Should i get a pro camcorder or not?

What pro-sumer camcorder should I get?

• I make a lot of videos on YouTube for fun and I'm looking to make an upgrade in video recording equipment and I'm looking for recommendations. I own a consumer-grade hd camcorder, but I'm looking for something that gives me more image control (focus, white balance).) I can't use a DSLR because I frequently do lectures for an hour or more non-stop and, thus, wouldn't be able to run and restart the recording. I'd like something with decent optical zoom capability and some built in stabilization for moving shots (I made my own steadicam, but it's not as good as a real one). Shoulder mount is a definite no-go. I want to take it out and about, but shoulder cams are just too big for my tastes. I'd like external audio inputs, XLR preferably, and maybe phantom power. A place to mount a shotgun mic or wireless system would be great as well. I don't need to shoot 4K video. I typically shoot in 1080p and render down to 720p anyways. A hotshoe to mount light would be awesome. Any recommendations? P.S. This is the current quality of my videos, such that they are. I record the video with my JVC HD camcorder and the audio on my computer using an SM-57 via a Presonus FireStudio.

• Answer:

  As far as I know consumer camcoders tend not to have phantom power and XLR inputs. You will probably have to look at low end professional camcoders (usually starting around 2000$) or invest in a good camera without XLR (like a blackmagic, for example) and an external audio recorder.