Searching for the Best video camera for journalists? You’ve come to the right place.
An ideal fit for a journalist is a professional camera that not only offers top-notch performance but is lightweight as well because that’s what matters the most when they are working out on the field to shoot.
Similarly, other important factors involved in the selection of a high-quality camera for journalists involve the price, lens, manual control, sound recording format, image stabilization, and sensor size.
Our list consists of DSMR, professional camcorders, consumer camcorders, and prosumer camcorders to help you choose the right camera according to your needs and budget.
The selection of a journalist camera also depends on the type of video project. The type of project will determine the kind of features a camera should possess and a common example is a documentary journalist camera and a sports journalist video camera; both are different from each other.
Without further ado, let’s explore all the options available for you in the market today.
Best video camera for journalists
All the best cameras for journalists are explained with pros, cons, and other features to help you make a better decision.
1. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder – Cheap video Journalists Camera
Easily, the Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is our top and favorite pick for this article.
This bad boy not only gives professional vibes from its aesthetics but also proves to be the top-notch best camera for journalists.
The sound quality and image quality of the Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder makes it a solid option for documentaries, gatherings, and corporate video recordings.
Moving on, the Canon XA11 is capable of shooting FHD slow-motion videos and comes with an ergonomic and compact design that makes it extremely comfortable and portable to use for news recordings or corporate videos
Similarly, it boasts a 20X optical zoom lens to deliver FHD images and video recordings with its 1920 x 1080 FHD recording capacity. For the best camera for news reporter, this range of capacity is best.
Furthermore, the Canon XA11 is equipped with an electronic viewfinder and a 3.0″ touch screen that can be tilted to record videos effortlessly.
On top of that, the Canon intelligent optical image stabilization system allows you to record smooth shots even if you’re on a run because that’s what journalists usually have to go through.
Furthermore, the Canon XA11 brings two SD card slots and a detachable handle. Records not only videos but audio as well, thanks to the built-in microphones.
It can be used as a live streaming camera for live TV, which makes it a versatile video camera for news reporter and journalists.
Pros
- Versatile
- Ergonomic
Cons
- Expensive
- No 4K recording
2. Sony FDRAX700/B FDR-AX700 4K HDR Camcorder
If you’re looking for more of a high-end camera for journalists, the Sony FDRAX700/B may be the ideal option for you.
The 4K HDR camcorders come with all the bells and whistles that you expect from a high-quality news video camera: lightweight design, superior performance, and professional recordings.
If you have deep pockets, let’s take a look at the features and see if it fits your needs.
Starting with the resolution, the Sony FDRAX700/B can shoot 4K UHD videos effortlessly. It comes with a one-inch large sensor that allows the unit to achieve superior performance even in low light conditions.
The Sony FDRAX700/B is capable of shooting super slow motions as well as fast autofocus. The ergonomic design makes it better than many DSLRs. Extremely easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of tinkering around to use it.
The image quality is perfect; the sound quality is top-notch, making this unit a highly considerable pick for documentaries and live event videos.
The Sony FDRAX700/B comes with four different configurations allowing you to use it according to your situation, and is loaded with a handful of features, making it a solid pick for professional production.
The best part of this camera is the inclusion of a multi-interface shoe that provides a coordinated on/off switch, signal connections, and power to compatible accessories.
Pros
- 4K recording
- Great sound quality
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- No XLR input or top handle
3. Canon XF400 Professional Camcorder
Canon is a well-known name in the camera industry; calling it a dominator won’t be wrong.
A talk related to cameras is incomplete if there’s not at least one Canon camera discussed. Having said that, the Canon XF400 is our next choice for professional journalists.
The Canon XF400 isn’t a cheap unit, but what it has to offer will leave you speechless. Yeah, expect a hefty broadcast camera price tag before I explain what I’m comes with.
The Canon XF400 is a 4K recording camera at 60/50 fps or 1080p at 120 fps. With the help of a one-inch bigger sensor, the Canon XF400 ensures you can record top-notch videos even in low light conditions without compromising the image quality.
The image stabilization features and a zoom range of 26-383mm make it one of the best cameras with maximum zoom. It is the best camera for news reporting.
The dual-pixel autofocus is ultra-fast which isn’t possible with any other camera on the market, making Canon XF400 the only new camera to possess this feature.
The 15x optical zoom lens is what you may see in cheaper cameras out there. For unlimited recording, the Canon XF400 comes with dual SD card slots allowing you to record FHD videos for as long as possible.
The electronic viewfinder and 3.5-inch LCD touch panel help a lot while recording videos in tough situations like gatherings or meetings.
The compact design makes it extremely portable and suitable to use for a range of purposes like broadcasts, event videography, news gatherings, or corporate videos. It can record both slow and fast motion.
Finally, it comes in four different styles and features HDMI 2.0 terminal and flexible audio inputs.
Pros
- Extremely compact and portable
- 4K video recording with solid sound quality
- Versatile
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Not a perfect option for broadcast
Review
Conclusion
Best video cameras for journalists. So, the selection of the right camera for journalists depends on a range of factors, including price, size, and type of camera. However, there are way cheaper options available in the market.
But a professional journalist understands the worth of a dramatic scene captured, and if it’s done with a poor-quality camera, it can lose its worth as well.
Plus, the audience is always expecting clear shots either you have to spend a fortune on the cameras or whatever. I hope you will be able to choose the best camera for journalism students and professionals from this article.
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