There was a time when camcorders were mainly used for recording videos. These cameras were quite big and could record hours of HD footage.
With time, the concept of digital photography was introduced, and the cameras got more advanced. As of now, cameras and camcorder both are easily available in their finest forms.
Most of the users still find it tough to choose between camera vs camcorder. Despite defining their needs, they are technical differences that make the decision a bit tough for many people.
If you want to get into video content creation, be it Vlogging or YouTube, you should know the main difference between a camcorder and a DSLR.
In this article, we’ll explain the major difference between these two camera types and also which one would be the best pick for Vlogging.
Difference Between Camera and Camcorder
Camera vs Camcorder: Image Quality
As a vlogger, you would want to record high-quality videos. Fortunately, both the camera systems can record high-quality videos but there are some compromises.
In the case of camcorders, they have tiny sensors hence they allow less amount of light to enter into the image sensor.
As a result, you get average quality videos under low lighting conditions. The camcorders which have a large sensor size are quite expensive.
Digital cameras such as point and shoots are now coming with a 1inch sensor. This large sensor performs exceptionally well even under tough lighting. Moreover, a large camera sensor delivers that shallow depth of field which every video maker desires.
You get all these features in a point and shoot camera at an affordable price. Therefore, standard digital cameras are recommended for those who want to record high-quality videos without breaking their bank.
Camera vs Camcorder: Ease of Usage
The ergonomics of any camera are essential and can’t be ignored. Cameras such as point and shoots are much more compact than even small camcorders.
Their grip and placement of various buttons make them relatively easier to use. If we talk about camcorders, they usually have that typical hand-holding grip.
For Vlogging, camcorders aren’t that comfortable. Modern flip screen cameras are much simpler and convenient to use.
The compact size, rotatable LCD screen, and the presence of quick access buttons make the point and shoot cameras a perfect pick for Vlogging.
Camera vs Camcorder: Focusing Speed
When you are filming with a camcorder, you want it to focus instantly. Also, for making b rolls, you need a camera with a reliable autofocusing system.
Here the difference between camera and camcorder is marginal. Both these systems can autofocus any subject placed in front of them.
But, if you are a person who also wants to record some quick action shots, camcorders aren’t meant for you.
It’s better to opt for an action cam or a point and shoot with an advanced AF system. These cameras can focus within no time.
You can record vlogs, action videos, and casual clips with confidence. Here again, the camcorder falls behind the digital cameras despite the presence of an autofocusing system.
Camera vs Camcorder: Connectivity
Have you ever thought of recording a vlog and directly uploading to your favorite social media platform? If yes, you should go for a standard digital camera.
Almost every new point and shoot camera now comes with wifi and NFC support. You can transfer your photos and videos to your smartphone within a matter of a few minutes. Some wifi-enabled cameras also let you control their functions from any smartphone.
Not all camcorders offer such flexible connectivity options. Those that offer aren’t simple to use especially for novices. We all know that audio is the heart of any footage.
Both cameras and camcorders allow you to attach external microphones for better audio. So, the one extra feature that camcorders offer is now easily available on point and shoot cameras.
All in all, there is no need to invest in hundreds of dollars extra sourly for a video camera when a standard digital camera gets the job done.
Camera vs Camcorder: Price
Budget is the first priority of many vloggers and newbie content creators. They want to enjoy the best features at a fraction of the cost. If that is your condition, digital cameras including point and shoots and bridge camera wins the race straight away.
You can easily find a sub $500 camera on Amazon or eBay. It would be compact in size with a touch screen that also rotates.
On the other hand, the best camcorder with the same features can cost a few hundred dollars more. So, considering the price of compact cameras, they are an ideal pick for vloggers.
So, Which Camera System Wins?
Let’s be honest, it’s tough ask to choose the best Vlogging camera. Considering the budget of the majority of start-up content creators, and their skill level, it’s the standard digital cameras that win the race by a big margin.
These cameras are easy to use, offer interesting features, and cost less than camcorders. If you are really serious about t making some cinematic videos and have a good budget, you can opt for a camcorder for Vlogging.
There is nothing wrong to use a camcorder for Vlogging purposes. It’s just the limited feature set and price that hurts the majority of the content creators.
Summary
So, now you know what to look for in a camcorder and a simple compact camera. The main difference between camera and camcorder is the image quality.
Though there isn’t a huge difference. In the case of the camcorders, you have to pay a hefty sum to get slightly better footage than a standard camera.
For vloggers, the difference between the prices is quite high, and the image quality difference is marginal. Therefore, a standard digital camera such as a point and shoot is a perfect pick for making a career in Vlogging.
