A new category of single-operator, handheld camera has recently established itself in the tier between traditional ENG/broadcast cameras (based on 2/3″ sensors) and the single-chip Super35-sensor digital cinema cameras we cover extensively in this blog. This current crop of higher-end, all-in-one cinema camcorders use one-inch sensors and have generous zoom ranges, and they’re all capable of recording UHD (the 16:9 version of 4K, 3840×2160 resolution) – most even have high-speed capabilities as well.
Whether you’re looking for a purpose-built video camera alternative to DSLRs, a “B” or “C” camera to cover another angle for your larger projects, a behind the scenes camera to document shoots, or just want to have an extra body handy for “deputized” operators to run around and grab B-roll, we think this class of camera is worth considering. Above, our Handheld Cinema Camcorder Comparison Chart shows an overview of the key technical specs for each camera. These specifications also translate into differences in production workflow, all of which need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right camcorder for your project.
Click the image above to view a larger version of the chart, or download the pdf.
