Features of 4K camcorders

Now it is very difficult to imagine a family in which there would not be such a thing as a video camera. This small device allows you to capture the most interesting and exciting moments in a person's life, so that you can always revisit them or refresh your memories later.

Recently, these devices have taken a big step forward, and nowadays 4K video cameras are something common. Let's try to figure out what Ultra HD cameras are, what they are and how to choose the best solution in terms of price and quality.

If we talk about what a video camera is, then this device did not acquire its current significance immediately. At first, this was the name of a device that combined equipment for video recording and a television camera for image transmission. But over time, the word "video camera" was already hiding several different devices. For the first time, this word began to be applied in relation to such a technique as a hand-held mini-camera, which is intended for recording video at home for viewing on the most ordinary VCR.

And after camcorders appeared, which are a symbiosis of a VCR and a television transmission camera, which is intended for television journalism, this word also became a component of the professional lexicon. But if we are talking specifically about devices that have a resolution of 4K, then we are talking about the fact that they can shoot video at a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels.

If we talk about the types of such devices, then it should be said that that they can differ according to the following criteria:

• by appointment;
• by permission;
• by the format of the information carrier;
• by the number of matrices;
• by the format of information recording.

If we talk about the purpose, then the video camera can be:

• household;
• special;
• professional.

The samples from the first category are lightweight, very compact, and quite easy to operate. All this makes it possible even for an ordinary person who does not know how to shoot professionally to use them. The second category includes devices that are used in television or in digital cinema. They are usually heavy. Although there are already portable models here that can shoot both at 60 FPS and at 120 FPS, absolutely no worse than stationary models. But their cost will be quite high.

The third category of devices is video cameras that are used in some narrow areas of human life: medicine, video surveillance. Usually, devices that belong to this segment have a very simple design and small dimensions.

If we talk about resolution, then according to this criterion, models are distinguished:

• standard definition;
• high definition.

The first ones differ in that their shooting resolution is either 640 by 480 pixels, or 720 by 576. Models from the second category can shoot video in a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels or 1920 by 1080. The considered category of video cameras, which can be described as new on the market , belongs to the second group.

If we talk about the format of the storage medium, then the devices are:

• analog;
• digital with analog media;
• digital with digital media.

By the number of matrices, they can be:

• 1-matrix;
• 3-matrix;
• 4-matrix.

And by the type of information recording, 4K video cameras can do this in the following formats:

• DV;
• MPEG-2;
• AVCHD.

It is in the format of the latter type that the devices in question record video.

Now let's try to tell a little about the best 4K camcorders on the market today. Here will be presented not only new items, but also models that have been on sale for a long time and have a certain "reputation".

The first model that I would like to draw your attention to is called ThiEYE i30 +. Its main feature is affordability, because it is the cheapest on the market. Its price is 3600 rubles. Made in China and well designed. Other features include Wi-Fi support and a special application that makes it possible to control it from a smartphone.

It also implements the function of broadcasting the recording to social networks and viewing it in real time. It is well protected from external factors and has a water resistance of 60 meters. Also, this compact model is equipped with special mounts, so that it can be mounted on a wrist or helmet. Shooting is carried out in 4K format, but with only 10 frames per second.

The next model from this segment, which I want to talk about, - Xiaomi Yi 4K Black. Its cost is 10 thousand rubles. Has a pleasant appearance. Equipped with LCD monitor. One of the features is the ability to turn on in just 3 seconds. Its weight is only 95 grams. At the same time, the device is equipped with a high-precision 3-axis accelerometer and gyroscope. If we talk about processors, then a modern A9SE processor is installed as the main one, and Ambarella A9SE is installed as a graphic one.

There is also a modern Wi-Fi module that supports all major standards that are used today. The water resistance of this model is 40 meters in a special case. In addition, this model can be applied in many areas: from home shooting to use in extreme conditions with immersion. When functioning as a still camera, the camera can take pictures in 12 megapixel mode.

The first model in this category - Sony FDR-X3000. In general, this manufacturer creates really high-quality devices, and this 4K camcorder is no exception. The design of this model differs from others in the presence of a large number of bulges. Sony FDR-X3000 equipped with BIONZ X processor, thanks to which burst and slow-motion shooting in 4K mode, loop recording, as well as the presence of Motion Shot LE, became possible.

The camera supports live video streaming. There is a monaural speaker and stereo microphone, as well as a good LCD monitor. Its water resistance in a box is 60 meters.

Another model that represents the mid-price segment is the GoPro HERO 6 Black. This camera is an upgrade of the 5th version of the 4K camcorder. Its design practically does not differ from the previous model, but the performance has increased. The zoom performance has also increased and stabilization has improved. The reason for this is the new and more powerful GP1 processor, which is 2x stronger than the model found in the HERO5. The camera can shoot excellently even in low light conditions thanks to the presence of a special night mode.

If we talk about water resistance, then it can be immersed to a depth of 10 meters even without a special case. There are a lot of video modes here. Yes, and with photo modes, everything is also on top here. A 13-megapixel matrix is ​​installed here. In addition, there are functions such as wind suppression mode, stereo sound recording, Bluetooth, GPS.

Premium models include Sony Handycam FDR-AX33 4K Flash Black. This camera can be called the embodiment of the latest and most advanced technology in the field of 4K video cameras. It is equipped with a special CMOS-matrix Exmor R 1.0, which allows very high quality and noise-free image transfer. In addition, the wide-angle ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens also helps to produce high-quality image transmission, which has a 10x zoom capability, which is specially optimized for shooting in 4K format.

The presence of a modern processor model Bionz X allows you to provide the highest quality processing of photos and videos. By the way, this model supports video recording in the XAVC S format, which is a more advanced version of the format of the same name.

This segment also includes a 4K video camera. Panasonic HC-VX990EE... This professional model is equipped with the LEICA Dicomar lens, which allows you to take videos and photos of the highest quality. Its advantages include a huge set of functions, ranging from smooth zoom, to the function of tracking objects, precise panning, as well as automatic alignment of the image to the horizon.

There is a 19-megapixel sensor here, which makes it possible to shoot video in 4K mode with high quality. There is also a 20x zoom, which allows you to make a high-quality approach to objects that are located at a distance.

If we talk about how to choose a high-quality 4K video camera, then here you should pay attention to the following criteria:

• video quality;
• form factor;
• zoom;
• software;
• remote control;
• security;
• autonomy.

Now let's say a little about each of the indicators. The quality parameter in this case will consist of 3 components:

• resolution;
• stabilization;
• sensitivity.

If we talk about the resolution, then a good video camera that shoots in 4K should have an indicator with a value of 1600. If we talk about the sensitivity, the better it is, the better video quality can be obtained. If we talk about stabilization, then it can be mechanical and electronic. According to this characteristic, the products of Sony and Panasonic are of the highest quality.

The form factor indicator is very conditional. The fact is that everything here will depend on the comfort of the grip of the person who is filming. Accordingly, the design may be different for different people, so that they call the video camera convenient. If we talk about such a criterion as zoom, then today you can find models on the market with both 50- and 60-fold magnification. But the problem is that this is achieved through software effects and smaller lenses, which can significantly degrade the image.

Software is a software "stuffing" that allows you to implement some special functions. But few users generally know what they are in his device. Therefore, if sometimes there is a desire to diversify the shooting, before purchasing, ask the seller for this information. If we talk about remote control, then only top-class models are equipped with it. But this function allows you to control the camera using your smartphone, and at the same time you do not need to be near it, which is sometimes extremely convenient.

Speaking of security, let's say that this implies the possibility of using a 4K video camera in heat, cold, rain, and so on. There are two types of protection for such devices:

• special boxes;
• using a special case.

The second option will be more preferable, because the protection of the device will be provided always and at any time, and the box can be accidentally forgotten. The last important criterion is autonomy. Here everything will depend on the "gluttony" of the electronic components of the device.

The most energy-consuming are the processor and sensor.And if we talk about indicators, then the least autonomous are action cameras with an indicator of 90 minutes. And if we talk about ordinary 4K video cameras, then their autonomy indicators are usually 2-2.5 hours.

In the next video, you will find a detailed review of the Panasonic HC-VXF990 4K camcorder.