Sony camcorders: review of the best models in 2024

There is a huge variety of video cameras on the world market. Moreover, they differ not only in price and quality, but also in functionality. Professional camcorders deliver the clearest HDR images even in poor lighting conditions. All devices differ from each other both in weight and dimensions. Based on user reviews, a ranking of the best Sony camcorders was compiled.

How to choose a Sony camcorder

Not all people can boast of legibility in technique. Often, customers enter the store, and their eyes simply run up from the variety that is now presented. Having no idea about the characteristics of a camcorder, getting a really worthwhile thing is quite problematic. Do not rely too much on the help of consultants. It is much better, before you go to the store, to familiarize yourself with some recommendations that will help you make your choice.

People are already so accustomed to shooting 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 photography, 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, for shooting a movie.

Many users come to the conclusion that even inexpensive camcorders shoot much better than other devices with a video function. Professionals say the same thing. However, it should be noted that all camcorders have a different lifespan, feature set and recording quality. In some instances, there are even additional functions with which you can significantly expand your field for creativity. You should not rely 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, pay attention to the following characteristics of video cameras:

1. Matrix resolution. The more pixels, the better the image and the sharper.
2. Maximum video resolution. Most of the models shoot video in Full HD 1080p, but there are other camcorders such as Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Canon - they can do more. They are the ones who support high-quality 4K resolution.
3. Zoom lens magnification. Any zoom allows you to change the scale of the captured image, without moving the operator. But there are some peculiarities here. So, for example, digital zoom crops and stretches the picture, reduces the resolution, and, accordingly, the video quality. But the optical zoom only changes the focal length, so the picture quality suffers much less.
4. Autonomy. Whatever the best quality of the camcorder, if its battery runs out in an hour or two, its use will be problematic. Not many companies can boast of a large battery, but still they are.Camcorders with the most capacious batteries work without recharging for up to 4-5 hours.
5. Number of shooting modes. The more there are, the more interesting it will work. Experiments on various effects will please not only a professional, but also an amateur.
6. The number of frames per second. The more there are, the better the video will be. The picture will change smoothly and evenly.
7. Moisture protection. Even a basic level of waterproofing will allow you to continue shooting in the rain without worrying about your technique. And thanks to the waterproof housing, you can shoot videos underwater.
8. Minimum light level. This parameter affects the quality of video shot in the dark. The lower the number, the better.
9. Support for wireless interfaces.
10. Additional functions.
11. Weight and dimensions.

Which video camera to choose

You need to purchase a video camera in accordance with 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 filming, the ideal option would be a camera that records an image on a hard disk and works with the AVCHD format. Such models are positioned by manufacturers as professional. The device must be equipped with 3CCD-matrix only. It is better to choose a combined scan, although progressive is not a bad option either. Since the lens can be changed, there are no special requirements for it. Here you just need to pay attention to the image stabilization is optical. With regard to additional functions, we can say - the more the better. The microphone of the video camera requires special attention. For the sound to be at the highest level, you must choose a device with a good range microphone and the ability to record on 4-5 channels.
2. Semi-professional models are a great option for home filmmakers 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 with support for Full HD, the image will be of higher quality, but you can limit yourself to regular HD. Optical image stabilization is better. The presence of a slot for a memory card will greatly facilitate the work. The display, for video cameras with a large number of additional functions, is rotatable, since the operator has to frequently access the on-screen menu. To make this process more comfortable, 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 format, but if there are financial constraints, you can opt for SD. However, in this case, you will have to put up with very low picture definition. The choice of lens depends on the conditions of use of the camera. For example, a wide-angle lens is a great option for shooting landscapes, and a telephoto lens for video recording of family members.
4. For fans of sports and extreme sports, a video camera from the action category, which has a special helmet mount, is suitable. 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 enable the accelerated mode for slow motion and many other additional functions. It is necessary to focus only on the resolution of the matrix - it must be at least 8MP. 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.

Review of the best Sony camcorders

Sony X3000R

In the 2024 ranking, the Sony X3000R is designated as the best action camera with stabilizer. Basically, this model is an improved version of the HDR-AS300.Many parameters and functions are similar, but the X3000R has a number of advantages, which influenced its cost. This camcorder model is equipped with Sony's famous optical stabilizer - SteadyShot.

On a note! Despite the tremendous strengths of GoPro's HyperSmooth technology, SteadyShot performed much better in comparison. Even having three microphones in a 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 required parameters are set on a black and white display. You can view the footage using an external Live-View console. The camera has built-in support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFS. The body of the device is made of waterproof material, but it can only be removed under water in a case. It is in this that Sony lost to the popular model from GoPro - Hero 7. The camera lens has an optimal resolution - 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 a small size - 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 parameters, it has much more possibilities.

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

• cost;
• 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 very conveniently located. You cannot 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! The complete set can be chosen basic or extended. 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 control and configuration. It is easy and simple to start recording video using this model - you just need to press one button. Sony HDR-AS300 is equipped with Wi-Fi, NFC and Blutooth. With the help of a remote control with a display, the operator can watch what the camera is filming. The model has compact dimensions - 83x47x29mm and low weight - 109 grams.

Functions:

• the minimum focusing distance is 0.5 m;
• video recording in Full HD 60 fps;
• 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;
• serial photography - 10 fps;
• photo resolution - 20 MP;
• the battery lasts for 3 hours of video recording.

The model has an ideal value for money. There are advantages and disadvantages here. But we can say with confidence that it records video very high quality, and in any light and even shakes.

• good autonomy;
• timelaps;
• 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;
• the 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 dislike the lack of buttons on the camera body, but others at the same time claim that this does not bother them. The panel under the screen contains 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 ability to shoot in FHD format and 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 the considered model ranges from 25-50fsp, which depends on the video format. The lack of a video finder greatly affects the 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 slot for the storage medium is not trustworthy (the memory card sometimes enters obliquely).

Sony HDR-CX625

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

The camera records two video files at once: professional and lightweight for transmission. They are in 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 photography;
• matrix resolution - 2.29 MP;
• 30x zoom.

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

Sony FDR-AX 100E

The camera belongs to professional, however, it has a relatively small size and weight of about 800 grams. The lens glass has a large diameter, so the image is always at the highest level. There are no curtains, but instead 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, so that the operator can shoot video in complete darkness. The manufacturer preferred to equip the camera with a swing-out viewfinder, next to which he placed a button to switch from photo to video mode and back. Below the touchscreen are buttons for turning on the camera, adjusting the white balance, switching between shooting modes, as well as a memory card slot and much more.

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

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

Beginners in the art of video shooting should first pay attention to devices from the budget or middle price segment. There is no sense in expensive equipment without experience and skills. It is much easier to study with non-professional models. When the videos are getting better and better and there is a desire for further development, you can already take a closer look at more expensive equipment options. There is no definite answer which camera is the best. Each user chooses what he likes and most of all meets his requirements.