Are Video Camcorders Obsolete?

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Are the days of the traditional Video Camcorder numbered? Thanks to Sony NZ who kindly loaned me the Sony FDR-AX700 Camcorder store.sony.co.nz/videocamera/...
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[@warrenkawamoto8660]

It's 2023 now. I have DSLRs, and I have camcorders. All cameras are tools. USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB! When I shoot conferences, board meetings, or theatrical performances that are 2-8 hours long, my camcorders never overheat, and never quit on the job. I can zoom in as much as I need without changing lenses. Extended hour camcorder batteries fits into the battery slot, even if they stick out 3 inches more than a conventional one. I can shoot 4 hours non stop on one battery. When I run-n-gun, I have a dual channel wireless receiver that sits on the hotshoe, so I have 2 channels of wireless audio coming in without any cables. I shoot everything in 4K, then edit in HD. I can punch in 2X in post if I need to, without image degradation. In the professional world, camcorders are still very much alive! Remember to choose the right tool that will do the best job for what you're doing.

[@Icelandlover]

I've been using my AX700 for 5 years in countless trips in Iceland and Italy. It's a workhorse with outstanding video quality and great picture results. It will be a sad day if it dies on me. Which i am confident it wont since my HDV HDR FX1 from 2005 still works like brand new.

[@JeffBourke]

Unlimited record time. No overheating. Hybrids really struggle here.

[@Inaworldoflove]

The trend is towards commercially being 'obsolete' but we need to remind people of the art of using a video camera. I just got a Sony FDR-AX53 and after jailbreaking it I can use all the manual settings and record in 4K 30p or HD 60p. I got a tripod and hood for it. The end result I will get will far exceed what is possible with a phone or DSLR or gopro.

[@TrailerYacht]

Love to know how to jailbreak my AX53 to unlock its full potential. It's obvious they'd lock much of the functionality to ensure people upgrade to the AX100 or AX700. Imagine an AX700 with the BOSS stabilisation from the AX53 - if you don't need redundant SD slots why upgrade . . .

[@Inaworldoflove]

@@TrailerYacht it’s not a total jailbreak but you can set multiple manual settings at once but not all of them. There’s a video on KZbin how to do it with software.

[@wingwatchersaviation]

​@Inaworldoflove you got a link for that?

[@TrailerYacht]

Understand your view and respectfully disagree. Camcorders rule - Change my mind !!! For 90% of what we do, my Sony FDR AX53 with shotgun on top rocks our sailing world. Stabilisation is excellent and the parfocal ability and zoom range is out of this world. Mobiles & mirrorless cannot keep up. Then there is the price - way cheaper for a quality camcorder than a DSLR/Mirrorless & numerous heavy, fragile and expensive lenses ! We use our iPhones with Filmic Pro and they are very good - but extremely frustrating. Zoom range is poor and low light is acceptable - but getting way better with computational photography. But even simple things like downloading video files to edit them - is a serious pain - if you're in the Windows world. We also use GoPros, but we've had a run of serious bad luck with them failing. We'd love to upgrade to the Sony AX700 or the Z90 with a set of Rode wireless mics. An SD card makes it easy to download and backup your files from camera. We think that 4K is the best way to go. Yes file size makes file handling painful - but for the future - we think it is the way to go. In 10 years time, you'll be grateful you used 4K (or better) instead of sticking with 1080p - but that's just our humble opinion - your mileage may differ.

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Totally agree and think camcorders still have a place, I guess where I am coming from is video cameras for the average consumer market. I'm off on a 3 day motorcycle trip this weekend and kind of wish I still had the Sony Camcorder to take along! Cheers

[@videocreation5206]

@@GrantJohnstonVideos Have plenty of camcorders, different shape and size to suit the location and don't intend to sale them as there's not a lot of choice out there in the market at the lower end of the spectrum .Do own professional camcorders as well

[@michaelwalcund7574]

@@GrantJohnstonVideos Smartphones like Iphone 11 has still lover quality video than most 4K camcorders, if you watch it in a TV instead of small computer monitor. Smartphones have terrible audio, and no zoom range. The phones produces poor quality video in low light, and their compression ratio and compression quality are worse. DSLRs are not better than an AX700 in any sense. In lab. In ISO resolution test charts the AX700 can resolve more lines than any DSLR. So DSLRs still have lower visible resolution and details according to test charts, which is an objective data, and not based on biassed personal opinions.

[@dct124]

Mirrorless cameras are literally an excessive waste of money if someone buys them for video. I understand the hybrid shooter of say a wedding photographer but every other industry primarily for video. A camcorder is a cheaper + better option. To get the same stabilization out of mirrorless, you gotta buy a gimbal, have IBIS and Lens IS plus walk like a Ninja 😭

[@MihaiVH]

try record dynamic images during an airshow with a photo camera 😏😊

[@procamara359]

Imagine that Sony AX700 with the same sensor and recording capability of the A7s3. They could make even 2 versions one with removable and other with fixed 24-200 f4. But Sony and the rest of the companies wont do it, because someone has to buy lenses and useless mirrorles bodies. The youtube gear reviews celebrities like to pretend to be film makers, because they like to blurry background and changing lenses. And many absolutely suck when they make diffent videos rather than gear review. The camcoders are unbeatable in ergonomics, quik way to get exposure , focus, and to frame a shot. The zoom lens is very useful tool in 99% of the situations. They are perfect for documentaries, weddings and commercial work.

[@Franbegoby88]

There was a full frame handycam, the Sony NEX VG900 Full Frame, unfortunately Sony discontinued its manufacture.

[@GrowingDownUnder]

Make camcorders great again! here are the reasons why I use camcorder 1. Smart phones have short battery life & don't hold much memory/storage 2. Smart phones do have a forward facing camera, but generally the forward facing camera is not good quality compared to the man camera. Where as camcorder have flip screen 3. Go pro lacked certain features like forward facing screen and zoom, but now they fixed that with their new cameras although low light conditions still bad 4. I recently forgot my gopro wifi password and I'm forever stuck unable to use it now because I don't know how to reset password 5. Camcorders are relatively easy to use, don't have to change many settings and the auto focus is generally great especially with sony camcorders. Compared to DSLR and Mirrorless they require more skill to understand the settings and get it dialed in perfect 6. DSLR and mirrorless cameras can't record for as long, generally require extra lens and can be more expensive 7. Camcorders are more comfortable to hold in the hand and the ease of use for beginners is unbeatable Verdict = I will always pick camcorders but the downside is I wish the quality of the cameras was as good as the smart phones. So that's where they need to improve to keep up is the quality. If a tiny smart phone can have such a great camera, then so can camcorders too. I want a camcorder with good stabilization, good auto focus, good colour, great in low light and something that can keep up with the smart phones & go pro's. Even though there is some camcorders with all these features they are often too expensive and they're cinematic camcorders like the fx6. The sony ax 53 is almost like a perfect little camcorder they just need to make the visuals a little better and it will be the best imo

[@thesnare100]

also you can't really put a smartphone on a tripod

[@GrowingDownUnder]

@@thesnare100there is plenty of tripods for smartphones lol

[@thesnare100]

@@GrowingDownUnder oh.........ok good to know :)

[@chrislauterbach8856]

I have watched this video more than once over the years. I have been shooting videos with a video camera and portable VCR up to a camcorder since 1980. I just shot the Battle of Monmouth reenactment in July of '23. Half the battle is reenacted on the distant corn field. While all those spectators with cell phones were trying to capture the distant action, I zoomed in with my Sony camcorder and recorded the battle close up. And I recorded it in 1080 60P (I have 4K capability, but the editing takes way to long) So far the video has gotten nearly 1400 views on KZbin. I am just hoping that Sony finally comes out with a camcorder past the FDR-AX700. And as a fellow YTer I made sure to give you a "like" since I know how important they are.

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Cheers

[@quicker76]

There should be a worthy successor to the AX700, with 4K 60p and logarithmic 10-bit 4K recording. But it won't come out! 😔

[@videocreation5206]

Camcorders will always be with us for many years, most of the every day people will use their smart phone but for those that are more serious will want to use the correct tools for the job. Was only a couple of yrs ago many prosumers filmmakers were convinced using dslr was the way to go but most people realised that is is not the way to go and have gone back to using the camcorder as that's what its designed for. Myself have many cams including my smart phone pocket osmo and action cams plus dslr. If your serious about filmmaking then a camcorder is the way to go. Camcorders are one of the main tools for creating films in 2021 and will still be the same in many years to come

[@petrub27]

camcorders are for pro's not posers

[@winterwolfryan]

I really miss proper camcorders. Like you, I grew up with them and loved them since I was a kid. The biggest issue I think is a lack of innovation in the camcorder segment. They should be shooting 4k60p with HDR. They should have larger image sensors. Something really unique would be multiple sensors that could be switched based on the type of content being shot… not sure if that is possible, but it would be quite neat. As it is, smartphones have way more innovation, and combined with the convenience factor, will most likely end up killing camcorders at a consumer level. I personally hate the form factor of DSLRs, a camcorder will always be the best for balance and ease of use. Here’s hoping someone comes up with a camcorder that is so amazing it is too good to pass up!

[@koba2802]

Great video. I'm looking at switching to camcorders after years of using DSLRs. I wonder how much of an impact KZbin content creators have had on the decrease in popularity of camcorders. With the focus so much on bokeh and slow motion cinematic shots, it would seem a DSLR is the only way to go. The features on the camcorder just make more sense for video, like record time, battery usage, and convenience of not having to switch lenses. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

I hear you. Cheers

[@georgemav7]

I would recommend this camdorder, Panasonic AG-CX10 4K Camcorder HD Live Streaming Lens Full Frame equivalent, 25mm to 600mm. Pretty impressive and really compact. It also has HD SDI out and live streaming capabilities. There are also 2 models below this camera that you might want to look at which are basically the same camera but with less features. news.panasonic.com.au/2020/01/07/panasonic-announces-three-lightweight-efficient-4k-60p-professional-camcorders-with-live-streaming-support/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6LGf2d7eMmIa6s

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

Sony's NEX-VG30 still has life. HD yes maybe but a Super 35 sensor, removable lens and with AI software like Topaz, it's easy to get better 4K than any internal 8bit recording.

[@turisteandoentexas]

That’s the only reason I’m considering one... for my travel 4K videos. That optical zoom is the best. I’m thinking about getting the Sony ax53

[@hermannel1310]

Got my Ax53 couple of months ago after switching from phones. Never looked back! So much easier and friendlier to operate. (still trying to find the Chinese designer of cellphones - would like to see his small "stick" fingers which is not "world" compatible!). The lack of control buttons on a phone just finally killed it for me!

[@HeyJols]

Fantastic video! It's 2024 and I WANT this camera so bad OVER the pocket 3, zv-e1. The AX700 is currently my dream camera. 💯 Just so expensive. 😅

[@davemz999]

Great video, thanks for the help. Probably a lot of the people with smartphones whom you may ask about buying a camcorder and say "no the smartphone's good enough" would have likely said "no I don't need one of those" if you asked them 20 years ago. I think camcorders still have plenty of earth to dig into.

[@MikeKillian]

Finally someone who addressed aviation / airshow needs. I'm a professional air-to-air aviation photographer & have been on the fence about whether to go mirrorless 4K or with a camcorder. Helpful video thanks

[@vanzetti7]

Aww man I love Camcorders! The ergonomics are so good! I wish my BMPCC (original) was built more like a camcorder - it's such a pain in the ass to handle.

[@wakkowarner8810]

You need to add a cage to that camera to give it the form factor you want it to have.

[@zantigar]

Excellent presentation of the problems the prosumer camcorder market faces today. It all boils down to this: is a powerful motorized optical zoom reason enough to buy a camera dedicated to shooting video? For me (who disables digital zoom on EVERY camera I have as a matter of policy), absolutely! In fact, I'm about to buy the AX700 even now, 5 years after it was first introduced. And even this late in the game, the price hasn't come down one cent! Only a camcorder offers an OPTICAL power zoom at reasonable cost. But I'm afraid you are right - for the most part, camcorders will disappear almost completely from the general amateur scene, as people don't value the difference in IQ of an optical vs. digital zoom. Oh woe was me!

[@quicker76]

People settle for the video offered by a smartphone. It may be fine, but it's nothing like recording with a camcorder. Furthermore, it is the ease of storing the smartphone in a trouser pocket that matters more to them than the quality obtained with Sony AX700, or Canon GX10, for example.

[@VicTilling]

I love my camcorder. It's an old Canon XA-10 with XLR and it's a great studio cam. However I still use it for shooting trains around Australia. I don't shoot in 4K, computer can't handle it, and 1080 is fine for KZbin.

[@MrPilcher1]

true but when all the formats get compiled on a timelime most can tell the difference

[@JWalking]

Camcorders are most certainly NOT obsolete because different situations will require different tools. For example, If you look on my channel every single walking video (up until Walbury Hill) was shot on a £450 camcorder no bigger than my hand and shot completely solo. Also camcorder sensors are usually significantly bigger than phone image sensors, not to mention a bigger brighter lens! This goes a long way towards providing a better/cleaner image. Moreover a smart phone simply doesn’t have the ergonomics to solo shoot like this. Though consumer camcorders have their obvious limitations, it’s not the equipment that makes the film, it’s the filmmaker.. it’s just that ergonomics, bigger image sensors and lenses go a very long way towards a better finished picture!

[@jean-gabrielclermont-tonne2475]

I love camcorders also because of their Ergonomics. For example a good viewfinder.

[@hermannel1310]

Just no way possible to see properly in normal day light. Most phone videographers sort of aim in the general direction! And at the end of the day, the mess is "good enough"!

[@BLVCKSEA]

No way. Camcorders will always be a staple in skateboarding

[@KenRobinsonCoach]

I regularly make marketing videos and with my Canon XA20 pro camcorder, it has XLR jacks which means I can connect a professional mic and don't have to waste time syncing sound. There is not a DSLR or mobile phone that matches the quality of sound an XLR mic can. Plus, my camcorder can film for hours without overheating.

[@mushypeacycling]

Hi Grant that’s a nice video and super relevant for me at the moment. I shot my Old Ghost Road video on a 12 year old camcorder that I took across the Himalayas (see Annapurna vid - all shot on consumer grade HFS LEGRIA I think it was called). I was away for 16 months riding from China to Pakistan mostly in the middle of nowhere so battery life was the big thing for me. The battery life on camcorders is another level compared to DLSRs and Mirrorless. I could get a couple weeks out of a oversized battery! That’s shooting approx 60mins on and off a day! And the lens range and the cost. It was about $1600 back then so not cheap but nothing like a 5d mk iii with all the kit. Great video, keep ‘em coming! Thank you!

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

I hear you about the batteries. Your Annapurna adventure looks amazing and the video was great. There's definitely something about the convenience and form factor of the camcorder. Cheers

[@joyoffilming9500]

Great video and verdict on camcorders! When I was doing research about camcorders as an alternative to my S1H for zoom lens, less weight, run & gun capability, I ended up with a very exciting comparison by the YT channel MarkusPix in which Markus compared the latest Canon flagship camorder (Canon XF-605) against the latest Sony RX100 version (RX100 VIII) - which seemed like a totally unfair comparison - but it wasn't. After this video, I hit the purchase button for the RX100 VIII right away.

[@gregbenwell6173]

It is all a matter of "Right tool for the job!" You wouldn't use a golf cart as a race car in a NASCAR event, just like you wouldn't use a Top Fuel Funny Car as a golf cart at your favorite links!! Sure you can use a DSLR to shoot video with, but they DO have their limitations and one of them is problems with heat!! DSLR Cameras hate to just sit around "ON" all day long. And video cameras ARE designed to be stuck in the "ON" position for hours at a time!! And honestly not everybody owns a $3000 DSLR or a $1500 Smartphone even in 2021!!! Yet there are more affordable video camera options out there as well too!! And by the time you buy all the fancy lens for the DSLR, paid for all the extra equipment to make it function LIKE a video camera, you could have literally ran out and bought a better quality video camera for less money in my mind!!

[@gregbenwell6173]

And smartphone video isn't always the greatest going either!! Yes some smartphones do a good job as a video camera, but honestly it is STILL A PHONE and if you have to have TWO PHONES (one to make calls on, and one to shoot video with) are you not already defeating the purpose of a cell phone from the start??? Again you wouldn't use your toaster to cook a baked ham dinner, the same way using your $600 oven to toast a pop-tart is just silly!!

[@theartofmakingphotography]

I only got one last week and it’s 16 years old with planning to set it up for digital adapter out.

[@LA-yv5us]

I just recently purchased a Sony hdw F900, would you have any idea on how to adapt it to a modern video recorder like an atomos samurai?, or would I need another video recorder? I've tried to adapt mine to the atomos and it wont get a signal, so im not sure if i'm using the proper sdi cables or if its not compatible

[@josetoro4405]

excellent review. i totally agree. having said that, i love my camcorder.

[@thiagocursinomusic]

What I don't like about smartphone footage is the lack of depth. It's sharp, but too flat.

[@Steger13]

Hi, i know its a old vdo but have a question, can we get the handle attachment for this camera like what we get on the more expensive model?

[@Rivenworld]

There is a place for all of these different camera types, personally I still love my DSLR's (Nikon and Canon) and love my Canon XF200, as good as my smartphone is I wouldn't swap it for any of my cameras. The DSLR's shoot good video and offer me a great deal of control but when it comes to shooting video I always go for the XF200, a mass of camera and audio controls that deliver quality video and sound every time. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@mrrandom177]

I bought mine around 5 years ago. I've used it a handful of times. Today I brought it out of storage to compare the image quality to my iPhone.

[@danieldougan269]

I don't think camcorders are obsolete, but they have become more specialized tools. Consumer cameras and camcorders have absolutely been gutted by smartphones, but they are still useful tools for professionals and prosumers. I shoot video on mirrorless cameras as a hobby, but I have been thinking about adding a camcorder to my collection to try my hand at event work like weddings. I'm thinking about an older HD pro camcorder, 4K not required. The most important things to me are keeping everything in focus even if the camera is unmanned and having proper audio. The appeal of a camera like the Z90 is the 1" sensor that allows for some shallow depth of field while still having reliable autofocus. Built-in ND filters certainly help as well. I really like where Sony's head was with the RX10 II (with the constant f2.8 lens), and I wish they would make another camera just like that but with better autofocus and dual card slots. Maybe a camera like the a7 IV or a7S III would do fine as an unmanned camera, but I have my doubts with such a large sensor.

[@lincolnking3339]

Very well done, great video. Thanks. Greetings as a fellow New Zealander living in Australia.

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Cheers

[@Snoop_Dugg]

I dug up my old Sony tape handycam. Unfortunately it's a challenge to buy more tape and to preserve it, I miss recording with a camcorder, but I hope they update this at least one last time, because I would totally want to upgrade.

[@Falk4J]

Great video and analysis, even now, 2 years later and with more evolved digital lens science in flagship smartphones. Yet I would like to remark something.. Though I liked your presentation to me the background music is a bit of a challenge. Usually I am not even caring to listening through videos like that. In this case, less is more, does apply to my opinion.

[@quicker76]

Minute 8:35 "Would you buy a traditional camcorder?" My answer would be a resounding yes, if new camcorders appeared with features in line with current times. New models hardly come out, and with worse features than previous models. Companies focus on releasing hybrid cameras. Greetings!

[@Bart_Depestele]

thank you

[@suhaibfj]

awesome video Grant

[@kayasper6081]

The XLR conection argument convinces me totally: for me it will defenitely be a (higher quality-) camcorder. Thanks for your video, I liked it.

[@conspiracies1014]

Great video Grant. Q: What camera are you using to record this video within the studio?

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Panasonic GH5

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

Have you forgotten Sony's innovative NEX-VG10/20/30 series? Super 35 sensor, removable lens and 14bit RAW stills - all in a consumer camcorder. What's more, the VG-20 was the first to offer a clean HDMI out to 3rd party ProRes recorders, unlike the DSLRs of the time. A large sensor, 'mirrorless' camcorder! I bought one and used it professionally for years until I upgraded to an FS5. (it remains my B cam today!)

[@VideoAssociates]

the camcorders have great audio most the time, I used to use them for surfing in South Australia with samsung camcorders, was all we had so seemed convenient

[@MrPilcher1]

An AX700 with XLR inputs XLR-K2M Adapter Kit and Microphone and as far as being obsolete wedding and conferences, a phone never cuts the mustard with that 700 I've filmed all day in conferences onto a pair of 256Gb SD card in continuous mode, can't do that with a DSLR nor a phone. it's like saying vinyl is obsolete and CD’s are the answer what is the media of choice today we’re heading back to technology that we know works. Just in the last month with churches now aiming at live stream some are finding the DSLR is coming up short. I got 2 into the Sony range of AX cameras both cases are now using 1 AX700 plus two AX53’s live switching them. The reason I was able too advise it these cameras are my weapon of choice for wedding & conferences affordable, but quality is there I did try the DSLR idea, but I couldn’t handle the restrictive recording durations and tell me who is paying you to film their wedding or convention with a phone. DSLR are inherently problematic is high temperatures for example outdoor shooting in the Aussie summers. I’ve heard of at least 3 weddings messed up with DSLR’s shutting down at in appropriate times. In over 30 years I’ve not had an issue with a video camera losing footage. So as far video goes, they’ll have a place. Put it tis way it’s like autonomous electric cars what happens when you want to go off the beaten track. We can’t allow a minority dictate to us and tell us what we should be using. Like most good photographers we all keep a film camera in our arsenal digital hasn’t replace film yet.

[@SingaporeRealEstateHiFi]

Used to have the VX-2000. Was totally brown away by it's video quality and was a joy to handle it. . 3CCd was the order of the day then.

[@MrPilcher1]

If you have 3CCD cameras hang onto them, I've kept a couple of JVC broadcast cameras and still use them I can hang glass on those that is not available on most newer cameras1000mm zoom lens that are optical. At the end of the day an edit some of that footage looks impressive. Most can’t see what is 70, 1080 or 4K once it is all compiled.

[@carmellebandibas]

hello, is tthat a wide angle lens attached to the PD100? Is the hood also came from the original PD100? thanks!

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Yes it is a wide angle adapter and the lens hood came with it.

[@covertmotorcyclist2842]

Nice review and good discussion. Despite being a DSLR user (Sony a7RIII), I have wanted a good camcorder for several years. I just purchased a Sony FDR-AX53 because I want that convenience of the zoom lens for travel videography. I do wonder, however, if the AX53 could be put to good use for real estate videos? If so, what kind of settings or setup would you suggest? Thanks.

[@ricr.4669]

are you kidding me. There are tons of real estate photovideoghers using camcorders since day one. why would clients care what camera you use?

[@JEK]

AX53 sensor is too small for indoor scenes. This camcorder with a 1" sensor is much better and also gives a bit of depth of field which is harder to achieve with the AX53.

[@RamaSivamani]

Camcorders do have much longer record times than using a dslr If you want continous footage of a 2 hour concert for example then a higher end camcorder with the ability to get the audio feed of the mixer is going to be your best option. Not that I recommend set it and forget it for media creation but you can do that with a camcorder if you just want to start the camera at the beginning of a concert and have it run through the whole concert whereas with a dslr there are recording time limits. I'm not sure about recording time limits on a smartphone but then in that case you cannot get the direct audio line feed off the mixer and are relying on the onboard microphone.

[@deadendkid1968]

I have 4 of those Sony 4K camcorders...there are tempertures you can use them in without failing like a DSLR will or if you want to go longer than 30 minutes...there is a reason the news stations use the sony...

[@deadendkid1968]

Smart phone could do video...like a spy sunglass or lipstick spy cam...but the quality sucks and will never be ready for broadcast...I dont care how many generations of I phones...sensor size and optics matter...

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Yes there is still a place for them and there is still just something about the form factor that makes them nice to use.

[@cessealbeach]

The Sony FDR-AX700 is top notch video recorder yes in 2023! better than ANY cell phone

[@kippie80]

Hah! Learned the craft on 16mm film. The very early part. I swear I was the last year, maybe 2nd last year in about '94.

[@cody8860]

No HDR, log or larger sensor is killing it. They can release APS-C but choose not too to prevent cutting the cine line. The cine line should start at full frame but most people can't see the benefits the same way 4k isn't a selling point for most consumers.

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

I started only four years ago with a Sony 4K vidcam (can't remember number) but got sucked in to the Panny GH4/5/9 world, yet now I'm liking the look of the Canon C70, if only it had an EVF....and I see you bit the bullet and got a Ferrari! :~)

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

I wish it was mine!

[@ricr.4669]

and GH AF terrible big time.

[@WingMan1964]

I have a Sony RX10 MK3 which is a mirrorless camera with a 1” sensor and a 24-600mm equivalent lens. The extreme zoom range is due to the 1” sensor. It has a 20mp sensor and takes pretty good stills. It could be compared to one of the Sony RX100 cameras as far as image quality. The major drawback is it uses the NP-FW50 batteries which don’t hold a charge very long. There is a newer MK 4 version that has some improved auto focus features. Both do up to 4K 30p. I would recommend this camera for anyone who wants to do video and still and doesn’t want to be bothered with changing lenses or investing thousands of dollars in lenses.

[@bornfree8487]

Thank you for the perspective. I was thinking of buying this for safari in Africa. How would you compare the stills to a dedicated telephoto lens on, say, a canon body?? ( no doubt your solution probably cheaper and lighter-tick, tick)

[@WingMan1964]

@@bornfree8487 You would spend thousands more to get the equivalent on a Canon body with a 400 or 600 mm lens. If you are going to mainly post your photos on social media and not make large wall prints, the Sony RX10 MK 4 would be the best option. Just make sure you have at least 4 batteries if you plan on shooting for most of a day.

[@bornfree8487]

@@WingMan1964 Makes sense. Thanks

[@billkoeh]

Cellphone video shooters rarely archive anything. Its usually deleted after weeks or months.

[@ojatt]

Camcorders vs handphones. Handphones are bad taking night shots and sunsets . Bad lens flares. My last 2 vacations video and pictures of the these 2 scenarios are ruined because I left my DSLR and camcorder at home. Little mention about handphone lens flares in the internet. Are these problems been screened out by the handphone manufacturers?

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

I hear you about the lens flare!

[@xray111xxx]

Smartphone low light is garbage. At least a 1 inch sensor or larger is great. I am looking at a C100 Canon or others. Convenience is King but the sacrifice in low light. Also mirrorless over heats at 4K. Camcorders don't. It is a use case. More than financials folks. As long as pros need them and amateur enthusiasts want them they will be made. Convenience of a camcorder smokes a mirrorless on lens to sensor optimization and more. I don't waste time gassing about is obsolete. I look at the application and what solid. My a6400 Sony overheated doing 4K for out 15 minutes. Unacceptable. So I am going to a camcorder. Remember a King has subjects that make them great. I can grouse on how crappy a GH5 focus will flutter and mess up the shot. But you work with the GH5 strengths and minimize its weaknesses. And I will need XLR and mirrorless and DSLR it is a bother. Camcorder. Rights are in. Lens, XLR sound, packaging and sensor optimization. It can't be beat. I have had many cameras and know unless you are talking about mirrorless video work horses for long shoots like GH5, S1H and FX3 and so on. DSLR and mirrorless will let you down on long video shoots. Hybrid. Camcorders are not hybrids. Just do video. Done!

[@TheVictor0911]

I still shoot my 700 its fantastic and works much better than my top hi dollar Single lens reflex.

[@deetee-uk]

Not obsolete if you're shooting wildlife videos. I've shot stills with dslr and long lenses...no longer have them. The ax700 is only 1kg...I know which I'd prefer. I use my Sony RX100 for stills.

[@whistlerrealestate1]

Great video Grant. Thanks for this. I still have my Sony AX53 and it is just so convenient and the image stabilization is insane. However, I just bought a Canon EOS RP because I want to up my bokeh game for my talking head KZbin videos. :-/

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Hey Dean - be great to hear what you think of the Canon RP. Cheers

[@whistlerrealestate1]

@@GrantJohnstonVideos I'll definitely report back Grant. For my purposes I'm thinking it's seems like it's going to be pretty much a full frame 80D or 90D. I still don't think 4k is needed for KZbin so all I wanted was a full frame 1080p KZbin camera that I can start building up a collection of RF lenses with that also takes excellent stills.

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

@@whistlerrealestate1 I also see the Canon R5 and R6 look promising but very expensive and apparently still a few issues to iron out with them apparently. Any snow?

[@deanlinnell2471]

@@GrantJohnstonVideos Yes - Whistler Blackcomb opened last week. Skiing is quite good right now. I'll have my first day tomorrow I think.

[@JenniferLaveryFBE]

Probably for the average consumer, I'd say that camcorders are obsolete. But for any semi-pro production (e.g. live streaming), camcorders are great for longer battery life, double SD card slots, and zoom lenses. Sony have inbuilt gimbals in the AX range for stability too. Better zoom control, too. These days, DSLR cameras properly trounce camcorders in low light, though.

[@petrub27]

camcorder do not overheat, suffers from hot pixels, also you can have them plugged in great for live events your phone ( wtf, is that really an option) can't do any of these

[@Pasi123]

4:31 Nice Alfa Romeo 159

[@TheStarWarriorHorse]

I have a smartphone and a DSLR that can shoot higher resolution video than my old Canon camcorder, but up until recently (since I upgraded to a new camcorder), I relied on the latter? Why? The ability to achieve a slow and progressive zoom, white balance control, the swivel screen, wind noise reduction, etc. Smartphones have none of these features, and cameras have only some of them (if at all). Smartphones are perfect for filming vlogs, but vlogging is not my specialty. DSLRs can capture beautiful shots, but they cannot achieve smooth zooms. #camcordersupremacy

[@sue08401]

Go shoot a music festival. How long does a DSLR or Phone shoot before shutting down to cool? Camcorder can run all day and if you have a Sony AX700 you just have to switch out SD cards as needed. The phone has an advantage for social media because there are size/time limits so it's just toss away stuff anyway.

[@PabloFernandoRiveraZapata]

I am still recording conflicts with my Canon XA10 and use my Canon C100 for special events. I use my cell phone when the situation is dangerous for my life. But I don't think I would change any of those tools just to use my cell phone. Each of the tools has a special use.

[@Botticknickers]

Very good video,I myself have a GH5 & a AX700 of which I use for video diary, I’m very pleased with both & never use my iPhone for video

[@ricr.4669]

is this an Iphone advertisement?

[@JeffBourke]

Variable Frame Rate footage from “smart” phones is incredibly dumb!

[@BulldozersAndExcavatorsWorking]

Comparing professional camcorder with phone was just like comparing a car with a bicycle.

[@amigo2984]

No, they aren’t. Even after two more years. Have been using AX700 for some time and still does want it needs to do.

[@rallyburnzsimracing8571]

I prefer camcorders...zooming is easier

[@ayomaggotz]

Shoot Real Estate with it

[@jacobzeier]

No! Video camcoders are not obsolete! They are awesome and can shoot high quality video! But if you're talking miniDV, VHS, video8 or some other tape-based media, then yeah, that's definitely outdated. That is so 2006! We don't need them anymore. There's no point in using them because you can easily recreate those analog aesthetics with certain software on a computer. The software usually, although certainly not always, does a pretty good job emulating the look and feel of the old vhs or miniDV aesthetic. Obviously, saying that "miniDV or VHS or any tape-based media is an obsolete audio-visual medium" is a matter of opinion. There are those who see it that way, like I do, and there are those who don't and continue to use the medium today. Obsoleteness is based on our feelings and thoughts on what we see and hear. I for one didn't like miniDV very much. It was yucky. I proudly stopped using miniDV by around 2011 in favor of the modern and superior method: pure digital and on SD card. I stopped using analog video tape by around 2008. Again obsoleteness is subjective, so if you still want to shoot on the old miniDV or VHS format, OK. Who am I to judge? To each his own, man.

[@JeffBourke]

NOT OBSOLETE.

[@eltoro969]

- It`s obsolete! 10 minutes later - Is it obsolete? No and yes. So what is it?

[@GrantJohnstonVideos]

Yes….and no

[@rainbowgaming8441]

iphones and placing dslrs and camcorders never iphones cant make a or even come close to real film making they can fake it but not the real deal

[@pwolkowicki]

A smartphone in a handycam format would be great, but noone wants to make it.

[@Franbegoby88]

Well, it is a lie that camcorders disappear. Whoever says that has no idea that traditional video cameras are still widely used in the field of broadcast and television. Photographic cameras have many disadvantages compared to a professional video camera.

[@SavageScientist]

now its 2023 and im looking to buy the Ax700 over adding another lens to my A6400 and have identical quality video. So this is a go fo r me, i will instead save money over long time and purchase the Sony A7-4

[@pwolkowicki]

The problem is that relatively cheap (but still not so cheap) handycam has not so good image quality. I can see only 2 big advantages - lens zoom, light and convenient. And I'm talking about cameras like Sony HDR CX-450. And it's much smaller than this Sony FDR-AX700, a APS-C still camera is smaller. And now you can get a 18-300 (27-450mm eq) lens for an APS-C camera.

[@pow9606]

smartphone ergonomics are rubbish.

[@yizhakshachar]

I think camcorders are obsolete. When was the last time you have seen someone with his family outdoor having fun using a camcorder? 90% of tourists use cellphones, and the rest use compact cameras or DSLR to shoot video. Thanks for your review, I gave a LIKE.

[@daisyduck8593]

The direction goes to photo camera with video recording. So you don't need both a camera AND a camcorder anymore! BUT you need to compare with same price in 4K UHD 24/25/30p and unlimited recording time. The bottleneck for that is at the moment law and politics. Most cameras are limited to 29 minutes video recording, to not be declared as camcorder which have much higer taxes in EU. Politicians need to change laws imo, it is against energy waiste ressources waiste and electronic waiste space waiste... Why 2 devices (camcorder and camers) if you can have all in one ?

[@purificationdetoxification7122]

I dont think there obsolete, especially one of that calibre. Maybe the ones that are like 25 years old, but the recent ones are excellent. Way more accessible financially than a dslr. Dont have to spend hundreds on ND filters and lenses. Way more convenient. But if your a professional photographer well then it obviously makes sense to go for a dslr. Depends on what your doing I guess.

[@historyonthego]

I think a lot of iPhone or mobile phone users. Don’t really value the videos they make.

[@TommyCat4]

Garbage I disagree my camcorder can do much more than my iphone

[@lonebeagle]

I stopped viewing at 50 seconds. Comparing a video camcorder with a smartphone or DSLR/mirrorless camera is just lame. Sure my iPhone shoots very nice video, but if you don't know why it's not as practical or useful as a camcorder like the Panasonic X-1500 (which I own), then you shouldn't be making videos for KZbin.

[@thedigitalemotion]

I totally agree, those of us who do this for a living know that it will never be the case. Could you imagine turning up with an iPhone on a client paid job, or even a DSLR, you’d be questioned and low balled on your price immediately.

[@quicker76]

That camcorder has a very small sensor for low light situations. Using a support light will help a lot, but if it had a 1" sensor it would already be at the level of the competition, Sony AX700, Canon GX10, for example. I like the Panasonic 1500 a lot, but it has a weak point in its 1/25" sensor size. Greetings!