The 26 best video cameras brands

  • 26 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Sony, Panasonic and JVC lead our ranking of 26 video cameras brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Video Cameras brands, ranked

TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.

  1. 1

    Sony

    Handycam models range from older MiniDV and Digital8 camcorders to 4K compacts with Zeiss lenses and optical zoom.

    Top products: Handycam HDR-CX405· Handycam DCR-TRV730· Handycam HDR-CX110

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Panasonic

    Pocket-sized HD camcorders and older MiniDV and hard-drive models, with long zoom ranges on mid-priced units.

    Top products: HC-V270· SDR-S100· NV-GS400

    Popularity 6.8/10

  3. 3

    JVC

    Everio hard-drive and SD card camcorders sit alongside older MiniDV and VHS-C models at lower prices.

    Top products: GZ-HM200BU· GR-DVL820U· GR-AX830U

    Popularity 6.2/10

  4. 4

    Canon

    VIXIA camcorders cover HD and HDV models with optical image stabilisation and dependable video focus.

    Top products: VIXIA HF10· VIXIA HV30· VIXIA HF R30

    Popularity 5.4/10

  5. 5

    Samsung

    Less common in this category, Samsung's camcorders are mostly compact models with Full HD video.

    Top products: SMX-F33BN

    Popularity 3.2/10

  6. 6

    Vivitar

    Budget 4K and Full HD pocket camcorders with touchscreens, plus retro-styled PopCam and DVR models.

    Top products: DVR E401

    Popularity 2.9/10

  7. 7

    RCA

    The electronics industry is one of those industries that saw a lot of changes. And surprisingly, this field is still under massive growth even today. RCA, the acronym for Radio Corporation of America, is one of the oldest companies in the area of consumer electronics. Established in 1919, the company first started by selling records and later moved on to other items. RCA now offers products like home security, remotes, audio, and many more.

    Popularity 2.8/10

  8. 8

    Hitachi

    Power is an entity that every individual or group of individuals wants to conquer. With power in your hands, you can change the world for good. Hitachi Group took this as an opportunity to do the same. They had the power to change the world into a better place by offering valuable products and services to its valuable clients. The Hitachi Group covers the fields of digital services, automobiles, energy, connective industries, and more.

    Popularity 2.5/10

  9. 9

    Kodak

    Zi8 and Playfull pocket cameras are simple one-button models suited to family clips.

    Top products: Zi8· PlayTouch

    Popularity 2.3/10

  10. 10

    GoPro

    Tiny waterproof HERO cameras with magnetic clip mounts, a favourite for surf, snow and bike footage.

    Popularity 2.0/10

  11. 11

    Minolta

    Night-vision and 4K pocket camcorders sold under the Minolta name, which is now licensed to other firms.

    Top products: MN4K25NV· MN200NV

    Popularity 1.8/10

  12. 12

    Insta360

    360-degree action cameras that record full spherical footage you can reframe later in editing software.

    Popularity 1.5/10

  13. 13

    Ordro

    Chinese-made outdoor and vlogging camcorders with 4K recording and bundled kits at moderate prices.

    Top products: EP6 Plus

    Popularity 1.4/10

  14. 14

    Campark

    Action cameras, trail cameras and dash cams aimed at outdoor and vehicle recording.

    Popularity 1.3/10

  15. 15

    SANYO

    Japanese electronics maker SANYO sold televisions, DVD players, and remote controls for home entertainment. Its TV line includes LED and smart models in several screen sizes, along with soundbars and Blu-ray players. Remote controls for SANYO TVs are a separate...

    Popularity 1.3/10

  16. 16

    GE

    GE Lighting has been leading the lighting technology industry for over 130 years. Its mission is to provide customers with a first-class smart home experience. To do so, it has created novel lighting products designed to improve one's lifestyle and...

    Popularity 1.3/10

  17. 17

    DJI

    The leading consumer drone manufacturer in the world, DJI is committed to enabling people to live better lives via more intelligent flight. Making aerial photography and filmmaking available to anybody with a love for discovery is DJI's gift to the...

    Popularity 1.2/10

  18. 18

    Aiptek

    Aiptek offers camcorders for everyday video, such as the HD-DV and A-HD 720p models, along with compact digital cameras. Its HDV12X model records 720p high definition video to flash memory and includes night vision and a remote control. Some models...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  19. 19

    SYLVANIA

    Sylvania is world’s leading lighting brand. They don't only design great lights but also offers various lighting solutions such as indoor, outdoor lights, lamps, controlled lights and so on. The company offers various Surface Wall Lights & Ceiling Lights, Surface...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  20. 20

    Magnavox

    Magnavox is the company that enhances the quality of your home entertainment. Magnavox works hard to provide you with the premium-quality goods available. The devices are intended to provide a better viewing experience, whether watching TV or using one of...

    Popularity 1.1/10

  21. 21

    Coby

    Coby offers affordable audio and simple home electronics, including headphones, FM radios, digital photo frames and remote controls. Its portable MP3/CD boomboxes include an AM/FM tuner, an LCD display and a 3.5 mm aux jack. Coby also produces basic personal...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  22. 22

    ION

    ION makes replacement batteries for DeWalt 20V power tools, and its line is built to fit those tools. ION also offers a hair straightener. Shoppers with DeWalt 20V tools can find batteries made to match that platform.

    Popularity 1.0/10

  23. 23

    Toshiba

    Toshiba makes hard disk drives, SATA hard drives, RAM modules and other computer parts. Its products cover storage and electronics for both personal computers and business systems.

    Popularity 1.0/10

  24. 24

    Cisco

    Cisco helps to bring a better future into perspective. The future of the workforce is here. The entire working community has changed since the pandemic hit the global scale. The hybrid work motion is getting increasingly popular nowadays, and Cisco...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  25. 25

    AKASO

    AKASA is a technology-driven firm dedicated to delivering its clients the best-quality, sophisticated, and user-friendly products at the most competitive pricing. For more than four years, they've been a leading brand in action cameras and 4K UHD video cameras, with...

    Popularity 0.9/10

  26. 26

    MEDION

    Medion offers an extensive inventory of entertainment electronics and information technology products. Along with this, it provides a user-friendly range and can efficiently respond to market demands. The company also offers services in telecommunications, photo services, and similar online niches....

    Popularity 0.8/10

Video Cameras Buying Guide

With the rise of social media platforms, vlogging, and content creation, video cameras have become an essential tool for those looking to create high-quality video content. Whether you're looking to start a YouTube channel, capture priceless family moments, or create professional video content, a video camera is an investment worth considering. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know before making the big purchase, including types of video cameras, features to look out for, and recommended products.

Types of Video Cameras

There are several types of video cameras available on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are the primary types you'll come across:

  • Camcorders: These are traditional video cameras designed specifically for capturing footage. Camcorders come in a range of sizes, from pocket-sized models to professional-grade options. They generally have a built-in lens and microphone, making them perfect for beginners who want a simple setup.
  • Point-and-Shoot Cameras: These cameras are designed for photography, but many models come with the ability to record video as well. While not as powerful as dedicated video cameras, they are a great option for those who want a versatile camera for both photo and video capture.
  • DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras: These cameras are primarily designed for photography, but many models come with the ability to record high-quality video as well. They offer interchangeable lenses, making them ideal for those who want to capture different types of shots.
  • Smartphone Cameras: With the rise of smartphone technology, many people are using their phones to capture video content. While not as powerful as dedicated video cameras, smartphones can still produce high-quality footage, especially in well-lit environments.

Features to Look For

When shopping for a video camera, there are several features you should consider to ensure that you get the best quality possible. Here is a breakdown of the features to look for:

Feature Description
Resolution The resolution of the camera determines the quality of the video. Look for cameras with a resolution of at least 1080p for HD video, or 4K for even higher quality.
Frame Rate The frame rate determines how many frames per second the camera can capture. Higher frame rates result in smoother, more fluid video. Look for cameras with a frame rate of at least 60 fps.
Image Stabilization Image stabilization is a feature that helps reduce shaking in the footage, resulting in smoother, more professional-looking video. Look for cameras with optical image stabilization (OIS) or electronic image stabilization (EIS).
Low Light Performance The ability of the camera to perform well in low light situations is important for capturing high-quality footage in any lighting condition. Look for cameras with a large aperture (low f-stop number) and good low light performance ratings.
Audio Quality Good audio quality is essential for capturing clear, crisp sound. Look for cameras with built-in microphones or the ability to attach an external microphone for even better sound quality.
Battery Life The battery life of the camera is important for those who want to record for extended periods of time without needing to recharge. Look for cameras with long battery life or the ability to swap out batteries.
Zoom Range The zoom range determines how close the camera can get to the subject. Look for cameras with a good optical zoom range for flexibility in composition.
Connectivity The ability to connect the camera to other devices is important for transferring and sharing footage. Look for cameras with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity.

Recommended Products

Here are some of our top picks for video cameras based on the features mentioned above:

  • Sony FDR-AX100/B 4K Camcorder

    The Sony FDR-AX100/B is a high-end camcorder that offers 4K resolution, 20x optical zoom, and excellent low-light performance. It also has optical image stabilization, built-in Wi-Fi, and a large 3.5-inch LCD screen. The only downside is its high price tag, but for those in need of professional-quality video, it's worth considering.

  • Panasonic HC-V770K Full HD Camcorder

    The Panasonic HC-V770K is a more affordable option that still offers excellent image quality and features. It has 1080p resolution, 20x optical zoom, and advanced image stabilization. It also has built-in Wi-Fi, a large 3-inch LCD screen, and the ability to record in slow motion. Overall, it's a great option for those looking for a high-quality camcorder without breaking the bank.

  • Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera

    The Sony Alpha a6400 is a mirrorless camera that offers excellent photo and video capabilities. It has 4K resolution, fast autofocus, and good low-light performance. It also has a flip-up screen, making it a great option for vloggers or those who want to capture selfies. It's not as powerful as some dedicated video cameras, but it's a great option for those who want a versatile camera for both photo and video capture.

  • Apple iPhone 11 Pro

    The latest iPhone models offer excellent camera capabilities, including the ability to record high-quality video. The iPhone 11 Pro offers 4K resolution, good low-light performance, and optical image stabilization. It also has a range of editing tools and the ability to shoot in slow motion or time-lapse mode. While not as powerful as dedicated video cameras, it's a great option for those who want to capture high-quality video on the go.

Conclusion

When it comes to buying a video camera, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of camera, features, and budget. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, there is a video camera out there that will meet your needs. By researching and comparing different models, you can find the perfect camera to help you capture high-quality video content.

Note: The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only and do not necessarily represent the recommended products.