Are Camcorders Dead? 

I own two Canon XA10's and two Canon Vixia G10's, with wide angle lenses and powered shotgun mikes. There is NO WAY I could cover sports events, concerts, and weddings for my clients from four different angles as a ONE MAN CREW with DSLR's. Their constant focusing problems and short clip lengths would be the death of me. The zoom factor on my cameras puts me at the front of the stage when I'm at the back and above the crowd. When Canon / Sony puts a 1" or larger sensor on a 4K run and gun video camera with powered XLR mike inputs, I'll be buying four of them. I can add depth of field, greatly reduce noise, brighten the image and grade colour in post. My clients barely know I'm there and always ask: how did you get all those close up shots from so many angles?

Lots of people still use camcorders due to the fact that people don't want to spend money on lenses

Well. A few points FOR a camcorder: (As this comparison is a little bit "incomplete".) 1.) They are often cheaper available (with good picture quality) 2.) They have less moire & aliasing problems (As the chipsets and the whole devices are built for video purposes.) 3.) They offer longer running times (and bigger batteries are easily adaptable). 4.) They are easier to operate than DSLRs & system cameras (and less "bulky"). 5.) They offer way bigger screens than most DSLRs & system cameras. (And the screens are always freely adjustable - Position wise.) 6.) They offer "smoother" AF systems - Also with bigger sensors! (Check out the new Sony 1" camcorders - As mentioned in this video.) 7.) The stabilizers are often better (check out Sonys "balanced optical steadyshot") 8.) The zoom is WAY better controllable (from slow to fast - Stepless) and 9.) The image stabilizer is adjustable WAY better (often in 3 or 4 steps) (BY FAR not possible with any DSLR and system camera I know of. There you need to be happy to have a on / off switch ^^.) AND THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT: No recording time limits! Even the RX10 has a ~30 min. time limit. (ALSO the US model!) I am a fan of DSLRs and system cameras. I am filming with Panasonic GH bodies since MANY months (about 2 years now). BUT the fact is: For the masses and for "quick and dirty" shooting (with your family, or if you NEED a good working AF system) a camcorder will be ALWAYS the better choice. There would be even additional points FOR a camcorder - But I think I mentioned the most important ones ^^.

I have been thinking about this, I am a DSLR video shooter and I have to say that I really think there is a need for camcorders. You can not put a DSLR in the hands of Noob and get it to produce a decent image, if you know what you are doing the the image on a DSLR is of course much nicer. While a camcorder can not get a shallow depth of field for your average home movie you don't really need a shallow DOF. It seems every one is shooting wide open all the time and the result is half the time their image is out of focus. Price: Most DSLR's are way more expensive than a average camcorder, as you have to add Glass as well, multiple lens, Vari ND's etc... Also when you are chilling with the family, try handing any type of DSLR so someone else if you want to be in the shoot, no chance as you will have to explain how to use it, wight the camcorder, you just hit record. Yes you can put the DSLR in full auto but the results will look crappy. General walking around filming with the DSLR is hard work especially if the exposure is constantly changing. Basically the above video is looking at it from some one that knows what they are doing and is into camera's and will get the best out of the DSLR, for the average joe a mid- range camcorder will capture everything needed. I have actually just bought a small camcorder for just this reason, just for run and gun stuff and for fun. I am also not to bothered if it gets banged up. I don't need to shot a shallow depth of field all the time, in fact I rarely do.

I think this format is a great addition for applicable videos like this. I never get tired of your explorations in and around Calgary, though. It was nice to have a peek at the store. Going to visit if we make it to Calgary in April.

Interesting points. I just bought my first camcorder actually, the Panasonic v750. I got it mainly for it's slow motion feature. I researched a lot and couldn't find another camera that did as well as this one in that area for the price. Show me the camera that can do 1080p at 240fps, while letting you zoom, change shutter speed, iris etc. And still has autofocus during slow mo with no time limit. For under $600 too. Closest thing was the FZ1000 which can't autofocus during slow mo, or zoom, and is $900. And is bulky as heck. Camcorders aren't dead yet that's for sure. Maybe one day as I wish I could take some nice pictures as well, and have that fancy shallow depth of field look. But my camcorder is fun, that's the bottom line for me. Fun ass fun ;)

Awesome video. Love the format and topic. Please do more of these. I have my Canon camcorder in a bag somewhere. Can't remember when I used it last. Switched over to an NEX-5N for video.

Good video guys, one thing for me that is a concern is image stabilization. Thoughts on DSLR VS camcorder?

More please! Love the short and sweet format.

Great video! I would like to know what kind of gear you lug around to film with a DSLR. I have been taking pictures for quite some while but I never really experimented with video. I'm wondering if there is gear I should be looking into as a new guy! Thanks!

Interesting compare & contrast. We use camcorders a lot and they are easy to operate one handed, versus a dslr which often needs two hands. Dslr cams also need stabilization to get good footage, where as camcorders often have them as a standard feature. Do more videos like this.

MOAR! Hey guys, in this video, you were talking nonchalantly about technical aspects of sensor size, MP count etc and how they link together to create - in this case - bigger or smaller depth of field. I was wondering if you could do or have done a video with regards to explaining how that works and what exactly is happening? Cheers!

Great video guys appreciate your take on these two units

Please do more!!! It is very interesting. That's always so interesting to watch a video about photo equivement with different idea! That's why I love your video so much!

More of these After Dark videos please! Very good information. I am a big TCS fan. Keep up the good work!

Nice video guys, liked the format !

The one thing you didn't mention was record length limits. With the DSLR style camera's you can't record a clip longer than 29min and 59sec. For normal family documentation that is fine, but when you want to record your kids school play or graduation in it's entirety the DSLR falls short and you need the standard video camera.

More, more, more! This is the only camera related channel I impatiently check for new videos. Thank you guys.

Great segment. I love the straight to the point honesty. I'm surprised ergonomics wasn't discussed more. I find that camcorders tend to have much better ergonomics for video. My DSLR makes great video, but the ergonomics make it a fight to operate.

I really like this After Dark idea - I like how you guys just focus on the discussion as opposed to walking about

Still cameras do no have the proper handle and zoom rocker of the camcorder. Believe me, such a small thing, but it's ergonomics, and it plays big role at least in my book. Shooting video with still camera is like plowing the field with camcorder, or something like that.

I love the plastic tub used to display the K50's sealing in the background.

I would love to see more of this sort of content. I have found your videos very informative & entertaining. (Originally was looking for information on the Olympus Mirrorless prosumer cameras.)

Well, I don't agree. I personally think it is way better to shoot video material on a real video camera instead of using a conventional DSLR or so. I mean I would use a cam coder for producing videos and a DSLR for shooting pictures. Also handling wise to me it feels thousand times better to use a cam coder for videos.

Definitely fun stuff, informative too. And I'm saying this although I'm mostly interested in still imaging. Watching feels like hanging out with you guys in the store. While I do value your hands-on reviews in the field, this after-dark format has a charm that is hard to resist, and I'd certainly love to see more of it!

Awesome work guys! Love your videos

Amazing review! You guys eloquently summed up everything we needed to know! Great job guys and keep up the good work! Greetings from Dubai :)

Awesome vid, couldn't agree more. There definitely needs to be more of these!

Which camera are you using in the film with you in te frame? I'm looking for a good camera around 500-600 euros.

Hey, I need a bit of help. I have a Panasonic HC-VX980 and the footage is quite close up. I've tried doing vlogs with it, and it always seems to only reach a shot of my face (btw i do have long arms). Is there any way around this? I've been looking for ages. Is there any setting, or possibly lens function? Thanks. (ps: i'm definitely not filming zoomed in)

Great discussion, spot on observations, and the night time makes for a nice aesthetic. Definitely do more! Also, you guys need to start addressing the camera more. I feels like we are looking in on someone else's conversation. Even just glancing over a bit more often as you talk would make a world of difference. Cheers! :)

You guys are always awesome and honest with your reviews, keep them coming

that was interesting, would like to see a regular segment like this.

Great job on the video! Thank you for the excellent service.

what camera did you use when you were talking? I think my nokia phone 1020 41 megapixel is shooting shaper video then my canon can you explain how its possible?

Great Vid! Please do one on your fav canon lenses for full frame cameras?

Thanks for the video, you guys bring a different outlook on gear, and this was indeed interesting and informative.

So what's do you recommend, whats a small compact system camera that is great for shooting cinematic like video?

Love this format. More please!

This was a lot of fun! I was watching DigitalRev and seeing how they do more than just camera reviews. I gotta be honest, I'm not a fan of their style and was hoping you guys would do more stuff besides just camera reviews (tips and so forth). Then I log on tonight and see this. It's great! More please!

Thanks, it would be great to see more videos like this. Please keep them coming.

Insightful video guys, One thing you left out that I'd really like clarification on is how the Sony RX10 holds up for image stabilisation when shooting hand held.

I'm tired of the little snippets on my phone and camera, so was thinking about getting a camcorder. Do these new camcorders piece together the "snippets" and turn them into one long video? I haven't had a camcorder since they had the little cassettes but I know now they use SD cards and such so it may be different?

I love this segment! If you can do more, I am absolutely on board. I have filmed with a camcorder (Canon HF-S10) for years and was very happy with its features. But DSLRs are catching up so quickly with great AF, usable sound, and lowlight capability, that I just upgraded to the Canon 70D, and I don't think I will be looking back any time soon. There are two things for which I still like to use the camcorder: As second camera (obviously...) and for very long and spontaneous shoots. What you did not mention is that typically camcorders can sport way bigger batteries than DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. My HF-S10 will easily record for 6 hours straight and I don't even have to worry about the battery or the recording being stopped after 30 minutes.

Both my Sony NEX-3 and my later Sony α7 are frequently overheating during the shooting of a video. During summer the problem is more serious. With the summer heat outdoors I can only shop continuously video between 20-40 minutes before the camera automatically shuts down from overheating. Also there is the 30minutes limit and I have to use a timer in order to immediately resume the video recording. Real camcorders don't overheat easily and many of them don't have the 30 minutes limit.

not me i am 100% for camcorders

Chris, Would you mind commenting on whether you prefer the small grip of a small camera over a camcorder's hand strap? Also, do you really prefer RX10 to AX100 despite the resolution difference? Thanks!

Wonderful análisis and presentation. Keep up like that guys, you're doing very well.

what do you think is best foreclose up cooking videos cam or dslr

idk, i have a canon t5, eos 70d and a vixia hf g30.... i do a lot of car photography and videos. i think the dslr is great for my photos with the wide angle 12-24mm... the issue that i have that draws me to the camcorder is the look of the video.... the dslr looks cinematic and dark where as the camcorder looks light and flat. big benefit for me when i start to grade my videos. now if the client wanted the car video looking cinematic i would grab the dslr, but then i have dop. i am kind of tired of dop, i mean i like it, do not get me wrong... but it gets old rather quick, especially for the videos i shoot.... now for portraits, dop is a must, like i said, idk.... these guys even forgot to mention 4k video. i think the canon 1d C will shoot 4k video, but that is a very expensive dslr.... sony has a 4k camcorder and people are grabing that... another benefit is that not all dslrs (well Canon) are shooting full HD 60 fps 1080p. the sony may, but they are also lacking lenses to make it viable. i think the canon 7d mark ii is finally doing full hd at 60 fps but the again you have the time limit restriction. i know we are talking about home use here, but you never know what someone wil use a cemera for in the future. today i may use it for stills and vacation videos and tomorrow i may want to do you tube videos. i think the video is informative but very misleading. camcorders still have a place in the video world, that is until the sensors over heating is fixed and the time restrictions are removed... i did not even discuss time lapse video here... can't do that with a dslr..... this is not comparing apples to apples. take the information with a grain of salt. thanks

Very interesting video, and I really like this new format !

Very good piece. More please!

I liked the after dark video. Great idea. Keep them coming, you guys looked more relax, focus and casual. Keep up the good work in general too, guys. Thanks!

Terrific guys, I always enjoy your discussions... so more please! Also, I was hoping you would touch upon the upcoming Sony "HD Camcorder with 1" sensor - HDR-CX900/B" and "4K Camcorder with 1" sensor - FDR-AX100/B" models, which seem to be a bridge between the two camera you reviewed. Cost wise, the HD model is right in line, with more of a zoom than the RX10 including high-res stills (though JPEG only). Thoughts?

Definitely do more - excellent format!

Wish you guys talked about ergonomics more. A camcorder is specifically designed to be easily held and operated with one hand. DSLR cameras, being still cameras first and video recorders second, are designed so that you need to hold ti with both hands to work properly. Holding it with one hand is possible but awkward, and without something similar to the built-in strap of a camcorder, you really risk loosing grip on a really pricey camera. Generally though, i agree with you guys that a Camcorder is more of a tool for pros while the DSLR is good for everyday, casual use.

Question for TCS: Is Canon Canada still importing the EF-M 11-22mm lens? I'm looking for a Canadian retailer willing to ship to the US but it seems like everyone's out of stock and has been for months. Do you guys sell it?

I've only used a handful of digital cameras, but I found all of them had the same setbacks for shooting video - slow and/or noisy zoom, inability to change things like white balance, manual focus adjustment, and exposure while recording, and for some of them, inability to adjust those things altogether.

Can you please review some of the best video camcorder options for more professional applications, like shooting weddings, special events and documentaries, with longer recording times and excellent audio as well as video, along with what you would recommended to pair up with it to take still photographs, as well as complimentary video back-up and cut-away shots?

(1) I believe that cameras are limited to 29 minutes of video before you have to turn them off and remove the battery for a few minutes. Manufacturers agreed to this to avoid competing with camcorders. Odd. (2) my Sony a6000 - an amazing APS-C camera - overheats after 10 to 15 min of video. Try shooting a longer video on your Sony's RX10 and report back here.

"After Dark with Chris Niccolls". Great show. Looking forward to the next show.

4 years later 4k was introduced and camcorders blew up again

Please do more discussions! Thank you!

Hi, what would you get for use in low-light/indoor environments: - Panasonic HC-V160- - Panasonic HC-V180 Megazoom Full HD Camcorder (is this an upgrade?) - Canon Legria HF R706 - Sony HDR-CX405B - JVC GZ-R 410 BEU All these cameras are in 190-260€ range, listed ascending with price. In my budget. EU. I record TV displays (i test PC systems - mostly 3D games) as you may also see on my channel. I have a cheap Samsung HD camera at the moment @720p30.

Nice one. Yes, I do want to see more videos like that.

Nice job as always. You are the reference point for camera gear videos. Number One on the Internet. Bravi!

Please keep this up :) proper consumer advice can be hard to find for things like this

Awesome review. Yes, definitely do more like this.

Great video! Love the discussion! After see8Ng the comparison of the camcorder and rx10, got me wonder if a smaller sensor bridge camera such as the new Sony HX400v compare to the Canon camcorder. Consider that the zoom is 24-1200mm and with MI shoe on the new Sony allow to have better sound input, does that also mean the misleading range bridge Camera can beat camcorder too?

Good job, thanks for the info.

Keep more of these types of shows coming. Thumbs up from Denmark!

Great discussion. Probably not relevant to most people but it's important to note the fact that (as far as I know), you can't mount a follow focus onto a camcorder. On the flip side, camcorders will almost always have built in ND's. A feature not available in even high end DSLR's (although you can just simply mount an ND filter onto the lens but having built in ND's is still nice). And on the topic of mounting additional gear to your system, Mirrorless camera's like the RX10, GH4, BMPCC etc. have SO much versatility when it comes to additional filters and adapters you can use with them. Focal reducers, vintage lens adaptors even anamorphic filters provide new creative options for film makers. My question to you guys is; When somebody comes into the store looking for a video camera, is there any circumstance in which you'd recommend a camcorder?

One thing not mentioned is that the camcorder is easily operated with one hand. Video on the DSLR is mostly 2 handed. Yes you can do one handed video with the DSLR but you will wear out your wrist because the weight is not centered as well as the camcorder. With the consumer and prosumer based models, it would be easier to haul around a camcorder for an entire day. Once in the $1000+ models the weight will be the about the same on both but it all still points back to what I said to begin with. All my choices are done by what I need to do, and how long will it take to do it. So ultimately in my opinion, the DSLR will never be a full replacement for a camcorder, nor will a camcorder ever be able to fully replace the DSLR. When going to video your family in the snow, you could have captured the video with anything including your phone, and came up with the same result quality wise. Question though... why would you take a $1400 camera out to play in the snow?

I enjoy my film making and a major part of this is using my Sony VG20 with a 18-200 manual zoom lens.The shallow depth of field I get and the various methods of being able to hold the camera gives a wide variety of shot angles to create interest in the final product. I do use a small compact sometimes when travelling for video but this never compares to the experience of using a camcorder so in my opinion the camcorder hopefully will always have a place for the series amateur at least but I did really love the way the two of you presented the argument.Keep it up guys.

Interesting and informative vid. Thanks! Yes, please do more.

i'm thinking of buying a cx330 sonys camcorder.. should i buy it? or i should buy a camera of the same price? Regards.

Great video. Really enjoyed it.

always well produced, intelligent and thoughtful conversations, informative to what the consumer wants to know. So yes more after dark and more regular reviews.

That was nice review please do more...

Excellent video, more after dark please! For a stills only shooter it was still interesting & tempting to go into video.

I have the Canon HF G30. The reason why I got it was because the the time limit of DSLRs. When shooting Vlog or review videos by myself that time limit can add some unneeded stress.

Nice video guys! Everything you guys make is great, so as long as you are making something we're happy.

What do you guys think of the Sony AX33 for making music videos? Close-up & scenic stuff/time lapses. I'm on the verge of buying it.

is there a 4k version of the Sony that is weather sealed and a main goto video and still camera? or would that be the Sony A7SII?

I absolutely love this "after dark" videos, I hope you may do a lot more of them.

i'll give up my camcorder when they pry my cold dead fingers from it...I love mine

I'd like to see more of these...very candid and honest.

I would like to see a comparison video on smart and light travelkits with different cameras. Going on vacation is always a challenge. Smart solutions and great travelgear would be appreciated.

I was considering a Nikon D5300. But it could only do 20 min. of continuous recording. Is that standard with DSLRs?

I think you forget to mention one of the most important things which is the ergonomics of holding the handycam compared to holding a DSLR for longer periods of time. What if you were at a concert and you wanted to raise your videocam really high over the heads of the people in front of you all the time? I film dance performances all the time and the DSLR just doesn't last long in that situation. Not to forget the stupid artificual 29:59min time limit.

More! It's great. Why did you guys stop doing thing kind of stuff. BTW has anything changed on the camcorder front or has the downward trend continued? Would you guys agree that one of the main selling points of a consumer camcorder is ease-of-use?

Great "after dark discussion", please make more of them !!!

Great video....I was about to pull the trigger on a Sony HDR-CX900 but I will have to reconsider my options after seeing this!

I like this format, please keep it coming!

for sure great comparison and please more videos like this, thanks guys

I film concerts. Do the DSLR have a limit on the length of a clip?

Would like to see more of those Afterdarks! Good job, guys!

I have a Canon T3i and have gotten a Rode VideoMic to go with it, but, I would like to start doing daily vlogs on my RU-vid channel and was wondering if I should get a Canon Vixia hf r52 because of the WiFi capabilities and auto focus. Right now for a camcorder I have a JVC everio GZ-200bu with a cracked screen and an extra huge battery. my question is should I get the new Canon Camcorder or get someone to fix the screen and upgrade my DSLR? If I should repair it, where? I live in Calgary and haven't been able to find a place. Will the Camera Store do it?

What about night vision (Especially IR?) from what I've read online it seems DLSRs either need HUGE full frame censors and high ISO for night vision or really expensive night vision lenses, but a fair amount of camcorders have IR built in. And from what I can tell buying a IR light (Separate from the camera) only works on cameras that are IR sensitive?

Great honest and realistic discussion. Would love to see a similar discussion about "APS-C vs FULL Frame" (recent an APS-C & Good Lens COMBO are getting really good) or the recent popular topic "Mirrorless vs DSLR".