Stiftung Warentest: Good camcorders for little money

In November 2013, the Stiftung Warentest tested over 200 camcorders - from HD all-rounders to action cams. But instead of the pleasure of watching movies, there is only noise and blurred pictures on many camcorders. We present the camera highlights from the test and compare them with the top devices from the CHIP leaderboard.

The goods test check: professional cams in the first places

In the Stiftung Warentest test, expensive professional cameras secured places 1-3. The big cams cannot convince in terms of "handiness", but show off with particularly good technology. But this also has its price: you currently have to pay around 1, 200 euros for the test winner.

• 1st place: In the supreme disciplines of video, photo and sound, the "Sony HDR-PJ780VE" was able to convince the experts. The highlight: The cam also scores with sound recordings with wind, so goods test. On the other hand, there are weaknesses in the operating time and handling of the large and relatively heavy camcorder. Price: approx.1, 200 euros.
• 2nd place: The "Canon Legria HF G30" was awarded 2nd place. The testers especially praised the long operating time of the video camera. For first place, the Canon cam lacks some important extras and better sound recording. Price: approx.1, 300 euros.
• 3rd place: The "Sony HDR-PJ650VE" is the predecessor of the test winner and achieved a "very good" in terms of "photo" (best value). The cam is also suitable as a video camera, only with handling there was a deduction for data transmission, portability and battery replacement. Price: approx. 800 euros.

Stiftung Warentest: "Good" and inexpensive from 4th place

The HD-Cams from position 4, which were rated 2.2 ("good"), are handier and significantly cheaper. In addition to three Panasonic models, the "Sony HDR-CX410VE" also made it into the best camcorders. Common disadvantage of all these devices: the mediocre sound quality when recording.

• Right on: Panasonic HC V510, Panasonic HC V520 and the Panasonsic HC V727 - the cameras are not only extremely light, compact and easy to use, they can also be used to shoot great videos.
• The Panasonic devices from 4th place currently cost about 300 euros, or about 375 euros for the "Panasonsic HC V727". The price difference results from various extras, such as a surround microphone, the external microphone input and a video and infrared light for night photography.
• The Sony HDR CX410VE camera is available from around 400 euros. However, it lacks some setting options such as the brightness amplifier.

Product test vs. CHIP top list

• In the CHIP price comparison you will find the fourth placed Panasonic HC V520 currently placed much lower. The predecessor V210 performs much better and is currently available from around 200 euros.
• Some DSLR and DSLM cameras can easily compete with "purebred" camcorders in terms of video quality. In a separate CHIP leaderboard you will find the top 25 of these digital cameras in the large video check. Here the Panasonic Lumix DMC GH3 wins thanks to convincing HD videos.
• If you want to record videos during your outdoor and sports activities, a look at the leaderboard for action cameras is recommended. The ranking currently tops the GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition.

Camcorder test at Warentest - the conclusion

1. You also pay the most money for the best camcorders - but for home use, the much cheaper alternative models in the price range between 300 and 400 euros are usually enough.
2. They are also much easier to use and weigh far less. Usually they even fit in your jacket pocket.
3. The biggest deficits are the video cameras in the sound. Here you should pay attention to wind sensitivity and a built-in microphone when buying.

You can find the full test reports and all details at test.de.