Camcorder for family vacations and casual shooting

Proxiton

Hi all,

I am looking for a camcorder to bring on vacations, special events and so forth. Key features for me is 4K, auto-mode, versatility and solid stabilization.

I've been looking at Sony AX53 and the Panasonic VXF1, but am struggling to decide between the two. While I like the Sony due to it's excellent stabilization, it's a 2016-model. The Panasonic (at least on paper), appears to be the better camera of the two. In real life however, I'm not so sure.

Unfortunately no shops near me have either, so I can't go to a store to try/compare them.

I'm also wondering if there are other/better choices that I've overlooked.

I'd appreciate any and all advice from people from people in the forum. Thanks in advance!

stearman65

As opposed to a camcorder, have you considered a DSLR Bridge camera, such as the Panasonic FZ1000 Mk2, get the best of both worlds?

Terfyn

It depends on what you want the camera for. Video or photos.
The VXF1 will take very decent photos but will give you more options for video work than the FZ1000. I have the V800 which is the HD version of the VXF1 and I can vouch for the quality of the stills but I like the large range of options for video on the V800 plus I find the quality of the videos excellent. I have an Olympus for stills but I find the dual role of the V800 very useful.

Do not underestimate the Panasonic OIS system. There are two OIS systems in the VFX1 mechanical and electronic. Again using my experience with the V800, great stability in handheld mode, and if pushed over the limit (for example:- handheld in a boat on rough water or using tele zoom handheld) I find Mercalli stabilises the picture when the Panasonic OIS is pushed beyond limits.

12harry

The choice of a new camera/camcorder is very difficult - ideally join a local Film-Making Club where they will have dozens of Opinions ( and maybe one of these models). Usually, the first two "meets" are free, so it need not be expensive.
Your headline says "Casual shooting" yet you have eliminated the Sony AX33 - why?  Are you price-driven, perhaps?
Perhaps also give some idea of yr photo-experience...
IMHO, A more-expensive camera/camcorder won't be "Easier" - far better to buy something cheaper which will have more obvious  "Auto-Modes" since this is where the main Consumer Market lies. However, "new" models are always more expensive so as to attract punters - this has the advantage the older models are often reduced . . .  and "should" have any flaws removed...

You will also have to consider how the hundreds of v-clips will be Edited - Ideally, you have a PLAN beforehand:  ( OR you can work day-by-day as the holiday happens )....  However, editing can be a chore and you need are reasonably new/powerful PC to do it. Modern software packages from about £50 offer 30-day free trial  - but may require an OS using 64-bits ( that's how the Market is moving ).


By all means consider a "Bridge Camera" - they offer most of what folk want in a more-or less compact package, with a larger Sensor than a camcorder. However, by comparison, they can be unwieldy and have limited battery-power ( but you can buy an extra battery ). Also the lens-extension potentially could attract dirt - but then no camera should be taken to the seaside or desert  . . . a Go-Pro is probably safe - but produces poor stills IMHO, as it has a fixed wide-angle lens/sensor.
Most camcorders in "Stills-Mode" will take very reasonable "Stills" -OR- you can take a still-frame off video, although this is inferior in terms of number of pixels.
The latest Pana Bridge is FZ2000, but it's nearly £200-more than the  1000-model.

Cheers.