[2020] 5 Best Cameras For Videography Under $1000

How to choose best videography camera?

Whether you are an experienced professional videographer or an amateur, finding the best video camera under a specific budget is not an easy task.

With so many diverse options available in the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. While choosing the video camera which will be accompanying you in your videography journey, you have to make sure it fits its main purpose, be it commercial videography, wedding videos, filmmaking, or something else.

When researching your next camera, keep mind the factors like price, durability, performance, as well as advanced features like focus stabilization, 4K resolution, and so on.

To make this easier, we have compiled a list of what we think are the top 5 best videography cameras under $1000. Follow the links to manufacturers for technical specs.

Top 5 cameras for videography

  • 1. Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

    Panasonic-HC-WXF991K

    The Panasonic 4K Camcorder is one of the most impressive video cameras available under $1000.

    Priced at $797.99, it can be considered a high-end camcorder that also supports wireless platforms. Apart from laying the groundwork for the Ultra HD/4K video recording technology, what makes this camcorder stand alone is its LEICA Decoma lens, 20x optical zoom range, comprehensive set of editing modes, Wi-Fi connectivity, and in-camera effects.

    It features the five-axis hybrid optical image stabilization, which allows the videographers to capture steady and great footage without the use of a tripod.

    The 4K shooting is the real deal when it comes to this video camera as it ensures its lasting compatibility and relevance for years to come.

    Learn more about Panasonic HC-WXF991K

    Panasonic HC-WXF991K test video:

  • 2. GoPro HERO7 Black

    GoPro hero7 black

    What sets GoPro HERO7 Black apart from its competitors is its ability to capture super-smooth footage using its stunning image stabilization technology.

    It introduces GoPro’s new HyperSmooth stabilization algorithm, which enables it to create the most stable GoPro video to date. It is priced at $329.99 and includes direct streaming to Facebook Live, an intelligent still photo mode, stabilized time-lapse video, face-smile-scene detection and, a super slow-motion video at rates up to 1080p240/200.

    Voice command function helps with hands-free filming for front-facing videos. With its rugged design and waterproof to 33 ft (10 m) feature,this camera makes a great choice for action videography, especially to film snorkeling, surfing, and other sport activities.

    Learn more about GoPro HERO7

    GoPro HERO7 test video:

  • 3. Canon VIXIA HF R800

    Canon VIXIA HF R800

    Canon VIXIA HF R800 is Canon’s lowest cost HD video camera to date, yet is one of the most feature-packed camcorder available to budget minded videographers.

    Priced at $209 this model has a 32x optical zoom lens, which delivers excellent image quality as it features SuperRange optical image stabilization. This feature helps to keep the images steady, especially when you use the long zoom lens.

    It has an improved slow and fast recording option, which lets the videographers experiment with different ways to record. The presence of Highlight Priority Mode provides an HDR-like quality to the video and prevents the loss of detail in high-brightness areas.

    The model supports wireless connection and comes with a headphone jack and External Microphone Jack, which enables better sound quality. This video camera records at up to 35 Mbps using MP4 compression, and the videographers can record for about 2 hours at maximum HD quality. You can use 32 GB SDHC/SDXC memory card with this camera.

    Learn more about Canon VIXIA HF R800

    Canon VIXIA HF R800 test video:

  • 4. GoPro HERO8 Black

    GoPro HERO8 BLACK

    GoPro Hero8 Black is the company’s flagship action video camera to date. This versatile device is priced at $399.99 and features a class-leading HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization and video quality in a waterproof and rugged body. It enables it to produce smooth and gimbal-like movement at all supported frame rates.

    Compared to its predecessors, the camera has modern look and streamlined design.

    It supports up to UHD 4K video resolutions and time-lapse, up to 1080p240 slow motion and super slow-motion video combined with high-fidelity audio.

    Images can be captured in up to 12 MP resolution, including bursts of 30 images per second. The updated SuperPhoto with HDR support enhances detail and reduces blurring in low light situations.

    Learn more about GoPro Hero8

    GoPro HERO8 Black test video:

  • 5. Nikon COOLPIX P1000

    Nikon COOLPIX P1000

    With a zoom range that allows the device to capture sharp shots with a 3000mm lens, you can call Nikon Coolpix P1000 the ultra-high-definition superzoom video camera, great for professional videography.

    It shoots video in ultra HD and records true stereo sound directly via in-camera microphone. Priced at $996.95 it allows the videographers to get up close and personal with the desired object from a far distance, thanks to its 125x zoom. It also features a 4KUHD video recording and a 2.36 million dot EVF.

    The camera supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and comes with contrast-detect autofocus.

    With extreme telescopic zoom and stabilization, on-lens zoom controls, and Nikon image quality, we recommend this camera to wildlife and astro videographers.

    Learn more about Nikon COOLPIX P1000

    GoPro HERO8 Black test video:

The bottom line

If you only starting your videography career, the price of the camera becomes an important factor. We hope this list will help you to choose the best videography camera that fits your needs and budget. If you’re looking to save even more check out the local classifieds for a used camera or look at videography camera and accessories deals at coupon sites like CuratedDeals that helped us with compiling this list.

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