With good lighting you can use your mobile phone to record video and obtain quality material. But if you want to go one 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, the best cameras to record video .
What camera do I buy for video?
It does not matter if you are starting or have already been in this video content creation time. Choosing which camera to buy is always difficult . If it is your first camera, the last thing you want is to make a mistake and buy one that does not meet your needs or is too much for what you will really do later. And if you already have a camera and you are looking to update, you are worried that it does not really provide you with many advantages.
That is why we closely follow the current situation in the sector, seeing the evolution in issues of sensors, formats, etc. And that’s why we tested some models that we think could be attractive to users like you, who are also interested in the subject of photography and video.
If you are looking for a new camera and 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 best video results.
Of course, none of them is 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 is where you usually record video. For example, it values things like:
- If you record a lot of video outdoors, with a camera in hand, you will need a good stabilizer if you do not want to use a gimbal
- If you are drawn to darker scenes with strong contrasts and dimmer lighting, good ISO management is a must
- To self-record and not be afraid of being out of focus, the AF system will need to be fast and accurate
- 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 already 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. In the first place, three models that we consider currently offer great versatility for both photo and video, with a very good quality and features that make them suitable for almost all types of videos.
The next three are more for studio recording . They could be used in many other types of situations, but they are cameras to think well about what and how you are going to record. This is how you can make the most 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 start.
Sony A7III
The Sony A7 III 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 main 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.
With this camera, Dani 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 science of color to which we must adapt. But in general it is a 100% recommended option.
The best
- AF system
- Full Fram Sensor
- Size and weight
Worst
- Target price
- Non-folding screen
Fujifilm X-T4
The Fuji X-T4 is a recently introduced camera that is surprising many content creators. His previous model already pointed ways, but it had some problems that seem to have disappeared in this one.
With a good performance at the photographic level, in video subjects it has also taken an important leap. The use of an APS-C sensor allows it to offer good performances in most situations and Fuji’s color science has this characteristic that gives it a quite high attractiveness. It is a camera to take into account if, especially, you have already had Fuji products and even the odd lens that you can take advantage of at home.
The best
- Enhanced integrated stabilizer
- Color and sharpness science
- Flip-up screen
Worst
- Optical catalog and price
- External microphone input via USB C adapter
Canon EOS R
When Canon launched the EOS R, it is true that there were things in it that did not quite come together. Surely because the manufacturer was asked for much more with the jump from the DSLR system to mirrorless. Over time this camera continues to sin in some aspects such as the cropping that it applies when recording 4K video , but the global 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 to also record quality video. That added to its AF system and that characteristic color 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 adapter), take a look.
The best
- Quality in photography
- Canon Color
- AF system
Worst
- Crop in 4K video recording
- Lack of stabilizer built into the body
Panasonic Lumix GH5s
Panasonic has spent many years betting heavily on video recording. Its Lumix series has proven on more than one occasion to be pioneers in aspects such as the near 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 mean for studio camera? 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 you want to achieve is much more thought-out. And be careful, 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 plus in quality. Now, if there is no problem on budget, the Lumix S1H is another level .
The best
- Sensor performance in low light
- 10-bit video recording
- Size and weight
Worst
- Without stabilizer on the body
- AF system
Blackmagic Pocket 4K
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K is not the last camera from the manufacturer and there is already a new version with the option to record 6K video, but if you do not require that increase in resolution, 4K is simply a 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 the 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 take in your backpack to record from a vlog to anything else you can think of. It is also not a camera with which to be able to take photographs comfortably, but if you are looking for quality productions, for professional advertising jobs, short films and even some other work where the best possible image is required, this is your camera.
The 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 aimed at professional users, at high-level productions, but it is so. Its compact size is very surprising, but don’t be fooled because its possibilities are inversely proportional to its dimensions.
With a Full Frame sensor , to get the most out of it, it is true that you have to add various accessories to build a rig capable enough to give you a screen or monitor with which it is easier to frame and focus, a longer battery life, microphone external, etc., but like the Pocket, it is a camera that can give high quality results.
The best
- Image quality
- Full Fram Sensor
Worst
- Price
- Need for accessories
Three cameras for video and “less” demanding users
All the cameras that we have shown you before are designed for users looking for the best possible video quality. Still, it’s true that you don’t always need to have the maximum. If you are looking for a camera that offers you quality video, versatility and does not involve an extremely large outlay, these three proposals are the most balanced and interesting right now.
Canon EOS M50
This small, mirrorless camera from Canon is still one of the most surprising models. As it happened to the EOS R, the Canon EOS M50 continues with shortcomings such as cropping when recording 4K video, but saving that and the occasional limitation is an interesting proposal for size, performance and price.
The body price can only be found easily over 500 euros . 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.
The best
- Image quality
- Size and weight
- Price
Worst
- Trimming 4K video
- Battery duration
Panasonic Lumix G90
The Lumix G90 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 such as the folding screen It made it a great camera for practically all kinds of videos you may need to record.
Very comfortable to operate, with clear menus and a robust design is interesting both for those looking for a good camera under a thousand euros with which to start on the subject of video with solvency or as a second body to complete what the GH5 or GH5s already offers you.
The best
- Video stabilizer
- 4K Video V-Log
- 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 an APS-C sensor, it could be said that there are times when the Sony A6600 improves on what the Sony A7 III offers. Very comfortable in hand, with the option of recording logarithmic and HLG video, a fast and precise AF system, with no limits on video recording and more than enough autonomy.
It is a great camera for those looking for advanced features and for some reason they do not want or are not interested in betting on a somewhat more expensive model or one with a full frame sensor. 100% recommended.
The best
- Video quality
- Autonomy
- Size
- Flip-up screen in front
Worst
- Sony color science, you have to adapt
- Menu complexity
Cameras for all tastes and needs
In the market there are many more cameras 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 to record quality video and not make a bad investment, we consider these options to be the best today.
By the way, all with external microphone input so that you also have the best possible audio (an important part of any video content). That is why we do not mix with other options more thought for specific formats such as vlogs. But if they interest you, we already talked about them on another occasion.
