Best Canon Camcorders

How often are you driven by the intense desire of capturing the beauty of the moment to etch it in your hearts and minds for eternity?

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday celebration, festivities, weekend parties, picnics, adventurous trips or walk into nature, the experience of capturing and later reliving the momentous moments of your delightful time is exhilarating and immensely rejuvenating.

Canon is a leading brand in the optics and imaging industry and it enjoys worldwide presence through its innovatively designed video products.

Canon Camcorders serve everyone from a novice player to professionals by allowing them to shoot and record videos in HD quality.

In this article, we will cover the categories of Canon CamcordersBuyer’s Guide, extensive reviews of the top 7 Canon CamcordersFAQs, and Conclusion regarding the best Canon Camcorders.

Top 7 Canon Camcorder Products

Categories of Canon Camcorders

Canon offers an innovative and exciting range of consumer and professional camcorders that are designed for delivering exceptional image quality and outstanding performance.

Consumer Camcorders

The consumer camcorders are best suited for beginners or entry-level photographers. They have built-in Wi-Fi that allows the sharing of images and videos via Canon Image Gateway.

They have a powerful zoom function and intelligent optical image stabilizer for automatically detecting the scene and delivering sharp images and scenes every time.

These camcorders allow the consumers to upload their videos on smartphones and other devices via the free Canon Movie Uploader app.  The VIXIA camcorder allows you to remotely view and record live audio and video with your smartphone using the free Canon CameraAccess App. Moreover one can also control camcorder functions remotely.

Professional Camcorders

As the name suggests, the professional camcorders are designed for the professionals that need advanced level controls and high specification optics. They feature HD CMOS Pro Sensor technology for recording high-quality full HD videos and providing improved low light performance. They possess a wide dynamic range for capturing the minute details in the difficult conditions.

The professional camcorders are best suited for movie making. Some of them feature built-in Wi-Fi for sharing audio and videos to your PC or smartphones. They also allow remote control of camcorder functions from your smartphone.

Buyer’s Guide

Before you go shopping for a canon camcorder, you need to consider the various features offered by different models that are available in your budget. Think over what your shooting needs are, how much pixel resolution you require, do you need to remotely view and record live video, etc.

Our buyer guide details useful points for evaluating a canon camcorder so that you can easily narrow down your search for picking the best camcorder to shoot and record high-quality videos.

Design

You need to strike the balance between the aesthetics and the features it provides. Sometimes an awkward-looking camcorder may have more lucrative features while the smart-looking camcorder may not possess them.

A well-designed camcorder has a firm grip and easy to use functions. Check out the weight and size of the camcorder to see if it suits you while operating it.

Some videographers love the portability in the camcorder as it opens the immense possibilities for exploring the nearby surroundings. See if your model provides the portability advantage.

Also, see if you can easily maneuver the camcorder and effortlessly use its various settings and functions. For professional videographers, the presence of an LCD screen in the camcorder offers a distinctive advantage.

All these considerations help you in selecting the camcorder with the preferred design elements.

Video and Image Quality

To obtain exceptional clarity and outstanding video and image quality are the first and foremost results you would like to achieve with your camcorder. Check out for resolutions and frame rates offered by the camcorder model.

The higher the frame rate, the better the video quality it provides. A high frame rate >30 fps produces smooth motion on LCD while a frame rate of 60 fps or 120 fps in OLED offers high resolutions and great clarity.

Similarly, a higher image resolution means sharper and finely detailed images. Always prefer a camcorder with higher frame rates and higher image resolutions.

Features

It is the most important criterion you need to consider before selecting the camcorder. Prepare a list of your must-have features and good to have features.

Some of the common and important features to look out for in a camcorder include image stabilization systems, intelligent auto mode, internal memory size, backside illuminations, sensor size, audio quality, etc.

If you are a professional videographer, you should look out for advanced features such as EVF for shooting videos from different angles, HD CMOS Pro Sensor technology for providing improved low light performance and wide dynamic range,  built-in Wi-Fi for sharing audio and videos to your PC or smartphones, ultra-wide angle lens, Vari-angle LCD, Wi-Fi remote, etc.

Narrow down your search by choosing the camcorders that have your must-have features and then select the one which also has the maximum number of good to have features within your budget.

Accessories

The availability of the accessories for your camcorder model expands its potential for delivering superior performance while shooting and recording high-quality images and videos. A good accessory serves to amplify the benefits of a camcorder.

Look out for various accessories that are available for your chosen camcorder and find out the specific advantages they provide. A camcorder with its various accessories equips you with the necessary tools for exploring immense possibilities in the world around you.

Levels of Proficiency

If you are a beginner, you should go for consumer camcorders. These camcorders feature Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization that keeps the image steady for excellent results. Moreover, they have built-in Wi-fi, Canon Movie Uploader App, and Canon Camera Access App for allowing beginners to create awesome videos and polish their videography skills.

In case you are a professional videographer, you should select professional camcorders. They feature advanced level controls and enhanced imaging techniques such as Canon HD CMOS Pro Sensor for exploring their creativity in movie making. They feature high specification optics for capturing videos with a wide dynamic range, improved low light performance, and Wi-Fi remote control of the camcorder settings.

Warranty and After Sales Support

You should enquire about the after-sales support and warranty period of the canon camcorder you intend to purchase. Every canon camcorder comes with a specified period of warranty.

Also, enquire about the customer care support provided by the canon. Usually, there is online support available for the customers at https://in.canon/en/support.

You may also browse the downloads section for downloading various drivers, software, and firmware. You can also download manuals and product specifications to update your camcorder for optimal performance.

Top 7 Canon Camcorder Products

1. Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camera Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF R800 portable camera camcorder is an exciting and powerful video shooting and recording tool for capturing precious moments in exceptional clarity using its powerful zoom and highlight priority mode.  It is a lightweight package that can be easily carried around and maneuverable by hand.

Main Features
  • Extraordinary powerful 57x Advanced Zoom range
  • Enhanced camcorder’s telephoto power that can be stretched up to 1853mm using its advanced zoom option in manual mode
  • Comes with canon’s sophisticated SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer
  • Dynamic Image Stabilization system for stabilizing the rotational camera shake
  • LCD screen with 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel
  • Full HD CMOS Image Sensor for capturing an image in high resolution
  • DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor for exceptional imaging results
  • MP4 1080/60p recording
  • Package includes VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder, Compact Power Adapter CA-110, USB Interface Cable, Mini-HDMI Cable HTC-100 and Battery Pack BP-727
PROS (What we liked)
  • Powerful advanced zoom allows for uninterrupted video shooting and zoom speed settings with 15 levels provides for extensive creative controls
  • Intelligent optical image stabilization allows for sharp videos shooting by correcting the handheld camera shake
  • HD CMOS Image Sensor provides improved low light performance with full HD video
  • Being lightweight and portable body, it is easy to carry and maneuver
  • Allows recording of video directly to a removable SD memory card
  • Long periods of carefree video shooting with high capacity battery pack
  • Offers flexibility of customizable video recording options including slow and fast motion recording
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Canon VIXIA HF R800 does not feature built-in Wi-Fi

2. Canon VIXIA HF R800 HD Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF R800 HD Camcorder (White) is an ideal camcorder for vloggers and professionals. With its powerful zoom and highlight priority mode, one can record videos in exceptional clarity.  It offers an extensive range of manual controls for enhanced slow and fast recording options.

Main Features
  • Powerful 57x Advanced Zoom with Zoom speed settings up to 15 levels
  • Intelligent Optical Image Stabilizer for correcting camera shake while shooting handheld camera videos
  • Touch panel with 3 inch LCD screen
  • Full HD CMOS Image Sensor for capturing an image in 1920 x 1080 resolution
  • Dynamic Image Stabilization system for stabilizing the rotational camera shake
  • DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor for capturing brighter images in low light
  • Zoom framing assist setting helps you to track the subject by automatically increasing and decreasing zoom magnification
  • The Package comprises VIXIA HF R800 HD Camcorder, Power Adapter CA-110, USB Interface Cable, Mini-HDMI Cable, and Battery Pack.
PROS (What we liked)
  • Powerful advanced zoom enhances the telephoto power to 1853 mm for providing improved flexibility in shooting videos
  • Dynamic optical image stabilization effortlessly controls rotational camera shake for capturing smooth and blur-free videos even while walking
  • Full HD CMOS Image Sensor provides superior low light performance with high-resolution videos
  • Compact and convenient to carry anywhere for capturing awesome videos on the go during traveling
  • Long hours of video shooting which is directly recorded on SD memory card for quick and easy sharing
  • The 3.0-inch LCD screen provides a streamlined user interface for tracking the subjects in motion and explanatory pop-ups for selecting proper recording formats and shooting modes
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Absence of Wi-Fi remote control of the camcorder settings

3. Canon Vixia HF R300 Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF R300 HD Camcorder is easier to use and a lightweight camcorder that allows the users to record awesome videos by using powerful zooming power and amazing creative control options.

Main Features
  • Remarkable 51x Advanced Zoom equipped with canon high definition video lens featuring aspherical lens technology
  • SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer for effectively stabilizing the image while recording high definition videos
  • 3.28 megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor for capturing rich and beautiful videos in 1920 x 1080 high resolution
  • DIGIC DV III Image Processor for optimal imaging performance
  • The 3.0-inch flat touch panel LCD provides an intuitive user interface
  • Dual codec recording that allows the flexibility to record videos in AVCHD or MP4 format
  • The Package comprises VIXIA HF R300 Camcorder, Power Adapter CA-110, Stylus Pen, USB Interface Cable, HDMI Cable, Battery Pack BP-709 and Bundled CD ROMs
PROS (What we liked)
  • Impressive advanced zoom allows to record disruption-free and dynamic videos; enhances the telephoto power to 1729 mm for providing improved flexibility in shooting videos
  • Super range optical image stabilization allows for the correction of a wide range of motion by making continuous adjustment across its zoom range for automatic image stabilization
  • Improved HD CMOS sensor creates natural and rich videos even in low light conditions
  • Directly records the full HD long videos to removable SD memory card that can be readily shared
  • Delivers superb low light performance with minimal noise and exceptional clarity due to optimal imaging performance of DIGIC DV III
  • The 3.0-inch LCD screen has explanatory recording formats and shooting modes for assisting in creating beautiful and error-free videos
  • Offers a wide range of options for unleashing the cinematic creativity through cinema look filters, story creator and 24p cinema mode
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Poor quality standard battery pack

4. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder

Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is a camcorder designed for professionals for creating exceptional and high-quality movies. It boasts of sophisticated and advanced level features in a resourceful and portable package.

Main Features
  • Powerful 20x Optical HD Zoom lens equipped with 8 blade circular aperture design offers a focal length range of 26.8–576 mm
  • 2.91 megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor for capturing beautiful videos in 2136 x 1362 high-resolution pixels
  • Full HD recording in both AVCHD and MP4 recording codecs simultaneously
  • 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen with intuitive user interface and wide view angle and a joystick
  • Dual SD card slots compatible with SDHC and SDXC memory cards
  • Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization system comprises Dynamic IS, Powered IS and Macro IS
  • DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor for delivering superior imaging results
PROS (What we liked)
  • Powerful Optical zoom lens creates full HD videos of exceptional quality and features extensive focus & zoom control like programmable sensitivity modes
  • HD CMOS high sensitivity offers a superior signal-to-noise ratio for accurate recording and capturing incredible images in low light conditions
  • Dual recording allows for recording in different formats at different bit rates for creating videos with a movie like quality
  • Full HD system produces outstanding image quality and its reproduction amid various shooting conditions
  • Double SD memory card slots offer high storage capacity and fast data transfer; allows for simultaneously recording on 2 memory cards
  • Optical image stabilization system corrects blur images automatically while shooting with handheld camcorders in various situations 
  • Ergonomic design with detachable handle makes it a compact and portable buddy for capturing every moment while traveling
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Absence of Wi-Fi remote control of the camcorder settings

5. Canon XF100 Professional Camcorder

Canon XF 100 Professional Camcorder is a compact, portable, and lightweight camcorder engineered for the professionals for creating high- quality videos. It is ideally suited for shooting documentaries and behind the scenes videos. It can be easily customized as per the varied shooting needs of the individuals.

Main Features
  • Powerful 10x Optical zoom HD video lens equipped with offers focal length range of 4.25-42.5mm
  • Widely popular MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec capability that establishes its compatibility with the industry norms
  • Provides support for 3D video production in association with XF105
  • MPEG-2 Full HD compression provides 1920×1080 pixel Full HD video recording
  • Offers support for infrared shooting for shooting in low light conditions
  • Features operation ring of extensive functions including zoom, focus and iris settings
  • HD CMOS Image Sensor for recording beautiful videos in high- resolution pixels
  • 3.5-inch LCD widescreen with 100% view angle
  • Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization system offers optical lens shift system in 3 modes such as Dynamic IS, Powered IS and Macro IS
  • Features 2 compact flash card slots for recording videos
PROS (What we liked)
  • Compact, lighter and portable body design makes it an ideal choice for shooting in outdoor locations and indoor settings
  • Ergonomically optimized grip design for effortless handling and improved stability for capturing every moment in a wide range of situations
  • Suitable for the shooting of nocturnal animals in low light conditions and various documentary movies for television
  • Optical zoom lens provides full HD videos of outstanding quality and features a wide range of focus & zoom controls
  • 2 CF card slots offer resourceful functionality like file copy and backup. Relay recording, etc.
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • It does not record in typical MPEG or Quicktime file formats

6. Canon VIXIA HF R700 Full HD 1080p Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF R700 camcorder is your ideal partner for capturing happy family times and adventurous travel memories. It provides outstanding full HD video quality through its advanced powerful zoom and optical image stabilizer. Being portable and compact, it unleashes your creative skills by providing a wide range of flexible options.

Main Features
  • Impressive powerful 57x Advanced Zoom range that enhances the
  • camcorder’s telephoto power up to 1853mm
  • SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer for quick correction of camera shake in case of handheld video shooting
  • 3.28 megapixel full HD CMOS Image Sensor for recording videos in 1920 x 1080 resolution
  • DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor for superior and noise-free imaging results in low light conditions
  • Allows dual recording in both AVCHD and MP4 formats simultaneously
  • Dynamic Image Stabilization system for stabilizing the rotational camera shake
  • 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD with intuitive user interface and improved brightness
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with high capacity BP 727 battery packs
PROS (What we liked)
  • Advanced zoom range allows for disruption-free and flexible video shooting ideal for ceremonies and outdoor picnics
  • Super range optical image stabilization delivers sharp and steady videos by correcting and the handheld camera shake and stabilizing the rotational camera shake for allowing smooth video shooting even while walking
  • Enhanced low light performance with rich, clear and noise-free videos captured in high resolution by HD CMOS Image Sensor
  • Being compact and portable, it is easy to store, carry and maneuver
  • Effortless recording of video directly to removable SD memory card
  • Allows to captures daily growth of babies through its advanced baby mode featuring optimal camcorder settings
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Canon VIXIA HF R700 does not feature built-in Wi-Fi

7. Canon Vixia HF G50 Camcorder

Canon VIXIA HF G50 camcorder is a compact and portable camcorder that allows you to capture high-resolution 4K videos in slow motion and fast motion, and interval recording.  Its wide angle of view allows professional videographers to track the movement of subject effortlessly and test their creative skills with high-quality videos.

Main Features
  • Allows the user to record high-resolution 4K videos
  • 20x Optical Zoom allows zooming range to 627mm, features 8 blade circular aperture, and zooming lens that provides a wide 29.3  angle view
  • Intelligent 5-axis Image Stabilization effectively corrects camera shake
  • Powerful 21.14MP 1/2.3” UHD 4K CMOS sensor
  • DIGIC DV 6 Image Processor for outstanding imaging results in low light conditions
  • The Extensive set of control settings with five programmable buttons, lens ring, joystick, and custom dial
  • The 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD allows streamlined user interface and improved brightness
  • Double SD memory card slots for higher storage capacity and lightning-fast data transfer
PROS (What we liked)
  • Superb quality high definition 4k videos perfectly suited for creating movies
  • An optical zoom with lens and 8 blade aperture provides for breathtaking high-quality background images and exceptional clarity videos
  • Intelligent image stabilization delivers sharp videos by correcting the handheld camera shake that allows shooting disruption-free video shooting even in motion
  • Ability to record slow motion, fast motion, and interval recording in high definition and 4k provides for creating videos that cater to the assortment of media applications.
  • Superior maneuvering with its set of programmable controls
CONS (What we didn’t like)
  • Canon VIXIA HF G50 does not feature built-in Wi-Fi for remote operations

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What canon camcorders do professionals use?

For professionals, Canon offers a range of professional camcorders that are specifically designed to meet the advanced videography requirements for shooting HD quality movies and videos.

These professional camcorders feature HD CMOS Pro Sensor technology that gives a wide dynamic range and improved low light performance. They possess high-specification optics and a broad range of control functions that are ideally suited for shooting high octane actions and outstanding movie-making experience.

2. What’s the difference between a camcorder and a video camera?

A video camera does the video shooting by converting an optical signal to an electronic signal. On the other hand, the camcorder does the video shooting and its recording by storing the converted electronic signal.

3. Are camcorders better than DSLR?

Camcorders are primarily used for shooting and recording videos with longer recording times. They have various advanced features and high specification optics like built-in Wi-Fi, density filters, intelligent optical image stabilization, etc. You can use the strap to hold the camera comfortably and enjoy comfortable video ergonomics.

DSLRs comprise advanced features that allow shooting high-quality videos even in low light conditions due to a much larger sensor.

If you want to shoot and record videos for a larger duration of time, you may prefer camcorders. However, for shooting videos in low light conditions, DSLR scores above camcorders. DSLR is cheaper as compared to advanced camcorders.

4. Why buy a camcorder over a camera?

If you require shooting a lot of HD quality videos, then prefer camcorders over a camera because the camcorders shoot HD quality videos and record them into inbuilt hard drives.

On the other hand, a DSLR or mirrorless camera gives better quality video in low light conditions due to the presence of larger sensors; however, their recording is limited to the storage capacity of memory cards.

This superior storage capacity of camcorders than the camera makes them a preferred choice for many professional videographers who deal with long hours of recording videos.

Conclusion

The canon provides an extensive range of camcorders to choose from. These are designed to meet the various video shooting and recording requirements of the consumers and professionals.

The canon consumer and professional camcorders come with a wide range of high-specs optics and extensive imaging features for delivering exceptional image clarity and high definition video shooting and recording.

Our buyer’s guide and comprehensive review of the top 10 Canon camcorders allow you to choose the best canon camcorder that precisely matches your needs.

Megha Kothari
 

Megha leads the content strategy and oversees an amazing team of writers, editors, and designers, all having one goal in mind – to create brilliant content that helps people make the right purchase investment. When she is not working, you can find her enjoying making delicious food and planning her next travel.

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