Camcorder

The Best Camcorders for Live Streaming (2023 Update)

This is a complete list of camcorders I use and trust for live streaming corporate events, church services, concerts, podcasts, sports, theater, and other multicam productions.

In this guide you'll find:

Let's get started...

Camcorders

Camcorders in this list are single camera units that always include:

  • A built-in lens
  • Optical zoom greater than 10x
  • Servo/motorized zoom, focus, and iris
  • Internal audio and video recording
  • Clean video output (even while recording internally)

Camcorders in this list may also include:

  • The ability to remotely control lens functions and camera settings
  • Built-in live streaming

I only recommend products I use and trust. When you buy through links here, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Why You Can Trust Me

Panasonic HC-X2

Best Overall Camcorder

Panasonic HC-X2

Get Price at Amazon
Image Quality: 4/10 Dynamic Range: 2/10 Low Light Performance: 2/10 Live Features: 5/10 Overall Value: 7/10 How I Choose Scores

This camcorder is so close to perfect!

The HC-X2 offers a long list of impressive features that include recording and output for formats up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps, full 4:2:2 10-bit recording, Panasonic's V-Log and V-Gamut, simultaneous HDMI and 3G-SDI output, USB webcam output, internal RTMP/RTSP streaming, wired and wireless control options, an abundance of independent image controls, dual SD card slots, and built-in assist functions like a waveform and vectorscope.

And, while I'm not a big fan of streaming directly from a camera, this model provides great streaming options and high bitrates for the times it is needed.

This sets the new standard for what a modern camcorder should be. Just about the only things that could make it better are a Panasonic wired remote controller and a 12G-SDI output.

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • HDMI and SDI outputs can be used simultaneously
  • Internal streaming that is actually usable
  • Synchro Scan shutter speed adjustment to minimize flicker/banding from lighting and LED walls

Cons

  • Only 3G-SDI output
  • Wired remote operation requires third party solutions
Framing Distances
Full Shot 7.5' - 150'
2.25m - 45m
Medium Shot 3' - 60'
0.9m - 18m
Specifications
Sensor Size 1"
Lens 8.8mm – 176mm
24.5mm - 490mm (35mm equivalent)
20x optical zoom
f/2.8 - 4.5
Internal Recording Codecs HEVC/H.265
H.264
Internal Recording Formats 3840 x 2160 up to 59.94 fps
1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps (119.88 fps in Super Slow mode)
1280 x 720 up to 59.94 fps
Recording Media 2 x SD memory card slots (UHS-I)
Video I/O 1 x 3G-SDI output
1 x HDMI output (Type A - Full Size)
Video Output Formats 3840 x 2160 up to 59.94 fps (HDMI only)
1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps (HDMI and SDI)
Audio I/O 2 x XLR audio mic/line inputs
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo headphone output
Other I/O 1 x BNC timecode input/output
1 x USB-C (network tethering or file transfer to a computer)
1 x 2.5mm remote input
1 x RJ45 LAN input/output (IP streaming and control)
Wireless 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (IP streaming and control)
Power Options 1 x AG-VBR59 rechargeable battery (included)
1 x AC power adapter (included)
Canon XA65

Best Value Camcorder

Canon XA65

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Image Quality: 2/10 Dynamic Range: 1/10 Low Light Performance: 1/10 Live Features: 4/10 Overall Value: 6/10 How I Choose Scores

The XA series has a long history in this list, and in general, for being a consistent and reliable value.

And Canon just continues to improve and refine it with each new iteration, so this model showing up near the top is no surprise.

If you want a no frills workhorse that gets the job done and gets out of your way, look no further.

If you don't need SDI output and want to save a few bucks then check out the Canon XA60, the same camera as the XA65 minus the 3G-SDI output.

As a bonus, this will be a near identical match to the Canon CR-N300 PTZ camera. So the pair is a no-brainer if you want a system with a mix of PTZs and manned camcorders.

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • 2.5mm LANC port for remote camera/lens control
  • Simultaneous internal UHD recording and video output
  • Dual SD memory card slots

Cons

  • Meh low-light performance
  • HDMI Type C Mini port is easily prone to failure
  • 4K UHD recording and output limited to 30 fps
Framing Distances
Full Shot 8.5' - 170'
2.6m - 52m
Medium Shot 3.5' - 70'
1m - 20m
Specifications
  1. Simultaneous HDMI and SDI output not possible
Sensor Size 1/2.3"
Lens 3.67mm - 73.4mm
29.3mm - 601mm (35mm equivalent)
20x optical zoom
f/1.8 - 2.8
Internal Recording Codecs H.264
Internal Recording Formats 3840 x 2160 up to 29.97 fps
1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps
Recording Media Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O 1 x 3G-SDI*
1 x HDMI (Type C - Micro)*
1 x USB-C webcam output (limited to video only up to 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps)
Video Output Formats 1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps*
1920 x 1080 up to 30 fps (USB-C webcam output)
Audio I/O 2 x XLR audio mic/line inputs
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo mic/line input
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo headphone output
Other I/O 1 x 2.5mm remote input
Wireless N/A
Power Options 1 x BP-820 rechargeable Battery (included)
1 x PD-E1 USB AC power adapter (included)
Canon G70

Best Budget Camcorder

Canon G70

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Image Quality: 2/10 Dynamic Range: 1/10 Low Light Performance: 1/10 Live Features: 4/10 Overall Value: 8/10 How I Choose Scores

The Canon G70 is one of the few camcorders to successfully bring professional features and performance to an affordable consumer price point.

It includes the same sensor, lens, recording formats, and many of the same features found in the Canon XA65 and XA60 (both found in the professional category below). That means we get simultaneous recording and clean HDMI output, dual SD memory card slots, a dedicated remote port for control of camera and lens settings, and USB-C webcam output up to 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, and all without sacrificing any image quality.

And, as a bonus, this will be a near identical match to the Canon CR-N300 PTZ camera. So the pair is a no-brainer if you want a system with a mix of PTZs and manned camcorders.

Pros

  • 20x optical zoom
  • Dedicated remote port
  • USB-C webcam output
  • Dual SD memory card slots

Cons

  • No 4K UHD HDMI output
  • No audio in webcam output
  • HDMI Mini port is fragile
Framing Distances
Full Shot 9' - 180'
2.75m - 55m
Medium Shot 3.5' - 70'
1m - 20m
Specifications
  1. USB-C outputs webcam video only at either 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 with a maximum frame rate of 30 fps
  2. Output frame rate is limited to a maximum of 30 fps for all 4K UHD recording formats
Sensor Size 1/2.3"
Lens 3.67mm - 73.4mm
29.3mm - 601mm (35mm equivalent)
20x optical zoom
f/1.8 - 2.8
Internal Recording Codecs H.264
Internal Recording Formats 3840 x 2160 up to 29.97 fps1
1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps
Recording Media Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O 1 x HDMI (Type C - Micro)
1 x USB-C webcam output1
Video Output Formats 1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps2
Audio I/O 1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo mic/line input
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo headphone output
Other I/O 1 x USB-C (GPS)
1 x 2.5mm remote input (compatible with the RC-V100 Remote Controller)
Wireless N/A
Power Options 1 x BP-820 rechargeable Battery (included)
1 x PD-E1 USB AC power adapter (included)
Canon XF605

The Best Camcorder Money Can Buy

Canon XF605

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Image Quality: 4/10 Dynamic Range: 3/10 Low Light Performance: 2/10 Live Features: 5/10 Overall Value: 7/10 How I Choose Scores

Top-notch image quality (for a camcorder) and 12G-SDI output set this model apart from the rest.

This is another near-perfect camcorder. But, alas, it still has some downsides...

The 15x optical zoom will be a limitation for longer distances and sporting events. But it does have a 30x equivalent digital zoom if you run HD outputs, so it's not a complete deal breaker.

The streaming and webcam features also feel like afterthoughts, leaving much more to be desired in those categories. I basically consider them pointless and don't recommend them.

But, if you want a camcorder with excellent image quality, can do without webcam and streaming features, and are fine with 15x optical zoom, then this will be an excellent camera.

As a bonus, this will be a near identical match to the Canon CR-N700. This pair is a no-brainer if you want a system with a mix of PTZs and camcorders.

Pros

  • 12G-SDI output
  • Simultaneous HDMI and SDI output
  • 4:2:2 10-bit intra-frame recording formats
  • A variety of wired and wireless remote control options
  • Paired with the RC-V100 Remote Controller, it's the ultimate camcorder setup for live production
  • Clear Scan shutter speed adjustment to minimize flicker/banding from lighting and LED walls

Cons

  • 15x optical zoom can be limiting for some environments
  • No RTMP/RTMPS streaming protocols
  • USB-C webcam output limited to 1024 x 576 resolution
Framing Distances
Full Shot 8' - 111'
2.5m - 33.5m
Medium Shot 3.1' - 45'
1m - 13.5m
Specifications
Sensor Size 1"
Lens 8.3mm – 124.5mm
25.5mm - 382.5mm (35mm equivalent)
15x optical zoom
f/2.8 - 4.5
Internal Recording Codecs HEVC/H.265
H.264
Internal Recording Formats 3840 x 2160 up to 59.94 fps
1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps
Recording Media 2 x SD memory card slots
Video I/O 1 x 12G-SDI output
1 x HDMI output (Type A - Full Size)
1 x USB-C webcam output (limited to video only at 1024 x 576 and 30 fps)
Video Output Formats 1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps
1024 x 576 at 30 fps (USB-C webcam output)
Audio I/O 2 x XLR audio mic/line inputs
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo audio mic/line input
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo headphone output
Other I/O 1 x BNC genlock input/output
1 x BNC timecode input/output
1 x 2.5mm remote input
1 x 8-Pin D-sub remote port (compatible with RC-V100 Remote Controller and RS-422)
1 x RJ45 LAN input/output (IP streaming and control)
Wireless 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi (IP streaming and control)
Power Options 1 x BP-A30 rechargeable Battery (included)
1 x CA-CP200 L compact power adapter (included)
Canon XA75

Another Great Camcorder

Canon XA75

Get Price at Amazon
Image Quality: 3/10 Dynamic Range: 2/10 Low Light Performance: 2/10 Live Features: 4/10 Overall Value: 6/10 How I Choose Scores

Take the Canon XA65 and give it a larger 1" sensor. What you get in return is significantly better image quality and low light performance, albeit with a 25% loss in optical zoom and a higher price tag.

So if you're hoping for better image quality and low-light performance than the XA65 and can sacrifice a bit of zoom range, then this will be a great option.

Also, if you don't need SDI output and want to save a few bucks then check out the Canon XA70, the same camera and features as the XA75 minus the 3G-SDI output.

As a bonus, this will be a near identical match to the Canon CR-N500. This pair is a no-brainer if you want a system with a mix of PTZs and camcorders.

Pros

  • Better image quality and low-light performance than the G70 / XA60 / XA65
  • 3G-SDI output
  • 2.5mm LANC port for remote camera/lens control
  • Simultaneous internal UHD recording and video output
  • Dual SD Memory Card Slots

Cons

  • HDMI Type C Mini port is prone to failure
  • Simultaneous SDI and HDMI output is not possible
  • UHD formats limit recording and outputs to 30 fps or less
Framing Distances
Full Shot 6.75' - 100'
2m - 30m
Medium Shot 2.75'-41'
0.85m - 12.75m
Specifications
  1. Simultaneous HDMI and SDI output not possible
Sensor Size 1"
Lens 8.3mm – 124.5mm
25.5mm - 382.5mm (35mm equivalent)
15x optical zoom
f/2.8 - 4.5
Internal Recording Codecs H.264
Internal Recording Formats 3840 x 2160 up to 29.97 fps
1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps
Recording Media Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O 1 x 3G-SDI*
1 x HDMI (Type C - Micro)*
1 x USB-C webcam output (limited to video only up to 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps)
Video Output Formats 1920 x 1080 up to 59.94 fps*
1920 x 1080 up to 30 fps (USB-C webcam output)
Audio I/O 2 x XLR audio mic/line inputs
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo mic/line input
1 x 3.5mm TRS stereo headphone output
Other I/O 1 x 2.5mm remote input
Wireless N/A
Power Options 1 x BP-820 rechargeable Battery (included)
1 x PD-E1 USB AC power adapter (included)

Why You Can Trust Me

I started my career over 23 years ago as a freelance live and ENG camera operator for broadcast television networks including ABC, FOX Sports, and Speed Channel. Since then, I have spent countless hours with hundreds of different cameras throughout 25 different countries. Additionally, I have spent the last decade running this website and consulting with organizations to help them find the right cameras and maximize their results. Learn more about Joel

How I Choose Scores

Every camera on this site gets scored for performance and overall value. Scores for each camera are calculated in the context of all other cameras and camera categories.

As a result, you may see lower or higher average scores for some characteristics in certain categories. For example, camcorders will typically receive lower than average scoring for image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance and higher than average scoring for live features, while mirrorless cameras typically receive the opposite.

Image Quality

Image quality takes into account many factors including image noise, sharpness, color science, color accuracy, dynamic range, the ability to adjust the image to a specific style, etc.

Considerations include:

  • Accuracy of skin tones
  • Accuracy of saturated colors
  • Amount of details visible in highlights and shadows
  • Amount of noise in the final image
  • Amount of ghosting, chromatic aberration, and distortion in the image
  • How much work is required to achieve a pleasing final image
  • How much light is required to achieve the cleanest image

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range refers to how much detail is retained in highlights and shadows. The higher the dynamic range, the more detail that remains in bright highlights and dark shadows.

Dynamic range can also affect color saturation. A low dynamic range can cause unwanted clipping and/or smearing of saturated colors, as well as inaccurate shifting of colors in some situations.

For context, the ARRI ALEXA 35 currently sets the standard for a perfect 10/10 dynamic range. So if you wonder why these scores may seem low, it's because the bar has been set very high.

Low-Light Performance

This one is fairly self-explanatory.

But, first of all, I want to be clear that I always recommend providing adequate quality light if at all possible (see the lighting section of First Things First).

However, it does help knowing just how clean of an image to expect with less-than-ideal lighting, and is often a good indication of how clean the image is in general.

You will notice that camcorders and PTZs generally score much lower for this characteristic while mirrorless, cinema, and studio cameras score much higher. This is simply due to the nature of how camcorders and PTZs are made, with smaller sensors and built-in lenses that have variable apertures (an aperture that closes as the lens is zoomed in).

Live Features

Live features include remote control of camera and lens settings, built-in on-air tally indicators, built-in intercom for communication with director and crew, ability to add external viewfinders and monitors, remote power, and the ability to do everything through as few cables as possible.

Studio cameras and camcorders usually score higher while mirrorless cameras and cinema cameras might score lower.

Overall Value

This is the most subjective score, and is my overall opinion of the camera.

You may see lower scores here from cameras in both price extremes, with higher scores coming from cameras that tend to provide more performance and features for reasonable prices.

"Bang for the buck" is the key phrase here.

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