With good lighting you can use your mobile phone to record video and obtain quality material. But if you want to go a step further in this content creation, then you should bet on a camera that can give you more options in all kinds of situations. And that is what this selection offers you, best cameras for video recording.
What camera do I buy for video?
It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or if you've been creating video content for a long time. Choosing which camera to buy is always difficult. If it's your first camera, the last thing you want is to go wrong and buy one that doesn't meet your needs or is too much for what you'll actually do later. And if you already have a camera and are looking to upgrade, you're worried that it won't really bring you much benefit.
to us in El Output The issue of cameras is something that always attracts our attention, because they are one of our main tools. Both for the photographs that accompany many articles and for recording all the necessary material for our videos in the YouTube Channel.
That is why we closely follow the latest news in the sector, seeing the evolution in terms of sensors, formats, etc. And that's why we tested some models that we think could be attractive for users like you, who are also interested in the subject of photography and video.
If you are looking for a new camera and you do not want to fail, do not hesitate, these are The best cameras you can buy today. Some models are not recent this year, but they are still the ones that offer the best results on video.
Yes, None of them are 100% perfect.. The advantages of one will be the weaknesses of another. So, before launching into a specific model, carefully analyze what type of content you want to make or what the situation in which you usually record video is like. For example, value things like:
- If you record a lot of video outdoors, with a handheld camera, you will need a good stabilizer if you do not want to resort to a gimbal
- If you are drawn to darker scenes, with strong contrasts and dimmer lighting, good ISO management is essential.
- To record yourself and not fear being out of focus, the AF system will need to be fast and precise
- In cases where you only operate the camera to record product or other people, cameras with a more studio cut may be attractive to you.
Finally, logically the price will also play an important role when choosing which camera to buy. But that is something very personal. Only you can assess to what extent a greater or lesser investment could compensate you.
Here is our selection of the best cameras to record video. It is organized as follows. First of all, three models that we believe currently offer great versatility for both photo and video, with very good quality and features that make them suitable for almost all types of videos.
The next three are more intended for studio recordings. They could be used in many other types of situations, but they are cameras to think carefully about what and how you are going to record. This is how you can get the most out of each and every one of its benefits.
And finally, a last selection with cameras that either stand out for a very interesting price and good image quality, or models that also offer a lot for price. So let's get started.
sony a7iii
La Sony A7 III it has been for a couple of years one of the most popular cameras when recording video. The work done by Sony with this camera has allowed it to be the top choice of very important YouTubers. And it is not for less, the performance of its full frame sensor, its compact size and the hybrid focus system are more than enough reasons to bet on it.
It is with this camera that Dani Espla records many videos that you see on our channel. And as we say, it is a very reliable camera, also with its less positive points such as that color science to which you have to adapt. But in general it is a 100% recommended option.
Although this camera is already a few years old, it still performs spectacularly. Currently, this camera already takes over in the Sony catalog (the A7 IV), but its successor has not become as relevant as this one. In our case, we consider that the generational replacement of this camera is the A7 S III, but only if you are only going to make video with it.
Best
- HF system
- full-frame sensor
- Size and weight
- The screen is foldable
Worst
- Target Price
- non-folding screen
Sony A7SIII
The Sony Alpha 7S III was one of the most anticipated cameras for a long time. And it is that Sony has spent a few years almost without competition in the market for mirrorless Full Frame cameras. The A7S II was a camera that had its shortcomings. Many video experts were convinced that if Sony applied all the improvements of the A7 III in a video camera (ie, in an S series), it would be unstoppable. Sony, for its part, was made to pray. The Japanese knew that the A7 III was being an ideal equipment for video, so they let the months go by until they launched this camera that is much more specialized in video. The result is a camera that improves what seemed unbeatable.
This camera is capable of recording in a range ISO between 80 and 102.400, expandable to a range between 40 and 409.600. Its BionZ XR processor is 8 times more powerful than that of the A7 III. This allows you to cover the great lack of the camera that we have talked about in the previous section, and that is that this camera can record in 4K at 60 frames per second with the whole sensor. In addition, it also allows you to record 4K and 120p with a small 1.1x crop. A real savagery.
Regarding the ability to focus, the A7S III has 759 phase detection points and 425 contrast. Its ability to nail the spotlight in low light has improved by leaps and bounds, as it can work with -6 EV vs. -3 EV on the A7 III. Finally, the viewfinder of this model allows you to see a little more information (93% of the coverage compared to 92% of the A7 III)
Best
- Size, weight and ergonomics
- Improve what was already outstanding
- ISO sensitivity from another planet
Worst
- Its price is a big impediment
- His glasses are not exactly cheap
Fujifilm X T4
La Fuji X-T4 It is a recently introduced camera that is surprising many content creators. Its previous model was already pointing ways, but it had some problems that seem to have disappeared in this one.
With good performance at the photographic level, In terms of video, it has also taken an important leap. The use of an APS-C sensor allows it to offer good performance in most situations and Fuji's color science has that characteristic that gives it a fairly high appeal. It is a camera to take into account if, especially, you have already had Fuji products and even the occasional lens that you can already take advantage of at home.
Best
- Improved integrated stabilizer
- Color science and sharpness
- folding screen
Worst
- Optical catalog and price
- External microphone input via USB C adapter
Canon EOS
When Canon released the EOS R It is true that there were things in her that did not quite come together. Probably because much more was asked of the manufacturer with the jump from the DSLR system to mirrorless. Over time, this camera continues to sin in some aspects such as the cut it applies to the record 4K video, but the overall perspective of the camera has changed.
The EOS R has been positioning itself as a very versatile camera for those looking for a good camera with which they can also record quality video. That added to his system AF and that color so characteristic of the manufacturer make it an option to consider. Also, now that its price has dropped, even more. If you were already a Canon user, you have L-series lenses and you want to continue enjoying them (via an adapter), take a look.
Best
- Quality in photography
- canon color
- HF system
Worst
- Cropping in 4K video recording
- Lack of stabilizer built into the body
Panasonic Lumix GH5s
Panasonic has been betting heavily on video recording for many years. Its Lumix series has proven on more than one occasion to be pioneers in aspects such as the almost democratization of 4K video. One of the most interesting models is the Lumix GH5s, a mirrorless one with a micro four thirds sensor that is intended as a studio camera.
What does this studio camera thing mean? Well, because of its 12 MP sensor and great performance when working in low light, it is a highly recommended camera for productions where the image to be achieved is much more well thought out. And beware, it is not a perfect camera, because compared to the GH5 it lost stabilization in the body, but the native dual ISO improved its performance and became a very attractive camera if you are looking for that extra quality. Now, if budget is not a problem, the Lumix S1H is another level.
Best
- Low light sensor performance
- 10-bit video recording
- Size and weight
Worst
- No stabilizer in the body
- HF system
Blackmagic Pocket 4K
La Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K It is not the latest camera from the manufacturer and there is already a new version with the option to record video at 6K, but if you do not require that increase in resolution, the 4K is a simply brutal camera. In addition, the price of the camera includes Davinci Resolve, its editing program in its studio version that allows you to edit all kinds of material without restrictions when it comes to exporting.
It is true that to take advantage of Pocket 4K you have to be patient and, above all, use it to record in controlled environments. It is not the typical camera that you would always carry in your backpack to record from a vlog to anything else you can think of. Nor is it a camera with which to take pictures comfortably, but if you are looking for quality productions, for professional advertising, short films and even the occasional job where the best possible image is required, this is your camera.
Best
- Video quality
- Operating system and usability
- Control and option to record in RAW format
- Price
Worst
- without stabilizer
- Without AF system
SIGMA FP
when you see the Sigma FP The last thing you think is that this could be a camera focused on professional users, on high-level productions, but it is. Its compact size is very surprising, but don't be fooled because its possibilities are inversely proportional to its dimensions.
The full-frame sensor, to get the most out of it, it is true that you have to add several accessories to build a rig capable enough to give you a screen or monitor that's easier to frame and focus with, a longer battery life, external microphone, etc., but like the Pocket, it's a camera that can deliver high-quality results.
Best
- Image quality
- full frame sensor
Worst
- Price
- Need for accessories
Cameras for video and "less" demanding users
All the cameras that we have shown you before are designed for users who are looking for the best possible video quality. Still, it's true that you don't always need to have the most. If you are looking for a camera that offers you quality video, versatility and does not involve an extremely large outlay, these proposals are currently the most balanced and interesting.
Canon EOS M50
This small mirrorless camera from Canon continues to be one of the most surprising models. As was the case with the EOS R, the Canon EOS M50 It continues with shortcomings such as the crop when recording 4K video, but saving that and some other limitations, it is an interesting proposal due to size, performance and price.
The price of the body can only be easily found on the $500. So, if you are looking for an inexpensive Canon camera, capable of recording in 4K and with which to take advantage of possible lenses that you may already have.
Best
- Image quality
- Size and weight
- Price
Worst
- 4K video crop
- Battery duration
Panasonic Lumix G90
La Lumix G90 It was a pleasant surprise when we tested it, a micro four thirds camera that without all the options of the GH5 offered some of its main values: 4K video in v-log format, great image stabilization, and details like the flip-up screen made it a great camera for pretty much any kind of video you might need to record.
Very comfortable to use, with clear menus and a robust design, it is interesting both for those looking for a good camera for less than a thousand euros with which to start video with solvency or as a second body to complete what the GH5 or GH5s already offers you.
Best
- video stabilizer
- 4K V-Log video
- Price
Worst
- No 4K video at 60p
Sony A6600
The last camera that we have been able to test and another great surprise. Although it has a APS-C sensor sensor it could be said that there are occasions in which the Sony A6600 improvement to what the Sony A7 III offers. Very comfortable in hand, with the option to record logarithmic and HLG video, a fast and precise AF system, unlimited video recording and more than enough autonomy.
It is a great camera for those who are looking for advanced features and for some reason do not want or are not interested in betting on a slightly more expensive model or with a full frame sensor. 100% recommended.
Best
- Video quality
- Autonomy
- Size
- Front folding screen
Worst
- Sony color science, you have to adapt
- Complexity of the menus
Sony ZV-E10
The Sony ZV-E10 is a camera that at first glance seems like a chimera. Can you get the best of a Sony A6600 and a Sony ZV-1 in one camera? The ZV-10 is proof that it's totally possible.
This camera has an APS-C format sensor, and is designed for recording vlogging. Unlike a compact, this Sony camera has a mount so that we can exchange the lens and place the most suitable one at any time. Sony has a huge catalog of small, high-performance lenses, so they all fit like a glove on this ZV-E10. As if that were not enough, its focus is instantaneous, and it performs much better than other cameras in its segment that we have tested.
At the price level, we cannot say that the ZV-E10 is too slow. It is not a bargain, but it is not prohibitive either. Of course, although it comes in a kit with a basic zoom lens, you should know that to take full advantage of the sensor and the focusing system, you will have to stretch your budget a bit and get a higher quality lens.
Best
- interchangeable lenses
- Spectacular performance at high ISOS
- Good battery and autonomy
- quite adequate price
Worst
- The kit lens is not the most suitable to get the most out of the camera
- Too many menus, Sony's house brand
Cameras for all tastes and needs
There are many more cameras on the market and as we said at the beginning, even with your smartphone you can record content if you control the lighting. But if you are looking for a camera for record quality video and not make a bad investment, these options we consider to be the best today. However, there are a few extra variables What you should ensure before making the leap to a professional team:
- Audio: What kind of video are you going to record? It will not be the same to record ambient sound as a voiceover. The microphones that come built into cameras are useful for reference, but if you really want to get good sound quality, you'll need to use the right microphone for each situation. There are microphones of all types, and each one is adapted to a specific situation. The lapel microphone is great if you want to be able to record anywhere and only have your voice heard, such as in a vlog. However, if you are going to record voiceovers at home, our recommendation is that you get a cardioid dynamic microphone.
- Editing and post production: It is useless to buy a camera that is worth several thousand euros if then we do not have a computer powerful enough to move your files. The most powerful video cameras use really efficient codecs like XAVC SI or ProRes. However, you need a machine with a good CPU and RAM to be able to work with those videos. In the same way, it is not a good idea to work with a basic video editing program, since the idea is that we use a professional program such as Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. And when viewing and listening to the material, it is also interesting to use a quality monitor and headphones that reproduce the sound as faithfully as possible.
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