Sony Camcorders
Sony camcorders are perfect for every level of video shooter. Whether you’re a seasoned professional upgrading to the latest gear, or a total amateur simply making a few home movies, there will be a Sony video camera for you. These all-in-one cameras give you everything you need to produce great-looking video, and thanks to Sony’s comprehensive range of products, there are camcorders available with a host of different specs.
A camcorder is the perfect first step on your video journey – here we’ll take you through everything you need to know. And don’t forget to pick up some essential camcorder accessories and video tripods, too.
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Sony Camcorders
Whether you’re coming in new to video and camcorders or just need a refresher on the basics, here we’ll take you through all the essentials you need to know about Sony camcorders.
Key features of Sony camcorders
Different camcorders will have differing features. It’s up to you to decide what you need, based on the kind of video you want to shoot, and of course, your budget.
Resolution – do I need 4K?
One of the first specs you’ll see about any camera is its resolution – how many pixels it puts at your disposal. In the world of video, the resolution options are generally more rigid than they are in photography. WHile there are lots we could deal with, when it comes to Sony camcorders, you’ll generally be dealing with the following:
HD 720p
Once the gold standard for digital video, HD 720p (so called because its vertical edge measures 720 pixels) is now seen as somewhat old hat, with most displays and devices capable of displaying higher resolutions. You won’t find many modern Sony camcorders that top out at this resolution – but many will offer it, and it still has its uses. File sizes are smaller, which can be handy if you’re filming for practical rather than artistic reasons, and also lowering resolution can allow you to increase the frame rate if the camera offers this feature, enabling the capture of super-slow motion footage.
Full HD 1080p
The middleman standard resolution that is expected on pretty much any modern camera shooting video. Measuring 1980 by 1080 pixels along its horizontal and vertical edges, Full HD footage can look great without incurring the high cost and data demands of 4K and higher. It tends to be shot at 30p or a super-smooth 60p, though some camcorders can shoot Full HD at higher frame-rate for high-quality slow motion.
4K and higher
There are a few different types of 4K, such as DCI 4K and UHD 4K, but they all amount to essentially the same thing – an uimage whose vertical edge measures around 4,000 pixels. 4K is a substantial quality jump, enabling the user to capture unprecedented levels of detail, and allowing for effectively lossless cropping into a shot. While many professional clients will expect it, if you’re mostly shooting for yourself then you may not need the expense and data demands of 4K, or the resolutions beyond it such as 6K and 8K.
Other Features
Optical zoom lens
Many camcorders on the affordable end of the scale will come with a fixed lens built in. While this is great for ease of use and operability, it’s worth taking a look at the lens specs of a camcorder before you buy it so you can be sure you’re getting what you need. For instance, the Sony FDR-AX53 4K offers a 20x optical zoom, while the Sony HDR-CX405 Camcorder offers a 30x optical zoom, both starting at a 26.8mm wide angle. If you’re going to be shooting distant subjects or just want the flexibility, then prioritise a longer zoom.
HDR video
HDR stands for high dynamic range. This means that an image (still or moving) will be able to capture a greater range of tonality in light and dark areas, leading to less detail loss in very bright or very dark areas. A proper HDR workflow tends to come on more expensive cameras like the Sony HXR-NX80 NXCAM Camcorder for professionals, which shoots beautiful 4K HDR.
Image stabilisation
Image stabilisation can be hugely useful in keeping your shots smooth, even in motion. Optical stabilisation systems work by compensating for vibration in different directions. Some systems work on 3 axes, but the best ones are 5-axis systems, such as the one on the Sony HDR-CX625 Camcorder. It allows you to capture high-quality footage even while running at speed, making it perfect for dynamic handheld shooting.
Which Sony camcorder should I buy?
The answer to this question is going to be different for everyone! Ultimately, the best thing to do is check through the features above and figure out which are the most important, and perhaps which are the ones you can do without. That way, you can find a Sony camcorder that suits your shooting needs, but also fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a Sony camcorder as a webcam?
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It depends on the specific model of camcorder. If the camcorder you’re using has a USB streaming port then it’s easy to set it up for this purpose, however if not then you’ll likely need to use something else. If this is a priority for you, double-check that your camcorder has a USB streaming port connection before buying.
- How does a Sony camcorder connect to a TV?
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Via the HDMI connection. Look for your TV’s HDMI port, and connect it to the Sony camcorder using an HDMI cable.
- What is the newest Sony camcorder I can buy?
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The answer to this will of course change from time to time as new models are released, but one relatively recent Sony camcorder we’ve been hugely impressed with is the Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera. It’s the firm’s most compact Cinema Line camera yet, packing a tonne of pro-level features into an eminently portable body.
On the more affordable end of the scale, the Sony FDR-AX43 4K Handycam Camcorder is a relatively recent addition to the stable, boasting such features as Optical Steadyshot image stabilisation.
- Which Sony camcorder do the professionals use?
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This will vary of course – top-of-the-line professionals will likely use the highest-end cameras like the Sony PXW-FX9 Full-Frame Camcorder, with its generously sized full-frame sensor. However, if you’re looking for something pro-level but more within an average person’s budget, the Sony HXR-NX200 4K Professional Camcorder is a superbly balanced camcorder with pro features.
