What Makes a Good Camcorder for Kids?

Many people don’t know that camcorders are different from ordinary cameras. These recording devices, in their prime, were sought after by video professionals. However, it seems that the bulky form factor really took a toll on their popularity. Nowadays, people are more attracted to compact alternatives than these bulky units. The truth of the matter is that camcorders are still powerful, but that doesn’t negate the notion that they’re rather obsolete. Besides the cumbersome design, they’re first and foremost recording devices, in which photography performance sometimes becomes a trade-off. It takes a special model to render vibrant colors, good tonal contrast, and adequate sharpness.

Is a camcorder still worth it? While it may not be the best all-rounder, it still possesses unique qualities that make it difficult to topple. A camcorder is specifically built for recording, so you can count on its ability to record superb videos. It also offers many saving options. You can record to a DVD or another external storage like a memory card or a hard drive. Additionally, these devices are known to have versatile lenses, which give photographers the ultimate freedom regarding composition and sophisticated aesthetic control. What makes a good camcorder for kids? We’ll give a rundown of things that make a camcorder worth buying, so please take a couple of minutes to read the summary below.

What makes a good camcorder for kids? How to choose the best ones?

1. High resolution

This is a defining feature of any recording device. The higher the resolution, the greater the amount of detail it can reproduce. It allows you to zoom in on footage that is free of pixelation. Besides, it also makes it possible to view recordings on larger screens without fear that they’ll look blurry.

2. Long zoom range

This is another important area in which video cameras are good at. Camcorders aren’t the most reliable when it comes to low light performance, but they make up for the shortcoming with longer zoom lenses. Some products support over 20X zoom, something you’ll have a hard time finding in cameras that pack bigger sensors. The versatility is equivalent to the power of a multiple-lens setup in a DSLR.

3. Long-lasting battery

A good camcorder for kids should have a long-lasting battery. Fortunately, power is one of the average camcorder’s strong suits. If you need a device that offers hours of uninterrupted recording time, you can do no wrong with a camcorder. They somehow go to extremes in this respect, which is why the moniker is very fitting since they’re essentially handhelds for capturing lengthy sessions like wedding ceremonies, live concerts, etc. What’s more perplexing is that some products include an additional battery for extra usage time. When one is fully depleted, you can insert the stock battery and get it up and running again.

Read Also: Kid Youtube Equipment

4. Crisp audio

A built-in mic is the norm for many camcorders. But if the quality falls short, go for a high-end variant. A more expensive camcorder will surely deliver a crystal clear sound output. Not only that, it’s also teeming with audio features that rarely exist in entry-level ones. These additions are necessary to produce balanced audio.

5. Reasonable price

Never randomly purchase a camcorder before you’re certain about the quality. After all, you’d want your money to be well spent. These devices are vastly diverse, with some hitting the $1,000 mark. There are ones priced at less than $100, but are they worth it? Well, price and quality go together. That’s the concept you should bear in mind. In rare cases, cheap units can also punch above the price point.

6. Age

Ease of operation matters when choosing a camcorder for a child. Expensive models are usually feature-rich, so it’s best to steer clear of them if your kid is just getting started. Go for a low-cost or medium-priced camera because it’s more kid-friendly in its setup.

Best Camcorder for Kids and Families

1. Sony HDR-CX405/B

The cinematic quality of this camcorder is out of this world. Add it to the fact that it has powerful Steadyshot image stabilization and a 1080p FULL HD resolution at 60p and you’ll get near flawless video recordings. On top of that, it also delivers a long operation time thanks to its NP-BX1 lithium-ion battery. Apart from its astounding quality, this unit stands out above the competition with its reasonable price. Basically, buying this unit means you don’t have to compromise quality for price. You can get it without breaking the bank. And guess what? For the price, it already packs a 26.8mm Zeiss lens for wide capturing, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and a 30x optical zoom to bring faraway objects closer. The stabilization technology is simply amazing, and it greatly helps kids who still have a problem with unsteady hands. The same goes for the generous battery life that promises about 2 hours of continuous taping. What about first-class features? It’s unlikely to expect a slew of premium features given the price point, but it knocks it out of the park for the sum you pay.

2. Canon VIXIA HF R800

It might not be the pinnacle of Canon’s camcorder range, but it holds a special place in the hearts of many Canon fans. There’s a lot we can discuss about this elongated recording device. The cylinder form factor is reminiscent of other camcorders. There’s also a large screen fitted on the left-hand side that you can swing outwards or fold back into place. The video quality is good, especially in bright settings. Taken in indoors, grain starts becoming tangible. Auto exposure allows you to achieve an optimum shooting condition. Just avoid zooming in too far because this tends to cause chromatic aberration. The image stabilization does an exceptional job of keeping vibrations under control. Overall, this device makes a perfect pick for a kid starting to study videography. It has a 3.28 MP CMOS image sensor combined with a 1920 x 1080 res to capture video footage with lots of fine detail. The mammoth set of features further boosts its value. Aside from the ones already mentioned, this unit comes equipped with a 3.0-inch LCD display, a DIGIC DV 4 image processor, and support for SDXC cards.

3. Panasonic HC-V180K

The first impression of this product might not be too convincing, but we must remember that price is commensurate with quality. This item doesn’t belong in the upper tier with other exorbitant models. In fact, for the type of technology it is, it is quite affordable.It can record 1080p videos at 60 frames per second.The manufacturer also crams a 1/5.8-inch BSI MOS sensor into this compact device. Another exciting feature is the 90x intelligent zoom, which magnifies the subject through a combination of digital and optical zoom. Moreover, it has a wide-angle lens that helps fit more into the photo. In case you’re concerned about shaky footage, there’s 5-axis image stabilization at work to soften small jitters. Blur is a common problem with recording using a handheld device, but it’s addressed properly here. You can expect stable and sharp footage while recording. The inclusion of the Level Shot function also pays dividends as it’s constantly on the alert for incorrect tilting and fixes it automatically. Last but not least, the variety of effects will let your creative juices flow. There are silent movies, miniature effects, and more to achieve subtle nuances in shots.

4. Hojocojo 4K Video Camera with IR Night Vision, WiFi, 18X Digital Zoom

This camcorder can crank video resolution up to 4K and image resolution of 48MP. It’s also rammed with features like time-lapse recording, 18 digital zoom, and night vision to ease camerawork in every way possible. The last one enhances visibility when the sun goes away. And then, it features a 3-inch IPS display, which provides a satisfactory viewing experience. Talking about the night vision specifically, it features an integrated IR LED light to record quality videos in dim lighting. Even when it’s completely dark, this combination helps the cam pick up activity. The 2-pack batteries give you long hours of continuous shooting. One battery, when fully charged, can last anywhere between 90 and 150 minutes. A remote control is also included in the package, which transmits on the 2.4GHz frequency band. It works within a radius of 50 feet. Moreover, this camcorder offers Wifi support. You can establish a connection by installing the XDV PRO app. After successful pairing, you can control the device from afar with your smartphone. Other notable features worth checking out are autofocus, a built-in mic, and motion detection.

5. Heegomn Camcorder with Microphone, 2.7K Full HD, 42.0 MP, 18X Digital Zoom

The first camcorder for your kid doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This one is quite affordable compared to other models that can cost thousands of dollars. At $80, you can grab this unit with a handful of compelling features. Let’s start with the ultra HD 2.7K video resolution and 42MP for stills. That’s a killer combination for a device in this price segment. It also features an 18x digital zoom, which allows you to get in closer to the subject without moving the camera. Meanwhile, the 3-inch display features a swiveling mechanism of up to 270 degrees. In summary, this video camera isn’t deprived of basic functionalities. The only absentees are those typically present in flagship models. The essential ones, like motion detection, built-in light, and time lapse, are available. It even nails the price-to-performance ratio with its face recognition and anti-shaking technology. All these features make this affordable camcorder a worthwhile investment. There’s also a mic embedded in it, but quality-wise, the proof is in the pudding. Putting it to the test is how you know if it lives up to your expectations or not. On another note, the battery serves longevity with up to 150 minutes of recording time.

Are camcorders still worth buying?

Yes, we’ve mentioned several reasons that make camcorders valuable in the midst of the influx of compact and portable recording devices. Long battery life, incomparable zoom range, internal storage galore, fantastic video quality, are some of the factors that make these items irreplaceable, even if they’re deemed too chunky for today’s standards. It’s not the most captivating all-rounder, but for recording, it shows us how it’s done.

What is a good brand of camcorder?

The camcorder market is still dominated by long-time players. Brands like Sony, Canon, and Panasonic are inescapable. In fact, they have not one, but multiple awesome offerings. They’re diverse in price, technology, and features. There’s the general consensus that hefty price tags equate to greater quality. That’s true in a way, but everyone has different needs. A costly camcorder is probably not what your kid needs right now, even if it demonstrates impressive capabilities and features.

What is the best cheap camcorder for a family?

The last two products in this review are quite budget-friendly. If you need more options, Amazon has them aplenty. Just visit the marketplace and then type in keywords like “camcorders for kids.” You’ll get many relevant results.

Conclusion

What makes a good camcorder for kids? We’ve outlined a few things that make a camcorder suitable for kids. Although they still keep the bulky form factor, it doesn’t impair their ability to capture HD videos. Besides, camcorders come in all shapes and sizes. Some are on the heavier side, while others are quite compact for use by young children. The ergonomic design of these chunky devices also helps provide better traction, which is beneficial when your grip is slippery.

Besides, they’re suited for handling with gloves on. In terms of performance, they can be quite powerful, especially when you use them for continuous recording. The quality on this front is commendable. If you’re looking for a device to record your kid’s memorable moments, a camcorder is insanely fun to use. A high-end model will be able to live up to any outdoor challenge. What’s more, it’s also jam-packed with protective features that make it excel in any environment. The ones relating to shooting, like hand-shake detection, zoom lenses, autofocus, and stabilization, should be well-developed, too.