When I was young, before smartphones or mirrorless cameras were invented, camcorders were an essential way to record life's big events. I remember them coming out at weddings, christenings, parties, or when you (I) wanted to demonstrate my directing skills and make a home movie. For serious broadcasters, camcorders were and still are ideal for documentaries and news, as the convenience of an all-in-one device trumps having the best quality.
But to my mind, if you're a prosumer in 2023 – somewhere past a beginner but not quite a professional – having a camcorder feels like an outdated concept. After all, the best hybrid cameras can capture high-end video, the best phone for video recording will be good enough for social media, and the best cinema cameras are there for big-budget productions.
