Sunday, February 5, 2012

Best Flash Memory Camcorder Reviews & Comparison 2011-2012

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Flash Memory Camcorders – This is a roundup of the best rated flash memory based digital camcorders. Flash memory camcorders use built-in solid state memory or flash memory cards to store the incoming video. (Dual Flash camcorders use both). The recording mechanism has no moving parts. They are usually smaller and lighter than other types of camcorders. These are the most popular and best selling camcorders sold today. New for 2011-2012 are 3D Compatible camcorders. Compare all the top-rated flash memory camcorders, from the top of the line, to the cheapest camcorders. For best results we recommend the top of the line, and mid-range camcorders as they will give you the best video quality and features, and have the largest video imagers. We also recommend camcorders with an External Microphone Jack for best sound quality.

Top of the Line Flash Memory Camcorders
(Best rated with the best features and largest imagers)

Panasonic HDC-TM900K Sony Handycam HDR-CX560V Canon Vixia HFS21 Canon Vixia HFS30
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12x optical zoom
Dual Flash 32GB
High Definition
14.2 megapixels
1/4.1-inch Imagers
(3 x 3.05mp)
3.0-inch touchscreen
External Mic Jack
3D Ready
2011 Model
10x optical zoom
Dual Flash 64gb
High Definition
12 megapixels
1/2.88-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
3.0-inch touchscreen
2011 Model
10x optical zoom
Dual Flash 64gb
High Definition
8.0 megapixels
1/2.6-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
2.7-inch screen
2010 Model
10x optical zoom
Dual Flash 32gb
High Definition
8.59 megapixels
1/2.6-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
3.5-inch touchscreen
2011 Model

More Top of the Line Flash Memory Camcorders
(Best rated with the best features and largest imagers)

Sony Handycam HDR-CX700V Sony Handycam HDR-CX560V Canon Vixia
HF G10
Canon Vixia HFS20
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10x optical zoom
Dual Flash 96gb
High Definition
12 megapixels
1/2.88-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
3.0-inch touchscreen
2011 Model
10x optical zoom
Dual Flash 64gb
High Definition
12 megapixels
1/2.88-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
3.0-inch touchscreen
2011 Model
10x optical zoom
Dual Flash 32gb
High Definition
2.0 megapixels
1/3-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
3.5-inch touchscreen
2011 Model
10x optical zoom
Dual Flash 32gb
High Definition
8.59 megapixels
1/2.6-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
3.5-inch touchscreen
2010 Model

Mid-Range Flash Camcorders
(Best rated with good features)

Panasonic HDC-TM90K Panasonic HDC-SD90K Canon VIXIA HF M30 Sony Handycam HDR-CX150
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16x optical zoom
Dual Flash 16gb
High Definition
5 megapixels
1/4.1″ MOS Imager
3D Ready
External Mic Jack
3D Ready
2011 Model
16x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
5 megapixels
1/4.1″ MOS Imager
3D Ready
External Mic Jack
3D Ready
2011 Model
15x optical zoom
Dual Flash 8gb
High Definition
3.3 megapixels
1/4-inch Imager
- – -
- – -
- – -
2010 Model
25x optical zoom
Dual Flash 16gb
High Definition
3.0 megapixels
1/4-inch Imager
- – -
- – -
- – -
2010 Model

Lower-End Flash Camcorders
(Good ratings with limited features and quality)

Flip UltraHD
3rd Generation
Flip UltraHD
3rd Generation
Flip SlideHD Kodak PlaySport
Waterproof
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1x optical zoom
8gb Flash Memory
High Definition 720p
120 minutes
1/4.5-inch Imager
2010 Model
1x optical zoom
8gb Flash Memory
High Definition 720p
120 minutes
1/4.5-inch Imager
2010 Model
1x optical zoom
16gb Flash Memory
High Definition 720p
240 minutes
1/4.5-inch Imager
2010 Model
1x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition 720p
5 megapixel stills
5MP Sensor
2010 Model


Top Rated Professional Flash Camcorders
(Best features, imagers, and lenses)

Canon Professional XA10 Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 Panasonic Pro AG-HMC150 Panasonic Pro AG-HVX200A
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10x Optical Zoom
64GB Dual Flash
High Definition
1/3-inch imager
3.5 inch LCD
Native 24p
XLR audio out
Infrared Night Vision
HDMI out
f1.8 – 2.8 Lens
30.4mm – 304mm
1080p @ 30fps
1080p @ 24fps
1080 @ 60i
2011 Model
12x Optical Zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
3MOS 1/4.1-inch imagers
2.7 inch LCD
Native 24p
Time code
HDMI out
XLR Audio option
10.6-megapixel
f1.8 – 2.8 Lens
40.8 – 490mm
1080p @ 30fps
1080p @ 24fps
1080 @ 60i
13x Optical Zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
3ccd 1/3-inch imagers
3.5 inch LCD
Native 24p
XLR audio
Time code
HDMI out
f1.6 – 3.0 Lens
28 – 368mm
1080p @ 30fps
1080p @ 24fps
1080 @ 60i
13x Optical Zoom
P2HD Flash or MiniDV
High Definition
3ccd 1/3-inch imagers
3.5 inch LCD
Native 24p
XLR audio
Time code
HDMI out
f1.6 – 2.8 Lens
30.3 – 394mm



Glossary of Terms
Optical Zoom = This is the maximum zoom using the lens of the camcorder. A 10x zoom brings the action in about 10 times closer at its maximum.
External Mic Jack = This means that this camcorder is equipped with an external microphone jack or terminal to input an external microphone. There are a wide range of external microphones to choose from including wireless, surround sound, and others. An external microphone will improve the sound recording of your video. It bypasses the built in microphones.
Flash Memory = This refers to the way the camcorder records video. Flash memory camcorders normally record to memory cards (SDHC or Memory sticks if a Sony). There are some that have no card, and just have a fixed amount of internal memory such as the Flip Camcorders.
Dual Flash = This type of camcorder has both internal memory and can also record to memory cards.
Imager = This refers to the Imager of the camcorder, where the light hits from the lens. This is like the retina of the eye. The larger the imager, the better the quality of the video and better low light performance. High end camcorders generally have a larger imager. Larger is better. A 1/2.6-inch imager is double the size of a 1/5.2-inch imager.
Megapixels = This refers to the camera function in the camcorder. This is the amount of megapixels available to take a snapshot picture while using the camcorder.
P2HD Flash = This refers a new flash media P2 Cards that are used on professional camcorders to record High Definition videos. Video cameras using this type of media are usually high end models.
3D Ready = This means that this camcorder (with a 3D conversion lens) can record video in 3D to be played back on a 3D Ready TV.


Related Article: Best Low Light Camcorders – Reviews and Comparison

Related Article: Best Professional Camcorder Reviews and Comparison

Related Article: Best HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Camcorder Reviews and Comparison

Related Article: Best MiniDV Camcorder Reviews and Comparison


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