Camcorders are video-only cameras, with LCD flip-out screens.  The most budget versions are small, lightweight, easy to use, and shoot 1080p HD footage. They often have a large zoom range, image stabilisation, & unlimited recording time. The more budget models may struggle in low-light conditions, and have a lesser image quality. 

More expensive camcorders increase in image quality - shooting up to 4K Ultra HD, with more manual settings & additional features such as wi-fi & video presets. They tend to be larger than budget models. 

CANON LEGRIA HF R806 Camcorder - £169

Sony HDR-CX625 - £379

SONY FDR-AX53 4K Ultra HD - £699 

DSLRs are a great choice if you want a camera that is able to take photos as well as record videos. Because these are photo cameras - they come with a range of manual/auto settings & the option of purchasing multiple lenses.

Often the video image quality is as good as, if not better, than camcorder cameras. They often perform better in low-light conditions. They tend to have a lower price point for a higher quality image and more manual settings.

However, some models have a limit on the video recording time, often cutting off at 30 minutes. This means you have to frequently stop/start recording if shooting long sequences. Also they are larger than the average camcorder. Camcorders are more likely to have image-stabilisation settings, and generally the in-built microphone is of a better quality. 

Canon EOS 4000D - £285 (with lense)

Nikon D3500 - £415 (with lense)

Canon EOS 250D - £599 (with lense)

Action cameras are small, lightweight cameras which often have multiple action-friendly features such as being water-proof and/or shock-proof. They often feature good slow-motion settings, as well as multiple mounting options (e.g. helmet, chest harness).

The GoPro Camera is most people's go-to when it comes to this kind of camera, and for good reason as they are quality and reliable cameras with proven success. However there are some more affordable options on the market. It's also worth noting that if the most recent GoPro model (the HERO8) is out of your price-range, older models are still available to buy for slightly less.

GoPro HERO7 - £179

GoPro HERO8 - £279 (most recent model)

SJCAM SJ5000 - £53.93

A mirrorless camera is very similar to a DSLR - in that it takes both photo & video, and they have a (limited, but growing) range of interchangeable lenses. It is called mirrorless because it does not have an optical view-finder like a DSLR (where you hold the lense up to your eye). Rather, it only has a digital preview on an LCD screen or electronic viewfinder.

Because of this, mirrorless cameras are usually smaller & more lightweight than a DSLR. Also, as a general rule they operate at 4K resolution. Mirrorless cameras have become very popular with videographers recently, and because of this they are at the forefront of innovation. 

However, users find that a DSLR has longer battery life, as it relies less on an electronic screen. Some also find the DSLR easier to handle despite it's bigger size.

Panasonic DMC-GX80 - £400

Olympus OM-D E-M10 - £409

Canon EOS M50 - £629

TASCAM DR-05x

£79

The omnidirectional microphone gathers sound from your surroundings efficiently, so you can record what you need from a considerable distance if necessary.  

Uses 2xAA batteries.

Zoom H4n Pro

£199

This microphone has built-in X/Y stereo microphones, adjustable between 90˚ and 120˚, with four-track simultaneous recording and the ability to add external mics through two XLR ports. 

Uses 2xAA batteries.