How to buy a camcorder for film and video making

This article explains how to buy a new or used camcorder for film making equipment

Firstly, research what camcorders are available and probably more importantly research who is using which brand and model of camcorder.
By ‘who’ I mean experienced professionals such as those who are involved in the TV and film industry. If they mostly tend to use a certain brand and model of camcorder for example the chances are that it will be versatile and very reliable.
In my experience there are a couple of main ways of finding out what equipment the professionals use.

Buying a camcorder by researching video editing forums

One way is to join a video and film making forum and look out for posts by people who post something like ‘advice wanted on buying a camcorder’ or similar. Make a note of the advice that is given and keep it in mind. The advice will often be given by professionals. Many if not most of the posters in the first video editing forum in my links page are professionals

Buying a camcorder by researching dealers in new and used video and film making equipment

Another system that I used when I was just starting out buying camcorders etc. was to check out the market. for used professional camcorders. They are a useful resource even if you aren’t planning to buy a used camcorder.
Certain websites specialise in selling used equipment, and I mention one website that I have personally used on the links page of my main Effects Films website.

YouTube as a resource for buying a camcorder

The camcorder reviews on YouTube can be very useful. The camcorder dealers that post camcorder reviews can be very informative.  Obviously they are hoping to sell their camcorders but they still give plenty of honest advice.
Also, look out for YouTube reviews by people who have bought and regularly use their camcorders.
They often upload what are called camcorder ‘tests.’
For example, if you are interested in a Sony Z7 camcorder, type in ‘Sony Z7 test’ (without the quotation marks) in the YouTube search box.