RECOMMENDED LEGAL VIDEO CAMERAS 

 

The most important piece of equipment for every legal videographer is a reliable video camera. You’ll be using your video camera for hours at a time, and transporting it regularly, so making sure you invest in something that you can count on is imperative.

 

There are many video cameras on the market today, from entry-level cameras to professional equipment. If you are just starting as a legal videographer, investing money in a nicer video camera can be intimidating. However, by spending a little more money on the front-end, you can ensure that your video camera will serve you well as your legal video business continues to grow. 

 

While there are certain features that every legal videographer should look for in a video camera, there are other features that are required only in certain states. One such feature is a date/time stamp that can be displayed on the final recording. We recommended that you invest in a camera with this ability, even if it is not required by your state, as some of your clients may request that this feature is shown in their deposition.

 

Before I dive into my video camera recommendations, let’s go over some of the features you should look for in a legal video camera:

 

  • Audio input and plenty of audio options.
  • HDMI output that can be used as a backup audio recorder.
  • Long recording duration without breaks in the recording.
  • A crisp picture quality.
  • Lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Fast and easy to set up.
  • Ability to display a date and time stamp on the recording.

 

Here are my favorite cameras that meet the guidelines listed above:

1. Panasonic Ag-UX90 4K Professional Camcorder

The Panasonic Ag-UX90 4K Professional Camcorder is a great investment for any legal videographer. Recording UHD 4K at up to 30P, this video camera produces a clear, crisp picture quality in any setting. With a 3.5” LCD touch screen and a full-color viewfinder, it is incredibly easy to operate. This model incorporates two SD slots, allowing for simultaneous recording in both UHD and HD. 

 

  • 4K picture resolution
  • HDMI output and XLR input
  • UHD dual-codec recording
  • Relay and simultaneous recording
  • Date and time stamp
  • 15x optical zoom lens and manual control rings

 

Review:

I was nervous about buying such an expensive product through Amazon, but I’ve been using it for a few months now and am very happy with the quality of the video.

Legal Video Camera

Item Weight: 5.74 pounds
Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.3 x 13.1 inches

Rating
★★★★★

2. Sony HXR-NX100 Full HD NXCAM Camcorder

If you are looking for professional features packaged in an easy-to-use model, the Sony HXR-NX100 Full HD NXCAM Camcorder may be the perfect fit! This affordable, compact model provides clear, Full-HD footage great for capturing any deposition. Extended recording time and flexibility are provided by two memory card slots. This video camera will not only perform well in deposition settings but will also provide you with great value if you choose to pursue other areas of videography. 

 

  • Extended recording time
  • Dual media slots
  • XLR audio inputs
  • DV recording codecs
  • Date and time stamp
  • Ergonomic camera design for ease of use

 

Review:

For the price, it is unbelievable wow! Just a few years back one would have to pay 6000 grand for a camera as comparable to this. Full HD pic is beautiful.

Deposition Video Camera

Weight: 4 pounds
Dimensions: 14.63 x 6.75 x 7.37 inches

Rating
★★★★★

3. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder

The Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is versatile, powerful, and portable. It provides high-quality footage that is perfect for any legal videographer. This video camera features a 3 inch LCD touchscreen with an electronic viewfinder, making it easy to operate. Additionally, this model has assignable buttons for quick and easy adjustments. With two XLR terminals, this camera conveniently records audio on two separate channels for clear results. 

 

  • Dual SD card slots
  • 20x optical zoom lens
  • Detachable handle
  • Ergonomic design
  • HDMI output

 

Review:

Bought this camera for corporate communications and recording some training videos, and I couldn’t be happier! My previous camera was a 10 year old Sony mini-dv, that had just become to difficult to work with.

 

By comparison, the Canon XA11 is smaller and lighter, has great optics and an amazing hi def picture, and best of all, records directly to SD cards….making editing and downloading video a snap! There are also dual XLR microphone inputs, great interactive touch screen controls, HDMI out, and much more. This is a great camera at a great price!

Legal Videography Camera

Weight: 1.6 pounds
Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.2 x 7.1 inches

Rating
★★★★★

4. JVC GY-HM170UA Camcorder

The JVC GY-HM170UA Camcorder produces professional, 4K Ultra HD footage. A great benefit to legal videographers, this video camera provides the ability to record on 2 memory cards for extended recording time or instant backup. With a built-in HDMI connector, this model is perfect for both legal videography as well as other types of videography. The compact design of this camera allows for ease of transport and use. 

 

  • HDMI output
  • Date and time stamp
  • Lightweight design
  • 12x optical zoom lens
  • 4K Ultra HD footage
  • Dual SDHC/SDXC slots

 

Review:

Wow. I just love this thing. The device comes with plenty of auto features that can be used for the not so avid camera operator is capable of going into full manual for the more professional users. The picture quality comes out pretty well providing you have enough light. The handle clamps on securely and has taken some minor beating from use without any incident. 

 

The screen is actually pretty easy to read even in outdoor conditions as well. However, the best thing about this camera is not that it shoots 4K. Not that it allows a fully customizable zoom and focus. But it’s $1300. I was about to pay $1800 for a Canon however I would have paid $500 more and not gotten as many features.

Deposition Camera

Weight: 5.85 pounds
Dimensions: 13.5 x 10 x 11 inches

Rating
★★★★★

5. Panasonic HC-X1 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder 

If you are wanting to invest in a camera that will truly continue to serve your business well into the future, consider the Panasonic HC-X1 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder. While it is the most expensive camera on this list, it also provides the most extensive range of features for legal videographers. With 4K Ultra HD footage, twin SD card slots, HDMI output, 2-channel XLR audio, and more, this camera will provide you with the tools you need to provide professional-grade deposition videos.

 

  • HDMI output
  • Dual XLR audio
  • Twin SD card slots
  • Date and time stamp
  • Wireless control compatibility
  • 20x optical zoom lens

 

Review:

This camera has many optional settings, that set it apart from regular consumer camcorders. One sweet feature is that I can use a shotgun microphone on ch1, and the built-in microphone on ch2, At The Same Time!!!

Deposition Video Camera

Weight: 4.41 pounds
Dimensions: 13.6 x 6.81 x 7.68 inches

Rating
★★★★★

Choosing the Right Legal Video Camera

Because your video camera is arguably the most important aspect of your legal videography business, it is important to choose a model that allows you to easily achieve your desired results. I hope this list helps to guide your decision as you invest in the future of your legal videography business!