Purchasing a camcorder can turn out to be a challenging and complicated. Models vary not only in terms of capabilities but also in size.
For this reason, you need to be careful not to land a whack deal.
Before we look at our recommendations of the best low light camcorders, let us first look at the various types in the market and the factors you need to consider when in the market for one:
Buying Guide
When searching for the best low light camcorders, consider the following factors:
Lenses
A bright lens is necessary when it comes to choosing a low light camcorder. Lenses usually reduce the focus depth in such a way that you can capture more light emanating from the sensor.
For this reason, it is prudent to state that light-reactive lenses are handy at helping enhance video quality.
Image stabilization system
Even if your camera is the best in the market, one thing you need to know is that it cannot perform brilliantly without a strong or powerful stabilization system.
Such a system is handy when it comes to helping you enjoy clear videos without blur. If it detects an unexpected motion, the low light camcorder instantly moves the lens or sensor to compensate.
Targeting of these elements is necessary to eliminate a strong impact of the camera which can make things look blurry.
Size of footage
Cameras that bring with them a full-frame sensor tend to catch more light. By having this ability, they can dim surroundings with just a couple of light sources.
Full-frame sensors boast the ability to even surpass MFT or APS-C camera in specific conditions. MFT stands for micro four thirds.
Video quality image
Footage resolution is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a low light camcorder. Make sure your choice is not less than 720p.
For impressive results, choose one that delivers 1080p.
If you have the money, a low light camcorder featuring 4K resolution will certainly pay back in handfuls.
Noise control
The rule of thumb is that higher ISO values usually result to an escalated increase of noise. In most if not all instances, noise control usually raises the impact of wider aperture and in some cases a larger sensor.
Full-frame cameras are the ones that typically utilize larger sensors. On the other hand, DSLRs apply wider apertures.
The mirrorless types and inexpensive point-and-shoot types cannot afford too.
Wi-Fi
With advancements in technology, most of today’s low light camcorders bring with them in-built Wi-Fi. This impressive attribute gives you the ability to effortlessly transfer videos and pictures from the camcorder to different devices such as laptop, tablet or even smartphone.
Through wi-fi connection, it is also possible to upload video and pics to social media sites such as twitter and Facebook.
Wi-fi is also necessary if you want to stream videos online through UStream. Finally, yet importantly, with wi-fi, you can remotely control your camcorder when you are far away from a remote location.
Clearly, settling for a camcorder with wi-fi brings with it a host of advantages that those without can lack. The benefits we have mentioned in this section are just some of them.
Related: The Best Camera for Photo Journalism
Best Low Light Camcorders Reviews
Here are our recommendations of the best low light camcorders:
4K Ultra HD Infrared Night Vision and Full Spectrum Camcorder
If you are looking for a 4K camcorder that switches to Full Spectrum or Infrared mode by the mere push of button, then you should consider this one. Enjoy crisp images and videos on the FHD IPS screen.
One of the things you can look forward to when you buy this one is an external mic adapter. There is also free 4K UHD wide angle lens coupled with additional battery even though it is for a limited time.
The product has in-built Wi-Fi that is handy when it comes to remote viewing on both iPhone and Android. It also features 4K UHD Sony CMOS Sensor.
Its customized firmware is handy at allowing IR mode without having to utilize on-board IR LED when it comes to battery life. This feature is particularly handy when you utilize external infrared light. It is the only camera that employs the use of this feature.
Features
- 4K resolution
- Full spectrum or infrared mode
- In-built Wi-Fi
- Extra battery
Pros
- Electronic image stabilization
- Tripod mount to help capture stable images and videos
- Reasonable pricing
- Long lasting
Cons
- Room for improvement on battery life
Camcorder 4K, Ordro 4K Ultra-HD Digital Video Camera, Wide Angle Lens and Lens Hood/IR Night Vision Camcorder
A great highlight about this camcorder is the fact that it brings with it an electric image stabilizer that ensures you capture steady and outstanding photos and videos. You stand to enjoy very high interpolation resolution.
The maximum resolution attainable is 24MP. With its IR night vision function, the camera provides nothing short of superior sensitivity when it comes to the capturing of dazzling, crisp images and videos boasting less noise.
Whether you want to use it on bright or dark shooting conditions, you can rest assured that this camcorder camera will meet your needs.
Another highlight of the product has to do with its external shotgun microphoe that is boom style. This is handy in terms of improving the quality of sound of your video recordings.
Features
- Wi-Fi function
- Shotgun boom style microphoe
- IR night vision function
- 4K ultra-HD camcorder
Pros
- Stunning clarity
- Wide angle lens
- External microphone
- Crisp images
Cons
- Poor color rendition
Canon PowerShot Digital Camera
Whether you are capturing special occasions or creating film clips that are artistic, there is no better camera to help you handle the project with the highest quality it deserves than this one.
The lens is great not only putting more into your frame but is also loaded with a host of features that are handy at helping you grab an array of situations.
It brings with it a big 1.0-inch and 20.1MP CMOS sensor to excellently capture top-notch videos and images with a wider dynamic range. This way, you are certain that both dark and bright parts of your images and videos are captured fully.
Another highlight is that it features a big, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor that tilts down 45 degrees and 180 degrees up. This ability is perfect for not only creating self-portraits but also pictures at low and high angles with the utmost ease.
Features
- In-built Wi-Fi tech
- High resolution
- Artistic film clips
- Bright aperture value
Pros
- Convenient sharing of images and videos
- Ample storage
- Great pictures even at low and high angles
- Easy to use
Cons
- Poor customer support