Don't Buy Ordro Camcorders

Generic camcorders are available all over the internet. The vast majority of them are greatly overpriced for what you get. Ordro seems to be a common name, as well as Zohulu and Ancter. I have reviewed the AC5, the AC3 and the AZ50. I call each one a bad value in my review, but I still get questions about them which suggest that people believe they are the best camera they can afford, or that they are good for the price. In this video I attempt to further explain why I don't think these cameras are a good value, particularly if you are on a tight budget.
As requested by several viewers, I have set up a Patreon account. Any support is appreciated, but absolutely not required.
/ bigtb1717

[@Vodka27Uk]

1 minuet of silence for people who buy stuff and watch reviews after 😉

[@814world9]

Yep this was me but I’m just starting out t

[@krollpeter]

Actually, 50 % of the stuff I buy from Aliexpress is junk. Cheap junk, that is good enough to try out something, and to then know what I really need. However, I do feel pity for the other Chinese companies which do produce decent goods.

[@josephdonovan5262]

guess your talking about me lol

[@praysja1]

🤣😂🤣😂😭 Funny this was almost me.....🤦🏾‍♂️

[@josephdonovan5262]

@@praysja1 i got my 150 back an put a really bad review on the product lol

[@ryancrocker551]

I was a sucker. Bought one and watched this after. This is AN AMAZING INFORMATIVE AND ACURATE video. If the publisher reads my comment, kudos brother. Well done. We need more consumer advocates, to compensate for our short attention spans and lack of consumer patience/investigation (self included). Thanks again!

[@tonyfalcon55555]

Me too. I bought one just because it look cheap for a 4k camera, but now I realize I just bought crap. It hasn't arrived yet, I hope I could return it and have my money back.

[@josephdonovan5262]

yup me too grrr

[@OtherGuy]

I was about to buy one but the ancestors told me to watch a review on youtube 😅😅😅

[@quintenschwander102]

im glad i looked this up you just saved me $400

[@bigtb1717]

Happy to help. Lots of WAY better options for $400. Take the Panasonic FZ300 for example: $400, 4K video, 24X optical zoom with optical image stabilization, external audio input, weather resistance. That's just one example of many.

[@basharsafieddine9150]

bigtb1717 what’s a good 4K camera that shoots at 60 fps (for slow mo while editing) and within the price range of 500$? I was wondering if i should go for the HERO MAX, do you have any better suggestions?

[@bigtb1717]

@@basharsafieddine9150 For $500 or less you are pretty much stuck with action cameras if you want 4K60. I wouldn't bother with the HERO Max unless you need 360 degree video. You can get 4K60 in a much cheaper action camera. There are quite a few options in the $250 range (in the US) that can do 4K60.

[@basharsafieddine9150]

bigtb1717 bigtb1717 Should I get the Hero 8 instead? Or should I look at the other 4K60 action cameras at lower prices? I’m basically just tryna film my skate sessions and want that nice crisp quality

[@basharsafieddine9150]

bigtb1717 btw thanks so much for replying and being this helpful! just joined the bigtb army👍🏽

[@HahnJames]

I am so glad that I stumbled across this video. I was actually considering buying an Ordro AX65. You have definitely changed my mind.

[@bigtb1717]

I haven't tried the AX65, but I have reviewed the AX60. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzFlYeBhZyIjck

[@elmegapeluco]

I recently bought a similar camera and I've asked for the refund, Handycam Andoer 4k is horrible too.

[@jackwilliams4691]

This was in my cart on amazon then I saw this THANK YOU

[@TheTyyohe]

Was looking at it also, wanted to look at reviews first.

[@queenmuvah3452]

Mine too!!!

[@bostonboyb]

🤣🤣So crazy I double looked at this and your comment had me cus I did the same

[@PhlavaReacts2]

"That Switch is a Lie" I don't think I've ever heard someone with such a calm monotone voice RIP people apart like that..lol. Keep it Up!

[@perrypelican9476]

Finally an honest video. Thanks. Why are there not more videos that expose rip offs like this. A better question is why would anyone buy a rip off product when there are reviews. Do they just want something amazing for cheap and don't want to bother doing research? It's the American "I want one" mentality. As long as there are enough fools out there then companies that sell garbage will always make money. Look at My Pillow. The pillow guy is Insanely rich from a pillow made from reject material.

[@MarcEandfriends]

Thank you for this video. I was just about to order an ODRO from amazon until I saw your video. Thank you for your knowledge and truth telling.

[@jessicaandtrains7768]

Thanks for an awesome review and sharing your knowledge. I just got a phone that films in 4k. Was looking to see what a reasonable 4k camcorder would cost with better zoom and similar recording quality. Straight away those camcorders popped up on a google search. So I'm glad I watched this before buying something that to a person who's knows nothing about them, looked like a good deal.

[@CleanRiverFishingTV]

Well done fella.. we were looking at one of these due to a huge discount offer at present.. lessons learnt and ALWAYS check out for guys like you on YT BEFORE you shop.. Kudos.

[@judithmedina8430]

Thanks for the video, very enlightening regarding the quality of this product, and if you are right from an advertising point of view, they have very well managed to visually create an imposing camera and unfortunately most youtubers used to pass things through water lukewarm, so that they may later hire them or give them royalties, they do not dare to give a sincere and technical opinion of what this product really is, so 10 points for your work and comparison, greetings.

[@CoyoteEDC]

Glad you are making these videos. I was/am tempted to get one of these cheap Chinese cams. I have a few of the cheapy Chinese action cams. Some are garbage, but some have suprised me with how decent they are. What I would like is a traditional camcorder form factor, with the guts of a quality Chinese action cam. Difference being a non-wide angle fisheye lens, and a large body to accommodate features like external mic and lighting. Sad to say that these Ordro/clone cameras are not even as good as Cheapy action cams that are less than $50.

[@bigtb1717]

They sure seem to me like a cheap action camera in a camcorder body. This particular model has better detail and, sadly, better audio than one of the cheap 4K action cameras I tried, but it has less accurate colors and it costs almost 10 times as much.

[@hammarkids542]

they literally have "4K!" right on the front of the screen, yet struggle to film 1080p in extremely bright summer light

[@TheOriginalSplash]

Yup I was sooooo close to buying the AE8 .... but I kept looking and reading reviews ect. Ended up getting the full Ghost Stop Phasm camera, extra light ect the whole deal and so glad I did.

[@bigtb1717]

Have you used the Phasm Cam yet? I got one with a bunch of stuck/hot pixels on the sensor and it locked up if I tried to use a card larger than 32GB. They accepted it back and sent me a replacement and it has some stuck pixels too, but not as bad, and it works with large memory cards.

[@ericady263]

Honest and informative review. Thanks for this! I saved my money ♥

[@pisceanx8382]

Very helpful! Thank you! I'd actually been strongly considering purchasing one of those. Thanks so much for posting! 📷

[@cliffordplasd8239]

I find your review to be spot on and greatly explains the differences between a pro camera and a consumer camera. At best this camera is a child's toy.

[@Behptv]

Thanks so much for such a brilliant tutorial and advice.

[@Voxelsan]

Phew! I've been hours from buying that garbage. Something told me to look for reviews and thanks to unseen forces found yours :) Thanks a lot.

[@davidpayne4380]

What great honest review. I found the Ordro camera in a "review" site but the atrocious english grammer made me very suspicious. Well done. Thank you.

[@minde28383]

amazing review. 10 points. To the core. Thank you and you welcome.

[@davesailing]

Thank you so much for your pragmatic and detailed video. It was exactly what I wanted to know about the Ordro cameras. I'm just about to subscribe, I'm sure it will be worth my time to watch your other videos.. Best Wishes Dave

[@jeromebaker9906]

Thank you so much! I was getting ready to buy one before I saw this review...Thank you again !

[@bigtb1717]

Glad I could help. I am currently working on a video comparing 7 different cameras, ranging from $20 to $400, and all of them are better than the Ordro cameras I've tested.

[@daniel31279]

Hello, I have 2, I have had them for 1 year and I have never had any problems.

[@portfoliodamalu]

Very, very helpful! Thank you so much

[@karolcpm-]

Thank you for a very detailed informative video. I knew there was something fishy with these "cheap" cameras all over the internet and am glad to know I'm not the only one that noticed. I say this because I'm currently looking for a good camera for my own purposes at a reasonable price because I've got a tight budget. I've operated a ~$400 Canon camera and an ~$900 Panasonic 4k video camera for organizational uses so the video quality differences are extremely obvious as an experienced video editor photographer. I've also got high expectations with capture quality from years' self-experience with cameras in my consideration.

[@karolcpm-]

Based on another comment, I'm planning to buy a Panasonic V180K. Demo footage alone tells it's an amazing camera, and I look forward to using one.

[@bigtb1717]

The Panasonic V180K is one I haven't tested. I hope it will do all you need. Cheers.

[@laurielowery9011]

Thanks for info. I bought a pos on Amazon for $180. Made in China 4k HD no brand name at all. I'll be sending it back asap.

[@KhoiNgoRomantic]

Thank you for your useful review, it made me think twice about Ordro. I intend to buy Palmcorder Ordro M3 5K but have doubful worry while very few reviews, especially the actual video quality vs camera's parameters (sounds very stuninng on Amazon and Ordro website).

[@bigtb1717]

Interesting. That's a new one. Maybe I'll check it out.

[@bigtb1717]

Just from looking at the ads, a few things stand out. First, it says it has an 8 megapixel sensor, but that's not enough for full, 5K video. 4K is around 8.2 megapixel. Full 5K is more like 14.5 megapixel. So it's certainly upscaling to get 5K. Also, it says "gimbal" stabilized, but the contraption on top doesn't appear to be a gimbal. it's just a thing that allows you to rotate the camera to face forwards or backwards. So it may have a gimbal inside like their little wearable cameras do, but it's tough to say.

[@haxino]

Thank you for the great, detailed an honest review!

[@ryanwonderschool]

just got my Ordro this morning, can't wait to try it :)

[@bigtb1717]

Which model?

[@cfelix0708]

OMG I’m glad I watched this video! Thank you so much!!

[@nagaya011]

Great job. From every perspective!!!

[@bobandiara]

That moment when I reaize that my 2009 Sony point-and-shoot Cybershot that records at only 480p has a better image quality than a modern Ordro Camera

[@MyNameIsChallenger]

I wanted to buy my first camera for youtube and was thinking about buying either the ordro ac3 or the Komery af2 or a canon/nikon DLSR. Now I am no expert at all when it comes to cameras so I couldn't really tell the difference between the value and the performance of those cameras. You probably just saved me 200bucks

[@danieltomlinson5092]

a komery is not so good?

[@inazidshow5556]

Excellent review and Thanks for saving money.

[@LadyAnyaRomanov]

Thanks for the review - drop-shipping and adverts are destroying the market when it comes to finding quality products.

[@weavervillefullgospelchurc8446]

Thanks, a church I do I.T. work for purchased this camera to live stream their services. I researched it because it doesn't even output audio through the hdmi cable !?! How is this camera suitable for live streaming without that feature alone? Thanks in part to your review, I convinced them to return it, and fortunately amazon accepted, even though it was past the official deadline. (covid... church was closed, so we couldn't test it until recently.)

[@moondawg3693]

Thanks so much, i actually had the Ordro AE8 in my Amazon shopping cart, LOL.

[@1965peyton]

Thank you I appreciate your review it stopped me buying crap 👍

[@praysja1]

Thank you ,thank you very much 🤦🏾‍♂️, I was just about to purchase this combo setup for my 9yr old daughter who loves to shoot & vlogg

[@gordonjacksonsr.538]

I just bought the Ordro HDR-AC3 model, but i was blessed to get it for only $75. I don't like the fact that it does not zoom very far at all, but i think it's something that i can play around with as this is my very first camcorder ever, besides the video camera on my cell phone. But i do want to thank you for this video, because it'll help me in the future when i do become a professional.

[@Theroha]

With the quality of the product, I think $75 is fairly accurate for what the Ordro should be priced at. Could go lower with that fixed focal length, but $50-75 for someone's first camcorder is an ok toe in the water choice. Just hope you upgraded your audio recording gear fast. People will tolerate a well shot but low quality video for several minutes; just look at how many films from the Silent era still get attention. The audience runs like the plague from bad audio.

[@gordonjacksonsr.538]

Hello & thank you for your advice. But like i said, this is just something for me to play around with & just learn how to use a camcorder. We use a cannon camcorder at my church & i really like it. So therefore whenever i'm ready to upgrade, i'll get one of those. But again, thank you and GOD Bless you! Have a Blessed day!

[@robertvicks9139]

I Already purchased one. Wish i seen the video first.🙈

[@keiththompson2337]

omg thankyou so much a friend recomended i get an ordro but i thought better and i am glad i did now thanks again

[@herboitwo3593]

Thank you for this video, it's worth a subscription

[@TA88914a5x]

Thank you for this review. You saved me a bundle of cash

[@Jacob.Soulliere]

Thanks for this! Saved me $500 bucks!

[@toddjensen8806]

Man i appreciate this video, thank you so much

[@marcelwo4jedynki]

first result in my google search for ordro, thank you for the honest video

[@hikiran_the_argonian]

Thank you so much I was actually considering getting this

[@MrVante247]

Thank you for saving me from a bad purchase!

[@daddyjazztv366]

Thank you sir,watching here in danao city phillippines

[@chrisericaholland956]

Thank you so much for doing this. I too, was very close to ordering this exact camera. I need to help make my kiddos sports (baseball) hightlight videos now that we are going into highschool. Any reccommendations?

[@bigtb1717]

What is your budget? There are lots of options in the camcorder form factor, as well as point and shoot and mirror-less cameras. I imagine some zoom range would be important for a baseball game.

[@hollaholland438]

bigtb1717 correct. Very important for zoom as we are mostly in the stands. It is for high school and little league. Budget would be $200-700

[@bigtb1717]

That price range opens up a ton of possibilities. The Panasonic HC-V770K camcorder is currently on sale for $400 and is pretty good. There are a few point-and-shoot/bridge cameras in that price range as well. The first one that comes to mind is the Panasonic FZ300, which is also $400 right now. There are many mirrorless camera options that would allow you to get a body and decent zoom lens for $500-$700 as well. Is there a particular form factor that you are leaning towards?

[@bigtb1717]

If you'd rather stick with the $200 price range, the Sony CX-405 and Canon HF R800 are decent options. You can also find some deals on used cameras occasionally.

[@hollaholland438]

bigtb1717 for the most part , we are trying to make highlight videos and also live stream

[@Spl1ceEatsChairs]

I am a owner of a Ordro Camera and in my opinion i really like it. I can record dumb stuff with my friends no problem. And the quality for the image on 2K is really GOOD! I am proud of the camera, it might not be perfect but but for recording me and my friends shoot the crap i think it was a good 80 Euros spent

[@bigtb1717]

If you are happy with your camera, that's great. I'm genuinely glad it is working for you. I have found many of there cameras to cost hundreds of US dollars and offer worse performance and value at a higher cost than many other cameras. But if you've found a use and are happy with your camera that's good.

[@Spl1ceEatsChairs]

@@bigtb1717 i will be adding some addons to my camera soon. Like a better mic or a Infra-Red module

[@albertbrown7694]

My son gave me this AC3. I feel bad I accepted. I should have told him to return it. My Nikon L120 Coolpix has better video at 720,better zoom, better macro and much better sound. Amex gave me the L120 for some points back in 2011 (we got 2) and I still use it for both stills and video.

[@mcm-inc]

Thank you for your review. You saved me some money from buying junk.

[@PatriStarlight]

I was about to get it but this video saved me😅 thank you!

[@fsvdownunder]

thank you so much, this makes me stick with the main brands such as Sony. great comparison done here.. take care .

[@logic58]

Thank you very much for advice and suggest to avoid this product indeed !

[@PRIMAL73]

The ordro hdr-ac3 camcorder is the best camcorder they have. But not good for POV or going around shooting n making videos because it doesn’t have image stabilization. Now as a stationary camera that’s completely different story. They are great stationary cameras, and the one little thing that people don’t know is that that the wardrobe AC3 has full spectrum. I have 4 of them that I use as stationary cameras. They are great gif this. Now I use Sony fdr ax53 camcorders for POV cams and full spectrum ghost stop Phasm cams n the Phasm light allows you to shoot in full spec, green, UV, green,red etc. But not many people know that the ac3 is actually a full spectrum camera. I set my stationary cams in certain areas and I will use full spec in one, UV on another , green red or greeen on one and black n white on another n I will switch these setting through out the night. If you’re a ghost hunter or a paranormal investigstor( yes there is a difference between the 2) then the ordro ac3 is a cheaper alternative to more expensive stationary cams. Sound isn’t the best but I fix it up in editing.

[@tonyellis9616]

I've learned a valuable late lesson. Before I order anything from anywhere that I've haven't had personal experience with. I'm goggling to see the videos about them first. Man they got me. No let me rephrase that I got myself. SMH 😡😡!

[@11mcrew27]

I bought one to use in locked off rooms when ghost hunting and can't fault it. And I've bought another for the equipment box

[@user-os5sc2gz1o]

Hello! help me, what camera should I buy for streaming? that is, you need a function to connect to a PC. The shooting will take place in a club, that is, a dark room. Around $200-250. I planned to buy the ordeo ac5, but after your review I’m looking for what to buy again

[@WegensPierre]

thanks a lot

[@LeboisRacingFR]

Thanks a lot for your work !

[@johnnyrotit844]

Good video but in all fairness there are two small points if someone is considering it for KZbin and not for filming the family on a rollercoaster. The first, no one should really use audio from any of these cameras, expensive or cheap. An external Zoom should be used. Secondly, out of the box it has terrible quality and needs a bunch of adjustment in the menu which makes the picture fairly decent and on par with the Sony CX405, which is a great little unit. PS yes the zoom is always a problem on these but for static shots it's not bad.

[@bigtb1717]

Can you detail what settings changes need to be done to make this quality better? I've had people tell me the same thing before, that there are a "bunch" of changes that have to be made to get good quality. But there are hardly any settings options available on these cameras. I always max out the resolution and "quality" settings. The only other options are things like exposure compensation, which at best can make the exposure a bit darker or lighter, and white balance, which I've always tried all settings and picked the best/most accurate. Some of them have sharpness which helps to turn down, but most don't have that and when they do I've tested with it at all levels and it's not a night and day difference to image quality, it just reduces the sharpening artifacts (though doesn't remove them entirely).

[@JTamilio]

I wish I could give this a super thumbs up!

[@leonteleven]

thanks man i almost bought this.. bless you G

[@markcarter6333]

You are right on all counts. Got me one, 300 and 50 something, in pounds, sterling. Sent it right back. My first camera phone takes better pictures. Wish I had checked out youtube before.

[@astroroadshow]

Thanks. I was about to get one on ebay.

[@kamshorymt]

Thank you brother.

[@thedurrants5600]

It says on amazon “The product valid for beginner level / amateur use, not for professional use” so don’t compare it to the high branded ones which is more expensive. I use one like this and it works as described. I don’t see any distortion with the video.

[@bigtb1717]

I’m not comparing them to more expensive cameras. In fact, in all my Ordro/generic camera videos I generally try to compare them to similarly priced or less expensive cameras.

[@soloM81]

wow thank you for making this was going to buy one of theses like you said they try to get you on how it looks . i change my budget to 1,500 now i want to do youtube videos about games and do reviews and record gaming guilds maybe do live stuff what do you recommend. i also was told to get a mirrorless cam over a regular video Camcorder so confuse on what to get

[@bigtb1717]

Mirrorless cameras can give good quality and are very flexible, but there's nothing wrong with a camcorder, depending on your preferences. Will you be wanting to record for very long continuously? Many mirrorless cameras have a record limit, typically 30 minutes, at which time recording will stop and you'd have to re-start if you want to keep recording. Generally camcorders have no limit. Some mirrorless cameras have no limit, but it's something to consider if you want to record for more than 30 minutes or so at a time. $1,500 opens up a lot of possibilities. Heck, even a Panasonic GH5 and basic lens would be within that budget and it's a fantastic camera.

[@KristophersKorner]

Thank you for this video. It really saved me from buying one of these cheap cameras. I only wish you had link to the two you did like as they seem great. Thank you so much.

[@bigtb1717]

Unfortunately, one of the two I showed in this video is discontinued and the new model is pretty expensive. The Canon SX620 is still available, but the price has gone up recently, likely due to how difficult it is to get anything these days. However, I still think the Sony CX-405 and Canon HF R800 camcorders are better than any Ordro. They sit around $200-$250 US most places. Honestly, it's a bit tough to find deals right now with everything that is going on in the market. But I generally watch for deals on discontinued or outgoing models. Do you have a budget in mind or a particular feature or features that are most important?

[@KristophersKorner]

@@bigtb1717 Thank you for the reply. I am looking for a second camera for my KZbin videos. I use my new iPhone for overhead shots and an older 2015 Camcorder for front facing videos. My viewers like to see my face as I work. The problem is my older camcorder only goes up to 1080 and I need 4K for my videos. I do them all at my art station (coloring and Diamond painting) so I don't have to worry about outdoor shooting. I was hoping to spend $150.00 but would be willing to go up to $200.00 it looks like I am out of luck as all of the nicer one seem $500.00 or more. Any advice is welcome.

[@bigtb1717]

Are you in the US? Depending on how long a continuous video you need, even something like a DJI Osmo action at $200, or an older Go-Pro (7 or 8) might work for you.

[@KristophersKorner]

@@bigtb1717 Yes, I am in the US and some of my videos or 30 minutes and some of them are an hour and a half.

[@bigtb1717]

Some action cameras will overheat after a while in 4K. I've never tried to run the DJI Osmo action for a long time in 4K. Do you "need" 4K, or are you just looking for better image quality in general?

[@karnbroad8504]

I have used the Ordro AC5 and it does have some optical zoom, but the constant autofocus that mostly doesn't, and the audio quality make it a very poor option. My iPhone SE 2020 absolutely nails it in all areas, which is disappointing. I have used it as where I work, and it was purchased before I arrived.

[@RusticatedArt]

Thank you!! :)Robbie

[@wrillywonka1320]

Thank you!

[@aog8202]

Great video, now that we’re into 2022 is there anything decent that you’d recommend if we are willing to spend a few extra hundred dollars? Thanks

[@bigtb1717]

It's tough right now with the supply chain issues and shortages. I suppose it will partly depend on what are your priorities. For instance, what are the most important features: Image quality, long telephoto capability, audio input, image stabilization, long continuous recording. And the next question would be budget. Camcorders in particular are tough right now. There are some great camcorders, but you will pay more depending on exactly what you want. There are some pretty darn good mirrorless options in the $600-$1,000 range right now. I'm not sure what the used market is like, but I imagine it's a bit barren considering the availability issues.

[@johnbettano6026]

Wow i have this on my wish list to buy at the end of the month thanks not getting it now.

[@LoveRC]

Do you have any recommendations on an inexpensive camera to shoot RC flight videos? Every camera on Amazon seems to be a piece of crap.

[@bigtb1717]

For something like that I assume you will want zoom and image stabilization, correct? You will also want decent autofocus to track the moving plane/drone. What is your budget? Are you in the US? Considering how much camcorders have gone up in price lately, some of the cheap camcorders on Amazon are starting to almost look worth it (for $60-$80) if you just want to be able to record video as cheap as possible. But they are still really poor quality and the false advertisements and MASSIVELY exaggerated claims irk me. Even for $60, you don't really get more than you pay for. And it's so hard to tell what you are getting until you spend the money. Will you get one that is actually decent for the money (as long as you are okay with no zoom, odd quirks, not great quality, laggy controls, no image stabilization, etc., etc.), or will you get one that is barely functional, records at odd framerates that programs won't read, has major sound problems (or no sound at all) and more.

[@LoveRC]

@@bigtb1717 What about something in $200 range? Definitely need zoom, stabilization and decent autofocus.

[@bigtb1717]

Personally, I think the Sony CX405 is still probably the best option at around $230, but it may be hard to find right now. Unfortunately, prices and availability have been rough the last year or so. Two years ago it was available everywhere and often went on sale for $189-$200. Not so much these days. The CX405 doesn't have the most amazing image quality, but it has decent stabilization, a good amount of zoom, and not great, but okay autofocus. Normally I would say the Canon HF R800 is another option if you want an audio input jack, but that thing has just gone up in price by stupid amounts in the last year. It used to be $250, but I often saw it for much less and actually saw it on sale locally for like $170 a couple years ago. Then it suddenly went to $300, which is a bit much, and now it's a ridiculous $400. Don't get me wrong, it's a far better camera than the $300-$400 Ordro cameras are, but it's still a 5 year old, entry-level camcorder. I'm really annoyed that it has gone up so much recently. I'd pay $230 for the CX405 way before I'd pay $400 for the Canon, which is a five year old camera with a worse lens than my 11 year old Canon Vixia HF 20.

[@LoveRC]

@@bigtb1717 thank you for all the advice. Much appreciated.

[@Dailyroutineitaly]

This is a great help

[@kingcincotv]

Damn they almost got me. Thanks for this video.

[@TammyRStephens]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@coteboy697]

Nice review👍🏻

[@fibbermcghee23]

Hi can you offer options for actor self tapes: camcorders, dslr or vlogging camera- I dont like using my Iphone- thx

[@TommyAmongstTheTombstones]

What would you recommend for the best night vision camera that’s under $500 for paranormal investigations?

[@bigtb1717]

I have another video testing an assortment of IR night vision cameras. Unfortunately, under $500 there aren't a lot of high-quality options. The Sionyx Aurora isn't too much more than that, depending on the version, but it's not a traditional camcorder by any stretch, and it's getting more difficult to find. You might look for a used Sony or Panasonic camcorder with IR night vision. I got a Phasm Cam to review. The first one I got had a ton of dead or "hot" pixels. After sending them a sample video, they authorized me sending it in and getting a replacement. unfortunately the replacement also has many dead pixels. I think it's still usable, but it's unfortunate. I still plan to review it eventually. I also had issues using a memory card over 32GB in it (as in, it was unusable, kept locking up, etc.). I don't know if any of that helps, lol. Hopefully you can find something that does what you need.

[@joemegguh9298]

Thx for the info. U saved me some loot.

[@stevenwortham739]

Ordro is a complete joke. Far from 4k quality. Very grainy, it is a scam indeed. Better off buying a DVX 100b for $300. I've owned many cams, and any standard definition is better.

[@jeanyves5380]

I'm an electronician but i do not know which camcorder is good nowadays. What whould you advice? I don't need a huge image quality : just a correct one for fixed planned of myself speaking for example. I need to do stereo recording with external XLR plugged microphones. These are quality capacitors microphones. Is there an easy way to sync image and record sound with other devices. I allready own professional sound cards like Focusrite.

[@bigtb1717]

If you want to record into the camera with XLR, it's going to take a pretty expensive camera. However, you can definitely record the audio separately and sync it up in a video editing program after recording. Different programs utilize different methods for syncing audio and video, but there's typically a somewhat automatic way to do it, as well as a way to do it manually. What is your budget? Panasonic, Canon, and Sony are the biggest names in camcorders these days. There are also some good mirrorless options, depending on what you want to do.

[@Curatedmarketinglab]

Thank you! Which camera do you recommend to buy in Amazon for less than 400 usd for professional use?

[@bigtb1717]

When you say "professional use," what exactly will be the use case? What features are most important? Ability for manual exposure control and other "pro" type control settings? Do you need AVCHD recording? Do you need image stabilization? Optical zoom? Interchangeable lenses? Generally, for anything important, audio is every bit as critical as video quality, and honestly, most cameras $400 and under will have poor audio. So no matter what you go with, you may have to plan on recording audio separately, but that also has a cost associated with it, unless you already have audio recorder/mic, etc.

[@CirclesArePointlesss]

Hey buddy. Great video! Can you please advise what would be a good IR / night vision camera to get without losing an arm or leg? I would like to use it for looking into the night sky

[@bigtb1717]

Well, camcorders like this would be mostly useless viewing the night sky. In fact, most camcorders would be poor at that. When a camcorder says it has "night vision" or "IR night vision" it's nothing like the true night vision that is sometimes used for astronomy. On a camcorder, "night mode" or "night vision" is just a higher gain mode where the ISO/gain on the sensor is turned up and often noise reduction is turned up as well. IR night vision is basically the same, but the camera removes the IR filter from in front of the sensor to maximize the amount of light that hits the sensor. This can result in a slightly brighter video. However, it really wouldn't be all that good for recording the night sky/stars. A "night vision" scope has a photon/light detector and it creates a signal from that and amplifies it. These are often used for visual astronomy. Are you looking for something like this or are you looking to record the sky/stars?

[@digipo2439]

I also bought an ordro camcorder, I think the performance is very good in all aspects, not as bad as you said. Moreover, I watched your other videos, if their products are true as you said, then why do you buy so many of their products? Although you keep saying that it is for other consumers not to be fooled, I feel that your purpose is not so simple.

[@bigtb1717]

Since you are posting this identical comment on all my videos, I will keep asking you which model you have. I am genuinely curious to hear your justification for saying that ALL aspects of performance are VERY GOOD. And honestly, if you want people to buy these cameras for some reason (the fact that you have an online retail store based in HK definitely doesn't have anything to do with it, right?) I think the best way to convince people I'm wrong would be to tell everyone which model you have and why it's good. Extol the virtues of the Ordro camera you have and convince people it's worth the money.

[@rrrange1]

You say these are crap .Can you suggest or review some thing worth purchasing?

[@bigtb1717]

I'm happy to help you find a camera that will work for you. What's your budget? Are you looking for a camcorder, or just something for video in general? What features are most important to you, i.e. zoom, long continuous recording, etc.? I have a review of the Canon HF R800 on my channel, and it's better than every Ordro camera I've ever tried in nearly every way. The Sony CX-405 is also a decent, budget camcorder. I also have a video showing a number of cameras ranging in price from $20-$400, though unfortunately, several of them are discontinued or only available used.

[@jcgm26]

First I want to thank you since I was about to buy the ORDRO HDR-AC5 Camcorder in a special one and after seeing your video made me not do it. I was going to buy that camera because I saw that it can be used with OBS as if it were a webcam and connect directly to the computer via USB without the need for a video recorder ... but now I would like you to do me the favor of helping me by recommending one. camera similar in terms of characteristics to the ORDRO AC5 .. that has optical zoom and good quality and can be used with OBS USB connection so that it does not generate delay with audio. somewhat low in price but very good quality. Thank you very much in advance for your valuable help

[@bigtb1717]

I use a simple HDMI to USB capture device, which can be used with virtually any camcorder these days using the HDMI out on the camcorder. Is that not an option for you? The generic cameras all seem to be based on webcams or maybe those cheap wi-fi cameras that were popular a while back. So most of them work directly as USB webcams. Some brand-name camcorders can be made to work as webcams directly over USB, but unfortunately, not very many, and it usually requires extra software to make work.

[@Dannydarknessx]

All this is true. I’m getting an hvx200 or something good soon.

[@frequency_159]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I won't be buying one of these, I'll go for a Sony.🙂

[@michaeleder7013]

What would you recommend that you could buy for this price that has Nightvision? Most cameras don’t come with IR Nightvision capabilities especially at this price, at least that I’ve found. What, if any, would you recommend?

[@bigtb1717]

Unfortunately, there isn't anything very inexpensive with IR mode that is very good, in my opinion. If you are absolutely set on getting a camera with IR mode, many of the generic cameras have it, but none of them are very good. It's just the way it is. Panasonic and Sony both make camcorders with IR mode, but they start at $700 or so and go up from there. Honestly, all the generic camcorders with IR mode really get you is the ability to record using an IR light. None of them that I've tried (I've tried an embarrassing number of them at this point, lol) really let you see better in the dark, unless you use an IR light. At that point, a regular flashlight would let you see just as well or better anyway. Some of the ones I've tried literally don't even have as bright an image in IR mode as what I can see with the un-aided eye. In other words, walking around my yard at night when there is just enough light to see okay to move around without bumping into things, the "nightvision" mode on the camera would just be showing a black image unless I used an IR flashlight so the camera could see that. Indoors, some of them do okay in small-ish spaces simply due to the built-in IR light. But again, so would a normal flashlight and a normal camera. I don't really see the point unless you want to record without using flashlights that are visible to the naked eye, or you just want that "IR nightvision" look in your recording.

[@bigtb1717]

Just to add to my previous comment. If you do just want that IR look or want the ability to record with flashlights that are invisible to the naked eye for some reason (hopefully nothing sketchy, lol) then I'd recommend getting one of the cheaper options you can find that has IR mode (probably in the $100-$130 range) and then get an IR flashlight. The generic cameras that cost $200-$400 are really not that much better.

[@michaeleder7013]

Well that was my question. Other than Sony and Panasonic (over $700) you don’t have any other options that have an IR mode. You would have to make major modifications to the pens in order to have IR capabilities. Other than Sony, Panasonic, Bell Howell and Ordro there aren’t any other options out there. Unless you know of an inexpensive one that I’ve never seen. Kinda why I asked if there was a specific model u knew of, because I haven’t been able to find any.

[@bigtb1717]

I can look for some specific models when I get done working this evening if you want. If you search for "camcorder" on Amazon you will get hundreds of similar models with dozens of different "brands" and a huge number of them have IR mode. Most of them in the $130 price range or so are going to be extremely similar, and most of them have IR mode.

[@bigtb1717]

The Ordro Z63 has IR and it's around $85. The one I tried had issues with the audio. The audio worked when played back in the camera, but once the files were transferred to my computer, there was no audio. I tried putting the files in an audio editing program, multiple video editors and even just playing them in different players. All silent. Maybe it was just a fluke with my particular camera. If you want to take the risk, it has pretty much the same IR as the over $200 Ordros I've tested. Keep in mind, all of these generic cameras have the built-in IR light on when in IR mode and it reduces the battery life drastically. Just something to be aware of. The Ordro HDR V12 is just about the worst camera in low light, including IR mode, that I've ever used, so stay away from that one for sure. There is camera I tested that had just about the best IR of any generic camcorder I've tested, but the listing is gone. It was branded Sauloo I think, but the particular model I bought is gone. I can find the exact same camera under other "brands" but it is $300 and it's not worth nearly that much. Beyond that there isn't a lot I can say about specific models. The AZ50 has decent IR for a generic camcorder, but it's pretty expensive. The AC3 (under the many brands that sell it) has worse IR than the Z63 and it's much more expensive. The Z63 is available with an IR light for $130, so maybe give that one a shot and return it if it won't work for you? I wish I could say "Camera X is the one to get, it's cheap and good." I really wish I could say that. I have probably tried 10 or more generic cameras hoping I'd find the one that could be that. The Z63 was nearly an "OK" value at $85, but since the sound doesn't work on mine (internal or external mic), it just didn't make it.

[@nomorebushz]

How is the macro lens that is included, as I need it for close up work for youtube videos, just detailed close up work, like fingerprint focusing for detail. thanks if you respond

[@bigtb1717]

The macro lens works okay. It lets you focus close, but there is still no way to change the focus point, so there is a very specific distance away the camera has to be from the subject. Also, I find a Sony CX-405 camcorder to focus closer with the built-in lens, as do many point and shoot cameras. I've also bought $7 add-on lenses for my cell phone that let it focus super close as well, not to mention still having autofocus. I think I show the macro lens performance in my Ordro AC5 review.

[@justsherman4]

What do you recommend for a youtube reaction video? something i can record for 3 hours+ at one time. Indoors. Returning a Rebel t6, I didn't realize they only shoot for 30 minutes at a time. Something preferably less than $500. the less expensive the better. it would just be me and a background. I'm going crazy trying to find the right thing. I'm recording audio separately so I'm not as concerned about that. Even just 1080p would be fine. Don't need 4K. thank you!

[@bigtb1717]

You will want a camcorder that can be powered externally. Most likely you will be hard pressed to find one with a battery that will last 3+ hours. The price just went back up, but I imagine the sale will come back on the Panasonic camcorders. They have a couple 1080P models that are normally priced around $450-$500. The price of Sony and Panasonic Camcorders recently jumped up due to a bunch of long-running discounts ending. I imagine the sales will return. Even something like the Sony CX-405 or Canon HF R800 would work, but the image quality wouldn't be as good as the Panasonic V770 or V800. Much cheaper though.

[@yoygrasia]

this cameras are grate to sneak out into a conecrt saying they you are a greate youtuber

[@leszekjaniczak4296]

CHINESE 4K.OH MY GOD. 😭💀☠️💀⚰️