Old school vibe is a fascination to most of the people of this era, and it is a major trend now. The best VHS camcorder is a complete solution to capture moments with the most retro output possible.
Although the old school camcorders trend was gone for a while, it is now back; even countless indie films, art films, and different movie clips are shot using VHS camcorders.
For various purposes of shooting and making vlogs, a VHS camcorder can be the best choice there is because of its unbeatable unique output of snaps and shots. As there are countless VHS camcorders, it sometimes might get tough to find the best one out of them.
Best VHS Camcorder: Vintage, 80s and 90s Camcorder
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the top VHS camcorders in the market right now:
- Panasonic PV-L559 – The Best Package – 90s
- Sony DCR-VX1000 – Best Portability and Audio Quality
- Panasonic PVL452 – Best Video/Image Effects
- RCA CC6374 – Best Affordability
- Panasonic PVL353 – Best Motion Sensor
- Panasonic PV-L750 – Best Storage System and Display
- JVC GR-AX760U – Best Deal
- Panasonic PV-L551 – Best Low Light Videography
1. Panasonic PV-L559 Palmcorder Camcorder – 90s Camcorder
With a screen size of 3-Inches and a remarkably powerful zoom, Panasonic PV-L559 is a timeless VHS Camcorder. Having 26x Optical and 150x Digital zoom allows the users to get the best experience of the VHS camera with an output of excellent resolution. What boosts the user experience and adaptability is its digital electronic image stabilization; this very feature helps eradicate the shaking, high exposure, etc.
That is made mistakenly while shooting. Having a motion sensor is a blessing for VHS cameras as it allows the user to film at their best with good lighting and ambiance and the Panasonic PV-L559 is quite renowned amongst the VHS camcorders for its Motion sensor. On the other hand, the LCD screen also allows its users to record from multiple angles, which boosts the versatility of the shots and gives the users a higher option to come up with the very best of the shots they can.
Features
- 3-Inches Display
- Programmed Recording
- Electronic Image Stabilization
- VH – C Format
- 150x Digital Zoom
- 20x Optical Zoom
Pros
Being the first on our list, the product has countless advantages for its users. Firstly, the zoom is powerful, in fact, the most powerful on our list, and for a VHS Camcorder, a powerful zoom is a must. On the other hand, having features like motion sensors helps its users best to cope up with lighting because the automatic light is useful for dim conditions of the camcorder.
Cons
Sadly the camera does not have any special effects for the images and videos captured, and that is a disadvantage.
Verdict
This is definitely a classic and is loved by maximum users. Having an excellent zooming specification always keeps the camcorder’s rank very high, and with great image stabilization, it is completely unbeatable. Coming to its affordability, for the price it comes with, the camcorder provides more than enough. As there are no special effects in the camera, users can transfer the snaps and shots to their personal computers and then edit them using other software that is the best solution for the disadvantage this camcorder has.
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2. Sony DCR-VX1000 Digital Handycam – another 1990s Camcorder
This is an old school VHS camcorder by none other than Sony. During that era, Sony camcorders and cameras were ruling the market because of the portability and the audio quality of the recording. This very camera is equipped with a CCD Optical sensor and 10x optical zoom. Although this camera is slightly low-end compared to the first camcorder on our list, it is also very affordable and a fantastic camcorder for people who want to take vintage video. The camcorder is very lightweight and handy for a VHS product, which enhances its portability dynamically. The optical image stabilizer also boosts the overall user experience while taking filming and taking snaps.
Features
- 10x Optical Zoom
- 1/3 Optical Sensor Size
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- 440 KP Video Resolution
- 3CCD Optical Sensor Type
Pros
Two of the significant pros of purchasing this product are its portability and affordability. The product is one of the most lightweight basic camcorders on our list and can give out the most vintage vibe of all the camcorders. The camcorder was at the top in the era it was released. Also, it is an amazing device to own for such an affordable price.
Cons
The disadvantages are that it is quite an old model and the features are not up to the mark, which denotes the overall versatility of the camera. There are more professional camcorders in the market if you are looking for modern and digital features.
Verdict
Being one of the classics created by Sony, the camera is timeless. The product was released in the early 2000s, and still, now, it is a quite popular camcorder in the market. Having a great digital zoom of 20x makes the experience great for the user, but the video output resolution is quite low. However, as a VHS camcorder, it is overall an amazing deal because of its portability and price.
3. Panasonic PVL452
It is the second Panasonic Camera on our list, but if you consider a few sectors, the camera is no way less than the first camera. Coming to its screen size, it is 2.5 inches, which is crystal clear and quite durable. On the other hand, it has 480p video capture resolution (Quite Ideal for a VHS Camcorder), making the overall output above average. The camcorder is quite portable and is a classic. Being a 90s digital camera, for that time, it was a sensation. Gladly the camera is evergreen and still is available on almost most of the shopping platforms.
Unlike the first camcorder on our list, this one can provide various digital filters, enhancing overall user satisfaction. The camera’s optical zoom is 20x and has an amazing battery that lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Overall, it’s definitely a fine camcorder to go for if you want to do the retro shooting.
Features
- 2.5 Inch Display
- Digital Image Stabilization
- CCD Optical Sensor
- 16x Optical Zoom
Pros
The camcorder comes with amazing advantages, such as its seven different programmed AE modes and the built-in light. These features can come in handy all the time, even in this era where things are modernized. The optical CCD Sensor is quite appreciable too. Last but not least, it is quite affordable too for a classic.
Cons
The camcorder is definitely not portable because of its weight, which is a major con.
Verdict
Among most of the camcorders on our list, it is one of the oldest, yet it can defeat many of the camcorders when it comes to digital cameras. It is definitely a wonder. In my opinion, the camera is a complete package of a vintage vibe, affordability, and quality.
4. RCA CC6374 VHS-C Camcorder
This 90s video camcorder comes with a 16x optical and 400x digital zoom. Although RCA is not a renowned brand right now, there were almost in the peak back in the days, and this very old school VHS camcorder is legendary. Having digital image stabilization, seven programmed AE Modes, and a CCD Optical Sensor Technology, it was a wonder. The screen size of the camcorder is 2.5 inches, and the monitor is LCD too. What makes the LCD Monitor great is its Monochrome EVF. For flash and lighting, the camcorder also comes with a built-in light, which makes shooting in the dark areas really easier.
Features
- 2.5 Inch Display
- Digital Image Stabilization
- CCD Optical Sensor
- 16x Optical Zoom
Pros
The camcorder comes with amazing advantages, such as its seven different programmed AE modes and the built-in light. These features can come in handy all the time, even in this era where things are modernized. The optical CCD Sensor is quite appreciable too. Last but not least, it is quite affordable too for a classic.
Cons
The camcorder is definitely not portable because of its weight, which is a major con.
Verdict
Among most of the camcorders on our list, it is one of the oldest, yet it can defeat many of the camcorders when it comes to digital cameras. It is definitely a wonder. In my opinion, the camera is a complete package of a vintage vibe, affordability, and quality.
5. Panasonic PVL353 VHS-C Camcorder -another one from 1990s
This is another 2.5-inch display VHS camcorder. Having Color Digital faded and dual electronic image stabilization, this camcorder is quite advanced compared to the previous camcorders on our list. It is quite handy, and with its weight, the portability of the camcorder is enhanced too. What makes the user experience great is its motion sensor and image stabilization system.
Other than these features, the camcorder comes with a 20x optical zoom lens and also a 700x digital zoom. Being amidst old school and modern, it is definitely one of the finest choices as the camcorder is embracing retro effects and, on the other hand, a few advanced features that were not invented in the earlier years
Feature
- 2.5 Inch Display
- Dual Digital Electronic Image Stabilization
- Color Digital Fade
- VHS-C camcorder
Pros
Some of the noticeable advantages of this camcorder are its ability to beautify the snaps and shots with digital effects, the amazing motion sensor it has, and the dual digital electronic image stabilization. The product is quite portable too.
Cons
The only disadvantage is its screen; according to many users, the view is not crystal clear.
Verdict
For the interested buyers looking for the safest choice, this is definitely the right option as it covers great features and the retro vibe. On the other hand, the product is quite handy and portable too, which makes it perfect for tour shooting.
6. Panasonic PV-L750 VHS-C – Old School
This is the camcorder in our list with the biggest screen and also amazing optical and digital zoom. In my opinion, this camera is a complete package and has the best features compared to all the cameras in this ranking. Having a 4 inches display and being equipped with 300x digital zoom and 26x high-definition zoom totally gives the user the best experience of a VHS Camcorder.
Another great part about this camcorder is that it accepts memory cards, so file transfer is extremely easy, and more films can be stored at once. The video capture resolution of the camcorder is 480p, which is ideal for VHS Camcorders. The media-type is VHS-C. It is a 90s Digital Camera, and for that time, it was a wonder.
Features
- 4 Inch Display
- 26x High Definition Zoom
- SD Card Acceptance
- VHS-C Media Type
Pros
The biggest advantage of this camcorder is that it accepts SD Cards, which makes all the transferring a lot easier than the other camcorders on our list. On the other hand, it has a glorious huge display, which is crystal clear too.
Cons
The only drawback is the resolution of the camcorder and the portability as it is a bit heavy.
Verdict
It is totally the most advanced camcorder on our list considering all its features, but it is slightly heavy for a camcorder, which makes it tough to carry. Other than that, it is totally amazing and worth a shot because of its affordability.
7. JVC GR-AX760U VHS-C Compact Camcorder – jvc camcorder 90s
This is another camcorder with an almost 4-inch display and countless amazing features. Its best feature that makes it unique from most of the other camcorders is its enhanced low light sensitivity. The feature, without a doubt, makes filming in dark areas extra easy. On the other hand, the optical and digital zoom are 16x and 400x, respectively, which is above average. With a focal length of 62.4 mm, the users can get a great angle look with the camera. Last but not least, the camera also provides amazing digital image stabilization to make the shots look professional.
Features
- 3.5 Inch Display
- 16x Optical camcorder with Zoom
- Digital Image Stabilization
- Compact Form Factor
Pros
Some noticeable advantages of this camcorder are its enhanced low light sensitivity, which is very similar to night mode, great digital image stabilization, and its affordability.
Cons
The product is not so available in the physical stores nowadays and is difficult to find, and that is a disadvantage.
Verdict
This is an above-average camera with a below-average price, so, definitely a win. However, it is a little bit unavailable right now as the company brand is not that popular. The camcorder is great in the factor of most of the features, and its design, along with the image output, totally pulls off a retro vibe.
8. Panasonic PV-L551 – cheap vhs camcorder
Last on our list is a 2.5-inch portable Panasonic camcorder. This one is equipped with a digital image stabilizer, and its form factor is compact. This camera is also equipped with a low-light feature, which makes it easier for the users. With the 20x and 150x optical and digital zoom, the users get the best experience while filming and taking snaps. The camcorder is also equipped with a long-lasting battery.
Features
- 2.5 Inch Display
- 20x and 150x optical and digital image stabilization
- Low Light Enhanced Photo and Videography
- 2 hour Battery Pack
Pros
This one is a complete package at a low price, which is a dynamic advantage. Having some amazing features and also great affordability and portability totally makes the camcorder one of a kind.
Cons
According to the users, the camcorder is a bit fragile and has issues with durability, which’s a serious con.
Related Reads: Best Camcorder for Podcasting
Conclusion
The best VHS camcorders provided in our list are considering most of the factors that a person should look for in a VHS Camera, like Optical and digital zoom feature, portability, the retro vibe, and obviously the screen size. Panasonic definitely is in the lead when it comes to VHS cameras, as it shows in our list that many of the cameras are Panasonic, although each of them is different. Many of the camcorders come with the night mode feature, which is quite essential nowadays, so looking for them in the camcorders is a great decision.
