Video and photography are not just about capturing images that are then stored on a hard drive or shared on social networks without any clear purpose. They should be used to tell stories both of their own and of others. Therefore, for you to do it in the best possible way, these are our favorite cameras of 2020 and the reasons why we recommend them.
Your next camera could be one of these
If you are looking for a new camera, either to give as a gift or to give yourself, we are going to show you a selection of models for which we could put our hand on fire. Because we are convinced that they are capable of offering everything you need taking into account some aspects such as what you would really use it for or how.
Of course, we will not tell you only the benefits, also where they fail or are at a disadvantage compared to other proposals. So that you are very clear about why they may be interesting and why not, so you can look at other alternatives.
So, based on our own analysis, these are the products that we would recommend if you are looking for a new camera for photo and video with guarantees.
Insta360, versatility with multiple possibilities
Although it seems that a large camera is always better, the truth is that there are situations and uses in which a small camera is much more satisfactory. And of course, within this type of proposal, action cameras are the most versatile, although few reach the level of the Insta360.
The Insta360 was a camera that pleasantly surprised us , despite also having its pluses and minuses in certain sections. Because not every day you have a solution capable of adapting so well to different types of scenarios.
As an action camera the performance is very good when using the action module. Because yes, if you did not know it, this is a modular camera that supports different types in order to have an action camera, a 360 video camera and one with a sensor with a higher performance thanks to its size of one inch.
That versatility was undoubtedly what most caught our attention and what we liked the most, because in a very small body you had different proposals for depending on what material you wanted to get. Although, of course, 360 video is one of its main strengths. So, if you are looking for a camera to count and show everything that surrounds you in your day, travel, etc., it is a great camera with very high creativity options .
See this post on Instagram
You just have to see what users like Karen X do with it to realize that the limit is practically set by your imagination.
The best
- Possibility of using different modules depending on the content you want to generate
- Compact size
- 360 video quality and ease of generating spherical content
- Ease of application
Worst
- The modular system is safe, but you have to be more careful than with other action cameras
- Need for extra batteries when you are going to give it a more intensive use
GoPro Hero9
If the Insta360 is a very versatile action camera thanks to the modularity that the brand proposes, the GoPro Hero9 is now and more than ever the definitive off-road camera .
When we analyzed it, it was clear to us that GoPro had managed to unify in the same device the best that its action cameras had so far offered with the advantages of its most recent proposal, the Hero Max.
Thanks to all the experience gained with the Hero Max, an also very interesting 360 camera, the Hero9 has a really amazing stabilization system . So it is the ideal action camera to capture all those adventures or busy situations of day to day with quality and stable.
Honestly, few buts can be put to this latest GoPro proposal. It is a camera that for those who do extreme sports or other activities with a lot of movement will be able to take great advantage of it. It is also robust, so you will not have to worry excessively about its physical integrity. The only point is that in low light conditions it is still when it suffers the most , it improves compared to previous versions, but it is not its strength.
The best
- Video quality
- Stabilization system
- Autonomy
Worst
- Photographic quality in low light situations
Canon EOS R6
Canon released two new Full Frame sensor cameras this year that caught the eye of just about anyone interested in video and photography. On the one hand the striking Canon EOS R5 and the EOS R6.
The first is capable of recording videos at 8K resolution and taking photographs at a resolution of 45 MP, a true monster that despite its temperature problems is one of the great cameras of this 2020. Although its price makes it prohibitive for Many.
However, the Canon EOS R6 offers an interesting balance as a still camera and also as a device for quality video recording, because it is capable of capturing clips at 4K resolution .
That quality in both video and photo plus an autofocus system that works wonderfully are the main arguments to bet on a camera that is focused on a more demanding user and who already has certain knowledge in both topics, but that for anyone is a An investment for the future that can be used for years.
The best
- Photo and video quality
- AF system
- Swivel articulated screen
- Dual SD slot
Worst
- Price for those looking to get started in photo and video
- New RF mount, need adapter to use Canon EF lens
Sony A7 III
If today we had to grant a highly recommended product seal or insignia on camera issues, it is possible that the Sony A7 III was a candidate for it. Because despite having been on the market for some time, it is still one of the most reliable proposals for both photo and video.
This camera is also one of the ones we use here at El Output for many of the content that you can see on the YouTube channel. And the reasons are more than obvious. The first is that it is a camera with a Full Frame sensor and that provides a series of advantages, such as a better depth of field, which allows for a very striking look.
Also, Sony works very well at high sensitivities , so noise management is remarkable. And if you add to that a stabilization that allows certain freehand recordings even better. Finally, although it has shortcomings such as the lack of a folding screen (something solved in the recent Sony A7S III) its AF system in photo and especially the video guarantees you to be perfectly focused at all times.
All this makes both for more elaborate productions on video issues such as photography, videos in vlog format, etc., the Sony A7 III is an option to take into account.
The best
- Video and photo quality
- AF system performance
- High ISO performance
- Size and weight
Worst
- Non-folding screen
- Camera Menus
- Too many color profiles, hard to learn how to take advantage of them
Panasonic Lumix S5
Lastly, the Panasonic Lumix S5 is another one of the cameras we use at El Output on a daily basis . And although we have not yet shown an analysis as such, we can tell you that it is a great camera if you are looking for something hybrid that will give you good results both in photo and video.
Its main attraction is in the codec and the use that Panasonic has known how to give it for the entire video issue, being able to record at 4K resolution and 60 fps . Being able to record in logarithmic to have a greater dynamic range and options in post-production, its double SD slot, the folding screen and having a Full Frame sensor are important improvements for a camera that maintains a very compact and light body.
However, it has shortcomings. The main one is that despite its improvement in the AF system it does not reach the level of Sony or Canon . This in photo is not a problem, but in video, if you autograph it, it can be a bit more dramatic depending on the scene and its composition. But knowing this limitation, there are other features that make it one of our favorite cameras for that look and video quality that it is capable of offering, such as the stabilization system integrated into the body.
The best
- Codecs and video quality, reaches up to 4K at 60p and 5.9K with external recorder
- Dual ISO
- 5-axis stabilization
- Dual SD slot
Worst
- Improved AF system, but still not 100% reliable
- L Mount Lens Catalog
A safe investment
As you can see, these are not super cheap cameras to say, although they are not the highest priced options on the market either. Still, the balance between performance, quality and price seems the most attractive.
It is true that there are many other cameras that can also perfectly meet your needs for both photo and video, but if you are looking for a safe bet we are clear that it should be one of these. And you have everything, from a very versatile and creative option like the Insta360 to the all-rounder GoPro Hero9 or the three other Full Frame cameras that will guarantee you a very high quality in photo and video.