Camcorder or system camera - which is better for video?
Since the entry of digital SLR cameras into the video sector with the Canon EOS 5D Mark II in 2008, DSLRs and in particular DSLMs have become ever greater competition for the classic camcorder.
But what exactly are the differences between a camcorder and a mirrorless system camera? What can the photo/video all-rounder do that a camcorder can't and vice versa? In this article, we not only want to show you the differences between the various camera systems, but also show you our favorites for different applications and in different price ranges.
What is the difference between a camcorder and a system camera?
There are many differences between a classic camcorder and a system camera.
Starting with the design. The classic camcorder has a fixed lens, whereas a system camera is supplied without a lens. Here you have the option of changing the lenses, allowing you to create a wide range of image options. Individual lenses are specialized for certain areas. This makes it possible to take pictures that would not be possible with an "all-in-one zoom". A good example of this would be an 85mm lens with f/1.4 aperture, which lets a lot of light onto the sensor and creates a good blur in the background to isolate a person. This ensures a more precise visual language if you want to show something with emphasis or already have a finished film / look in mind.
If you go into the professional area of camcorders, there are models that also allow interchangeable lenses, an example would be the new Canon C70. We will come to these models in the video and show the advantages and disadvantages.
In addition to the lenses, you will notice a big difference in operation. System cameras are hybrids of photo & video. First and foremost, however, they are still cameras. This is also reflected in the design. A small handle on the side, a small battery, no top handle, fewer ports for video and audio in/outputs and a lack of quick access buttons and ND filters. All this and a zoom rocker for the lens make the camcorder more pleasant to use. Both for beginners and professionals.
So why a system camera for video? Well, in addition to the lenses mentioned, the sensor comes into play here. This is significantly larger in system cameras than in camcorders. Here, if perhaps 1" is installed, it is smaller on average. But system cameras quickly reach a full-frame size. This ensures significantly better noise behavior in dark situations. Wedding videographers in particular therefore like to switch to this system.
However, if you want to use the system cameras for video, you definitely need to plan in some accessories. Our recommendation is a good gimbal and a cage so that you have more anchor points for accessories so that these cameras can be used more easily for video purposes.
Different use cases
In order to answer the question of which camera system is the most suitable, we first need to differentiate between several use cases, as each system has its strengths and weaknesses.
Of course, there are many different applications and every videographer works differently, so we have simply divided the use into three different areas.
Consumer video cameras / camcorders
The consumer category includes anyone who wants to buy a video camera to record their next vacation, shoot a short family film at Christmas or maybe even create their first YouTube videos.
For these applications, simple operation, a relatively easy setup and the lowest possible acquisition costs are particularly important.
Anyone who wants to buy a video camera, for example to shoot a family party, the next vacation or perhaps small YouTube videos, usually does not want to spend too much money on it, which is why we have only selected products up to a maximum of 1000? for our recommendations.
As a recommendation for a system camera, we have selected cameras from two different manufacturers:
The Fujifilm XS10 is a compact photo camera with a very good and extensive video mode. It is therefore a perfect camera for vacations, as you only have to take one camera with you, but can take very high quality photos as well as 4k film recordings. Fujifilm cameras are characterized by their very good colour reproduction, the large selection of very good lenses and many features.
The Fujifilm X-S10 is currently priced at 973?. However, you also need a lens, which, depending on the type of lens, can cost from around ?250. The best option for buying the X-S10 from us is the kit with the Fujifilm XC 15-45mm lens, which is currently priced at ?1071.
Our second recommendation in the category of system cameras up to ?1000 is the Sony a6400. The a6400 is an APS-C E-mount camera, which is equipped with a fast autofocus and good 4k video quality. The camera is very compact and doesn't take up much space in your bag. Sony cameras are characterized by their good image quality in dark environments and offer many different video features. The a6400 currently costs ?899 and we also have various bundles with matching lenses for the a6400.
Camcorders are a little cheaper in this category, but also have to rely on some features and do not have a real photo mode.
We have also selected two different camcorders with 4k video options from our range that we can recommend.
The first camcorder is the Canon Legria HF G50 camcorder. It is characterized above all by its high optical zoom range of 30.6mm to 612mm, but must therefore also make compromises in image quality. The Canon Legria HF G50 camcorder is currently priced at ?917.89.
Our second recommendation is also a camcorder with a high optical zoom range of 25-600mm and up to 4K video resolution. The Panasonic HC-VXF11 also offers some additional functions in the area of optical image stabilization, as well as a 4k photo function. We currently offer the HC-VXF11 at a price of ?699.
Semi-Pro - Video cameras / camcorders
We classify wedding videographers or smaller image film productions, for example, in the semi-pro category. Here, a compact and powerful system with as much flexibility as possible is usually required, although this can also be purchased for a few thousand euros. System cameras (especially those with a full-frame sensor) are more suitable than camcorders for work where a cinema-like look is more important. Due to the large selection of lenses, you can give free rein to your creativity.
Our first recommendation is the Fujifilm X-T4, which is equipped with a CMOS 4 sensor with a resolution of 26.1MP and a 4K video resolution at 60 frames per second and a SlowMotion mode with 240 frames per second at FullHD. In contrast to its predecessor, the X-T4 comes with an in-body image stabilizer and thus records a very steady image even when shooting handheld. In addition to the IBIS, its main features are the unique color reproduction, the fast autofocus with face and eye detection, the rotating and swiveling 3-inch touch display and the many different Fuji exclusive image profiles. The X-T4 currently costs ?1,699 and is an absolute buy recommendation for both photographers and videographers in a price/performance comparison. We also have various camera + lens bundles on offer here.
Our second recommendation in the field of semi-professional system cameras is the new Sony Alpha 7c, which is a direct competitor to its big brother, the a7 III, especially in the video sector. The a7c can do everything a mirrorless photo and video camera should be able to do. What sets it apart most from the other recommendations in this price range is its full-frame sensor, which creates a very professional look and in particular allows for a very soft bokeh. The a7c also has excellent autofocus with face detection for people and animals and a very good 5-axis IBIS.
The Sony a7c is the best Sony has to offer in terms of price/performance ratio and outshines some of the competition. We are currently offering the a7c for ?1,999, but we also have suitable bundles here too.
With camcorders, the slightly higher price range of semi-pros is more suited to TV, reportage and documentary applications. The Sony PXW-Z150 XDCAM, for example, offers internal variable ND filters as well as a high-quality 24x optical zoom (29-348mm) and a recording time of up to 400 minutes. In contrast to the system cameras just mentioned, it also offers important connections, such as an XLR connection for external microphones.
Professional video cameras / camcorders
In the professional sector, not only top video quality is required. It is particularly important here that the setup is expandable, for example to feed in sound from external microphones via XLR or to record the video signal with an external recording device.
As an example of a pro camcorder, we have the new Canon C70, which is a good example of a camcorder that differs a little from the classic camcorder. Here we have the professional connections, i.e. audio XLR input, HDMI output, USB-C for accessories, etc., but also features that are more associated with system cameras, such as the new RF bayonet, Canon's fast Dual Pixel autofocus system and a relatively compact body.
However, system cameras are also sometimes used in the pro sector, especially when a camera is needed that is as compact as possible but can still produce a comparably good image. However, these are usually situations in which the major advantages of the camcorder, such as the inputs and outputs, are not required.
On the system camera side, there are currently very good cameras for the video sector:
The Sony Alpha 7S III is characterized in particular by its very good low-light performance, fast autofocus and high output quality.
The Canon EOS R5 can also do a lot in video mode. The 8K RAW output and the fast dual-pixel autofocus are particularly striking.
Conclusion
Pro camcorder
- Professional features, such as integrated ND filters, zoom, extensive OI, no problems with a rolling shutter, etc.
- Simple operation
- Unlimited recording time in the EU
- better battery life
Pro system camera
- compact
- Interchangeable lenses
- also prof. photo modes
- Many possibilities in manual modes
In conclusion, we believe that a system camera is better suited for most applications. Their high flexibility through interchangeable lenses, the smaller form factor and the larger sensors offer a good mix of usability and image quality.
However, camcorders also have their raison d'?tre, especially for TV productions, documentaries but also family & vacation films, features such as integrated ND filters or an extensive, integrated zoom for easy handling can be useful.
However, it must be said that most of the advantages of camcorders over system cameras are often only to be found in the higher price categories, making the system camera the much better choice for consumers and semi-professionals in particular and therefore also in the lower price categories (up to 3k).