Our smartphones are already excellent devices for filming. But they are far from being the equal of digital cameras. Moreover, the camera has been able to reinvent itself, like the GoPro, to continue to seduce. It remains to know how to choose the digital camera that suits you in terms of use, quality, handling and price. This guide will help you make the best choice.
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Our selection
"Capture all your best memories and adventures with the GoPro HERO8 Black. This on-board camera is easy to handle and offers a host of features…"
"The Crosstour Sport Camera CT9500 films in all situations with 4K resolution. No need to spend all your savings, the waterproof digital camera is offered…"
"The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema is a modern, high-end digital camera capable of displaying exceptional photo and video quality."
"The Sony HDR-CX405 camcorder offers impressive video quality combined with exceptional handling and a very good price/performance ratio."
Capture all your best memories and adventures with the GoPro HERO8 Black. This on-board camera is easy to handle and offers a host of features that make it a breeze to use.
263 £ on AmazonGoPro HERO8 Black is one of the best on-board cameras of the Australian brand. The format remains the same as the previous models, a small digital camera with smart attachments. In a few steps, put the HERO8 on your helmet, on the handlebars of your bike or on another object. The camera is accompanied by accessories such as flashes and microphones.
A three-stage stabilization system captures video at 1080p 4K resolution even when you're on the move. The touchscreen makes it easy to make adjustments and settings. The 1220mAh battery provides great battery life. The GoPro HERO8 Black is primarily aimed at sportsmen and women, but also at videographers and audiovisual content creators.
The Crosstour Sport Camera CT9500 films in all situations with 4K resolution. No need to spend all your savings, the waterproof digital camera is offered at a very attractive price.
71,98 £ on AmazonYou no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a sports camera. The Crosstour Sport Camera CT9500 is offered at a very competitive price. Yet it rivals more expensive models both in quality and performance. The camera shoots 4K video and captures photos with high ISO sensitivity and a high-speed burst mode.
The Crosstour Sport Camera CT9500 is a waterproof model. You can perfectly use it underwater to capture your water sports sessions and swimming. It is an on-board camera that you can put on a bike, a motorcycle or a helmet without any problem. It is also possible to share the content directly on social networks through the Yutupro application.
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema is a modern, high-end digital camera capable of displaying exceptional photo and video quality.
1 032 £ on AmazonThe Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema achieves true visual prowess. It has the ability to shoot 4K video at 120 fps. It also supports Blu-ray and SDHC formats. This is the model for you if you are very demanding about the quality of your photos and videos. The device will meet the needs of professionals looking for a digital camera of very good quality. Note that it incorporates a lithium-ion battery and weighs just over 500g.
Its 5-inch OLED screen provides a direct overview of photos and videos and is a display support for the features. The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema can be connected via Bluetooth, USB or HDMI cable. You'll have the choice of which lens to use depending on your shots. The best part is that you will receive it with DaVinci Resolve 16 Studio video editing software developed by BlackMagicDesign.
The Sony HDR-CX405 camcorder offers impressive video quality combined with exceptional handling and a very good price/performance ratio.
200 £ on AmazonThe flagship model of the Handycam range, the Sony HDR-CX405 is your best companion for capturing your best moments and memories on video. Small and light, it is easier to handle than a smartphone and has an optical Steadyshot stabilizer. The camera boasts much better video quality with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution and a 1/5.8 (3.1mm) backlit Exmor™ R CMOS sensor.
The Sony HDR-CX405 promises a 60x high-resolution zoom possible with its 26.8mm Zeiss wide-angle lens. The device comes with a rechargeable battery and a USB cable that allows you to charge it, but also to connect it to a computer in order to quickly transfer all your data like photos and videos to a PC.
Any specific needs?
Best entry-level digital camera
Best image quality, great battery life
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
GoPro HERO8 Black digital camera
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Crosstour Sport Camera CT9500
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Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema
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Sony HDR-CX405
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Capture all your best memories and adventures with the GoPro HERO8 Black. This on-board camera is easy to handle and offers a host of features that make it a breeze to use.
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The Crosstour Sport Camera CT9500 films in all situations with 4K resolution. No need to spend all your savings, the waterproof digital camera is offered at a very attractive price.
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The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema is a modern, high-end digital camera capable of displaying exceptional photo and video quality.
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The Sony HDR-CX405 camcorder offers impressive video quality combined with exceptional handling and a very good price/performance ratio.
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Image stabilization
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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Yes
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Sensor resolution
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12 Mp
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20 Mp
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-
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9.2 Mp
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Video resolution
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4K
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4K
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4K
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Full HD 1920 x 1080p
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Connectivity
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USB, HDMI
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USB, Wi-Fi
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USB, Bluetooth, HDMI
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USB
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Power supply
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1220 mAh rechargeable battery
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2 rechargeable 1350 mAh batteries
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Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
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Rechargeable Battery / Batteries
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As with cameras and smartphones, the resolution of the sensors of a digital camera is expressed in megapixels. The most basic models have 10 Mp sensors, while the latest and most advanced ones go up to 20 Mp or more. However, a resolution of 20 Mp is not necessarily a guarantee of video quality. Indeed, some 12 Mp sensors can very well compete with a 20 Mp model in terms of video resolution.
This criterion refers to the resolution of videos rendered by the digital camera. Today, a minimum Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution is required to enjoy a good display quality. More recently, very high definition camcorders have appeared on the market. They offer UHD (3840 x 2160p) or 4K (4096 x 2160p) resolutions. These are, for the moment, the best resolutions available on this type of audiovisual devices.
It is quite rare that digital cameras have a large internal storage memory. It is therefore necessary to use a memory card to store the recorded videos. Prefer models that work with very common memory cards(Mini SD and MicroSD). You will not have difficulty finding them and will be able to use them more easily since they are compatible with PCs and smartphones. Also check the capacity limit of the memory card accepted by the digital camera. Some models are limited to 32GB while others support up to 1TB of expandable memory.
Digital camcorders run on either a rechargeable battery or batteries. The rechargeable battery is more advantageous in terms of cost of use. You won't have to buy batteries regularly. On the other hand, you should check its autonomy. It would be a shame if you ran out of battery power in the middle of shooting. If you plan to shoot for a long time, a second battery is a better choice.
Modern digital cameras are real smart devices. They are no longer just for filming in normal conditions. Some are made to film in difficult situations (sports, water activities...). They therefore include many features such as intelligent stabilizer, night vision, straps and fastening systems, waterproof shells...
Filming with a digital camera is not just for professional videographers. You can easily get started and capture great footage without being a specialist in the field. You just have to know how to do it right. Here are some tips to help you shoot like a pro with a digital camera.
Your digital camera gives you a host of settings. Contrast, brightness, recording speed, shutter speed and recording format can all be changed. The choice of settings depends mainly on the conditions of the environment (indoor / outdoor, level of brightness ...), constraints and needs of the shoot (movements, slow motion ...). It is therefore necessary to learn to master these settings. The automatic mode is also available to amateurs.
The stabilizer is a function almost always integrated into a digital camera. It gives you the possibility to limit hand shakes that are reflected in the video. Activate the stabilizer to eliminate shaking. If this is not enough, you can always use a Steadycam or the traditional tripod to stabilize your digital camera.
The tripod and Steadycam mentioned above are essential accessories in some situations. Other accessories can improve the performance of your digital camera. This is the case of flashes for photos, LED plates, light equipment, a microphone or a boom or spare batteries.
The Full HD format on digital cameras was popularized in the 2000s. It is characterized by a 1920 x 1080p display or about 2 million pixels per image. These digital cameras already promise very good levels of sharpness especially when the images are displayed on a screen offering the same resolution.
The Full HD digital camera is still quite common. It is the most popular especially for its affordable price compared to devices that offer higher resolutions. Moreover, it meets very well the needs of amateur videographers or needs of home movies. On the other hand, it will not always correspond to professional videographers who are much more demanding in terms of video rendering.
The 4K digital camera represents the most recent generation of camcorders dedicated to the general public. It provides a display at 4096 x 2016p, which is similar to UHD, but with a cinema format. These digital cameras have the best levels of sharpness and brightness. These types of digital cameras were very expensive in the beginning, but prices have come down a lot since then. Now, you can afford a 4K digital camera at very low prices, sometimes lower than Full HD models.
The dedicated digital camera is characterized by its predefined use. It can be an action-cam (on-board camera or sports camera), surveillance camera, drone camera or surveillance camera. The format of the housing, but also the characteristics (waterproof, night vision ...) are designed to fit the specific use of the camera. Generally, they are not very effective when used outside of this field to which they are predestined.
Digital cameras with hard disks, as their name suggests, are equipped with an integrated memory medium. This is a hard disk with a capacity ranging from 120 GB to 1 TB. You no longer need a memory card to record videos because they will be stored directly in the hard drive. This type of digital camera is generally more expensive than models without internal memory.
Digital cameras have become increasingly popular in recent years. This technology is used by the vast majority of recent models. Its greatest advantage is that it offers the best video resolutions. Ultra HD and 4K formats are only possible with digital cameras. In addition, this type of camera offers very high frame rates (60 to 120 fps or more). The price will be higher than that of an analogue camera as the technology is much more complex and therefore expensive to produce. However, the investment is worth it in view of the quality of the images offered by the digital camera.
The analog camera is an older technology that is still widely used, especially in the field of surveillance. Its cost is one of its major advantages. Analog cameras are particularly affordable compared to digital cameras. These low costs are related to a limited video quality. Typically, the cameras offer a video resolution of 960H, which is lower than high definition (HD), with a frame rate of 30 fps. Some models still manage to offer Full HD video, although these are quite rare.
The choice will depend mainly on your budget. The analog camera will suit you if you have a very tight budget for the purchase of your camera. This choice is most interesting for surveillance cameras where image quality is not a top priority. If you want to enjoy optimal image quality, choose a digital camera. It records better quality videos with superior sharpness.
Digital cameras have much better video quality than analog cameras. This is an important advantage since it is always more enjoyable to see videos with optimal sharpness. This quality is especially noticeable if you are viewing your video files on a large UHD or 4K TV. It's simply the best device for capturing your best video memories.
A camcorder is always more comfortable to hold than a smartphone. The camera is thicker and in some cases, a strap makes holding the camera effortless. This is very convenient for filming from all angles and in all situations. By the way, there are small, lightweight action cameras available today that attach to a mobile location and can be carried on your person or your gear.
The digital camera has modern connectivity. The USB port is always present on this device. The HDMI output is becoming increasingly popular. It ensures a direct display of videos on a PC monitor or TV screen. Wireless connections (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) are increasingly present on digital cameras.
You can use a digital camera to film your best moments with family and friends. Its use goes beyond the home. The digital camera can also meet the needs of amateur or professional videographers and social network content creators. You just need to know how to choose the best model for your needs by following the tips and tricks in this buying guide to be fully satisfied.
Of course, digital cameras are quite expensive compared to analog models. The purchase also requires additional expenses if you already own a smartphone that guarantees good quality video recording. Nevertheless, the investment is worth it especially since the prices of digital cameras are more affordable while their performance increases with the innovations.
In our opinion, the best brands of digital cameras in 2022 are :
Sony is credited with inventing the first digital camera in 1981. Since then, the Japanese giant has been offering the best cameras using this digital technology. Its Handycam range is particularly appreciated by the general public for its exceptional quality/price ratio. Sony also offers high-end digital cameras for professional videographers and photographers.
GoPro entered the digital camera market in 2002 with a novel concept, the action camera. The manufacturer produces and markets a whole range of waterproof cameras that can be worn anywhere, especially during sports sessions, to film first-person views. Today, GoPro is the reference in the action camera market and sells millions of models, year after year, throughout the world.
BlackMagic Design is one of the biggest players in the audiovisual equipment market. The brand offers a wide range of digital cameras and equipment for professionals in the audiovisual industry, but also for individuals who want to equip themselves with high quality equipment.
Like Sony, Canon started producing cameras very early on. Today, the Japanese firm is one of the market leaders and enjoys a very strong reputation among audiovisual professionals. Canon is known for the high quality of its digital cameras and for the numerous innovations in the field.
Nikon is one of the top three sellers of digital cameras in the world. Its cameras are used by millions of amateur and professional videographers in various situations. Although the brand has experienced some difficulties in the last couple of years, it remains a major player in the market and provides you with excellent digital cameras in terms of quality and performance.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Manual settings for better videos
The automatic setting is the easiest to use. However, it does not always capture video at optimum quality. This is achieved by manually adjusting your digital camera. At first, this may seem complex. However, once you get used to the basics, you'll be able to master the various settings that will ensure that your footage is optimally enhanced.
Limit screen usage to save battery life
If your digital camera has a viewfinder, use it more often. This will limit the use of the screen, which uses up the battery very quickly. Thus, using the viewfinder will help you save battery power especially when taking pictures and when capturing video from a fixed point.
Charge the battery before storing it
It is advisable to charge the battery to the maximum before storing it for an extended period of time of non-use. Place it in a plastic bag, protected from moisture, and in a place with an ambient temperature below 25°C. Recharge the battery every six months if you won't be using it for a very long time to extend its life.
Accessories to enjoy better video quality
If you want to shoot in all conditions, especially in low light, you'll need additional accessories. A flash, LED panels, reflectors and other accessories will be useful so that you can enjoy the best image quality in any context.
Set the recording speed correctly
Recording speed is one of the central parameters that improve the quality of your videos. If your digital camera allows it, set the recording speed to 24p or 25p and 1/50 as the shutter speed. You will get the best display with these settings. It is possible, under certain conditions, to choose a recording speed of 50p or 100p.
Yes! You'll enjoy excellent video quality, which is ideal for filming memorable moments with family and friends. However, you'll need to plan for a much higher price tag. Professional digital cameras are considerably more expensive than entry-level or mid-range models.
Yes, as long as the action camera has a real-time scene display. Some basic models do not have such a screen. In this case, you'll need to view the video on a smartphone if a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection is available.
The models that come with a rechargeable battery are the most interesting. You only need to recharge the battery when it runs out. If the battery is removable, you can provide spare batteries. In case your digital camera is battery powered, invest in rechargeable batteries. This will save you from buying new ones every time they run out.
The larger the lens, the more expensive the digital camera. However, a large-diameter sensor does not always guarantee optimal video quality. Some models with small lenses capture 4K video. The size of the lens is therefore a criterion to consider along with other factors such as resolution, different modes and features.
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