Frankly, there are a variety of camcorders currently available in the market such that it can seem like an impossible task when it comes to choosing one that fits your needs. To be honest, with camcorders what works for you might not necessarily be a perfect fit for the next person. So how do you escape the daunting state of indecision when you go out shopping for your new camcorder? Well, you can start by simply thinking about the type of videos you intend to shoot and your budget.

We compiled a list of some of the best camcorders available so check them out to help you make a better decision.

Canon VIXIA HF R700

Key Features:

• SD memory card that is removable, offering full HD video recording
• 30-inch LCD user interface that is touch enabled for easy navigation
• CMOS image sensor with 3.28 megapixels
• 1920 x 1080p video resolution with DIGIC 4 image processor
• Superb optical image stabilization and advanced zoom at 57x(32.5-1853mm)

The Canon VIXIA HF R700 is designed for variety as it can satisfy the needs of anyone ranging from those who simply want an ideal camcorder for capturing family moments to film enthusiasts eager to create fun and exciting video essays and short films. It features a remarkable 57x zoom that has a SuperRange optical image stabilizer for steady scenes even when you are on the move.

With a 3.28 megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers Full HD quality not to mention the DIGIC DV 4 image processor that complements it, capturing videos with crystal clear 1920 x 1080 resolutions is easy. The Canon VIXIA HF also offers a removable SD card that provides ample storage for your MP4, AVCHD and 1080p recordings. As if that is not enough, this camcorder also features an advanced baby mode that you can easily access by going to the optical camcorder setting, therefore enabling you to capture the growth of your baby with ease and in the best quality. Sounds amazing right?

Sony HDR-CX405 Handycam

Key Features:

• Flip out 2.7 inch LCD screen
• Image stabilization for optical steady images
• Support for AVCHD recordings as well as MP4 and XAVC
• Exmor R CMOS image sensor with full HD Video 9.2 megapixel stills capturing
• 30x ZEISS optical zoom lens with Bionz x processor

With the Sony HDR-CX405 Handycam Camcorder Bundle, coming up with a recording of life’s special moments is a breeze. You no longer need special skills and complex tools to get up and running. In fact getting your hands on this Sony Handycam can be the beginning of capturing your kid’s first baby steps up to their graduation and wedding with ease. With a wide-angle ZEISS zoom lens, the Sony HDR-CX405 HD camcorder delivers marvelous video quality with a 30x optical zoom that does not disappoint.

It boasts of an Exmor R EMOS sensor that boosts sensitivity even in low light scenes which is great. What’s more is that it comes with a built in optical steady shot image stabilizer that is designed for smooth and clear footages that will not only impress your family and friends but also help you worry less about smooth video footages for your project.

Plus, it supports a variety of video recording formats including AVCHD and MP4 codes meaning you get long enough recording time while enjoying variety when it comes to editing.

Canon VIXIA HF R800

Key Features:

• Card reader, memory card wallet, sturdy tripod and SanDisk 64GB 320x high speed SDVC memory card included
• Features a high capacity intelligent battery pack with 6’ male-to-mini-male HDMI cable
• Comes with a one-year warranty plus a compact AC power adapter in the package
• 1920 x 1080p video recording capacity on Canon’s 3.28MP CMOS sensor
• Full HD DIGIC DV 4 image processor with SuperRange O.I.S and 57x zoom
• Fast and slow motion recording with 3” LCD display

Over the years, Canon has established itself a reputable manufacturer of electronics and the Canon VIXIA HF R800 is no exception. It is designed for easy portability thanks to its compact form factor that makes it ready to film a variety of scenarios.

From home videos of your kids recital to other important family or social events, the Canon HF Camcorder brings convenience, variety and quality to the table thanks to its advanced 57x zoom that gets the shot even from a distance.

It also features a SuperRange optical Image Stabilizer that keeps all your videos steady and smooth thanks to a longer focal length that. Simply put, the Canon VIXIA is built for brilliance and with a separate recording available on the SD card, this camera will support large MP4 format storage relieving you of the need to convert or compress your footages before uploading or editing them.

Sony HDR-CX405/B (Bundle) 

Key Features:

• Comes with a full Sony USA warranty
• A deluxe compact gadget bag also included
• Memory card slot with a 64 GB Ultra MicroSDXC card included
• Micro HDMI to HDMI cable for high speed connectivity
• Comes with a memory card wallet, LCD lens cleaning pen, card reader and a screen protector

The Sony HDR-CX405/B is built for creating cinematic videos in high quality 60p footage at 1920 x 1080 resolutions. With support for both MP4 and AVCHD codec, you get a fast and convenient way to edit your footage. Plus, even if you want to go for still images, its 9.2MP lens with a 30x optical zoom delivers clear images that get you as close as you can be to the action.

This Sony camcorder also features Sony’s back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor that delivers excellent low light sensitivity giving you clarity in your images with minimal grain. It boasts of an MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression technology not to mention a PCM audio compression engine that does not only save your footage in MP4 but also lets you to stretch your recording time making editing a breeze.

With the 26.8mm ZEISS lens and a premium quality ZEISS Vario-Sonnar lens that comes with the package, capturing everything at a wide angle is possible. You also get to enjoy Sony’s full USA Warranty that comes with the Sony HDR–CX405/B camcorder bundle which is great.

Panasonic HC-WXF991K

Key Features:

• Post cropping in 4K with image stabilization and Dolly zoom
• Features a dedicated HDR button for quick mode setting
• EVF (electronic view finder) included
• Sharp ultra 4K recording in full HD
• In-camera 1080 editing display
• Comes with a twin camera plus picture in picture recording and a multi-camera scene
• Built-in WiFi with a 20x optical zoom lens with a total of 18.91 MP

Over the years Panasonic has stood out as a reliable manufacturer of quality electronics. When it comes to camcorders, it goes without saying that the Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder is one of the best in the market. It features a stunning 18.91 mega pixel CMOS sensor that delivers semi professional recording quality making this camcorder ideal for any project you could think of.

With a sharp 4K in-camera editing on its 1080p high definition display, you can get everything done on your camera and export brilliant footage on the go. This Panasonic camcorder comes with a 20x optical zoom lens with a 5 axis hybrid OIS that delivers stable and smooth footage and images even while you are shooting under shaky situations. It’s a camcorder that is capable of multi-camera scenes thanks to its twin camera that makes picture in picture recording a reality. Now, that’s a great deal!