3ccd Camcorder

Can’t decide which 3ccd camcorder is for you? We’ve put together reviews of camcorder models from 3 of the top brands. We’ve also included actual reviews from owners of that particular model so you can info on that particular camcorder “right from the horse’s mouth”.

Canon XH A1 1.67MP 3CCD High-Definition Camcorder

Average rating: 4.5/5 stars

With a 20x optical zoom you can really get up close and personal with this Canon 3ccd camcorder. With image stabilization and a professional L series fluorite you’ll be taking videos like a pro in no time.

Have as much or as little control over your options depending on your experience level. Professionals can take advantage of the many different shooting options while those still getting to know their 3ccd camcorder can let the camcorder choose for you.

Read what others have said about this camcorder:

“Now i was previously a HV20 owner (still am) and am very pleased with Canon. I’ve been eying the XH-A1 for a while too and read so many reviews and watched some much footage that made it look absolutely amazing! I love Canon and trusted my extinct…Just received this monster today! Seriously a gorgeous design, sleek black, amazing footage, not a consumer camera but when your familiar with pro cameras this was very easy going to me but still had some curves to learn. The footage looked just as good as the HVX, i think. To my eye i like the look of the XH-A1 100X better with color adjustments in camera of course. Overall, this camera was probably the best investment for my budget. I would highly highly recommend this to any indie filmmaker, documentarian, videographer, or any serious film person. This camera lived beyond it’s expectation from me. I mean a camera half the price of one of the best camera’s on the market (HVX200) and looks just as good as it does, why wouldn’t you choose it?! This is my personal view on it. I could go on about the features about the camera but there is too many good things about this camera. Only negative is i wish it had more shutter speeds. But all in all, best camera i have ever used and the only camera i will need for the next 5 years until Red develops the Scarlet to truly be $3k and under.”

Ryan M, Amazon.com Review

Sony DCR-VX2100 3CCD MiniDV Handycam Camcorder

Average rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Sony DCR 3ccd camcorder features a 12x optical zoon along with a 2.5 inch rotating LCD color viewfinder and image stabilization. It performs very well in low light conditions thanks to the ability to control the ccd’s light sensitivity levels. With manual audio controls and a battery life of up to 7 hours on a single charge you’ll have the capabilities to shoot professional grade video right in your own hands.

Read what others have said about this 3ccd camcorder:

“This camera is fierce competition for Canon’s XL1S. It has the features you need, the Sony name, and flawless transfer. WARNING!: This is NOT for the amateur home videoer. The parameters are begging to be tweaked – just for fun. Settle for a Handycam if you’re just filming Billy’s soccer game. This one right here is made to be USED. Good for media students, career filmers/editors, and anyone who wants to REALLY have some interesting fun…Sony doesn’t disappoint on this one.”

N. Parsons, Amazon.com Review

“I’ve had one of these for 4 years. It’s received fairly heavy use over that time with NO problems. Great in low or limited light-use situations. With a little practice, the manual controls are easy to reach and work very well. I’ve checked out the HD upgrades to this camera, and they really don’t compare – yet. I love how good the footage looks in low- or poorly lit situations. (Sometimes you can’t set up in your lights, especially when the CEO of a corporation only has 5 minutes to spare for a shoot, and it HAS to be in his/her office. If you don’t need an HD camera, this little guy will serve you well. Why only 4 stars? The mic input is an 1/8′ plug (which isn’t a horrible work-around is you use high-quality mics) The placement of this jack isn’t too good, and I’ve pulled the mic cord out by accident a time or two. Keep your heads clean and always monitor your audio with headphones. I also recommend a hard-shell case. I hope Sony will make a HD camera as good as this one soon.”

Crameritivy, Amazon.com Review

Panasonic Pro AG-DVC20 3CCD MiniDV Proline Camcorder

Average rating: 4/5 stars

The Panasonic Pro 3ccd camcorder comes equipped with a 10x optical zoom, 2.5 inch monitor and the Zero Lux Night View feature for shooting in low light/darkness. The controls are easy to use and it’s easy grip feature makes it comfortable to operate.

Another great feature of this 3ccd camcorder is the Power LCD light for shooting under bright conditions. Simply turn this option on when shooting in bright sunlight and instantly your video is much more vivid and the images much crisper.

Read what others have said about this 3ccd camcorer:

“I had three must-haves for a video camera:

- three ccds
- record to miniDV
- audio-out port

Most of the cameras with these three features are up in the $3000 range, essentially going for the low-end professional market. All the cameras currently selling for around $600-$700 skimp on some aspect of performance. If all you care about is making home movies to keep and share memories of kids’ birthday parties, by all means, go for a HDD camera, or just hope that your sound will turn out okay. But if you want to put together footage that has real production value, shell out the extra few hundred for this model. It will really show in the finished product.”

M. Orland, Amazon.com Review

This camcorder never ceases to amaze me.

It is relatively easy to use right out of the box, and the menu system does take some time to get familiar with (which in and of itself is not a complaint). I don’t need XLR input as I run everything through a small studio mixer straight into the 3.5mm input.

I wish I could adapt the camcorder to use 6×6 filters though (not that I am pitching Colkin filters). But, I do use 43mm glass filters which is fine (mostly as warming filter and a polarizing) …..

I produce outdoor videos for the infirmed people in our nursing homes who cannot get out through no fault of their own. I use this camcorder extensively in such harsh conditions as a minus 15 degrees on the shores of Lake Superior to Minnesota’s Serengeti summer temps which can hit over 90 degrees (in the shade). I have not been disappointed.

For the price I paid, and all things considered, the DVC-20 is a work horse. I do recommend getting the longer lasting battery though – the two that come with the camcorder should be used for backup only due to limited usage.

I also found that the Audio-Techniqa shotgun mic is very helpful too in nature settings.

Michael Berglin, Amazon.com Review

See a camcorder that’s made for you? Browse our 3ccd camcorder auctions below and find it at an incredible price.

Sony DCR VX1000 VX-1000 MiniDV Camera 3CCD Camcorder

Sony DCR-VX2000 Pro 3CCD Mini DV Camcorder

Canon Xl1s 3ccd Professional Digital Camcorder 16x zoom

CANON XL1S 3CCD DIGITAL VIDEO PROFESSIONAL CAMCORDER!

Ikegami HC-400W 3CCD Professional DVCPRO ENG Camcorder