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Best 4K Camcorders

Updated November 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Panasonic LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless 4K Camera
Panasonic
LUMIX S5 Full Frame Mirrorless 4K Camera
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

Can be used for shooting stills and videos and has remarkably high quality on both.

Pros

Unlimited recording time and image stabilization provide vast creative options for each user. Autofocus detects facial recognition with accuracy. Protective sealing safeguards against dust and water damage.

Cons

Solely using 4K video feature will quickly drain battery.

Best Bang for the Buck
AKASO EK7000 4K Ultra HD Underwater Camera
AKASO
EK7000 4K Ultra HD Underwater Camera
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Includes 2 batteries for excellent battery life in an action cam.

Pros

Offers waterproof capabilities up to 100 feet. Built-in WiFi functionality. Boasts 4K video recording at 25 frames per second. Very easy to use for simple action videos and photos. Good features for the price.

Cons

Only 12MP resolution for still images. Some build-quality issues.

Canon VIXIA HF G60 Video Camera with 4K UHD Video
Canon
VIXIA HF G60 Video Camera with 4K UHD Video
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Best for Experts
Bottom Line

A professional camera with quick and careful autofocus and slow-motion recording to ensure first-rate videos.

Pros

The 1-inch image censor offers plenty of creative options. Provides higher sensitivity and field control, while picking up less background noise. The 15x optical zoom is comparable to a 35mm camera and maintains quality no matter where you are.

Cons

Slightly heavy and does not have infrared or night vision.

Canon Powershot Vlogging 4K Camera
Canon
Powershot Vlogging 4K Camera
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

This camera is perfect for vloggers who want to get their videos out to their followers immediately.

Pros

Has tilt LCD for innovative shots and uncropped framing. The 20.1 megapixels make for beautiful stills and videos. The 4.2x optical zoom lens enables you to shoot from wide angles with ease.

Cons

Has a 30-minute recording limit when using 4K feature.

GoPro HERO9 Waterproof Sport and Action 4K Camera
GoPro
HERO9 Waterproof Sport and Action 4K Camera
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

This lightweight camera is easy to transport and makes uploading and streaming your videos quick and simple.

Pros

Video stabilization and horizontal leveling make it easy to shoot from anywhere. Use voice control to film and automatically transfer files to your phone. This camera is extremely durable and waterproof.

Cons

Works best with a Samsung EVO memory card.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

51
Models
Considered
89
Consumers
Consulted
24
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best 4K camcorders

Hot on the tail of the 4K TV revolution, 4K camcorders are now everywhere, so you can launch your career as YouTube’s next big thing with more pixels than ever before.

In fact, 4K camcorders have never been more affordable or portable, so whether you’re an auteur filmmaker or you just want to capture some family memories, it’s a great time to find the perfect 4K camcorder.

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The term “4K” is shorthand for one of the pixel dimensions of content that’s recorded by a 4K camcorder or displayed on a 4K TV screen. Traditional HDTVs support a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080p, and 4K devices use a screen resolution that’s twice as large, 3840 x 2160p.

4K action camcorders vs. 4K video camcorders

There’s a pretty big divide in the 4K camcorder market between so-called “action” camcorders and traditional handheld models, so make sure you know the difference as you’re shopping.

  • 4K action camcorders are prepared for action and designed for rugged use, so you can capture your most impressive cliff-diving experiences – or a bike ride around your neighborhood. These are great for the average consumer. However, if you’re looking to tweak specific settings, or you want to shoot the highest-quality video you can (and you don’t need a rugged camcorder), a traditional 4K video camcorder may be a better choice.

    • Many are waterproof

    • Durable case to withstand quite a bit of abuse

    • Case easily mounted just about anywhere

    • Usually more affordable than 4K video camcorders
       

  • 4K video camcorders are exactly what they sound like – they take video in 4K – but unlike 4K action cameras, regular video camcorders are designed for videographers and home users. Thankfully, you don’t need to be a professional videographer to use a 4K video camcorder, but if you aspire to be one, getting a traditional 4K video camcorder is a great start.

    • Include advanced features like manual exposure control or custom video filters

    • Significantly more expensive than 4K action camcorders

4K camcorder luxury features

All 4K camcorders can handle the basics, so to set themselves apart from the crowd, many manufacturers incorporate additional features to make their 4K camcorders even more useful. Our favorite luxury features include the following.

  • WiFi connectivity: Being able to wirelessly transfer photos from the camera to your computer isn’t just about convenience; it means you never have to remove your memory card from the camera. SD cards and microSD cards can scratch fairly easily, and too many scratches can make your data unreadable. When you’re using WiFi to interact with your camcorder’s files, the only time you’ll need to remove a memory card is when you’re upgrading it.

  • Selfie mode: OK, we admit it: we love taking selfies, and we love cameras that make it easier to take them. Whether you’re promoting your personal brand or just need to see how you look in something every now and then, “selfie mode” rotates the lens so you can both act and direct at the same time – all without the embarrassment of a selfie stick.

  • Wireless remote control: For all of the times when you’ll need to make adjustments to the camera but do so from far away, many 4K camcorders include wireless remotes (and in some cases, smartphone apps). Wireless remotes mean you never have to yell “Action!” or “Cut!” again.

  • HDMI output: Some 4K camcorders include a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, so you can connect directly to a TV to watch your videos. This effectively eliminates the middleman – your computer – making it much simpler to enjoy your footage on just about any TV.
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Expert Tip
For examples of footage from a particular 4K camcorder, search YouTube using the model number. You can find submitted videos by other users so you can check out real-world examples of what each model can do.
STAFF
BestReviews

4K camcorder drones

A unique corner of the 4K camcorder market has appeared in the last few years: 4K cameras mounted to drones are now used all over the world for all kinds of aerial photography, ranging from stunning landscape shots to spying on the neighbors. If you think you might prefer a 4K camcorder attached to a drone, consider the following.

  • Inexpensive 4K camcorder drones take terrible video, but pricier models produce stunning 4K. Price doesn’t always equal value, but in the case of 4K camcorder drones, it definitely does. While you may encounter many affordable drones advertising 4K support, low-end camcorder drones often create grainy video that’s rarely usable.

  • Drones can reach vantage points you can’t. Having a 4K camcorder drone means you’ll be able to capture shots from high above, and that opens up a host of creative opportunities for you and your videos. If you’re considering shooting video outdoors, and you don’t want to be constrained by the physical limitations of a handheld camcorder, a 4K camcorder drone may be the perfect choice.

  • Flying drones indoors is dangerous. 4K camcorder drones are great at a lot of things, but flying and shooting video indoors is not one of them. If you plan on doing a lot of indoor shooting, stick with a more traditional 4K camcorder.

4K camcorder prices

Most searches for 4K camcorders will bring back a wide array of prices, as well as deals of varying value. As you’re looking at 4K camcorders, keep these price ranges in mind.

  • Inexpensive: Between $50 and $499, you find action camcorders – the models that produce pretty good (but not great) video and are designed to go with you on all of your outdoor adventures. If you’re looking to capture your next big thrill, or if you just need a basic 4K camcorder for making YouTube videos, there’s no need to spend more than this.

  • Mid-range: Between $500 and $999, expect to find the prosumer models that bring professional-level features to consumer-friendly 4K camcorders. If you want above-average video quality and the ability to change detailed settings or use different lenses, you’ll need to spend this much.

  • Expensive: Between $1,000 and $2,000, you’ll encounter professional-level 4K camcorders that are designed for broadcast-quality production. If you’re a filmmaker, a professional videographer, or looking to level-up your video skills, get ready to spend a lot.

Tips

  • Invest in a tripod if you need truly steady shots. Even if you think you have the steadiest hand in the world, trust us: viewers can always tell the difference between smooth video and handheld footage. A tripod ensures that camera motion will never distract your audience. As you’re narrowing your search, keep a close eye on how different 4K camcorders work with tripods; some have a built-in mount for a standard-size tripod, while others require you to purchase a proprietary tripod solution.

  • Transfer images and video from your camera’s SD card to your computer regularly. Even if you have plenty of room left on your storage card, make a habit of clearing it off on a regular basis. This will help ensure that none of your videos get accidentally deleted from your camera, and it will free up space on your SD card so you can keep taking long videos.

  • Consider your lighting needs before buying a 4K camcorder. One of the key differentiators among 4K camcorders is how well they work in low-light environments. A low-end 4K camcorder will need a lot of light – and conversely, a top-of-the-line model is more likely to take great videos in the dark. If you’re planning on shooting mostly outdoor videos during the day, you may not need to spend as much.
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Most 4K camcorders record video in common formats like MP4 or MOV, which can be easily played back on many different devices. As you’re shopping, note which formats work best for you, and make sure that the camera you buy supports those formats.

FAQ

Q. Will I be able to watch my 4K camcorder movies on my TV even if it isn’t a 4K TV?

A. Yes. In most cases, sending a 4K video signal to a 1080p HDTV will still display video; the TV will automatically downscale the image to its native resolution. While viewing downscaled video will diminish the quality by limiting the number of pixels you can see, it will still produce a clear, watchable picture.

Q. What software should I use to edit my 4K movies?

A. Most 4K camcorders include software for producing your own videos so you can make edits, add music, or include special effects. These included applications range in quality, so if you expect to do a lot of editing, it would be worthwhile to explore third-party options. If you’re new to video editing, try entry-level applications like iMovie (for Mac) or Corel Visual Studio (for Windows). If you’re an experienced video editor and need advanced features, consider Final Cut Pro (for Mac), Magix Vegas Pro (for Windows), or Adobe’s Premiere Elements (for Mac or Windows).

Q. Do I really need a 4K camcorder if my smartphone already records 4K video?

A. It depends. There are many significant differences between the 4K cameras found in mobile devices and those found in 4K camcorders, but they all boil down to the quality of the video they produce. A 4K video from a camcorder will be of much higher quality due to how 4K camcorders handle adverse lighting conditions, motion, and audio. A 4K video from a phone will be very clear – it can often produce videos that look good when played back on your phone but not nearly as great on any other screen. If you’re serious about making 4K videos, buy a 4K camcorder so you know you’re using dedicated hardware instead of relying on a feature of your smartphone.

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