharp on the spot editing features.
What they didn’t: Many consumers complained that the learning curve on this camera was rather steep and that it took much study and preparation in order to use it properly.
Where to buy: Zoommania currently has the best pricing for this camcorder at $1,699.00
Pricing: Dependent on where you buy, pricing will range from $1,699 – $2,499.
Sony Handycam HDR-SR12
Overall rating: Solid 4 star ratings have been received for this mini giant. This was rated one of the best compact handheld camcorders for video quality and performance. Best suited for small companies and business start-ups.
What they liked: Consumers got a lot of usage on the hard disk space, and praised the HD and SD video quality. They said that the camera was intuitive and had many professional level editing features built in.
What they didn’t: Some consumers complained of focusing issues when filming moving objects, and complicated editing software.
Where to buy: Dell has the best price on this camcorder, coming in at $1,099.99
Pricing: Dependent on where you shop, this camera will set you back anywhere from $1,099.99 to $1299.95.
Panasonic AG-HVX200
Overall rating: Solid ratings on this Panasonic camcorder, receiving 4 out of 5 starts from editors and consumers alike. Suited for any business level video production.
What they liked: Consumers said that the professional performance of this camcorder made it a great buy. It was rated as easy to use and had various great back up features for content.
What they didn’t: Users didn’t like the placement of the menu buttons, and felt they were awkwardly placed on top of the camera. Some users cited issues with the mic when picking up zoom noises.
Where to buy: Zoommania
Pricing: Standard pricing on this camcorder is set at $2,949.00
No matter what your business budget for your next video production, rest assured that one of these camcorders will meet your needs.
