Camcorders lack that versatility, but they offer form factors and other features specifically for videos. Depending on your requirements, you may find them to be less costly. Here, we’ll try to make the decision easier by pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each option.
The Case for Digital Cameras
As with many consumer electronics, digital cameras come in a wide array of prices, specs, and features.
Some key specs to look for:
Does it have a microphone port? This is essential if you don’t want to rely on the built-in mic. See our guide to the best shotgun mics for DSLR and mirrorless cameras for more information. Does it have image stabilization, either in the camera itself or in the lens? Does it have a flip screen? This is important for vloggers who want to see themselves while shooting. What kind of autofocus (AF) does it have? In general, phase-detection AF is preferable to the slower contrast-detection AF, especially if you want to capture scenes with lots of action. How big is the image sensor?
That last spec is a key consideration in any digital camera. All other things being equal, a larger sensor equates to larger pixels that can collect more light. You get sharper images, less noise, and better low-light performance.
Many pocket cameras have 1-inch sensors, but consumer-grade models with interchangeable lenses typically have a Four Thirds or APS-C sensor.
A Four Thirds sensor is about twice the size of a 1-inch sensor, and APS-C is larger still. At the top of the heap are full-frame cameras with sensors roughly the size of 35mm film (36x24mm).
How Digital Cameras Stack Up to Camcorders
A digital camera that checks all or most of these boxes will offer several advantages over camcorders:
Better image quality. The image sensors in camcorders tend to be far smaller than those in digital cameras, which can compromise quality, especially in low-light environments. The ability to use interchangeable lenses. Depending on the project, you can outfit your camera with a wide-angle or telephoto lens, or choose zoom lenses with varying focal length ranges. More control over depth of field. With different lenses and camera settings, you can shoot with a shallow depth of field, where only the subject is sharp. Or you can go wide, where everything is in focus. High-quality video and still images. Most camcorders do a lousy job shooting photos.
Mirrorless vs. DSLR Cameras: Which Is Better?
Don’t expect to see Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) models on any list of the top digital cameras for videography. In recent years, mirrorless cameras have largely caught up to DSLRs in terms of still image quality, but they’ve always had an advantage in video.
Why is that? Though DSLRs can shoot video, their design isn’t really geared for it. The problem boils down to the optical viewfinder, which is a key selling point for DSLRs.
The viewfinder lets you see what the lens sees before you take the shot. But it requires a relatively bulky mirror-and-prism system that works like a periscope, reflecting light from the lens into the viewfinder.
When you take the picture—or shoot video—the mirror flips up to allow the light to pass through to the image sensor. This disables the viewfinder, which isn’t a big deal with still images because it happens in a fraction of a second. But when you shoot a video, you have to rely on the live preview screen or an electronic viewfinder to see what’s happening in front of the lens.
A bigger problem is that the AF systems in many DSLRs are ill-suited for live video. Again, this is related to the mechanism that enables the optical viewfinder. Traditional DSLRs use a phase-detection AF sensor that’s part of the mirroring system. In mirrorless cameras, AF is incorporated into the sensor that captures the image.
Canon’s DSLRs have a feature called Dual Pixel AF that implements AF directly on the main image sensor in addition to the AF sensor. But in general, manufacturers tend to put the best video features in their mirrorless models.
Some Mirrorless Models to Consider
One camera manufacturer that puts a big emphasis on video is Panasonic. For years, the company has been making its mark with video-capable mirrorless cameras based on the Four Thirds system.
A good entry-level choice is the Lumix DMC-G7, which captures 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and has a microphone port. The camera itself doesn’t have image stabilization, but you can buy it with one of two lenses that do. The cheaper kit includes a 14-42mm zoom lens, or you can get the more expensive version with a 14-140mm zoom.
The Lumix DC-GH5, another Four Thirds camera, is more for professional videographers. It was one of the first digital cameras that could record 4K video with 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling. This is a meaningless spec for consumers, but it’s one that makes life much easier for video professionals who need to do color correction or green-screen compositing post-production.
The company’s top-of-the-line video model is the Lumix DC-S1H, which features a full-frame sensor, built-in stabilization, and the ability to capture 6K video at 24 frames per second.
Panasonic cameras use contrast-detection AF, which is typically not ideal for video. But the company has developed a proprietary technology known as DFD (Depth from Defocus) that’s faster than other contrast-detection systems.
Canon also offers full-frame mirrorless cameras geared toward video pros. A popular camera for vloggers is the Canon EOS M50, a mirrorless APS-C model. It can shoot 4K video at 24 frames per second, but because it crops the frame at that resolution, it’s better suited to shooting in HD.
The Case for Camcorders
Camcorders also come in a wide range of capabilities and price points, but in general, you get a form factor and other features geared specifically for video:
Unlike digital cameras, they’re designed to be held for continuous shooting. They have long zoom lenses, typically 20x or more. They tend to be better for audio recording, even with a built-in mic. They’re better suited to long recording sessions. Video controls are more readily accessible.
Top manufacturers of camcorders include Canon, JVC, Panasonic, and Sony, all of which offer models across a broad spectrum of features and pricing. For a relatively affordable price, you can get compact entry-level models with optical zoom, image stabilization, and HD-quality resolution.
Expect to pay more money for a model with 4K resolution. You can learn more about these companies’ offerings in our guide to the best camcorders for video hobbyists.
Even with mid-range camcorders, the image sensors are much smaller than those in similarly priced digital cameras, typically less than an inch. This can compromise video quality if you’re shooting in low-light situations.
At the high end of the market, you’ll find digital cinema cameras, which are geared for professional filmmakers. They combine the best features of digital cameras and camcorders.
Action cameras have also been gaining steam in recent years. GoPro is the most popular brand, but we also like the Insta360 One R 1-Inch Edition, with its 5.3K video resolution and Leica-manufactured lens.
Mirrorless vs. DSLR vs. Camcorder: What’s the Verdict?
As with so many other purchase decisions, the choice boils down to your budget and what you plan to do with the camera. If all you really want to do is shoot video, a camcorder might be your best bet, and then you’ll have to decide whether or not you need 4K.
If you want the flexibility of shooting the occasional still photo, or if you plan to shoot video in challenging low-light conditions, then a mirrorless camera is likely the best choice. Most vloggers, who tend to shoot indoors, also seem to prefer mirrorless cameras.
