Best Camcorders for Indie Filmmaking

High-definition, professional-grade camcorders are getting better all the time, and they’re more accessible than ever. If you’re an independent filmmaker, this is your time to shine.

Most of today’s camcorders come loaded with features and software, but it really pays to take the time to learn what your camcorder can do. Prices vary greatly, but the best value for your dollar will be a device with great color capture, HDMI output and film speed of 24p – 24 frames per second progressive scan.

Cameras that offer gyro image stabilizing to counteract camera motion let you capture the action without a jiggle or a hitch, and noise reduction features will help you eliminate distracting background noise. For the highest quality from far away, look for optical zoom ratios of 20x and digital zoom ratios of 200x. You’ll want at least a 40 GB hard drive to store video capture so you won’t have to mess around with memory cards.

Luckily for the indie auteur, HD camcorders are getting smaller and more compact so you can tune in instantly to wherever the action takes you. Wide screen, high resolution viewfinders let you rewind the action and accompanying software will help you get professional editing results. You’ll be well on your way to producing your own small-scale blockbuster.