11 Nov 10 Best Cameras With Date and Time Stamps
As a legal videographer, a reliable video camera is the most important piece of equipment you will purchase. You will be relying on your video camera to capture high-quality deposition footage, often filming for several hours at a time. Additionally, you will be required to transport your equipment to each location. Because of this, it is important to invest in a video camera that is both durable and easy to transport.
With so many video cameras available at a wide range of prices, it can be difficult to choose a camera that meets your needs. While it is important to purchase a camera with adequate features, it is unwise to invest in a camera that is excessively expensive for your needs. Especially as you begin your work as a legal videographer, it is important to select a camera that is easy to operate while capturing professional-quality footage.
There are certain features that every legal videographer should look for in a camera. One feature that is required in several states is a date and time stamp that is displayed on the final recording. Unfortunately, many newer camera models are quickly eliminating this feature. We’ve done the hard work for you, compiling a list of the 10 best cameras with date and time stamps.
Best Cameras for Legal Videographers
Researching the many features of a video camera can quickly become overwhelming. What features will you actually use in the daily operation of your legal video business? Before I share my camera recommendations with you, I thought it would be wise to go over a few of the features you should look for in a legal video camera:
A crisp picture quality.- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Fast and easy to set up.
- Audio input and several audio options.
- HDMI output that can be used as a backup audio recorder.
- Long recording duration without breaks in the recording.
- Ability to display a date and time stamp on the recording.
There may be other features that are required by your state deposition regulations or by individual clients. It is important to consider these as you invest in a video camera for your business.
1. Panasonic Ag-UX90 4K Professional Camcorder
The Panasonic Ag-UX90 4K Professional Camcorder is perfect for a legal videographer at any level. This video camera produces clear, crisp picture quality while recording UHD 4K footage at up to 30P. Additionally, this model features a 3.5” LCD touch screen and a full-color viewfinder, making it incredibly easy to operate. A few other great features of this camera include two SD slots, HDMI output, XLR input, date and time stamp, and UHD dual-codec recording capabilities.
2. Sony HXR-NX100 Full HD NXCAM Camcorder
One of the most easy-to-use video cameras of its caliber, the Sony HXR-NX100 Full HD NXCAM Camcorder is a great investment for legal videographers. Two memory card slots allow for extended recording time and enhanced flexibility. One of the most ergonomically-designed video cameras, this model is perfect for deposition filming.
This camera features XLR audio inputs, DV recording codecs, date and time stamp, and an extended recording time, among its many favorable features.
3. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder
The Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is versatile, powerful, and highly portable, perfect for legal videography. With a 3-inch LCD touchscreen and electronic viewfinder, the camera is simple to operate and adjust. Additionally, this model features assignable buttons allowing for optimal customization.
Conveniently record audio on two separate channels, allowing for clear, crisp quality. Some of the other features of this model include dual XLR terminals, dual SD card slots, date and time stamp, HDMI output, ergonomic design, and a detachable handle.
4. JVC GY-HM170UA Camcorder
If you are looking for professional, 4K Ultra HD footage, look no further than the JVC GY-HM170UA Camcorder. One of the countless benefits of this model is the ability to record 2 memory cards. This feature allows for extended recording time or an instant backup, depending on your needs.
The built-in HDMI connector makes this camera ideal for both legal videography and other areas of videography. This camera also features a lightweight design, making it easy to transport to job sites.
5. Panasonic HC-X1 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder
While it is one of the more expensive options for a legal videographer, the Panasonic HC-X1 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder is sure to serve your business well for years to come. With an extensive range of features that will aid in your daily work, this camera is an incredible investment in your business. A few of the many features this camera offers include HDMI output, twin SD card slots, 2-channel XLR audio, date and time stamp, as well as wireless control compatibility.
6. Canon XF400 Professional Camcorder
The Canon XF400 Professional Camcorder is a great combination of high quality, incredible features, and great functionality. Capturing 4K UHD footage at 60p, this model is a great investment for your legal videography business. This video camera offers many features such as dual XLR terminals offering independent audio control, a detachable handle, dual SD card slots, WiFi capabilities, date and time stamp, and more!
7. JVC GY-HM250 UHD 4K Streaming Camcorder
As one of the more affordable 4K video cameras, the JVC GY-HM250 UHD 4K Streaming Camcorder is full of features that benefit legal videographers. In addition to the standard features offered in many other models, this camera offers remote control and monitoring from a mobile device or laptop, perfect for the deposition setting. This video camera offers HDMI outputs, dual XLR inputs, assignable buttons, and WiFi capabilities, to name a few of its many features.
8. Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder
The Sony PXW-Z150 4K XDCAM Camcorder is perfect for capturing footage in any scenario, including depositions. As a professional camcorder, this model produces clear, 4K image quality that will impress your clients. Additionally, this video camera features dual media slots that offer increased flexibility, a great design that aids in easy transport, HDMI, Micro USB, and XLR terminals.
9. Panasonic AG-CX350 4K Camcorder
Toward the high end of the price range is the Panasonic AG-CX350 4K Camcorder, a camera that is truly designed for media professionals. If you are looking to upgrade the quality of your deposition videos while investing in new equipment, this is a model to consider!
This model is incredibly compact. However, it offers many of the features you would find in a full-sized professional video camera. Some of the features of this camera include HDMI outputs, date and time stamp, 20x optical zoom, and more.
10. Canon XF705 4K UHD 10-bit Professional Camcorder
The final video camera on this list is the Canon XF705 4K UHD 10-bit Professional Camcorder. It is certainly the most expensive model on our list. However, this camera offers incredible versatility for videographers looking to expand their business beyond legal videography.
This camera offers too many features to name. However, some of the most impressive features include dual DIGIC DV 6 image processors, HDMI 2.0 terminal, and dual XLR terminals, as well as a 4-inch LCD touchscreen monitor with an electronic viewfinder.
Choosing the Right Legal Videography Camera
Investing in a camera for your legal videography business can be quite overwhelming. However, it is an incredibly important piece of legal video equipment that you will rely on for the success of your business. Because of this, you must carefully assess your needs. In doing so, you will select a camera that will serve you well both now and in the future.
Find more video deposition tips and training here.
