The best cameras for video
Cameras (1 - 5)
| Best price |
| Sony a7S III + Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | Canon EOS R6 + Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM | Canon EOS R3 | Nikon Z6 II + Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S | Sony Alpha 7 IV + Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS | Nikon Z6 II + Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR | Canon EOS R7 + Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM | Nikon Z6 II + Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 | Sony Alpha 7 IV + Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS | Sony Alpha 7 IV + Sony FE 50mm F1.8 | |
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| Video recording (main camera)The maximum resolution available for videos shot with the main camera. Although it may be possible to choose among other frame rates, those recordings usually have lower resolutions. | ||||||||||
| Video recording (main camera)The maximum resolution available for videos shot with the main camera. Although it may be possible to choose among other frame rates, those recordings usually have lower resolutions. | 2160 x 120 fps | 2160 x 60 fps | 3968 x 60 fps | 2160 x 60 fps | 2160 x 60 fps | 2160 x 60 fps | 2160 x 60 fps | 2160 x 60 fps | 2160 x 60 fps | 2160 x 60 fps |
| Focus pointsThe more focus points the more flexibility in picking which part of the scene to focus on. They also give the image sensor a better probability in identifying the right area of the scene to focus on in more automatic modes. | ||||||||||
| Focus pointsThe more focus points the more flexibility in picking which part of the scene to focus on. They also give the image sensor a better probability in identifying the right area of the scene to focus on in more automatic modes. | 759 | 1053 | 1053 | 273 | 759 | 273 | 651 | 273 | 759 | 759 |
| Maximum ISOWith a higher light sensitivity (ISO level), the sensor absorbs more light. This can be used to capture moving objects using a fast shutter speed, or to take images in low light without using a flash. | ||||||||||
| Maximum ISOWith a higher light sensitivity (ISO level), the sensor absorbs more light. This can be used to capture moving objects using a fast shutter speed, or to take images in low light without using a flash. | 102400 ISO | 102400 ISO | 102400 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO | 51200 ISO |
| Megapixels (main camera)The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the images captured with the main camera. A higher megapixel count means that the camera is capable of capturing more details. However, the megapixel count is not the only important element determining the quality of an image. | ||||||||||
| Megapixels (main camera)The number of megapixels determines the resolution of the images captured with the main camera. A higher megapixel count means that the camera is capable of capturing more details. However, the megapixel count is not the only important element determining the quality of an image. | 13 MP | 20.1 MP | 24.1 MP | 24.5 MP | 33 MP | 24.5 MP | 32.5 MP | 24.5 MP | 33 MP | 33 MP |
| Battery life (CIPA)CIPA is an independent, standard measurement that determines how many shots a camera can take before the battery dies. | ||||||||||
| Battery life (CIPA)CIPA is an independent, standard measurement that determines how many shots a camera can take before the battery dies. | 600 shots | 360 shots | 760 shots | 410 shots | 580 shots | 410 shots | 660 shots | 410 shots | 580 shots | 580 shots |
| Sensor sizeThe larger the sensor the more light the sensor captures yielding in better image quality. | ||||||||||
| Sensor sizeThe larger the sensor the more light the sensor captures yielding in better image quality. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. |
| Sensor shift stabilizationWith sensor shift, the image sensor (rather than the lens) moves to counterbalance any vibration of the camera. This means the image will be stabilised regardless of what lens is being used. | ||||||||||
| Sensor shift stabilizationWith sensor shift, the image sensor (rather than the lens) moves to counterbalance any vibration of the camera. This means the image will be stabilised regardless of what lens is being used. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dual card slotsIt has two memory card slots, allowing you to store more photos without switching cards. This is particularly useful on long shoots when you need more space. | ||||||||||
| Dual card slotsIt has two memory card slots, allowing you to store more photos without switching cards. This is particularly useful on long shoots when you need more space. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Weather-sealed (splashproof)The device is protected with extra seals to prevent failures caused by dust, raindrops, and water splashes. | ||||||||||
| Weather-sealed (splashproof)The device is protected with extra seals to prevent failures caused by dust, raindrops, and water splashes. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Microphone inputA microphone port allows connecting external high-end or specialized microphones. | ||||||||||
| Microphone inputA microphone port allows connecting external high-end or specialized microphones. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | N.A. | |
| Touch screenYou can operate the device easily, by pressing the screen with your fingers. | ||||||||||
| Touch screenYou can operate the device easily, by pressing the screen with your fingers. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
From DSLR cameras to mirrorless cameras, the best digital cameras now offer opportunities for artistic professionals to take stunning photos along with high-quality video. However, just because a camera takes great photos doesn’t always mean that the video quality will be just as good.
Choosing the right camera for video requires you to take a look at more than just mere megapixels, and depending on the type of filming you’ll be doing, you’ll want to also ensure it’s equipped with the right kind of microphone and enough space for you to quickly switch out memory cards. Here’s what to consider when comparing the top cameras for filming videos.
Video recording
You’ll need to ensure that the camera you’re looking to purchase records video. But there’s more to it than that. When looking at the videography specs of a digital camera, be sure to look at all of the other video specs as well.
This includes various functions and features such as phase-detection autofocus, continuous autofocus, and slow-motion video recording. While slow-motion recording and timelapse video recording might be effects that you’re able to add in during post-production, it’s always better (and easier) if they’re available in-camera.
Microphone
Recording high-quality video requires audio, which means the camera will need a microphone. What kind? That depends on the type of filming you’ll be doing. If you’re going to use the camera to film documentary-style videos in the field, the camera must come with a stereo microphone, zoom microphone, or 5.1 surround sound recording system.
Card slots
Whether you’re filming travel videos on the road or are filming interviews for corporate videos, you’ll still need to ensure that the camera comes with dual card slots. While this applies just as much to photography as it does to video recording, it’s especially important for videography. Having a dual card slot on the camera means that you can store videos on both cards in case you need to have a secure backup. Or you can simply film on one card and continue seamlessly
Sensor size
Contrary to popular belief, a higher megapixel count doesn't always mean better performance. It all comes down to the sensor size, whether you’re snapping photos or filming videos. The sensor size determines how much light the camera can take to create an image. The bigger the sensor size, the more light the camera can absorb to come up with a brighter, crisper image.
Screen
Having a flip-out screen is helpful when filming videos. This is especially true if you’re vlogging as you’re able to rotate the screen while filming and preview how the entire video looks as you’re recording it. If you’re interested in an upgraded camera screen, opt for one that comes with a touchscreen for easy navigation or to quickly and easily adjust the focus.
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