Best Professional (Pro) Camcorder – Comparison & Reviews 2012-2013

February 10, 2013 by SmartReview
Filed under Digital Camcorders

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Professional (Pro) Camcorders – This is a roundup of the best-rated professional camcorders. Professional (Pro) camcorders are larger than consumer camcorders, have larger imagers, superior image processors, and larger brighter lenses. They provide superior video which is a favorite of indy and professional videographers. Professional camcorders also have advanced features such as 24p, time code, and XLR Audio inputs that professionals demand. Some of these camcorders have been used in films seen on the big screen, or used for documentaries. The camcorders below are mid-range in price. The professional camcorders below are ones that have met Smart-Review’s ratings for best camcorders. See our glossary of terms at the bottom of the page.

Best Rated Professional Flash Camcorders
(Best features, imagers, and lenses)

Canon Professional XA10	Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40	Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150	Sony HDR-AX2000
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10x Optical Zoom 64GB Dual Flash High Definition 1/3-inch imager 3.5 inch LCD *Native 24p* XLR audio Infrared Night Vision HDMI out f1.8 – 2.8 Lens 30.4mm – 304mm 1080p @ 30fps 1080p @ 24fps 1080 @ 60i	12x Optical Zoom Flash Memory High Definition 3MOS 1/4.1-inch imagers 2.7 inch LCD *Native 24p* Time code HDMI out XLR Audio option 10.6-megapixel f1.8 – 2.8 Lens 40.8 – 490mm 1080p @ 30fps 1080p @ 24fps 1080 @ 60i	13x Optical Zoom Flash Memory High Definition 3ccd 1/3-inch imagers 3.5 inch LCD *Native 24p* XLR audio Time code HDMI out f1.6 – 3.0 Lens 28 – 368mm 1080p @ 30fps 1080p @ 24fps 1080 @ 60i	20x Optical Zoom Flash Memory High Definition 3 CMOS 1/3-inch imagers 3.2 inch LCD Native 24p HDMI out Two XLR Audio Inputs Assignable Buttons Dual Slot for SDHC Card 29.5mm – 590mm 1080 @ 60i 24p, 30p

Best Rated Professional Flash Camcorders
(Best features, imagers, and lenses)

JVC Pro GY-HM150U	Canon XF100 Professional Camcorder	Canon XF300 Professional Camcorder	Sony NEX-VG900 Interchangeable Lens Camcorder
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10x Optical Zoom Flash Memory High Definition 3ccd 1/4-inch imagers 3.5 inch LCD *Native 24p* XLR audio HDMI out f1.8 – 2.8 Lens 39 – 390mm 1080p @ 30fps 1080p @ 24fps 1080 @ 60i 720p @ 60fps 35 mbit/sec record dual card record	10x Optical Zoom Flash Memory High Definition 1/3-inch CMOS Imager 3.5 inch LCD *Native 24p* XLR audio HDMI out f1.8 – 2.8 Lens 30.4mm – 304mm 1080p @ 30fps 1080p @ 24fps 720p @ 60 fps 2 compact flash slots 50 mbit/sec record dual card record	18x Optical Zoom Flash Memory High Definition Three 1/3-inch CMOS Imagers 4.0 inch LCD *Native 24p* XLR audio HDMI out f1.6 – 2.8 Lens 29.3mm – 527.4mm 1080p @ 30fps 1080p @ 24fps 720p @ 60 fps 2 compact flash slots 50 mbit/sec record dual card record	Depends on Lens Flash Memory High Definition 1.4 inch Full Frame CMOS Imager 3.0 inch LCD *Native 24p* XLR audio optional HDMI out uncompressed Interchangeable Lens Interchangeable Lens 1080p @ 60fps 1080p @ 24fps 1080i @ 60 fps 1 sdhc card slot 28 mbit/sec + Uncompressed recording 24 megapixel raw

Best Rated Professional MiniDV Camcorders
(Larger lenses and imagers for best quality, and more features)

Sony HDR-FX7	Sony HVR-HD1000U	Canon XH-A1S	Panasonic Pro AG-DVC20
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20x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/4-inch Imagers 3-CMOS Sensor 3.5-inch Hybrid Touch Panel Assignable buttons 240fps slow motion IEEE1394 interface LANC Terminal Microphone Input	10x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/2.9-inch Imager Super NightShot™ function 2.7-inch LCD screen Smooth Slow Rec HDV 1080/60	20x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/3-inch Imagers 3CCD SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer DIGIC DV II HD Image Processor Custom Functions IEEE 1394 terminal two XLR Terminals manual zoom ring *Native 24p* 2.8-inch LCD f1.6 – 3.5 Lens 32.5mm – 649mm 1080 @60i 1080 @30p 1080 @24p	10x optical zoom MiniDV Tape High Definition 1/6-inch Imagers 3CCD IEEE 1394 DV in/out Color Night View Mic in and audio out Electronic Image Stabilizer

Glossary of Terms

IEEE 1394 = This refers to firewire, which is a connector like USB 2.0 to give a fast connection from your pro camcorder to your computer to transfer video.
XLR Terminals = Only on professional camcorders, XLR Terminals are used primarily as a balanced audio connector for high quality microphones.
Time Code = Using a Time Code allows for synchronization of audio and video. Very useful for editing.
Optical Zoom = This is the maximum zoom using the lens of the camcorder. A 10x zoom brings the action in about 10 times closer at its maximum.
LANC Terminal = This allows Tripods which have a control handle, to connect to the LANC Terminal (through a cable) and allow you to control the camera from the controller on the Tripod.
Flash Memory = This refers to the way the camcorder records video. Flash memory camcorders normally record to memory cards (SDHC or Memory sticks if a Sony). There are some that have no card, and just have a fixed amount of internal memory such as the Flip Camcorders.
Dual Flash = This type of camcorder has both internal memory and can also record to memory cards.
Imager = This refers to the Imager of the camcorder, where the light hits from the lens. This is like the retina of the eye. The larger the imager, the better the quality of the video and better low light performance. High end pro camcorders generally have a larger imager. Larger is better. A 1/2.6-inch imager is double the size of a 1/5.2-inch imager.
Megapixels = This refers to the camera function in the camcorder. This is the amount of megapixels available to take a snapshot picture while using the camcorder.
Dual Card Record = This means that the camcorder can simultaneous record to two memory cards at the same time. Thereby making a perfect backup, should one memory card fail during recording.

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