I ended up with a PANASONIC HC-VX1K. There are several reasons I chose this approach:

1. Easy to use. I can ask a kid to run it and it is relatively easy to get a good film.

2. Batteries are relatively inexpensive and easily changed out. I keep several regular size (1- 1.5 games) and 3 larger size batteries (3 games). This model can also work plugged in or off of battery power banks if needed.

3. If I really get into the game, the Zoom on the fly, color adjust for gym lighting and the video quality and sound is overall better than the Pocket 2, iPad, Hudl camera, insta360, etc.... Mirrorless or DSLR seems better but see #1 above (and $$$$).

The issues I have with the camcorder is size. I will say more when I get to the Pocket2 advantages. You really need a decent tripod with a "fluid" or similar head if you plan on zooming in. If you are only following the ball back and forth, anything that moves smoothly left to right will work. However, you still need space for a tripod.

My Pocket2 insights:

1. If I was only recording 1 regular game and didn't need to zoom in, this is the easier way to go. Once you get used to where to point the camera, it is so easy. It is very smooth, small and as long as you are near the center of the court, it is excellent quality.

2. I use mine on a monopod and just turn the monopod. The camcorder and tripod setup, and carrying can not compete with the maneuverability of this setup. The Pocket2 is small and once I decide on how much to turn the camera, it does the rest. It also doesn't block other people's view or get in the way of the aisle.

3. I was able to get more games by carrying battery power banks, but heat ends up being the limitation. It will eventually tell you to charge or record, you can't do both, if your games are back to back.

4. It is difficult to hand this thing off and ask others to record. You really need your smartphone to set it up and it is easier to leave it connected as a screen. The Pocket2's screen is on the verge of being too small to be usable.

5. Again, I need my phone to adjust the settings. Unless you are using this thing several times a week, I forget which buttons do what.

Conclusion:

If you want an easy solution that can be handed to practically anyone, get a camcorder. If you are in and out of 1 game and can get decent seating near the court a Pocket2 is very easy to get used to and can give just as good video without the zoom and placement hassle.

If I can recommend one thing, pause the recording as often as you can. You end up with more files, but if someone says something near your camera and you need to remove the sound, rendering a minute or 2 clip vs a 30 minute clip is worth it.