

The brand’s BIONZ X image processor keeps images crisp. Features include a 12x zoom, big 3.5-inch viewfinder, dual SD card slots, and advanced phase detection AF. The FDR-AX700 uses XAVC S for both 4K and HD recording, with 100 Mbps for 4K, and 50 Mbps for 1080p. Here are some great 4K camcorders that let you step up the quality without overstretching your budget.Ī superbly specified 4K camcorder, the FDR-AX700 has a one-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, and shoots 4K video in both SDR and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) HDR. It doesn't just give you a step up in resolution, it gives you some scope for cropping and panning later while you're editing your videos. Best 4K camcordersĤK video has become the new standard for serious filmmaking.

Given the spec you might be hard pressed to justify spending more, making this one of the best camcorders for filmmakers on a budget. We particularly like the tethered USB cable, which makes it a doddle to recharge the camcorder and copy footage to a PC. The camcorder even has 5.1 audio capture. There’s a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 30x optical zoom, with an impressive 26.8mm wide-angle setting. Optical SteadyShot, with effective Intelligent Active mode technology, goes some way to combating handshake. You can even apply various visual effects without having to faff around with separate editing programs. The camcorder records records simultaneously in XAVC S or AVCHD format and file-sharing friendly MP4 format, and you can edit in-camera using the onboard Highlight Movie Maker. Sony’s HDR-CX405 sells for under £200, but comes with a host of sophisticated tricks to help you make extremely polished movies. You don’t have to spend big to make great movies.
