Best Sony Camera For Video

Before you invest in the best 4K camera for video, you’ll demand to retrieve near what type of content you lot desire to shoot. Whether y’all’re looking for a camera that shoots high-quality stills and 4K video or you’re a filmmaker looking for a video focussed camera, our list includes the best of both worlds.

Nosotros’ve updated this buying guide to include two of import new cameras. The Panasonic GH5 II is an update to Panasonic’s top-selling GH5, with numerous important and worthwhile improvements – though we suspect the Panasonic GH6
(opens in new tab), now expected in 2022 due to delays, will quickly steal the limelight.

In this guide we concentrate on regular interchangeable lens cameras with stiff 4K video capture. These are ideal for photographers moving into video, or for filmmakers who don’t want or demand dedicated movie theatre cameras, and all the expense and technical complexity that goes into them.

The world of video is now incredibly various, of class. If you think this guide doesn’t quite draw you, and so possibly you might want to take a await at these:

•

Best movie theater cameras

(opens in new tab)
:
for professional filmmakers and studios
•

Best vlogging cameras

(opens in new tab)
:
for independent content creators
•

Best camera for film students

(opens in new tab)
:
powerful and affordable cameras to outset with
•
All-time DSLR for video

(opens in new tab): traditional interchangeable lens cameras for video & stills
•

All-time action cameras

(opens in new tab)
:
for filming adventures and activity
•

Best 360 cameras

(opens in new tab)
:
for cutting edge filming and VR techniques
•

Best drones

(opens in new tab)
:
for aerial photography specialists

This guide concentrates on the rapidly growing list of hybrid stills/video cameras that can handle all types of content cosmos. This is where all the action is happening at the moment, equally mirrorless cameras motility upmarket and start to eat into the territory of professional movie theater cameras – just at a fraction of the toll.

These days, mirrorless cameras have such astonishing 4K capabilities they actually claiming professional movie house cameras. The powerful Panasonic S1H and the remarkable Panasonic S5 are two cameras paving the fashion for 4K-set mirrorless cameras. If you desire even more resolution, the Catechism EOS R5 and the Sony A1 are now capable of shooting in 8K which while it sounds great on paper, is probably a flake overkill for most vloggers, commercial photographers and filmmakers. For most scenarios, a photographic camera that shoots decent 4K video is more than important than one that shoots at higher resolutions due to massive file sizes and processing power needed to edit them. Non to mention how long these videos accept to transfer and share!

The Sony A7S III offers incredible 4K footage but as it only shoots 12MP stills, the file sizes are comparatively modest. This is the contrary of the Catechism in terms of specs but many would consider it to be the best mirrorless 4K photographic camera on the market though information technology’s certainly non cheap!

•Don’t know bitrates from framerates?:

Video jargon explained

(opens in new tab)

The best 4K cameras for video in 2022

Stills and video

In this department we listing the best ‘hybrid’ cameras – fully functional stills cameras that can also capture 4K video at a professional person level. These are cameras that are split 50:50 betwixt stills and video (all correct, some may be threescore:forty!) for photographers, videographers and content creators who demand to capture both.

(opens in new tab)

The Panasonic S5 comes a very very close 2d to the Fujifilm X-T4 with its impressive video and photo capabilities. In fact, as far as full-frame cameras go, this is probably the all-time value you can get. Information technology benefits from a smaller build than the Panasonic S1 simply uses the aforementioned 24-megapixel CMOS sensor. It’southward autofocus has been improved, it features a tough, weather-resistant body and has vi.5 stops of in-torso stabilization and then that even handheld video is smooth. It’s capable of recording 4K vieo at 60p, 4:2:0 x-bit internally with an APS-C crop or 4K at 30p 4:2:2 using the unabridged sensor.

For stills photographers, it offers a high-resolution shooting mode that combines 8 shots into a 96MP epitome resulting in raw files that are 165Mb in size. The Lumic S1 and the Lumix S1H might’ve been Panasonic’s first jump into full-frame mirrorless cameras but nosotros think the Lumix S5 is much more than heady – especially for the cost. The one downside is that information technology uses contrast-observe AF rather than phase-find AF which is what the Sony A7 Three and Catechism EOS R6 utilise but there are lots of features that brand it a peachy choice for shooting 4K video.

As far every bit APS-C sensor cameras go, the Fujifilm X-T4 is up there with the best. Information technology offers advanced video capabilities such as 4K at up to 60P which will give y’all a smooth, 2x slow-motion upshot. Information technology can besides capture ten-bit video internally whereas virtually 4K cameras just capture eight bit. If you connect it to an external monitor, the Fujifilm Ten-T4 is also capable of saving video at 10-bit 4:2:2 which means it can observe style more replicate colors more accurately than when shooting at 4:2:0. The Fujifilm X-T4 is the start camera in Fujifilm’s X series to do good from in-torso stabilization which non only reduces or eliminates the need for a gimbal, information technology means you tin can shoot at a much slower shutter speed when in low calorie-free environments. Its fully articulated screen makes it perfect for shooting from the hip or shooting overhead and when you’re not using it, it tin can be flipped in on itself so that the screen is protected. Even though the 10-T4 uses a stage-detect auto focus system, it has been known to ‘hunt’ occasionally only we still think this is a neat value, all-rounder camera.

•

Best video editing sofware

(opens in new tab)
for vloggers and filmmakers

The Sony ZV-E10 is Sony’southward latest APS-C camera release, offering 4K video, a 24.2MP sensor and 11fps in continuous burst mode. Information technology’s more compact than the A6000 range and unlike the Sony ZV-1, it has an interchangeable lens mount with more than sixty lenses to choose from. It’s the first Sony APS-C camera with a fully adjustable variety-angle screen which is a big advantage for filmmakers. It features a three-capsule direction mic on height of the camera, which you can attach a clip-on air current muffler to ut also has an external mic port. If you’re a stills photographer the lack of a viewfinder might be a drawback but for anyone who wants to primarily vlog or shoot video, it shouldn’t exist an effect.

When Canon released the Canon EOS R5, it paved the style for the future of mirrorless cameras. With a 45MP sensor, 20fps flare-up shooting and super-fast autofocus, as far every bit a stills camera goes it’southward hard to beat. Then we become to its video capabilities which again are pretty impressive. Despite the bad rep information technology has received for overheating when recording 8K video the Canon EOS R5 is even so a landmark camera. Canon has since released firmware updates that assist with the overheating result but haven’t solved it completely. It’s also worth noting that the photographic camera will but overheat when recording continuously for more than 20 – 25 minutes. If y’all’re recording lots of brusk clips you lot shouldn’t experience overheating bug. If it wasn’t for the high toll point, the Canon EOS R5 would’ve taken the top spot on our list. When you as well factor in how expensive some of the best Canon RF lenses
(opens in new tab)
you’re looking at spending thousands to get a complete video set upwardly.

(opens in new tab)

The Nikon Z6 II is a light refresh of the original Z6, with a 2nd retention carte and processor bringing a bump to burst shooting, now up to 14fps, and the hope of 4K 60p video via an update. However, 60p video is cropped and the camera all the same lacks an articulating screen, limiting its appeal for video and vlogging. Existing Z6 owners won’t see a demand to upgrade, only new buyers will get a very capable camera at a pretty good price. The dual card slots are a definite plus signal, Nikon’s in-torso stabilization is very good, and the best Nikon Z lenses
(opens in new tab)
are some of the best on the market correct now.

(opens in new tab)

Good things come to those who wait is the phrase that comes to listen when I think of the Panasonic GH6. Information technology had pretty big boots to make full following the popular Panasonic GH5

(opens in new tab)which however is regarded as one of the all-time value options for shooting video. Still, the GH6 is an comeback in but almost every style. Information technology has a brand new 25.2MP sensor, it tin can shoot 4K at 120p or a staggering 5.7K at 60p. There was hope it would be able to shoot in-photographic camera RAW thanks to the brand new stacked MFT sensor and CFExpress Type B storage but sadly it’southward not the example.

For those looking to shoot stills, Panasonic decided to stick with its DFD (Depth From Defocus) contrast AF arrangement which is super fast and effective. From what we’ve soon and so far, the image quality is very good, it tin shoot upward to 75fps in burse mode (when using the electronic shutter and AFS) although this is reduced to 8fps when shooting with continuous AF. The body is very big for a Micro 4 Thirds camera – it’southward even bigger than some of the Sony A7 bodies however, the lenses are still much more compact and there’southward loads to choose from. All in all, the GH6 is incredibly impressive and while the starting cost point is pretty high only it’southward nonetheless cheaper than the Sony A7S 3 and information technology has 5.7K capture and 25MP stills.

Read more: Panasonic GH6 initial review

The Sony A7C’s specifications are unambitious to say the to the lowest degree, especially in terms of its video capabilities, only its practical performance, from its handy vari-angle screen to its splendid AF organization, make very effective. But why take we included this and not the mighty Sony A1? Considering the A7C does the right job at the right cost, where the A1 is overkill for most users. We volition leave information technology to y’all to decide if the silver  A7C’southward ii-tone design is appealing, but for united states it does not take the quality ‘feel’ of the other A7 models. With that new 28-60mm retracting lens, the A7C is also meaty. The master affair for video shooters is the very useful vari-angle screen, the in-trunk stabilization and Sony’s superb autofocus system.

Read more:
Sony A7C review
(opens in new tab)

Video starting time

This department contains cameras that are designed for video first and stills second (or, in the case of the EOS C70, video simply). The Sony A7S Three is a classic case; a stellar 4K camera that tin also capture 12MP stills. The Lumix S1H is another; a big, heavy beast that does have a 24MP sensor but leans so far towards video that the stills capability is more of a bonus. The Catechism EOS C70 looks like a mirrorless photographic camera, but it’southward really a picture palace photographic camera. We include it equally an case of one of the best cinema cameras for handheld video, vlogging and one-person filming.

It took Sony v years to upgrade the video-centric A7S Two to a Mark Three, only the wait has been worth it for keen enthusiast and professional person moviemakers. Information technology might not boast 6K or 8K video resolution of some of its rivals, and with only 12.1MP it’s not a powerhouse super-stills car either. But apart from a large and expensive cinema camera, it’southward the just photographic camera that can shoot 4K at 60p total frame with no crop, recorded internally, in x-flake four:2:two with no limitations on recording fourth dimension and with all the avant-garde AF functions still working. The 12MP resolution means the A7S III is pretty poor every bit a stills camera, but an absolute natural at 4K, and so information technology is tilted more than towards video than stills. Nonetheless, sports fans should annotation it tin can shoot stills at 10fps and has an incredible 1,000-shot raw buffer (using new CFexpress Type A cards).

(opens in new tab)

If you’re primarily a filmmaker or videographer and looking for a photographic camera strictly for video, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K
(opens in new tab)
is a cine photographic camera without the high price tag. Even though information technology was launched back in 2018, it’s yet a popular choice among filmmakers who demand Pro-Res and Raw recording. It has a Micro Four Thirds sensor which ways at that place are a huge number of Olympus, Panasonic and third-party lenses available both brand new and secondhand. It can shoot upward to 4K 60p with no crop factor and has 13 stops of dynamic range. With a Catechism LP-E6 battery, you could debate it’s a bit of a mix-match of a camera and although it only has lx minutes of bombardment life you can plug information technology into the mains for continuous recording. It features one SDXC card deadening and one CFast 2.0 slot which supports 4K Raw. The one downside to the photographic camera is it doesn’t have a flip-out screen but if you’re a serious filmmaker you’d probably want to invest in one of the all-time on-camera monitors
(opens in new tab)
anyway.

The Canon EOS C70 is Canon’s starting time RF mount cinema camera offering powerful video capabilities. It features Catechism’s Super35 sensor, Dual Gain Output, a massive 16 stops of dynamic range and 4K 120fps / 2k 180fps. Information technology also includes a game-changing touchscreen which makes accurately focusing quicker and easier. The C70 bosts the deep learning iTR AFX system from the Canon EOS-1D X Marker Ii which offers head detection and extremely accurate autofocus. If you don’t desire to invest in expensive RF lenses, you can utilise an adapter to mount EF lenses onto it. Canon’south new speed booster will also enable yous to utilize them with an actress f-stop and a total-frame angle of view. Where the C70 falls downwardly is that it doesn’t record RAW and yous can’t use PL drinking glass on it – for that, you’ll accept to step upwards to the Canon C300 Mark Iii.

(opens in new tab)

With the Lumix S1H, Panasonic has used its considerable video experience to bring many of its high-end VariCam features to the Lumix Southward range. The controls, the interface and certainly the hardware have been build for video and cinematography, and the fact it’due south likewise a very serviceable 24MP stills camera is a bonus. It’south a truly compelling ‘bridge’ between conventional system cameras and higher end cine gear, specially for existing Panasonic videographers. Information technology’south expensive, though, and specialized too, and so not necessarily the showtime option if y’all need to keep the price down – though it does make the ‘regular’ S1 seem like second all-time at present. Its official Netflix accreditation is a major plus betoken, but its continuous AF proved pretty patchy in our tests and so that, combined with this camera’s considerable size and weight, rules it out for vlogger style run-and-gun style videography. Notwithstanding, a recent upgrade to offer ProRes RAW output via HDMI to Atomos Ninja Five devices adds to the credentials of the S1H as a picture palace photographic camera offering at a regular camera toll point.

How nosotros test cameras

We examination DSLR and mirrorless cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in advisedly controlled lab weather. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range and signal to noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise assay across the camera’s ISO range. We apply both real-earth testing and lab results to inform our comments in ownership guides.

More buying guides

• 
  The all-time free video editing software
  
  
  (opens in new tab)
• All-time video editing software
  
  (opens in new tab)
• The best laptop for video editing
  
  (opens in new tab)
• The best monitors for video editing
  
  (opens in new tab)
• All-time 4K monitor
  
  (opens in new tab)
• The best mouse for video editing
• The all-time cinema cameras
  
  (opens in new tab)
• 
  The best retentivity cards for your photographic camera
  
  
  (opens in new tab)
• The best video tripods
  
  (opens in new tab)
• The best microphones for vloggers and filmmakers
  
  (opens in new tab)
• The best LED light panels
  
  (opens in new tab)
• Best camera sliders
  
  (opens in new tab)
• The all-time gimbals for your photographic camera
  
  (opens in new tab)
• Best camera settings for video
  
  (opens in new tab)