advertisement

Best professional and prosumer camcorders

(Sep 05, 2008)

Lori Grunin Lori Grunin
Senior Editor
Philip Ryan Philip Ryan
Senior Editor
If you're a serious amateur videographer or an independent professional, you'll settle for nothing less than a three-chip camera with extensive creative controls. These models not only provide a CCD sensor to capture each of the three color channels, but also put the manual controls you need at your fingertips. They're compatible with a broader range of accessories and other devices than lower-end cameras, too, and that's important if you want to capture high-quality sound or put your own video studio together.

Canon XH A1

Canon's XH A1 and XH G1 are excellent camcorders for entry-level professionals and independent filmmakers, with hard-to-beat prices for what they offer.

Price: $2,799.00 - $3,999.00 (check prices)

Review date: May 23, 2007

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
Play CNET Video
Close

Panasonic AG-HVX200

With its AG-HVX200, Panasonic raises the bar again, bringing us professional HD versatility and quality at a lower price than ever.

Price: $2,949.00 - $5,299.00 (check prices)

Review date: Mar 13, 2006

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
Play CNET Video
Close

Sony HDR-FX1

Though it lacks some audio flexibility and isn't recommended for 24fpsshooting, the HDR-FX1 provides advanced consumers with professional-levelvideo controls and entry-level pros with an affordable starting camcorder.

Price: $2,024.99 - $3,699.99 (check prices)

Review date: May 2, 2005

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
Play CNET Video
Close

Panasonic AG-DVX100B Mini DV Camcorder

Panasonic has listened. The third incarnation of the AG-DVX100 offers unrivalled bang for the buck in a prosumer standard-definition MiniDV camera.

Price: $1,799.00 - $2,657.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jan 20, 2006

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review

Sony Handycam HDR-FX7

The Sony Handycam HDR-FX7 is an excellent high-definition camcorder from a video perspective, but it's less satisfying if you're an audio control freak.

Price: $2,564.99 - $4,999.44 (check prices)

Review date: Jan 30, 2007

4 stars

Excellent

Read full review
Play CNET Video
Close

Canon XL H1

Canon's semipro high-definition XL H1 video camera is a winner for event, reality, ENG, and documentary shooters, but its price is high.

Price: $7,299.95 - $8,995.00 (check prices)

Review date: Feb 13, 2006

3h stars

Very good

Read full review