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Best Rated Flash Memory HD & 4K Camcorder Reviews & Comparison | 2021

February 20, 2021 by  
Filed under Digital Camcorders



Flash Memory HD & 4K Camcorders (2020-2021) – 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. 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 for low light performance, and best lenses. We also recommend camcorders with an External Microphone Jack for best sound quality.

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

Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 4K Camcorder Sony Handycam FDR-AX43 4K Camcorder Canon Vixia
HF G21
Camcorder
Sony Handycam
FDR-AX700 4K Camcorder
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20x optical zoom
Flash Memory
4K Ultra HD
8.2 megapixels
1/2.5-inch Imager
26.8mm Wide Lens
3.0-inch screen
w/921,600 Dots
External Mic Jack
Headphone Jack
f/2.0-3.8 Lens
WiFi and NFC
1080p @ 24p, 30p, 60p, 120p
4K @ 24p, 30p
Balanced Optical SteadyShot™
EVF Viewfinder
Infrared NightShot®
100Mbps bit rate
5.1 Surround Mic
20x optical zoom
Flash Memory
4K Ultra HD
8.2 megapixels
1/2.5-inch Imager
26.8mm Wide Lens
2.9-inch screen
w/461,600 Dots
External Mic Jack
Headphone Jack
f/2.0-3.8 Lens
WiFi and NFC
1080p @ 24p, 30p, 60p, 120p
4K @ 24p, 30p
Balanced Optical SteadyShot™
– – –
– – –
100Mbps bit rate
5.1 Surround Mic
20x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
2.0 megapixels
1/2.84 inch Imager
26.8mm Wide Lens
3.0-inch screen
w/922,000 Dots
External Mic Jack
Headphone Jack
F1.8 – 2.8 Lens
Built-in WiFi
1080p @ 24,30,60fps
– – –
– – –
Optical
Image Stabilization

EVF Viewfinder
2018 Model
Dual Card Slots
Wide Dynamic Range
12x optical zoom
Flash Memory
4K Ultra HD
14.2 megapixels
1-inch Imager
29mm Wide Lens
3.5-inch screen
w/1,550,000 Dots
External Mic Jack
Headphone Jack
f/2.8-4.5 Lens
WiFi and NFC
1080p @ 24p, 30p, 60p, 120p
4K @ 24p, 30p
Optical SteadyShot™
EVF Viewfinder
2018-2019 Model
Infrared NightShot®
100Mbps bit rate
Dual Card Slots
Built-In ND Filters
S-Log2 and S-Log3

Top Rated Flash HD Camcorders | Reviews
(Best rated with excellent features)

Panasonic HC-V770 Camcorder Panasonic HC-WXF991K Camcorder Canon VIXIA HF R82 Camcorder Panasonic
HC-X920 Camcorder
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20x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
24.0 megapixels
1/2.3″ MOS Imager
External Mic Jack
Built-in WIFI
HDR Dynamic Range
20x optical zoom
Flash Memory
4K Ultra HD
18.9 megapixels
1/2.3″ MOS Imager
External Mic Jack
Built-in WIFI
NightVision
Twin Camera
HDR Dynamic Range
32x optical zoom
32GB Dual Flash
High Definition
2 megapixels
1/4.85-inch Imager
External Mic Jack
Built-in WiFi
12x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
20.4 megapixels
3MOS 1/2.3-inch
(3 x 12.76mp)
3.5-inch touchscreen
External Mic Jack
f/1.5-2.8 Lens
1080p @ 60fps
1080p @ 24fps
3D Ready
EVF Viewfinder
Built-in Wifi

Low Priced HD Camcorder Bundle Deals
(Lower priced Camcorders with accessories)

Sony HDR-CX405/B
Bundle Deal
Sony HDR-CX455
Bundle Deal
Canon HF R800
Bundle Deal
Canon HF R800
Bundle Deal
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30x optical zoom
32GB Dual Flash
High Definition 1080p
9.2 Megapixel Stills
1/5.8-inch Imager
+Accessory Bundle
30x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition 1080i
Memory Cards
8.9 Megapixel Stills
1/5.8-inch Imager
+Built-in WiFi
+Accessory Bundle
32x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition 1080p
2.0 Megapixel Stills
1/4.85-inch Imager
+Accessory Bundle
32x optical zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition 1080p
2.0 Megapixel Stills
1/4.85-inch Imager
+Accessory Bundle


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

Sony Pro HXR-NX80
4K Camcorder
Canon Professional XA11
HD Camcorder
Canon Professional XA25
HD Camcorder
Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

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10x Optical Zoom
Flash Memory
4K Ultra HD
1-inch imager
3.5 inch LCD
Native 24p
XLR audio out
Infrared Night Vision
HDMI out
f2.8 – 4.5 Lens
30.4mm – 304mm
1080p @ 24p, 30p, 60p, 120p
4K UHD @ 24p, 30p
Built-in ND Filters
S-Log2 and S-Log3
Dual SD Card Slots
2018-2019 Model
20x Optical Zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
1/2.84-inch imager
3.0 inch LCD
Native 24p
XLR audio out
Infrared Night Vision
HDMI out
f1.8 – 2.8 Lens
26.8mm – 576mm
1080p @ 60fps
1080p @ 30fps
1080p @ 24fps
1080 @ 60i
– – –
Dual SD Card Slots
2018-2019 Model
Wide Dynamic Range
20x Optical Zoom
Flash Memory
High Definition
1/2.84-inch imager
3.5 inch OLED
Native 24p
XLR audio out
Infrared Night Vision
HDMI out
f1.8 – 2.8 Lens
26.8mm – 576mm
1080p @ 60fps
1080p @ 30fps
1080p @ 24fps
1080 @ 60i
WiFi® technology
2017 Model
Wide Dynamic Range
*Uncompressed Output
HD-SDI Output
20x Optical Zoom
Flash Memory
4K Ultra HD
1/2.3-inch imager
3.5 inch LCD
Native 24p
Dual XLR Inputs
HDMI out
f1.8 – 3.6 Lens
29.5mm – 600mm
4K @ 24, 30, 50, 60fps
1080p @ 24, 30, 60fps
150Mbps Bit Rate
Infrared Night Vision
Built-in WiFi & NFC
Dual Card Slots
Built-in ND Filters
Past Model


Related Article: Smart-Review | Camcorder Buying Guide (HD & 4K)

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.

Sony Balanced Optical Image Stabilization (click for video)

Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ = Sony has introduced a new type of image stabilization that claims to be 13 times better at dampening camera shake than previous models. The sample footage looks extremely steady. This will allow you to zoom in on subjects without the typical bounce you see in videos, and can help in low light situations. It may replace a Steadycam for some situations. This is a breakthrough in technology, and we feel it is a feature that will be much appreciated for handheld shots, especially in low light. Available on the the Sony FDR-AX53, the Sony FDR-AX43, and the Sony HDR-PJ810 camcorders.

EVF Viewfinder = Most camcorders today do not have a viewfinder, but use their LCD screen to compose video. However, some high end camcorders do have an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The advantage of having an EVF is to use the viewfinder in bright sun, where the LCD may be hard to see.

HDMI Projector Input = The Sony HDR-PJ810 has a mini HDMI projector input, so you can hookup your tablet, laptop, smartphone, or other device and project video, pictures, documents, games, and other content on your wall from your camcorder. All Sony projector camcorders for 2013-2015 have this feature.

Twin Camera = The Panasonic WXF991K Camcorder has a second, twin camera. This wide angle camera is built-in to the LCD door, and can be used for picture in picture video. So you could be zoomed in on a child playing soccer with the main camera, while the second camera could show the entire field, the crowd, or even yourself reacting to the events that unfold.


Related Article: Best Low Light Camcorders – Reviews and Comparison

Related Article: Best Professional Camcorder Reviews and Comparison

Related Article: 4K & Full HD Camcorder Buying Guide