In our daily life, we confuse camcorder with video camera. Judging from the name, the difference between the two devices is obvious. The functions of the two devices look similar. The video camera has the function of photographing. Then how should we distinguish the two kinds of equipment?

First of all, the core difference is its purpose. That is, the application scene. Video cameras are used in television stations. Camcorders are used in theater group. The scenes where TV stations use video cameras include interviews, programs and feature films. There is only one scene in which the theater group uses the Camcorders. That is filming. It can lead to the first difference between the two.

Video cameras are used to record. Camcorders are used to create. Whether it is a TV program, an interview or a feature film, it is to record an image data. The core of this image data is the content, not the picture. Camcorders do not pursue picture quality. For movies, pictures are a part that cannot be ignored. Camcorders are better than video cameras in picture quality.

The materials shot by the video camera are more efficient. The materials shot by the Camcorder are more professional. The highest picture that the video camera can shoot is only about 4K 25 frames, 10bit 4: 2: 2. The data rate is small and the storage efficiency is high. It can shoot more materials. It avoids the situation of insufficient storage or bandwidth (live broadcast) when shooting outside. However, the Camcorder does not need to consider the problems of storage space and transmission bandwidth. The image quality that can be captured is very high. For example, RED Monstro 8K VV can shoot 8K 60 frames of 16bit Raw format files. In this way, there will be more creative space for post-production. It takes up a lot of storage space. The picture quality has made progress.

In the mode of operation, the two machines have great differences. Video cameras must be operated by a single person. Camcorder need to be operated by many people. Camcorders are used in the theater group. The photography team of a theater group comes standard with many positions. They are photographer, handler, follower, photography assistant, etc. Therefore, the function of the Camcorder is not so “intelligent”. There is no auto-focus, no automatic white balance and no anti-shake. All effects are achieved by people. However, due to the particularity of news and records, it is often necessary and can only be taken by cameramen alone. At this time, the video camera needs to be more intelligent to reduce the burden of operation. For example, automatic following focus, automatic white balance and automatic exposure. These are all functions that can greatly reduce the workload of cameramen.

The difference between the Camcorder and the video camera is far more than that. There are differences in price and appearance. Their function is to record the picture. The different directions also lead to the difference between them.