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Buying a video camera is more than picking the flashiest model on the shelf — it’s about matching gear to the story you want to tell. Whether you’re filming action on a wet weekend, recording family milestones, inspecting hard-to-reach plumbing, or setting up a home security system, the right camera will feel like an extension of your vision. The wrong one? It becomes dead weight in a drawer.
Video cameras come in many shapes and sizes, and knowing the main types will save you time and money. From rugged action cams to professional mirrorless systems and niche inspection tools, each type solves a different problem. Below I break down the common categories so you can quickly spot what fits your schedule, budget, and creative goals.
Action cameras are tiny, rugged, and built to go where you go — on bikes, helmets, and boats. They often offer waterproof housing or are waterproof out of the box, wide-angle lenses, and fast frame rates for smooth slow-motion. Menkind stocks pocket-friendly models like the Red5 Waterproof Action Camera, ideal if you want to capture high-energy outdoor footage without hauling a bulky rig.
Camcorders are tailored for long-form recording with comfortable grips, built-in zooms, and long battery life. If you shoot weddings, events, or talk-to-camera content, this class is practical and easy to use. Major UK retailers such as Currys PC World, Argos, and John Lewis carry a wide range, from beginner models to advanced handhelds with full HD recording and professional audio inputs.
Mirrorless and DSLR systems are a favorite for filmmakers and hybrid creators who want cinematic depth of field and interchangeable lenses. Shops like Wex Photo Video, Jessops, Park Cameras, and CamerasDirect offer big ranges of bodies and lenses, so you can build a kit that suits your visual style. These cameras are more complex, but they reward users with creative control.
There’s a whole subcategory for tradespeople and technicians: inspection cameras and NVR systems. Devices such as the CK Mighty Scope Inspection Camera, Ferret Pro Multipurpose Wireless Inspection Camera, and NVR units (like the Dahua Nvr 4100 Series) are built for diagnosing problems in tight spaces or managing multiple security feeds. You’ll find these at specialist electronics stores such as Expert Electrical, which list items tailored to professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Knowing which retailer to trust for your camera type makes shopping quicker and less stressful. Below I run through the strengths of key UK stores, with examples of products you’ll find at each.
Expert Electrical is a go-to for trades-focused equipment. Their lineup includes CCTV NVRs like the Dahua Nvr 4100 Series 8 Channel PoE with 6 TB storage, compact NVR options with 2 TB drives, and inspection cameras such as the CK Mighty Scope and Ferret Pro Wireless Inspection Camera. If you need PoE (Power over Ethernet) NVRs or cable-pulling tools paired with inspection heads, this is where to look.
Menkind is a playful shop that often stocks gadgets and lifestyle tech. They carry action cameras such as the Red5 Waterproof Action Camera and accessories that suit adventurers who want rugged, easy-to-use cameras for outdoor footage. If you’re shopping for gifts or an entry-level action cam, Menkind can be a convenient pick.
Currys is a high-street staple with a broad selection of video cameras, from compact camcorders to entry-level mirrorless systems and action cams. They’re handy for comparing multiple brands in one place and often have finance options and bundle deals that include memory cards or tripods.
Wex and Jessops focus on photography and video gear. Expect staff with deeper technical knowledge, trade-in programs, and a wide choice of lenses and accessories. These stores are particularly helpful if you’re building a serious kit with interchangeable lenses, gimbals, and pro audio solutions.
Argos is useful if you want quick collection or affordable mainstream models, while John Lewis offers premium options and reliable aftercare. Both stock recognizable consumer brands and can be good spots to test ergonomics and controls before buying.
Park Cameras and CamerasDirect cater to enthusiasts and professionals, stocking high-end mirrorless bodies, cinema lenses, and professional camcorders. They often bundle warranties or offer personalised advice, which is handy when you’re investing in gear meant to last years.
Start with use-case, not specs. Ask: Will you shoot fast action, interviews, indoor low-light scenes, or inspections in pipes? That answer narrows your choices quickly. Here are the major considerations to weigh.
Resolution matters, but so do frame rates. Full HD is perfectly usable for most projects, while 4K gives extra detail and room to crop in post. If you want smooth slow-motion, look for cameras that can do 60 fps or higher in your preferred resolution.
Nobody enjoys footage that looks like a boat crossing choppy seas. Optical or sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld shots look steady. Also, consider weight — a small mirrorless body around 14–22 ounces is easier for long shoots than a heavier pro rig. Try holding models in-store to see how they balance in your hands.
If you’re filming events or long sessions, battery life and recording limits matter. Some camcorders and action cameras support continuous recording for hours, while mirrorless bodies may need spare batteries or an external power solution for long takes.
Good sound makes a video feel professional. Look for cameras with a microphone jack or hot shoe for external mics. For surveillance and inspection setups, PoE support on NVRs simplifies wiring by delivering power and data over the same cable.
Prices vary wildly depending on brand and features. Entry-level action cams or compact camcorders can be friendly on the wallet, while high-end mirrorless systems and cinema cameras are a big investment. Shop seasonal sales, compare bundles, and consider refurbished or open-box items from reputable sellers to stretch your budget further.
Specialist shops like Wex and Jessops often accept trade-ins, which can knock a chunk off your new purchase. Retailers sometimes bundle memory cards, tripods, or spare batteries — a simple way to save without hunting for separate deals.
Spend more when the features directly improve your workflow: reliable stabilization if you shoot handheld, a bright lens if you film low light, or a robust NVR with adequate hard drive capacity if you run multiple security cameras. These choices pay back in time saved and fewer headaches later.
Buying a camera is half the journey — accessories complete the kit. Here’s a quick checklist of items that make a big difference.
High-resolution footage eats storage fast. For 4K shooting and long sessions, consider fast cards and external drives. For surveillance systems, NVRs with built-in 2 TB or 6 TB hard drives (like many Dahua options) give you days or weeks of footage depending on resolution and the number of channels.
Tripod height matters depending on your shooting style. A general-purpose tripod that extends to around 60 inches is versatile for interviews and static shots. For travel, a compact tripod that folds small is more manageable.
Always budget for a good microphone. Shotgun mics, lapel mics, and compact recorders will elevate your productions far more than upgrading to the next camera model.
Buying the wrong camera is easy when you’re dazzled by specs. Avoid these common traps so your purchase actually serves you.
High-resolution sensors sound impressive, but if you never use the extra detail, you’ve wasted money on storage and workflow overhead. Pick features that match your real needs.
Ergonomics matter. A camera that feels comfortable in your hands will be used more often. Try cameras in-store to test menus, controls, and grips before you commit.
Remember memory cards, batteries, and storage drives add to initial costs. Factor those into your budget so there are no surprises when you head out to shoot.
Inspection cameras and NVRs are specialist tools but essential in many trades and security setups. The CK Mighty Scope Inspection Camera and Ferret Pro wireless units are great for plumbers, electricians, and builders who need to peer into voids without costly dismantling. NVR units like the Dahua 8 Channel PoE models handle multiple camera feeds and store footage on large-capacity drives so you can review events later.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) simplifies camera installs by carrying power and data on a single cable, reducing clutter and installation time. When sizing storage, think about retention: a single high-resolution camera recording constantly will need more drive space than a few cameras on motion-triggered recording. Drives in the multi-terabyte range are common for home and small business setups.
Buy for the long term: prioritize features that match your creative goals and working environment, and invest in quality accessories. Test gear in real scenarios, compare prices among specialist retailers and mainstream stores, and don’t be afraid to ask for hands-on demos. Finally, remember that skill trumps kit — learn lighting, composition, and editing, and your footage will look great no matter what camera you use.
Choosing the right video camera in the UK comes down to knowing what you’ll shoot and where you’ll buy it. Specialist retailers such as Expert Electrical and Menkind cover niche and consumer needs respectively, while larger stores like Currys, Wex, and John Lewis give you breadth and support. Match your budget to the features that matter — stabilization, audio, battery life, and storage — and invest in essential accessories to unlock your camera’s potential. With the right gear and a little practice, you’ll be capturing footage that looks and sounds professional.
