Best 4K Camcorder Reviews 2017

A camcorder comes in handy whether you are a video amateur or professional. If you like going to events or filming everything that happens around you, a camcorder will offer you the functions you need to record great memories. Take a look at the five camcorders we have reviewed from some of the best 4K camcorder brands out there. These little memory keepers will be by your side in the most enjoyable moments.

Watch Our 4K Camcorder Review

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Video Quality

Megapixels

Functionality

Size

Extras

Our Top Choice

JVC 4KCam Compact Handheld Camcorder

JVC makes audio and video products that deliver high-quality sounds and images. It developed the technology that made VCRs possible.

With its ideal performance in various lighting conditions, this 4K camcorder is compatible with multiple editing systems.

Isolated complaints that the camcorder has a plastic feel to it, but professionals consider it really sturdy.

4k and Full HD

12.4M pixels

4K Recording 24p/25p/30p

9.3 x 4.3 x 5 inches

Records on 2 cards simultaneously

Best Value

Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

Panasonic is known worldwide for its range of electronics. It was founded in 1918 and considers people the core of its activities.

This camcorder can shoot a photo while filming a video. It charges through USB and can be mounted on a tripod. It works ideally in low light.

Isolated complaints that the camera doesn’t have mounts for neck straps.

Ultra HD

6M pixels

1080/60fps and 120fps videos

2.9 x 2.6 x 5.5 inches

Dual camera mode

Canon XC10 4K Camcorder

Canon is known for its digital imaging products. It is preferred by most people who love to take photos or record videos.

This camcorder is compact and lightweight. It can also take 12px photos and has the image stabilizer function. It has an ND filter and built-in Wi-Fi.

Isolated complaints that the lenses are not interchangeable.

4k and Full HD

13M pixels

Full HD 1920 x 1080

4.8 x 4.02 x 4.92 inches

LCD touchscreen display

Sony Handycam with Exmor R CMOS Sensor

Sony is a Japanese company that manufactures multiple consumer and professional electronics, and gaming and entertainment devices.

This camcorder has a built-in microphone and Wi-Fi through which you can connect to any smartphone. It also captures 4K images and has the time code function.

Isolated complaints that the display is reflective.

4k and Full HD

16.6M pixels

30p in 4K, 60p in Full HD 1080

4.25 x 5.91 x 7.44 inches

3”Xtra fine LCD display

SEREE 4K Underwater Camcorder

Seree sells multiple consumer electronics. Its products have multiple functions and are built to last.

This camcorder can shoot in multiple resolutions and has sports action features. The videos are in .mov and can be stored on micro SD.

It is too small for professional use, but it’s great for fun activities!

4k and 2.7k

14M pixels

1080P60FPS, 720P60FPS

9.3 x 4.3 x 3 inches

2” LTPS display

(Updated July 7, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best 4K Camcorder?

Everyone wants to record significant moments in their lives, whether they’re small things or big events. With a 4k camcorder, you can capture the smallest details and have an image that brings you closer to reality. But there are different elements and functions from one model to another, so before you buy such a product, you should take a look at some of the most important features and what you personally would like in camcorder. High-quality 4k camcorders offer a variety of uses, like streaming the recording to a TV or editing videos. There are multiple types of camcorders, such as HD, Full HD, DSLR cameras with video functionality and more. Another option that many people also choose when they don't want a full-sized camcorder, is to go for an action camera that also has video capabilities.

However, 4k camcorders have become standard for professional shooting nowadays. We expect 4k quality for any professional video content, but why not enjoy the same quality in personal videos? You can enjoy and relive the beautiful moments in your life whenever you want, without any loss of quality. Whether it’s your child’s football game, happy moments during vacations or your kid’s unfortunate first trip to the dentist, you can enjoy these events whenever you want on your TV or computer monitor. You can even let your family see your videos by posting them online.

To keep your 4k camcorder always near and safe, we suggest investing in a quality a camera bag. Although it may seem like two expensive purchases, a good bag will keep your investment secure so you don’t have to replace your camcorder due to damage. If your mind is stuck on price, that’s actually a good thing because we can give you an idea as to how much something like this would cost.

Price

When buying a 4k camcorder, the most important aspect to consider is your budget. Once you’ve set a maximum spending amount, you can begin to look at the types of features on camcorders that fall within your budget. It’s good to note that, as unfortunate as it is, a budget of $150 won’t do very much for your purchase. Cheap 4k camcorders exist, but their video quality is often not much better (sometimes worse) than that of an average smart phone. Usually, a quality camcorder will be between $400 and $2000, and the price gets significantly higher depending on the features you want.

Features

There are many details that separate a good 4k camcorder from the rest. Battery life can make the difference between going home with recorded memories or with disappointment. Although battery life is definitely something to look out for, there are many other factors that can affect how long the battery lasts. Using zoom, continuous recording, or turning it on and off can shorten the battery life. Other features to look out for include whether or not the camcorder has a touch screen, and if it has Wi-Fi functionality so you can easily share photos with family and friends.

Check out this short list of consideration factors before you begin shopping:

Resolution - A significant feature that’s measured in megapixels. If the megapixels are very high, the higher the video quality will be
Zoom - Zoom is another feature to look for. High-quality camcorders will allow you to position yourself, from your fixed point, as close as possible to the action, without losing image clarity
Night recording - If you have a lot of evening or nighttime gatherings, or if you film in low-light conditions a lot, you should check if the camcorder can record without a lot of light
Sound - For the best sound, you’d need an external microphone, but all camcorders have some kind of built-in audio system that will capture sound. You can find camcorders that actually have Dolby Digital Surround Sound, but, unless you’re recording short films or the sound is very important, you may not find it necessary to spend a lot of extra money on this feature.

Construction and Design

The design of a 4k camcorder is important because it shapes how you’ll film your videos. If you know you’re going to have to hold the camera at a sporting event that’s several hours long, you may want to go with something that’s lighter and more compact. However, if you’re going to set up your camera on a tripod (or any sort of mount), then the size and its weight may not be important to you.

Most, if not all, 4k camcorders have LCD screens where you can watch your recording. Some models have optical viewfinders while others have electronic ones. The difference here is small, but crucial: an optical viewfinder needs light to pass through the camera in order for you to see the image, whereas an electronic one shows you exactly what the camcorder’s sensor is “seeing.” Keep in mind that one advantage to the electronic viewfinder is that it can automatically adjust your image, so if the lighting is poor, the camcorder will brighten it (and whatever you’re looking at through the viewfinder actually becomes a digital representation versus what’s actually there. Neat, huh?).

Currently, storage media for these types of camcorders are SD cards, which are dust- and moisture-proof. Keep in mind that the type of memory card you choose will impact the quality of your video. If you purchase a card that can “write” video onto it at 160MB/s, you probably won’t experience any video lag or quality hiccups as this is a pretty fast transfer speed. That being said, you could easily try a memory card that transfers data at 45MB/s, and it may work just as well.

Performance and Ease of Use

Most manufacturers offer a 24-month warranty on their 4k camcorders. Your camera will likely come with an instruction manual with directions for registering your product (usually required for warranties). If you have trouble—and this is where brand becomes important—you may want to call or email the maker or distributor of your camcorder to ask them for help. Some companies offer free technical support and frequently encourage their customers to use it. If you aren’t very tech-savvy, calling for help, or looking at the manufacturer’s website for further instructions, is a good idea.

With the right equipment, you can make good, quality videos. If you end up buying a camcorder that lets you edit your video right from the device itself, we recommend getting together with some of your family, recording a few videos and then editing them to make them humorous or touching. These types of short clips make great gifts, especially for faraway relatives.

What is the Best 4K Camcorder?

Before getting a camcorder, you have to know what you want to do with it. Decide whether you want the image to be crystal-clear, if you want to use it underwater, and more. For example, if you travel a lot and want to record your activities, you should opt for a portable camcorder.

Our Top Choice

The JVC 4KCam Compact Handheld Camcorder has an integrated 12x zoom lens and a built-in HDMI connector. It can also record in slow motion. However, if your budget is higher and you want a full 4k camera kit which includes 11 accessories then you should go for the JVC 4KCAM Kit.

JVC Ultra 4K HD 4KCAM Professional Camcorder & Top Handle Audio Unit with XLR Microphone

JVC 4K Camcorder K-92812-01

Features

JVC is very popular for its line of professional video and audio equipment. Its products have low prices considering the features they have, and they're preferred by most professionals. Along with camcorders, this brand also sells car speakers, TV lamps, headphones and visual systems. For professional videos, JVC has made a special product line that contains studio component and camera and field monitors.

The JVC 4KCam Compact Handheld Camcorder has a microphone, a card, a card reader and a kit. The price is a bargain for the features it has. Check them out here:

Ultra-high-quality image
Video records in .mov format
Simultaneous and relay recording
3.5” LCD display
Zoom in dynamic in HD mode

JVC has multiple camcorders with numerous features! Check them out if this one is not what you are looking for!

Best Value

The Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Camcorder features instant editing and cropping features and it is available in 3 configurations. It can also record in slow motion and has a built-in flash. On the other hand, if you need a professional 4k camcorder which has multiple advanced features then you should take a look at the Panasonic 4K 60p\/50p Professional Camcorder.

Panasonic Ultra HD Camcorder with Wi-Fi Twin Camera and 4K Photo Features, 3 Configurations Available

Panasonic 4K Camcorder HC-VX981K - Black

Features

Most people have at least one product from this company in the house. Its inventive electronic technology allowed the brand to create a wide range of products and systems. We have all heard about Panasonic's headphones and batteries. Its products come with great designs and are built to last.

Panasonic's 4K Ultra HD Camcorder is really easy to use, so it is suitable for anyone. It has intelligent automatic settings that will help you if you are a beginner.

Its features include:

Available Baby Camera mode
Included HDMI cable in the package
AVCHD and MP4 formats
Decoma optical lens with 20x zoom
Works with any USB power source

If this is not what you need, take a look at Panasonic's other 4K camcorders!

The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder has a 10x zoom lens. It can record 4K and full HD and has a 3” color LCD. It has headphone, HDMI, USB and microphone connectors. On the other hand, if you prefer a professional 4k camcorder which comes in a compact design then we recommend the Canon XC15 4K Camcorder which incorporates a 12MP image sensor.

Canon 4K Professional Camcorder with 12MP CMOS Sensor, Image Stabilizer and Multiple Recording Modes

Canon 4K Camcorder 0565C013

Features

Canon is a Japanese corporation that appeared on the market in Tokyo in 1937. It makes optical products such as video cameras, printers and Xerox printers. Canon invented the IBSB photo camera, personal printer, and electronic calculator, and the first photo cameras with SLR.

The Canon XC10 4K Camcorder has multiple recording modes and resolutions. It is suitable for both amateurs and professionals, and works in numerous production environments.

See more of its specifications:

One-inch CMOS sensor
Wide exposure function
DiG!C DV 5 Image Processor
Records both slow and fast motion
Built-in microphone

Need a different camcorder? Check out the other 4k camcorders from Canon! You have plenty of choices!

The Sony 4K Camcorder features an Exmor R sensor and it is compact and lightweight. It has a manual control ring and 26.8 mm Zeiss lens. It can also record during the night as it has image stabilization. On the other hand, if you want a camera which received the International CES innovations design and engineering award, we recommend the Sony 4K Video Camera which is available in 5 configurations.

Sony 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder with Carl Zeiss Lens, 20 Optical Zoom and 16.6MP

Sony 4K Camcorder FDRAX53/B - Black

Features

Sony has been a well-known tech company for almost 80 years. Its products are sturdy, with ideal design and competitive prices. Its passion for technology is unlimited. If you are into gaming, you should also check out its gaming line, as it has multiple fine devices.

If you are looking to get great shots and videos, Sony's Handycam with Exmor R CMOS Sensor is suitable for you. It is lightweight and easy to use. You can connect it easily to your Android or iOS smartphone, and share or back up your recordings. Check out its main features:

Wide-angle lens with 20x zoom
Intelligent Autofocus
Exmor R™ CMOS sensor
User Bit info recording
Time lapse function

If this isn't what you had in mind, see the other 4k camcorders from Sony! There are plenty of choices available.

The SEREE 4K Underwater Camcorder can be connected to any device through Wi-Fi connection. It works with rechargeable batteries and has a wide-angle lens. On the other hand, if you need a panoramic camera for your recording purposes, we advise you to go for the SEREE 4K 360 Degree Camcorder

SEREE 4K Underwater Camcorder WIFI Sports Action Camera with 14 MP Sensor, Shockproof and Waterproof

SEREE 4K Camcorder LYSB01MQX30RJ-ELECTRNCS - Black

Features

Seree sells multiple consumer electronics that are waterproof, shockproof and built to last. Along with camcorders, Seree also sells zoom lenses, external batteries, car chargers and more for photography and recording enthusiasts. You can find everything you need for your shooting through its line of products.

The Seree 4K Underwater Camcorder is suitable for people who like to have fun. You can take videos or photos underwater, and if you drop it on the floor, it’s shockproof. Its other specifications include:

170°A+ HD lens
Self timer and continuous shooting functions
Supports motion detection feature
Videos can be locked for safety
Available in multiple colorful options

If you prefer a different camera then check out the other 4k camcorders from Seree on Amazon!

Get the Best 4K Camcorder of 2017!

Some camcorders come with built-in Wi-Fi and microphone, while others have jacks for external devices. It is important to get the right one, because it will be by your side in the most memorable moments. Get the 4K camcorder you like, and start recording!

Our Top Choice

JVC 4KCam Compact Handheld Camcorder

Best Value

Panasonic 4K Ultra HD Camcorder

Canon XC10 4K Camcorder

Sony Handycam with Exmor R CMOS Sensor

SEREE 4K Underwater Camcorder