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Veo robots do it all for you. So even though I had set up the camera I was then free to coach a session, run the line or chat with the other parents. Once the game or session is over, the camera can be stopped by using your phone and you give the footage a name for easy reference. Veo is a 180° camera with two 4K lenses recording with 30 frames per second. The camera has storage enough for several matches and a powerful battery. Still, it weighs less than 1 kilogram making it portable for both home and away games. Book a demo Call See How it works.
Introduction
While we can shoot both 4K and 1080p in many SLR and mirrorless cameras today. Unfortunately, these cameras tend to lack in one area or another as, historically, they are not video-centric cameras from the get go. With that, they have limitations that erk serious videographers and filmmakers needing the utmost performance from their cameras.
Well, in comes the camcorder. Though, they’ve been around for quite some time now and seem overlooked these days. They’re still the best options when it comes to video camera hands down.
Today, we discuss the top 10 best video camera to date that meets a wide array of use cases, budgets, and skill sets.
10 – Canon XA11
Canon’s XA11 camcorder delivers high performance and quality in a compact and portable package. It has a 1/2.84-inch CMOS sensor, 26.8-576mm lens (f/1.8-2.8), 5-axis image stabilization, 3-inch touchscreen LCD, tilting viewfinder, 20x optical zoom, dual XLR terminals, 1080p FHD recording at 60p, headphone input, microphone input, dual SD cards, five custom buttons. It also has a wide dynamic range option and a highlight priority option, helping users to shoot in high contrast environments with greater flexibility without damaging footage.
Not only that, but it also has a detachable handle that provides expanded audio capabilities and also increases the camera’s mobility when shooting handheld. The most notable trade-offs with this particular camcorder are the lack of 4K UHD recording and FHD records at 35 Mbps. For the price and its feature set, however, it is still an excellent choice. It is a cost-effective full HD professional-level camcorder geared towards the hobbyist or advanced amateur, who doesn’t demand 4K capture in their particular workflow.
The XA11 still meets a wide range of shooting situations, all the while maintaining a compact size that’s traditional for Canon’s camcorders. Working professionals will find the abilities of this camera comfortable as it inherits much of the features expected in a professional-level camcorder.
9 – Canon VIXIA HFG50
The Canon HF G50 replaces the previously released G40 and marks the first Vixia camera to offer 4K capabilities.
It holds steadfast to the traditions of this series in its abilities in noise performance, image quality, and compact size but now caters to a broader array of media applications making it more competitive amongst serious and professional level filmmakers.
It features a 1/12.3-inch 8.29-megapixel CMOS sensor, 29.3-601mm lens (f/1.8-2.8), 20x optical zoom, 5-axis image stabilization, five programmable buttons, tilting viewfinder, 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, 4K UHD at 30p, dual SD card slots, microphone, and headphone inputs. It has an eight blade circular aperture, delivers better defocusing, especially when shooting with points of light in the background. It records to MP4 format for maximum compatibility cross-platform. It’s a simple package, but one that delivers and sits as Canon’s top of the line advanced level camcorder.
8 – Panasonic HC-WXF991K
The Panasonic WXF991 makes an exciting release from the manufacturer. It features a 1/2.3-inch 8.29-megapixel MOS sensor, 30.8-626mm Leica lens (f/1.8-3.6), 20x optical zoom, 4K UHD 30p, 1080p FHD 60p, 5-axis image stabilization, 3-inch touchscreen LCD, tiling viewfinder, 4K post-editing, picture-in-picture recording, microphone input, headphone input, USB charging and Wi-Fi. This camera features some niche functionality the competition lacks, namely 4K post-editing and picture-in-picture. With 4K post-editing, users can zoom, track, pan, or stabilize footage after the fact. It’s rare to find a camera that allows users to do pans, tilts, or zooms in the camera.
Picture-in-picture is also quite an exciting feature. This one allows users to recording footage of the camera operator using the secondary camera built into the edge of the LCD. Helpful, as it makes it possible to record reactions or to record images simultaneously. In all, this enables users to capture multiple angles or viewpoints simultaneously for a unique experience.
7 – Sony FDR-AX100
The Sony FDR-AX100 picks up where the previously released Sony RX100 point and shoot camera left off. This camera marked a revolutionary release from the manufacturer to the market as it was the first prosumer-grade camcorder to deliver 4K recording. It features a 1-inch 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, 29-348mm ZEISS lens (f/2.8-4.5), 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, tilting viewfinder, 4K UHD 30p at 100 MBps, FHD 60p, HD 120p, image stabilization, 12x optical zoom or 24x Clear Image zoom, built-in 3 stop neutral density filter, microphone input, headphone input, 5.1 Dolby surround sound, USB charging, Wi-Fi and NFC.
Though it inherits the same sensor from the RX100, it included the new BIONZ X imaging processor, which delivers more accurate reproduction and higher resolution images. It also means that Optical SteadyShot is possible, which supplies excellent stabilization when shooting handheld. The built-in ND filters are excellent for those shooting outside during bright daytime conditions, giving users more precise control over exposure without fear.
The touchscreen works fantastic for menu navigation and focusing (though a bit slow), and we’re glad to see the menus on this camera are more streamlined and intuitive as well. Battery life on this camera is excellent, delivering approximately 2 hours of continuous recording. Interestingly enough, the lens on this camera is parfocal, and it maintains the set focus point even while zooming, subtly, but not all cameras do this. Overall, the AX100 is a very conventionally built and designed camcorder and makes an excellent choice for users wanting to start their very own 4K libraries.
6 – Sony FDR-AX700
The Sony AX700 packs a significant punch in an incredibly small body. It features a generous 1-inch 14.2-megapixel Exmor sensor, 29-348mm Carl Zeiss lens (f/2.8-4.5), 12x optical zoom, image stabilization, 4K 30p @ 100 Mbps, FHD up to 120p, 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, tilting viewfinder, built-in 3-stop neutral density filter, full-sized HDMI port, microphone input, 5.1 Dolby stereo microphone, headphone input port, dual SD cards, Wi-Fi and NFC. Focusing performance is where this camera shines.
This camera inherits a supremely fast hybrid autofocusing system, combining both phase and contrast detection, with 273 focusing points that cover 84% of the frame. The result is superior subject tracking that outperforms conventional Contrast Detection autofocusing systems.
Not only that, but the 1-inch image sensor dwarfs smaller sensors commonly used in camcorders, delivering more beautiful background defocusing compared to the competition. Nice. Battery life is excellent; upwards of 2.5 hours of 4K 30p recording is possible. It features a very traditional camcorder design, especially in ergonomics. Technically, it’s a prosumer camcorder. In actuality, it’s a robust performer designed for commercial work and higher-end consumer applications. Sony attempts to deliver stunning 4K HDR to the palm-sized camera.
5 – Sony FDR-AX53
The Sony AX53 is the lighter weight and a more compact version of the pricier AX100 mentioned on this list. It’s predecessor, the AX33, was a game-changing release as it was the first camcorder to offer 4K under $1,000 and, thus, bringing 4K capabilities the average user.
This camera continues suit and improves where that particular camera lacked. It features a 1/2.5-inch 8.28-megapixel CMOS sensor, 26.8-536mm Zeiss lens (f/2.0-3.8), 20x optical zoom, 3-inch articulating touchscreen LCD, tilting viewfinder, balanced optical SteadyShot stabilization, UHD 4K 30p at 100 MBps, 4K timelapse, FHD 1080p 120 p, 5.1 Dolby surround sound, microphone input, headphone input, USB charging, Wi-Fi and NFC. The primary selling feature for this camera is Balanced Optical SteadyShot (BOSS). This feature delivers best in class stabilization by moving the entire lens assembly instead of just a single lens element.
BOSS is a system that makes the need for a gimbal entirely irrelevant, saving you a lot of hassle. In all, this is a competent camera with a budget-friendly entry-level price point. It’s size plus the addition of BOSS, despite the reduced sharpness due to a smaller sensor, are true selling points of this camera. This is a camcorder aimed at the enthusiast or the professional needing a compact or stealthy option. In all, it makes an excellent lower-priced alternative to Sony’s higher-end professional-grade AX100.
4 – Canon XC10
The Canon XC10 is an all-in-one, conveniently sized, and capable video shooter that delivers Canon’s renowned color science with excellent performance. It features a 1-inch 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, 27.3-273mm lens (f/2.8-5.6), 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, 4K UHD 30p, FHD 60p, HD up to 120p,4K timelapse, optical image stabilization, built-in 1-stop neutral density filter, headphone input, microphone input, and Wi-Fi. This camera also offers Canon’s C-log and Wide Dynamic Range gamma, which supplies the broadest dynamic range and exposure latitude achievable from the sensor.
Do bear in mind, however, 4K video records to CFast cards, not SD card, which is an added cost with this particular camera. As far as imagining quality, this camera delivers equivalent performance to Canon’s higher-end EOS cinema cameras, the C300 and C500 principally, at a fraction of their price. The sensor provides an impressive 12 stops dynamic range, supplying excellent footage, especially when shooting outdoors in high-contrast environments. Not only that, but it also shoots in the 4:2:2 8-bit color space up to a bit rate of 305Mbps internally or 10-bit via HDMI output, making this a competent choice for broadcast usage.
Battery life is excellent, and convenient, as it uses the familiar LP-E6 series of batteries and chargers. It features a rotating handgrip, allowing comfortable shooting at awkward angles and is an uncommon feature amongst the competition here. In all, ergonomics here are similar to their EOS still cameras, and its handling is excellent. It offers a wide range of workflow options and makes an excellent choice for advanced amateurs to professional digital filmmakers requiring a cost-effect solution to shoot 4K video. In all, it makes a versatile and compact 4K recorder that delivers quality and convenience to meet a wide array of imaging needs of the budget-conscious pro.
3 – JVC GY-HM170
The JVC HM 170 is a fully featured high performing 4K camcorder that’s more than capable of delivering. With this release, JVC aims to make 4K recording accessible to a wide array of shooters, from amateurs to professionals, by producing a cost-effective yet feature-packed camcorder. It has a 1/2.3-inch 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, 29.5-354mm lens (f/1.2-3.5), 12x optical zoom, 4K UHD 24p at 150 Mbps, FHD 60p, 3.5-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, image stabilization, nine custom buttons, two-stop neutral density filter, dual SD cards, dual XLR connectors via detachable handle, microphone input and headphone input. This is one of the few camcorders that shoot 8-bit 4:2:2 internally on this list.
Not only that, but it also does live 4K output via HDMI, and it simultaneously records low-resolution web-friendly proxy files that are suitable for immediate posting online. These web-friendly files can be quickly imported to a smartphone and edited immediately via iMovie or other video production suite, making it easier than ever before. This is a camcorder that is excellent for professional broadcast applications, and one that delivers many professional-level features in a form factor closer to a consumer camcorder.
2 – Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema camera melds traditional camcorder performance with the styling of a digital SLR. Unique indeed, It’s undoubtedly a compact design but one that delivers the latest advanced digital film technology into a palm-sized package. It has a 4/3 sensor, 5-inch touchscreen LCD, 4K UHD 60p, 1080p FHD 120p, full-sized HDMI, built-in microphone, mini XLR input, microphone input, headphone input, three card slots, Bluetooth, USB-C.
This camera is unique to the camera listed, as it features an interchangeable lens system using the micro four-thirds mount. Having an interchangeable mount allows the camera to use a wide variety of professional-grade lenses available on the market today, especially when using adapters. Bar none; this will be the most versatile camera of this list. With USB-C, the camera even supports external recording to a connected hard drive, significantly increasing record times.
Video quality is the resounding strength of this camera. Of the cameras listed, it has the most extensive dynamic range at an impressive 13 stops. That means we will get HD images and fantastic low light performance across its range. Not only that, but the advanced color science and RAW recording rivals quality that cost tens of thousands of dollars. This is a camera that, while handheld, delivers incredibly mobility without sacrifice.
1 – Panasonic HC-X1000
The Panasonic HC-X1000 is a highly agile and multi-format camcorder that is the ideal solution for a multitude of shooting applications, from amateur to professional use. It marked the first camera to record 4K UHD at 60 fps on to SD cards, an impressive feat from the manufacturer. It has an 8.29-megapixel 1/2.3-inch MOS sensor, 29.5-600mm Leica lens (f/1.2-3.6), 20x optical zoom, built-in 3-stop neutral density filter, C4K, and 4K recording, slow-motion FHD, 3.5-inch retractable touchscreen LCD, tilting EVF, 2-channel XLR audio inputs, triple manual lens ring, image stabilization, in-camera 4K video editing, dual SD cards, W-Fi, and NFC.
Video quality is excellent, especially in FHD 1080p. This camera captures exclusively at 4K UHD then subsamples down to create a 1080p video, with that the field of view is unchanged, and the noise experienced in 1080p is almost nonexistent. It shoots Cinema 4K UHD at 24p and standard 4K at 60p at an impressive bitrate of up to 150 Mbps. Battery life is remarkable, roughly four and a half hours of continuous recording time.
The X1000 supports a multitude of professional-level features that set it apart from the contenders on this list. Namely, triple manual lens rings to control zoom, focus, and iris as well as a full-sized HDMI port and dual XLR inputs to handle pro-level high-performance microphones. Another unique feature is the in-camera 4K video editing feature, which allows users to performance pans, tilts, zooms, and stabilization in-camera while maintaining HD picture quality.
The vari-angle LCD positioned above the lens makes viewing during handheld shooting a more natural and welcomed addition. The variable frame rates available make this an excellent choice that fits smoothly into broadcast workflows. In all, this is a pro-level camera that highlights with satisfactory manual controls and a robust feature set that is pleasing for professionals, but a prosumer price point the amateurs appreciate.
Veo Camera
Welcome to the Veo family!
Here's a step by step guide to get you up and running with Veo - from activating account to the first recording uploaded.
STEP 1:
Create and activate your Veo account
Upon receiving your Veo camera, you have either received a 'Welcome to Veo!' activation email or 'Create your Veo account' creation email.
Option 1: I have received Welcome to Veo! activation email:
Follow these steps to activate your Veo account:
1. Open the welcoming email (received from service@veo.co) and click Activate Account link. Note that this link works only once.
2. Set your password and click Save.
3. Your Veo account is now activated!
Option 2: I have received Create your Veo account email:
1. Open the email (received from service@veo.co) and click JOIN VEO link.
2. You will be able to create your account, password, your club and upload your club's logo:
3. Enter the information, accept the policies and click Join Veo. Your Veo account is now created and activated!
Didn’t receive the email? Check the spam folder in your email (activation email comes from service@veo.co). If you still can't find it, please go through the Support Widget in the bottom right corner of your screen.
STEP 2:
Register the camera to your Veo account
You’ve now activated your Veo account. It’s time to make sure your Veo camera is connected to your Veo account. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Turn on your Veo Camera.
2. Charge the camera by plugging in the charger. We recommend charging the camera at least for 4 hours before recording.
3. Connect your camera with the provided ethernet cable to a wall or router where you are sure there's the internet.
👉 How to check whether there is an internet connection? Connect the same cable to your computer instead of the Veo camera. Switch off the WiFi on your computer, and then check if the internet connection works by trying to access any website in your browser.
4. On your smartphone, connect to the WiFi: veocam-xxx. The WiFi password is written underneath the camera.
5. On your smartphone, use the browser to go to http://cam.veo.co.
🛠 Difficulties? Switch the mobile device to airplane mode to establish a stronger connection, enable WiFi again and try again.
6. Enter your login information that you have set when activating your Veo account.
Great, your camera is now registered to your account and is ready for recording. The login will not be necessary from this point on, and you can use any mobile device to connect to the camera's WiFi and record.
Camera web app explained
Here's an overview of how to navigate the Veo app (http://cam.veo.co) on your mobile device:
1. Home page
You can see a preview of what the camera is capturing. You can start and stop recording from here.
2. Camera settings
Click the bottom right icon to access it. You’re able to check storage settings, battery level, and temperature of the camera here. The “Format camera” function will delete all the recordings from the camera.
👉 At 100% the camera can record up to 5-6 hours of footage. An average 90 min match uses about 14 GB of data. The storage data will automatically be deleted from the camera when the game has been successfully uploaded.
3. Recordings list
You can see the status of your recordings here. Start uploading, rename, or delete your recordings. Note that deleting a recording in the App will not remove the recording from the Veo Cloud.
STEP 3:
Set up for recording
Requirements for a good recording:
✔ The camera is fully charged, and there’s sufficient storage space. Check both of these in camera settings page at http://cam.veo.co.
✔️ Lenses are cleared off from smudges and scratches (use a soft cloth to clean them).
✔️ All four corners of the pitch are visible on the preview.
✔️ The sun is in the background.
✔️ The camera is placed in the centerline of the field.
🤚🏻 If recording in very hot environments, place the camera in the shadow, if possible; if the internal temperature of the camera exceeds 65° C, it will turn off.
👉 Using a 4-meter tripod? Place it at the center on the level ground roughly 3-4 meters back from the sideline.
👉 Using an 8-meter tripod? Place it at the center on the level ground roughly 5-6 meters back from the sideline.
👉 Using the stadium mount? Be as close as possible to the centerline, within 5 meters. If this is not possible, please use a tripod. Ensure that the camera is fastened and level.
STEP 4:
Start & finish recording
Veo Camera Sports
First, let’s double-check that your mobile device is connected to the camera:
- Your Veo camera is turned on.
- Your device is connected to the veocam-xxx WiFi (the exact WiFi name and password are underneath the camera).
- In your browser, you’re at http://cam.veo.co and you can see what your camera is capturing.
We need you to check 2 essential things before starting to record. Ensure that all four corners of the pitch are visible and the centerline can be seen touching the near sideline on both previews.
You are ready to start your first recording:
1. Press the red button in the bottom middle of the app (http://cam.veo.co).
The screen will buffer for up to 10 seconds while the timer starts counting, and the recording is started. If there are any issues, a prompt will appear to tell you that something went wrong.
If the timer is counting with no prompt, your recording has started and will continue to record until you reconnect to the camera and stop the recording.
👉 How to be extra sure that the camera is in fact recording? Go to Camera settings, and as you refresh the page, the MB in the storage space should increase.
🛠 Difficulties? Re-start the camera (long press the power button for 15 seconds and then turn the camera on again) and press record again, or contact us via support@veo.co.
👉 It is not necessary to stay connected to the camera WiFi the whole recording time. Once you’re sure that the recording has started, you’re welcome to disconnect from the camera’s WiFi.
2. When the recording is complete or close to it, reconnect to the camera.
3. Refresh the home screen on the app (http://cam.veo.co).
4. Stop recording by pressing the red button in the bottom middle of the app (http://cam.veo.co),
5. Name it and save it.
6. A green confirmation ribbon atop of your screen will appear. The recording will now appear in the recordings list.
STEP 5:
Uploading
1. To start the upload, connect the camera to the internet via ethernet cable. The upload will start automatically when the connection is established.
👉 Not sure if the internet connection is working? Connect the same cable to your computer instead of the Veo camera. Switch off the WiFi on your computer, and then check if the internet connection works by trying to access any website in your browser.
Sometimes the connection is lost while saving. In this case, your recording will be saved as a timestamp, and you need to press “Upload” on the recording in the recordings list. You will be able to rename the recording once it’s been posted in your club.
Veo Camera Setup
👉 To see the uploading status of your recordings, go to your recordings list (the bottom left icon on your home page). Here’s the explanation of the statuses:
- Ready for upload: The upload will begin automatically, as soon as connected to the internet through the ethernet cable.
- Buffering: Upload will begin soon.
- Upload: Connection was lost when saving. Please press 'upload' on the recording. You can rename it once it's been posted in your club.
Once uploading, you will see the progress as a percentage and a green line across the left square.
STEP 6:
Watch & enjoy!
Congrats, your first video is now uploaded! Go to app.veo.co to see the recording. You’ll be able to see the panoramic and interactive view. The broadcast view (following the ball) will be available within 24 hours.
We hope you found this article useful!
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ℹ️ For customer support, please contact us via the Support Widget in the bottom right corner of your screen.