The innovative world of video production, making a new camcorder-purchasing decision requires up-to-date knowledge of the latest features available, along with an understanding of tried-and-true technology. Even seasoned professionals will need to take some time to research the myriad choices offered, then carefully determine which camera fits their needs. The specific requirements of wedding videography add another dimension to the process.
Reliability, exceptional video in low-light conditions, and high optical zoom range are some of the more important features you should be looking for when selecting a video camera suitable for wedding coverage. In addition, consider media format, audio inputs, and the size and “look” of the camera. A handheld camera might shoot HD video, but will you stand out as a “professional” videographer without a decent-sized camera on your shoulder or a solid tripod?
As you look over the wide range of cameras, you will, no doubt, be taking your clientele into account. Will you be covering high-end weddings with multiple cameras, are you currently at the entry-level or perhaps shooting your very first wedding for a family member? Do you want all the bells and whistles or are you a purist who prefers sticking to the basics and keeping life simple? Ultimately, your list of preferences is unique to your work style and ergonomic requirements. In order to assist you with your decision, we have reviewed a variety of models selected specifically for capturing a couple’s wedding-day memories.
Note: We are showing only Canon Brand Professional Camcorder
1. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $1,299.00
An advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, the powerful DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor and a versatile 20x High Definition optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 26.8–576mm combine to produce Full HD content of incredible caliber. The Wide DR Gamma and Highlight Priority modes help ensure a natural range of tones and colors for realistic and eye-catching results.
2. Canon XC10 Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $1,399.00
The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder features a compact, lightweight and versatile design for convenient 4K/Full HD video shooting and 12 Megapixel digital still photography. This all-in-one ergonomically convenient camcorder can satisfy a broad range of video and still production needs. The XC10 4K Camcorder is for everyone from next-generation advanced amateurs to professional 4K and HD videographers, from digital filmmakers needing a cost-effective 4K/HD “B” or “C” camera to multimedia journalists and news agencies seeking a 4K video camera. The XC10 4K Camcorder also appeals to the needs of cross media professionals in that it can also capture 12 Megapixel still images and provide 8 Megapixel stills extracted from 4K motion video.
3. Canon XA40 Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $1,699.00
Featuring an advanced 4K UHD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, a powerful DIG!C DV 6 Image Processor, and a phenomenal 20x High Definition optical zoom lens, the XA40 camcorder captures expansive, high-quality 4K UHD video. Dual SD card slots that are compatible with universal SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards provide super-high capacity and ultra-fast data transfer. The compact XA40 includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. Functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder when the handle is attached. Combining a lightweight design, a 1.56 million dot electronic viewfinder, and a 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD, the XA40 is comfortable to operate for extended periods of time and in numerous environments.
4. Canon XA15 Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $1,799.00
Featuring an advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, a powerful DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor, and a phenomenal 20x High Definition optical zoom lens, the XA15 camcorder captures expansive, high-quality Full HD video. Its HD/SD-SDI terminal lets it quickly and reliably transmit uncompressed video with timecode and audio embedded directly to broadcast vans and workstations. Combining a lightweight design, a 1.56 million dot electronic viewfinder, and a 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD, the XA15 is comfortable to operate for extended periods of time and in numerous environments. When there’s no telling what or where the next story will be, the XA15 is ready to go. A remarkably versatile, powerful and compact camcorder, it delivers the quality, speed, and connectivity to drive a 24-hour news workflow.
5. Canon XC15 4K UHD Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $1,999.00
Whether you’re an advanced amateur or professional 4K and HD videographer, a digital filmmaker needing a cost-effective 4K UHD/HD “B” or “C” camera, or a multimedia journalist in the field, the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is the complete package to get you the high-quality footage you seek and do so easily and conveniently. With a compact, portable body, the new XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is ideal for handheld editorial and news shooting or on-set TV and film shoots. Its different Look Settings can be used to make sure it pairs well with Canon Cinema EOS cameras as well as XF and XA series camcorders. The XC15 4K UHD Camcorder’s compact design, advanced 12 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, wide-angle 10x zoom lens with Image Stabilizer and advanced autofocus delivers outstanding sharpness and color to bring virtually any project to life.
6. Canon XA45 Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $2,199.00
Featuring an advanced 4K UHD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, a powerful DIG!C DV 6 Image Processor, and a phenomenal 20x High Definition optical zoom lens, the XA45 camcorder captures expansive, high-quality 4K UHD video. Dual SD card slots that are compatible with universal SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards provide super-high capacity and ultra-fast data transfer. Its 3G-SDI terminal lets it quickly and reliably transmit uncompressed video with timecode and audio embedded directly to broadcast vans and workstations. The compact XA45 includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. Functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder when the handle is attached. Combining a lightweight design, a 1.56 million dot electronic viewfinder, and a 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD, the XA45 is comfortable to operate for extended periods of time and in numerous environments. When there’s no telling what or where the next story will be, the XA45 is ready to go. A remarkably versatile, powerful and compact camcorder, it delivers the quality, speed, and connectivity to drive a 24-hour news workflow.
7. Canon XA50 Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $2,199.00
Featuring a 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor and a DiG!C DV 6 Image Processor, the XA50 can record in XF-AVC or MP4 formats to dual SD card slots. The camcorder is capable of recording 4K UHD video at 30p, as well as slow-motion recording up to 60fps in Full HD (30 fps in 4K UHD). A 15x optical zoom lens maintains 4K UHD quality throughout the entire zoom range, while the camcorder’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps facilitate fast and accurate autofocus. The camcorder includes an HDMI 2.0 terminal with 4K UHD output support and two XLR terminals with independent audio level control. An adjustable 3.0-inch touch panel LCD monitor and a built-in 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder enhance usability, and the detachable handle helps the XA50 to operate in a variety of shooting situations. Designed to meet the needs of professionals, the XA50 offers a wide range of recording possibilities.
8. Canon XF400 4K UHD Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $2,499.00
The XF400 Professional Camcorder offers an outstanding combination of 4K UHD image quality, features, and functionality in a compact portable design ideally suited for government, broadcast, education, corporate and event videography for cost-effective 4K UHD quality video. Featuring a 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor and dual DIGIC DV 6 Image Processors, the XF400 records in MP4 format to dual SD card slots. The camcorder is capable of recording 4K UHD video at 60p, as well as slow-motion recording up to 120fps in Full HD. A 15x optical zoom lens maintains 4K UHD quality throughout the entire zoom range, while the camcorder’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps facilitate fast and accurate autofocus. The camcorder includes an HDMI 2.0 terminal with 4K UHD output support, two XLR terminals with independent audio level control. An adjustable 3.5-inch touch panel LCD monitor and a built-in 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder enhance usability, and the detachable handle helps the XF400 to operate in a variety of shooting situations. Designed to meet the needs of professionals, the XF400 offers a wide range of recording possibilities.
9. Canon XA55 Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $2,699.00
The XA55 Professional Camcorder offers an outstanding combination of 4K UHD image quality, features and functionality in a compact portable design ideally suited for on-the-go Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and documentary production. Featuring a 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor and a DiG!C DV 6 Image Processor, the XA55 can record in XF-AVC or MP4 formats to dual SD card slots. The camcorder is capable of recording 4K UHD video at 30p, as well as slow-motion recording up to 60fps in Full HD (30 fps in 4K UHD). A 15x optical zoom lens maintains 4K UHD quality throughout the entire zoom range, while the camcorder’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps facilitate fast and accurate autofocus. The camcorder includes an HDMI 2.0 terminal with 4K UHD output support, two XLR terminals with independent audio level control and a 3G-SDI terminal that supports camcorder integration into professional workflows. An adjustable 3.0-inch touch panel LCD monitor and a built-in 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder enhance usability, and the detachable handle helps the XA55 to operate in a variety of shooting situations. Designed to meet the needs of professionals, the XA55 offers a wide range of recording possibilities.
10. Canon XF405 4K UHD Professional Camcorder
Official Price: $3,199.00
The XF405 Professional Camcorder offers an outstanding combination of 4K UHD image quality, features and functionality in a compact portable design ideally suited for on-the-go Electronic News Gathering (ENG) and documentary production. Featuring a 1.0-inch 4K UHD CMOS image sensor and dual DIGIC DV 6 Image Processors, the XF405 records in MP4 format to dual SD card slots. The camcorder is capable of recording 4K UHD video at 60p, as well as slow-motion recording up to 120fps in Full HD. A 15x optical zoom lens maintains 4K UHD quality throughout the entire zoom range, while the camcorder’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps facilitate fast and accurate autofocus. The camcorder includes an HDMI 2.0 terminal with 4K UHD output support, two XLR terminals with independent audio level control and a 3G-SDI output that supports camcorder integration into professional workflows. An adjustable 3.5-inch touch panel LCD monitor and a built-in 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder enhance usability, and the detachable handle helps the XF405 to operate in a variety of shooting situations. Designed to meet the needs of professionals, the XF405 offers a wide range of recording possibilities.