Why I still use a camcorder

Which current Sony camcorder has the best sound for recording classical music?

Very informative video. The dual camera setup was interesting, and I assume via bluetooth.

It feel strange that phones has better image stabilization then camcoders

I use a camcorder (AX53) because it doesn't have the crazy 30 minute limit. You made great points, but what are the benefits of that second attached camera?

Which model is this?

One thing you forget to mention is Sony 4k can record Surround Sound. I was blown away when I played back my 4k footage on my Surround Sound system. I could hear every detail behind me and people talking in the distance. BIG PLUS for having a SONY Camcorder.

I still have and use the Sony ax53 camcorders.. still works great. And people don’t even know..

Does this camera have in body stabilization?

I'm in the camcorder team!

I use both,sony zv-e10 for my photography and my sony cx-405 for video.I am very happy with both.Cheers.

The 'no distractions' thing is also why I keep a separate camera as well as having a smartphone. On a videoing trip I may be using my phone for looking at a map, etc. I currently use a compact camera for filming, but having used my Dad's old tape-based camcorder in the 2000s, I'm now drawn to getting a camcorder.

I like that you can use filters and other lens attachments with a camcorder

I worked on Sony AX53 for four years, it's a great camera
Very easy and helps a lot during work

TLDR: Zoooom

THIS video makes so much sense to me, and you provide lots of relevant thoughts and input. Well done man.
I currently use a Canon EOS M50, but I'm considering a Sony FDR AX43. I'm sure I'll be happy with it :)
Thanks for a great video!

Great video.
WHat is that small 'etching' camera'. And where do I get one. And what do you use it for. Looks so nice. Maybe for B roll?

Have an older 1080p camcorder in the closet that I took out recently having not used it in a while. So much easier, intuitive, and ergonomic than a phone or mirrorless camera setup. Will look into a modern 4k camcorder.

I agree. But I use all of them depending on the situation.

What modle is this camcorder i love it!

As a handycam dcr-sr47 user who is planning on upgrading to the hdr-sr11, I agree with all these points

I use an iPhone 11 Pro - for stills and videos. It is always in my pocket. Like & Hi from Michigan 🚂

You omitted the camcorder's advantage in monitoring and managing dynamic audio.

I think camcorders will have a resurgence especially if Sony and Panasonic update their products.

Thanks for your explanation, I'm just planning to buy an AX53, it solves my wonderings.

Cool !!

An excellent case for the defence!

The downside you don't mention is camcorder can't get good blurry background. This is you still need mirrorless cam.

I still do not want to get rid of my AX53. A fantastic camera! I love it! It is so hard to beat the value and the zoom is fantastic!

I watched a couple of videos and i-phone had better stabilization than these camcorders. Aren't they supposed to have better stabilization than just a phone? Also gopro has better stabilization than both phone and camcorder. So what is the point of using camcorder then ? If i m gonna use just statically ? Mirrorless cameras have better quality for that purpose already.

Thanks for this I’ve just resurrected my CX 240e and ditching using my iPhone 13 mini 😊for filming my layout

Gosh I wish Sony made a new version of the VG30. A APSC camcorder with e-mount.

For what I do, the only real option are camcorders. DSLR`s are just noch up to the task when you have to react quick and are on the move.

A couple of other things I like about my AX53: The lens is supported on a stabilisation rig built right in, so that makes it easier to get smoother shots.
Also, I often prefer to use the eyepiece viewfinder, especially for picking out subjects at long distances. These are still great camcorders.

They’re still needed depending on what type of work you’re doing. Like for sports. If you’re recording an entire game start to finish you won’t one long take zooming in for close ups and zooming out…Which would be hard to do with a Mirrorless, you have to twist the lens in and out most lens don’t have power zoom, plus with the smaller sensor the focus distance isn’t massive. You can zoom out for a wide shot, then zoom in for a close up with out loosing focus. Even Sony with its amazing autofocus still will have to catch up, and when you’re filming live that’s important. Also all mirrorless cameras even the ones that have no record limits still break the clips up into 30 min clips and that’s not always practical

Very good video!

I'm waiting for 200 MP fold 6

All the things you said, and another thing about my S23 phone is that it has AI software running that interrupts my camera for stupid things. Frustrating. I like my Sony CX405 much better. I miss half the shots I want with my phone. Wonky.

What you think about the Panasonic HC-VX981 vs This one? And do you think this camecorder better then the DJI pocket 3? Thanks😊

I didn't know that you can view another cameras screen and use them at the same time! I love camcorders and today I learned something new.

How about the bokeh effect of your camcorder 😅…still mirrorsless for me.

The AX53 also has night vision, which is not something phones have.

sorry to say, but the gopro is still the best! Turn off noise reduction in GoproLabs firmware, shoot in 5.3k with the volta battery grip attached and turn on Flat mode with WIDE=1 (wider color range) in gopro labs

I have a Sony AX33, my only complaints are the viewfinder is small and hard to view quickly. And the Zoom doesn't zoom enough. I was using a JVC Everio for the longest time that was decent and had an excellent zoom.

I have been using Sony Camcorders for over 16 years - HDR-HC7 MiniDV (until I drowned it), HDR-CX550 (Great stabilisation), and HDR-AX100 (not good stabilisation). I believe the size of the sensor has something to do with this. I do travel videos for You Tube. The CX550 is mounted in the windscreen these days and the AX100 sits on the seat beside me for handheld driveby shots. The still camera in the AX100 I find more than adequate, and I only shoot in 1080p. I would like to upgrade the CX550, but find that I can get around it's inadequacies in Da Vinci Resolve. All in one shooting is the key for me. Being in Australia, we shoot at 25fps, whereas phones are all 30fps, which creates another problem in combining frame rates in post. The work around is that you might have an hour at 25fps and 10 minutes at 30fps, and you need to edit the whole lot at 30fps to get a smooth(ish) result. Overall, less gear, less hassle, quicker & smoother shooting.

Would have been good to see image comparisons too

I remember doing some video projects work whilst serving in the army (conscripted) circa 2004, and using a mini-DV camcorder.
Being able to use Firewire to capture both live views and recording transfers from the camera in Premiere was great too.
This was probably the best thing at the time because they handed me 30+ VHS tapes, VCDs, and DVDs that I needed to digitize and unify the formats for editing.
The VHS tapes were a pain since I only had a RealMagic capture card at home so tapes had to be digitized in real-time. The flip (up)side is that I got to stay home and not have to report in to camp during that period.
I wonder if the current generation of camcorders can actually do this (albeit with USB probably).

I hardly ever zoom while filming, was considered amateurish in my younger day. Yes, camcorders are easier to handle. But when you use it, everybody sees a filming cameraman. While using a mobile, they just see another guy.

Sony AX53 is fantastic but long overdue for an update. I wish Sony would put the A7Siii sensor in a camcorder body. That would be a buy for me.

nice review . i also have the AX53 i love it and will use it as long as possible. how watching you video I'm just learning about the action camera.