I've tested a ton of cheap (and sometimes not so cheap) generic camcorders. Today I'm testing a supposedly 5K, generic camcorder I found on Amazon. So let's see how it does. Any support is appreciated. Thanks! / bigtb1717
The physical design of this camcorder is heavily copied from the Sony Handycams of about a decade ago, including the LED light on the front of the swing-out LCD where some Sony models had a built-in projector. So even though they may not be falsely advertising it as having a projector, that's clearly what the design is mimicking. The battery looks simiilar to a Sony V-series InfoLithium battery, but the contacts are different, so it's not compatible.
Hi! Thx for a great video. I noticed you said it has a fixed lens with no optical zoom, but the Amazon listing now shows 10x Optical Zoom, and I am wondering if there is a newer model, or if the listing is in error. It also goes on and on about it in the description details which makes me wonder if it has it now
There are tons of generic cameras out there. Lots of slightly different versions. Some of them do have 10X optical zoom. So far, I've tested several with 10X optical zoom, and they all function almost the same. All the ones I've tested, no matter what resolution they claim (including 4K and 5K) the actual resolution is 2880x2160. I've never tested one with working stabilization (though some claim to have "anti shake"), and in addition to zoom they also have autofocus, which is often unreliable. I've tested three or four with optical zoom, and I'm confident all had the same guts. It's possible there are some out there that are not like this. There are a ton of versions. But I haven't personally tested any that were any different.
Great video! Interesting review. I see these types of cameras and camcorders and just scroll by. If it says 4K or 5K and no name, I laugh and move on. I understand who they are marketing them too, but the deceptive practices say it all. Thanks for sharing, I do enjoy these types of videos. I bought so many mini name brand camcorders in the past, to be honest something from 2009 work better :)
I still have a Sony DCR-PC1000 minidv camcorder from 2006 and I love the form factor of that camera. Why haven't camcorders of today adopted that "pistol grip" design is beyond me, it's the perfect way to shoot video in my opinion. I guess the modern day equivalent would be the Panasonic HX-WA30 line of pistol grip camcorders that record in full hd
That would probably do the opposite, unfortunately. It would darken the image and cause the camera to boost the gain higher. Unfortunately, it's just the nature of small sensor camcorders. This camera honestly handles it better than most of these cheap camcorders. I'd prefer a bit of grain to the heavy handed noise reduction and sharpening (to compensate) that most apply. This one looks much more natural. But it's a bit noisy.
I didn't try this, but I believe with most of these you connect them to the computer via USB and choose the webcam option. As I said, I didn't try it with this one, but the ones I have tried streamed a much lower resolution than what they recorded.
FJFJOPK is certainly a brand name I will remember :). ...But seriously, its like they aren't even trying with names any more. I've always made fun of generic Chinese brand names but at least some of them were memorable. Anyway, its good to see a semi-decent generic camcorder for a change, but I won't be trading in my Panasonic any time soon.
I heard somewhere that the reason brand and seller names are so nonsensical on Amazon is due to rules around being a registered/trademarked name. So these sellers will intentionally use nonsense/non words so the process of ensuring the name isn't already in use by another company goes quickly. That way they can be constantly creating new seller and brand names with minimum delay.
I just buy them to review. I've given a few of them away over the years and once in a while I'll use them as a prop or example for another project. But by and large, I simply buy them to review.
For the most part, I don't recommend any of them. Most of them have lots of glitches, terrible audio, weird framerates that don't play well with video editors, etc. Some people claim they give a "vintage" look, like you'd get from an old VHS camcorder and if you are going for that look, I'd recommend you get whatever you can get cheap, because in most cases, $80 or $250 doesn't make much difference. If you just want a nice camcorder, you probably should look for Sony, Canon, Panasonic or something used from a reputable brand. If you really just want to try a generic camcorder, I'd again recommend you buy something cheap just to mess with, or maybe this camera if you want something that makes halfway decent video. I'd steer away from anything with autofocus. I've tested 3 or 4 of these with autofocus, and it's almost always unreliable.
It is definitely one of the better generic cameras I've tested. Still, with the shady, misleading marketing and such, it's tough for me to outright recommend people spend their hard earned money on it.
Under $300 is a pretty tight budget, especially for a mirrorless camera. You'll have to look at the used market to get a mirrorless camera for that price. Especially if you are looking to record planes in flight, as that will take a telephoto lens and they can easily cost $300+, depending on exactly what you need. If you are recording planes on the ground, you'd probably want a wide angle lens. Either way, $300 (especially "under" $300) is going to be a very tough budget to hit. I would check local classifieds and maybe online sites for used gear.
Canon M2 for $200 if you catch it right - you can do 1080p 60fps, comes with a mid range zoom, and you can get the 55-200mm lens for under $250 used. The lens mounting is a dead end format, but comes with an EF- mount that can use lenses from nearly 40 years of production@@BlueAirways
I didn't do a full, timed battery rundown test with this camera. But in my use it seemed similar to most other cameras like this that I've tested. Seems like it would be roughly one hour. But many of them have inconsistent battery level gauges, so it's tough to say for sure without timing it. If I get a chance to test it, I'll reply back and let you know.
Technically, I haven't found any I would consider "good," or that I'd recommend. Most of them technically work, and depending on your use case, they may work for you. But the shady marketing, glitches, and poor build-quality make it difficult to recommend people buy them.
i had a very very very similar camera and tbh it worked well like it looked in ur vid fine so yeah its a decent real camera and yes it has actual IS so yeah think i had the same camera ok yeah i definitely had the same camera but mine i think had different software and different name and brand but me your cheap camera definitely had the same guts
Most camcorders i see at sub £100 are 2.7k cameras not 4 or even the 5 k that that maker claims which makes you wonder how much of that tecobabble is compete rubbish
I don't generally include links to cameras like this. I have an explanation starting at 14:40 in the video. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BYZ97YR4/ Here is a link and it's even on sale. But just know that I still don't personally recommend anyone buy it. It's a fair amount of money to spend for something with questionable quality control, no warranty, shady marketing practices, and more.
