Best Prosumer Camcorder For Mac - destspecasli1972’s diary

Check out our comparison and find the best camcorder now! Rajib looked at the best professional camcorders in 2018 (as an alternative to DSLRs) and picked the to 9 from ✔ Sony, ✔ Canon, ✔ Panasonic; If you want to take your videos to the next level you should consider a. Editor's choice video-camera Deals Save over $200 Panasonic HC-WXF991K Camcorder w/4K Resolution After testing several camcorders, we chose the Panasonic HC-WXF991K as our top pick. 2018 has already welcomed a barrage of new cameras equipped with 4K video recording, and now almost every major camera manufacturer has implemented 4K shooting somewhere in their lines.

Canon Prosumer Camcorder
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Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Rundown

Best Overall: Panasonic 4K Camcorder at Amazon, “This is firmly a high-end camcorder.”
Runner-Up, Best Overall:Panasonic HD Camcorder at Amazon, “The right balance of features, hardware, design, value, and convenience.”
Best Value: Canon VIXIA HF R800 at Amazon, “delivers outstanding 1080p picture quality at a modest price point.”
Best Zoom: Nikon Coolpix P1000 at Amazon, “Features a 3,000mm optical lens — Nikon’s most powerful zoom lens to date.”
Best for Beginners:Sony HD Handycam at Amazon, “A great introductory camera for teenagers and first-timers.”
Best for Action:YI 4K Action Camera at Amazon at Amazon, “Enjoy its array of modes, including Time Lapse, Slow Motion, Timer, and Burst.”
Runner-Up, Best for Action:Vivitar DVR914HD at Walmart, “Astounding from a price-to-features perspective.”
Best Budget: AKASO EK7000 at Amazon, 'Offering 4K shooting capabilities at a reasonable price .. a truly amazing action camera.'

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder with Wi-Fi

4.7

UHD/4K video still hasn’t quite reached maturity, but it’s only a matter of time. As the hardware infrastructure continues to proliferate and support both wired and wireless platforms, the video capture devices become a bit more affordable. For now, though, they’re still pretty expensive, and the Panasonic HC-WXF991K is no different. At just under $900, this is firmly a high-end camcorder. But the 4K Ultra HD recording, LEICA Decoma Lens 20x optical zoom range and in-camera effects and editing modes really seal the deal. There isn’t a whole lot in the realm of features—it’s got in-camera dolly, zoom and cropping effects, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity and a hybrid optical image stabilization—but the 4K shooting is the real selling point here. That alone ensures its compatibility for the next several years.

Find out how to use one of these devices in our guide to how to use a video camera.

Interested in 4K? Read the reviews in our roundup of the best 4K video cameras.

Runner-Up, Best Overalll: Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder

4.2

The HC-V770, Panasonic managed to find the right balance of features, hardware, design, value and convenience. It features all the connectivity hardware you should expect from a modern camcorder, and all the features needed to capture beautiful footage. The HC-V770 has 20x optical zoom with a 4-drive lens system, HDR (high dynamic range) video capture, Back Side Illumination (BSI) sensor that suppresses noise, and Full-HD (1080p) slow motion video capture. With Wi-Fi and NFC you can instantly connect to your phone, broadcast in real time and control the cam from your mobile device. It’s also got a bunch of creative filters and effects, and high-quality sound recording. It doesn’t stand out in any one department, but rather hits the mark across the board.

Best Value: Canon VIXIA HF R800

3.5

For family outings and home videos, the Canon HF R800 delivers outstanding 1080p picture quality at a modest price point. Similar to the Canon R82 model, the R800 also boasts powerful zoom ability, just at a lower cost. With an optical zoom of 57x, faraway figures come into clear focus; not even the moody teenagers can escape from being featured in your home movies. Also, for sports tournaments and other high-action events, the R800 offers advanced stabilization controls, ensuring smooth, distortion-free camera work. For extra flair, you can even film slow-motion videos or create a time-lapse.

In addition to capturing HD 1920 x 1080 footage, you’ll enjoy the enhanced brightness and visual quality from the R800’s DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor which captures more light, eliminating noise from even the darkest scenes. At 8.5 ounces, the camera’s body fits snugly in your hand, and the 3-inch LCD touchscreen offers an easy-to-read, user-friendly interface.

Best Zoom: Nikon Coolpix P1000

4.2

For travelers, sports-photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the Coolpix P1000 takes you into the heart of the action. It features a 3,000mm optical lens — Nikon’s most powerful zoom lens to date. Additionally, the P1000 shoots in brilliant ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and records true stereo sound directly through the in-camera audio. The Coolpix works well in low-lighting or action-heavy scenarios, using auto-focus, image stabilization, and other pre-programmed settings that capture the best possible visuals for you.

The Coolpix’s 125X zoom opens up new possibilities, allowing you to shoot far-off subjects, like a flock of birds, as well as extreme macro-shots of flower petals or other overlooked scenes from nature. It also lets you expand your creative horizons with a host of other special features including time-lapse and RAW shooting. The Coolpix P1000 weighs 3.12 pounds, measures 5.8 x 7.1 x 4.7 inches, and contains a 3.2-inch LCD display.

Best for Beginners: Sony HD Video Recording HDRCX405 Handycam

3.3

The camcorder market has traditionally been dominated by Sony and Panasonic. In the age before the smartphone, they produced a good bulk of low- to high-end camcorders for all purposes. Now the market for budget versions of these devices has grown super tight, with only a few options available. Really, what’s the point of buying a cheap camcorder if your phone can accomplish the same thing? Among devices that offer actual value for a budget, the Sony HDRCX405 is the best camcorder around, and a great introductory camera for teenagers and first-timers. It shoots Full HD (1920x1080) video at 60p with a 30x optical and 60x clear image (digital) zoom. It’s got a 2.7-inch clear LCD display with face detection, a 9.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, SensorSteadyShot image stabilization, and an intelligent auto mode. The tech is pretty basic, but it’s certainly a contender for any budget/value camcorder, especially for anyone who is a beginner video camera user.

Also check out our picks for the best camcorders for kids.

Best for Action: YI 4K Sports and Action Video Camera (US Edition)

4.6

Don’t miss a moment with the YI 4K sports and action video camera. With a 155-degree wide-angle lens and housing the new generation Ambarella A9SE75 chip, it records video in 4K/30fps (100mbps), 1080p/120fps and 720p/240fps, plus shoots 12MP photos. If you’re on the artistic side, you’ll also enjoy its array of modes, including Time Lapse, Slow Motion, Timer, and Burst.

The camera itself has a sporty design that includes a 2.2-inch, 330ppi high-res and high sensitivity retina touch screen with Gorilla Glass. Its rechargeable 1400mAh high-voltage 4.4V lithium-ion battery can record up to 120 minutes of 4K/30fps video on a single charge, so you don’t need to worry about missing any of the action. It features built-in image stabilization as well, with a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer that detect tilts and motion changes and compensates accordingly.

Canon Prosumer Camcorder

Take a look at other product reviews and shop for the best action video cameras available online.

Runner-Up, Best for Action: Vivitar DVR914HD

This Vivitar option is astounding from a price-to-features perspective. The direct-sunlight-friendly display is two inches, and it lets you see what you’re shooting as it’s happening, without the need to look on your phone like GoPro. Though, if you do want to connect it to a phone via Wi-Fi, it has that functionality built in as well. The 16.1MP sensor on the camera will give you plenty of pixels to work with, which is great, because the crowning feature of this action cam is that it can shoot in up to 4K resolution.

The device comes in a waterproof case and includes a separate remote control for filming more precarious, one-handed activities. There are HDMI and USB outputs for getting the data off the camera, and there’s an SD card slot that lets you bolster the storage up to 64GB. It all comes in an ultra tiny package of 4 x 3 x 4 inches, which is perfect for action shots whether you’re strapping it to your head or mounting it on a tripod.

Best Budget: AKASO EK7000

If for no other reason other than offering 4K shooting capabilities at a reasonable price, the AKASO EK7000 is a truly amazing action camera. It can achieve this native resolution at no higher than 25 frames per second (fps); that said, perhaps more amazingly, it can shoot 2.7K footage (still an impressive resolution) at a full 30fps. https://cauhiamag.hatenablog.com/entry/2020/11/22/071024. At double the cost, it would still be a competitive value. For still photos, a 16MP camera lets you take picturesque mirror selfies, even in low-light scenarios. Built-in image stabilization, though electronically powered as opposed to the more adaptive optical image stabilization, is in full force as well.

On the outside, the camera chassis is waterproof at up to 131 feet, making it choice for underwater sports photography and film. A ton of accessories are included in the box, too, so you’ll be able to tackle just about any action sports shoot you can imagine. There’s even Wi-Fi functionality built right in, giving you the option to commandeer the camera remotely in order to view the footage you’re currently filming on your phone. Better yet, you can share the content you've recorded on the spot — no need to scramble for the laptop or cable needed to complete an improvisational data transfer.

Looking to save money? Check our list of the best video cameras for under $100.

Tested by

How We Tested

We bought six top-rated video cameras and our reviewers tested them for more than 80 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these cameras, from their durability to their video quality. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

What to Look for in a Video Camera

Durability -Adrenaline junkies need a camcorder that can keep up with their antics, whether it be skiing, skydiving, or whitewater rafting. Some action cams come with waterproof casing and include mounts that can be attached to helmets.

Video quality -Is 4K support crucial for you? The technology used to be very expensive but it’s gradually coming down in price, meaning 4K camcorders are proliferating. While 4K produces videos with amazing quality, 1080p is a solid alternative for capturing your favorite moments. Anything less than that will, unfortunately, look grainy.

Battery life -No matter how great a video camera is, it does you no good if the battery is dead. Look for a camcorder that has a decent battery life, generally two to three hours. If that’s not enough, carry an extra battery in your bag.

Test Results: Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder with Wi-Fi (Best Overall)

4.7

What We Like

Great video quality
Excellent zoom
Well-designed viewfinder

Our reviewers thought the Panasonic HC-WXF991K had the most complete feature set of any video camera we tested. Testers found that this camera captures high-quality video—even when they were using the zoom function—and said it would be especially useful for filming sports or instructional videos. They were also impressed with the viewfinder, which can be pivoted up towards you to make viewing easier. Pulling the viewfinder out also turns on the camcorder automatically.

Test Results: Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder (Runner-Up, Best Overall)

4.2

What We Like

Great microphone
Wi-Fi capability
Easy to use

What We Don’t Like

Lackluster video quality
Touchscreen could be better

Lifewire testers thought the Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder was a solid purchase for anyone looking for a reliable video camera on a budget. They loved how easy the camera was to set up and its many Wi-Fi-based features, like the ability to control recording from your smartphone.

Test Results: Canon VIXIA HF R800 (Best Value)

3.5

What We Like

Compact and portable
Good touchscreen
32x optical zoom

What We Don't Like

Noisy footage in low-light settings
Below-average video quality

Professional filmmakers won't be impressed by the Canon VIXIA HF R800, but our testers think it's a suitable choice if you're looking for good functionality at a reasonable price. Our reviewers thought the video quality was below average but said the camera makes up for it through its other features, including 32x optical zoom and a well-designed touchscreen.

Test Results: Nikon Coolpix P1000 (Best Zoom)

4.2

What We Like

Unbeatable optical zoom range
Impressive video quality
Great ergonomics

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Unimpressive battery life Download thomson wifi key generator.
Difficult to use at a maximum telephoto range
Unimpressive low-light performance
Flimsy articulating screen

“The 4K video is so good that it could be confused with footage from much more expensive professional cameras,” our tester said of the Nikon Coolpix P1000. Another major plus, according to our reviewer, is the “incredible” zoom range. “With the P1000 you can photograph the rings of Saturn, or animals many miles distant,” he explained. There are several negatives, though, cautioned our tester. One of the biggest is that “it doesn’t perform well in low light.” He also mentioned its high price tag. Still, our tester concluded, “There are much more practical superzoom cameras available at much more affordable prices, but none is quite so exciting as the P1000.”

Test Results: Sony HD Video Recording HDRCX405 Handycam (Best for Beginners)

3.3

What We Like

Great price
Provides all necessary functions
Solid zoom

What We Don’t Like

No built-in audio jack
Hardwire USB

One of our testers seemed to think this camera’s biggest competition was your own smartphone, which beginner videographers can whip out at a moment’s notice. However, he admitted that this Sony Handycam had better optical zoom and audio, which gives it an edge over high-end smartphones.

The camera also has a hardwired USB cable that tucks away into the hand strap. Some reviewers found this to be a handy addition while others found it unusual. One person said, “It was so surprising that it actually took me a little while to find it on setup . . . If the USB cord ever had issues, you might have to replace the whole camera.”

Test Results: YI 4K Sports and Action Video Camera (Best for Action)

4.6

What We Like

Highly portable
Variety of shooting modes
Intuitive touchscreen

What We Don’t Like

Only has basic features
Lens and screen get smudged with fingerprints

One of our reviewers told us the variety of modes was the “differentiator” that would make him choose the Yi 4K over his smartphone to capture video. It’s easy to use for people of all experience levels, according to one of our reviewers who wrote, “Both my four-year-old daughter and my 60-something mother understood how to use it equally and were capturing their own videos and photos within the first minute.”

We're halfway through 2019 and we've already welcomed a handful of excellent 4K-capable cameras, from Canon and Fujifilm through to Panasonic and Sony.

With Panasonic and Canon having started new systems from scratch in recent months, these may well end up reshaping the market as a whole in years to come. But right now, our pick of the 4K crop is centred around cameras from more established lines that have proven themselves in the hands on professionals.

Want a great deal on a 4K camera? Of course you do – and Amazon Prime Day may just be your golden opportunity. With 4K recording now firmly settled as a primary feature in mirrorless cameras and compacts – and now offered on an increasing number of DSLRs too – it seems certain that any camera bargains we spot will be 4K bargains too. It all kicks off on July 15 but if we spot any sweet deals before then, we'll let you know.

Top 5 4K cameras

Here's our pick of the 5 best 4K cameras - click on the links below to go through to the full review for each

1.Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
2.Panasonic Lumix GH5S
3.Panasonic Lumix GH5
4.Sony Alpha A7S II
5. Sony Alpha A6500

It's easy to assume that because two cameras will capture 4K footage that they will output similar results – but this isn't the case. The use of different sensors and different methods of capture, together with variations in output possibilities, mean two 4K cameras can behave quite differently from one another.

Even something as simple as whether the camera uses the full width of the sensor or applies a crop factor is vital to consider, as this has a significant effect on your effective angle of view. And all of the above is before we even consider supporting features such as headphone sockets, focus peaking, zebra patterning and Log profiles.

To make things simple, we’ve rounded up what we think are the fittest 4K cameras on the market right now, and sum up why they've made the cut.

Great value option: Panasonic Lumix G80 / G85

Excellent EVF

Relatively poor battery life

Before we look at our round-up of the best 4K cameras, we wanted to highlight a slightly more affordable alternative. It might not be dripping with features, but Panasonic's Lumix G80 (known as the Lumix G85 in the US) is still a very capable and cost-effective option for those looking for a budget 4K camera. There's 4K video capture up to 30p (with a bit rate up to 100Mbps) and a dedicated microphone socket. Focusing is fast, while the vari-angle touchscreen should make framing footage nice and easy. The G80/G85 is also weather-sealed to protect it from the elements.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix G80 / G85 review

Best 4K cameras in 2019

1. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

90s looks but is packed with the latest tech

Excellent 4K video capture

Weak battery life

If you want the best camera to shoot 4K videos, then this is it. Blackmagic's Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is designed for film makers through and through and is not something to consider if you're looking to shoot stills as well. Based around a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mount, it features a huge 5.0-inch touchscreen, it head and shoulders above other MFT shooters from a video-centric operational point of view. The range of connections on-board is also class-leading, and the fact there’s a dual card slot trumps much pricier cameras like the EOS R. That's not forgetting decent on-board audio recording capabilities and of course, the sweetener to the tune of $299 worth of software - a license for DaVinci Resolve Studio, it really is a gift that keeps on giving. Finally, and most importantly, the fundamental quality of its 4K video takes on much pricier cameras and, when you know how to work it, handles noise better than some full frame sensors too, thanks to its the dual native ISOs.

Read our in-depthBlackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K review

2. Panasonic Lumix GH5S

This is one uncompromising video tool

Multi-aspect sensor design

Absence of IS not for everyone

While it can shoot stills quite happily (although at a pretty limited 10.2MP resolution), this should be seen first and foremost as a video camera; if you want to do both you've got the Lumix GH5 (below) to fill that brief. While the absence of built-in image stabilization might be a disappointment for some, that issue aside the breadth of video features is incredibly impressive. If you want to shoot broadcast-quality footage without remortgaging your house to buy a pro video camera, you won't find a better video-focused camera right now.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH5S review

3. Panasonic Lumix GH5

The Lumix GH5 is a feature-laden 4K workhorse

DCI 4K and UHD 4K

Best Prosumer Camcorder

Limited ISO range

Until the arrival of the Lumix GH5S, the GH5 was the pick of the bunch for those looking to shoot video. Quite a bit cheaper than the newer GH5S, the GH5 is a bit more versatile for those wanting to shoot both stills and video, and the video specification is still very impressive, allowing you to shoot Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) at 60p with a bit rate of 150Mbps, while Full HD video can be captured up to 180fps. That's not all, as the GH5 offers color subsampling at 4:2:2 and a color depth of 10-bit, delivering greater color information and richer graduations. The GH5 also offers live output to external recorders such as Apple ProRes via HDMI, as well as simultaneous internal recording. We're looking forward to testing the new Panasonic S1 (and its S1R launch partner), as it also boasts strong video specs but adds the further delight of a full-frame sensor, which bodes well for low-light work and shallow depth of field. Until we see exactly what it's made of, we're sticking with the GH5.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH5 review

4. Sony Alpha A7S II

Excellent footage, huge dynamic range and a compact size – what’s not to like?

Superb dynamic range and low noise

Only 4K UHD (no 4K DCI)

At the time of the A7S II's review we said it was the best video-shooting stills camera available, and while much has changed in the market we still reckon it’s a compelling option for the videographer. One of its major selling points at launch – internal recording of 4K footage – has since been matched by many others, but it’s the modest pixel count of its sensor that splits it from its rivals. We found its dynamic range to be very high, and consistently better than rivals at higher sensitivities, while noise was also shown to be lower than cameras with more populated chips. It also has the advantage of using the whole sensor width for recording video, and of being able to record to the memory card while outputting 4:2:2 footage to a HDMI recorder, but proves itself to be capable for stills shooting too. Autofocus is generally fast and built-in image stabilisation is a huge bonus, while the body is sturdier than its predecessor’s too. Overall, while it may not be the newest model, its sensor and video specs give it a handful of advantages over its rivals. Hopefully the long-rumoured A7S III will be even stronger with its video credentials.

Read our in-depth Sony Alpha A7S II review

5. Sony Alpha A6500

Adobe flash player is it safe for mac. Sony’s 4K-enabled APS-C model is a smasher

S-Log gamma settings included

Touchscreen a bit slow

The previous APS-C-based Alpha A6300 was a big hit with enthusiast users, and the Alpha A6500 builds on its success in many ways. The camera records 6K footage that’s downsampled to 4K for the benefit of quality, and uses the efficient XAVC S codec that has a rate of 100Mbps. This is joined by Log gamma modes, 120fps HD recording (also at 100Mbps) and enhanced zebra patterning to keep an eye on exposure. You also benefit from a 425-phase-detect-point focusing system for rapid focus and a 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder, together with 11fps burst shooting at full resolution, all inside a dust- and moisture-resistant body. That's not to mention the welcome addition of Sony's 5-axis in-body image stabilization system. Now that the price has started to fall it would also be a fine choice as an upgrade over previous APS-C-based Sony models.

Read our in-depth Sony Alpha A6500 review

6. Nikon D850

Download outlook email for mac. High resolution meets high speed

Superb AF system

SnapBridge clunky to use

The long-awaited successor to the D810 arrived earlier this year, and Nikon certainly didn't hold back with the specs. With a fresh 45.4MP full-frame sensor, a highly advanced 153-point AF system and 7fps shooting, supported by features such as a tilting touchscreen and whole suite of connectivity options, the the D850 is the most advanced DSLR we've seen. Video-wise, there’s lots to love. The camera is capable of 4K UHD capture at 30p/25p/24p, and that's using all the sensor - no unwanted cropping here, allowing you to take full advantage of your lenses. Other video features include ports for both microphone and headphone sockets, as well as a Flat Picture Profile, zebra patterning and Power Aperture Control. You can also record at 120fps in Full HD quality. A brilliant DSLR that's great at shooting video too.

Read our in-depth Nikon D850 review

7. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Top-end OM-D model impresses across stills and video alike

Both DCI 4K and UHD 4K capture

Dense menus

“The best Micro Four Thirds camera yet” was what we concluded from our time testing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and video is one area where Olympus has made significant improvements over previous models. Not only do you get 4K capture in both DCI and UHD flavours, you also get clean output over HDMI at 4:2:2, a headphone port for audio monitoring and the benefits of Olympus’s fast Hybrid AF system, which works in conjunction with the touchscreen for even easier subject selection. Whether you’re shooting stills or videos, you also get one of the most effective image stabilisation systems we’ve yet seen, which will please those who expect to be largely using the camera handheld. Other reasons why the camera walked away with a full five stars include its excellent weather-sealing, lifelike EVF, and the capability to fire at 18fps with continuous AF and AE tracking. Those who want to easily achieve a very shallow depth of field may not prefer the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor over larger-sensor offerings, but with the right lens and technique you can still isolate subjects from their surroundings on such a camera without bother. In any case, while Panasonic may have had a head start with video, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II certainly sets the bar high for a flagship Micro Four Thirds camera. Incidentally, the newer OM-D E-M1X also captures impressive video, but at double the price we're sticking with the OM-D E-M1 Mark II for now.

Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II review

8. Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm ramps up the video specs from the already capable X-T2

Log shooting as standard

Viewfinder showing some fringing

Best Prosumer Camcorder Reviews

Fujifilm made a lot of effort to revamp many aspects of the X-T2’s spec sheet to craft the X-T3, and improvements in video recording were more significant than is usually the case for such a model. The key changes include the option to capture 10-bit video at 4:2:0 internally, together with a far denser phase-detect AF array that makes for more refined subject tracking. There’s also a forthcoming Hybrid Log Gamma option, on top of the F-Log setting that can be used for internally captured footage provided as standard. The camera also has the bonus of applying no crop when shooting 4K footage at 30p, and only a minor 1.18x crop when boosted to 60p shooting, in either DCI 4K or UHD 4K modes, while both mic and headphone sockets are also now both incorporated into the body too. In our review we found the camera to deliver detailed and natural footage, whether you’re capturing conventionally or using one of the slow-motion options, and this is on top of a stellar performance elsewhere, with great autofocus, lovely image quality from the new sensor and speedy response throughout operation. The newer X-T30 offers a lot of the same core video specs for less money though, but we're yet to give it a full workout.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T3 review

9. Nikon Z6

Strong video specs matched by equally impressive performance makes the Z6 shine

Effective VR systems for video

No 4K at 60p

Nikon’s joint first full-frame mirrorless camera is its most serious assault on the video market to date. While the Z7 remains an excellent choice for stills shooter users looking to capture video alongside their images, the Z6 is arguably better for the videographer as it can capture oversampled 4K footage without a crop (which the Z7 can't do). Perhaps most crucially, the presence of both sensor-based and electronic VR mean that the camera does great job to keep things stable, whatever the lens you're using, while 293 sensor-based phase-detect AF points that are available during video recording do very well to keep everything focused and transitions nice and smooth. The 10bit N-Log shooting option, which is also absent from the D850, gives you a better starting point for grading footage. We’d like to have seen a 4K60p option, and a little rolling shutter remains, but we were otherwise very impressed by the way Nikon has launched its new system.

Read our in-depth Nikon Z6 review

10. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

A cracking travel camera with excellent video – but it comes at a price

Excellent lens

Best Prosumer Camcorder For Filmmaking

No built-in ND filter

Best Prosumer Camcorder 2018

If you're looking for a powerful all-in-one camera, then you're not going to go far wrong with Sony's brilliant RX10 IV. With a long and fast 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens partnered with a stacked 1-inch type 20.2MP sensor and fast 315-point phase-detect AF system, it's an incredibly versatile camera. It doesn't disappoint when it comes to video either, with 4K UHD footage captured with 1.7x more information than actually required without any pixel binning, before being downsampled to 4K for the sake of quality. This happens at a 100Mbps maximum bit rate, and you can boost the camera up to 960fps for slow-motion footage too. All of this is supported by a clean HDMI output, zebra patterning and both microphone and headphone ports. You also get an S-Log2 gamma profile in addition to the Picture Profiles (which you can adjust), and Sony’s Gamma Display Assist mode to help you get a better idea of what graded footage would look like. It’s not cheap, but there's nothing quite like it.

Best Professional Camcorder

Read our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review