BEST VIDEO CAMERAS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cameras have evolved into such powerful content creation tools that limiting them to one particular genre or discipline is quite pointless nowadays. Mainly all cameras in the broad sense are now capable of shooting video to some extent. And if they are still a bit limited when compared to cinema cameras, they will still continue to evolve.
If you are an ambidextrous content creator, then you'll know how beneficial it is to invest in a camera that is capable of performing well under both still and video shooting scenarios. Here we've crafted a brief yet broad list of the best video cameras for photographers currently available on the market right now!
Canon EOS M6 II
Built with a 32.5MP APS-C sensor, this compact mirrorless camera delivers decent image quality, and with a price tag of $849.00 it is a good entry door into the wonders of both mirrorless camera systems and video creation capabilities. And don't let that small size fool you, the camera feels quite comfortable when using it, even after long hours of hand-held shooting.
According to Canon, this camera has been designed to blend in high-quality optics into a compact, mirrorless design that’s perfect for your everyday photography adventures. Beyond the image sensor, it also features the very well respected DIGIC 8 image processor and has an ISO range of 100-25600 (which is expandable to 51,200, but try not to since the noise is quite awful when cranked up that high).
This camera delivers an intuitive experience into capturing sharp, inspiring images and videos, wherever or whenever the moment appears. Being ready is easy thanks to its instant high-speed continuous shooting of up to 14 fps, plus its innovative AF technology, which includes Touch & Drag AF.
Beyond having a quite limited battery and not the best 4K video on the market, the DIGIC 8 Image Processor helps producing high image quality and fast operation, even in low light situations. And when using high ISO values, the image processor helps keep results sharp and detailed in almost any lighting condition. Powerful all around, the DIGIC 8 Image Processor helps ensure your photos and 4K & FHD videos look sharp and lifelike with minimal noise or grain.
Canon EOS R6
With a price of $2,499.00, anyone would expect this camera to be sitting quite far away from the entry-level universe, and it is; the R6 is what we could consider a mid range full-frame camera by Canon.
For starters, it is built around an image-stabilized 20MP sensor with Dual Pixel auto focus, the same which allows the camera to reduce shake by up to 8 stops; that's a lot of shake reduction indeed. And the image quality has been compared to Canon's ultimate DSLR flagship camera, the EOS-1D X III. So don't let that "small" 20MP count fool you. And with high-speed continuous shooting of up to 12 fps with the Mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with Electronic "silent" shutter, the EOS R6 can keep up with just about any fast moving subject.
Video-wise, this camera can shoot Ultra HD 4K at up to 60p from just a slightly cropped region of its sensor. Although, take into account that there's noticeable rolling shutter in 24 and 30p footage, making the 40 minute thermal limit easy to kick-in when shooting stills and video.
The EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera is designed to meet the demands of both photographers and video content creators who want a strong and versatile camera to keep up with their active lives. It can go from photographing high-speed action sports to filming 4K cinematic video with ease thanks to its high-performance CMOS sensor and DIGIC X image processor. So, anyone looking for creative cinematic video options, will highly appreciate the frame rates on this camera. But remember, body only is not cheap.
Fujifilm XT-4
Now we are talking! The X-T4 uses state of the art technology to stand out from the crowd when creating both stills and video. With the fourth-generation 26MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, X Processor 4 and a brand-new compact in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, this camera expands the creative limits for any content creator.
One of the most interesting things we've spotted on this mirrorless camera system, is the theme of color. For over 85 years, Fujifilm has been using its expertise in color science to produce some of the greatest photographic films in the industry. This camera harnesses the nostalgic beauty of this medium and makes it digitally accessible in a seamless way thanks to their latest Film Simulation mode, ETERNA Bleach Bypass. Same which creates a high-contrast look with low saturation to perfectly emulate the popular bleach bypass film processing technique.
And we know that pros need to be ready to frame moments instantly, something which only gets achievable with a proper camera like the X-T4. Which beyond delivering the fastest auto focus among APS-C mirrorless cameras at 0.02 seconds*, it is also equipped with a mechanical shutter capable of up to 15 frames per second for capturing images even during the most fleeting moments out there. Make it yours for $1,699.00.
Nikon Z6
Conceived as an entry-level full frame mirrorless camera ($1,596.95), the Nikon Z6 offers an impressive 24MP sensor with full-sensor 4K video capabilities and and on-sensor phase detection. Compact and sturdily designed, it blends conventional Nikon D850 control dials with a contemporary touchscreen interface.
According to Nikon, the Z6 might be the most versatile camera they've created so far, it offers the sweet spot of speed, resolution and low-light performance. All combined with the advantages of a lightweight mirrorless design, a revolutionary new full-frame lens mount with matched lenses and seamless integration with Nikon’s DSLR system, including the mighty F Mount NIKKOR lenses we all drool for.
The built-in 273 on-sensor AF points cover approximately 90% of the frame in both horizontal and vertical modes. Subjects are acquired quickly when they enter the frame and tracked throughout the frame, even to the outermost edges of the frame. Using an AF algorithm optimized for its FX format sensor, the Z6 automatically switches between focal-plane phase-detect AF and contrast-
detect AF to fine-tune focus. The light-shielding phase detection pixels are carefully arranged on the sensor to preserve light, ensuring accurate focus even in dim lighting situations.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
Featuring a friendly mid range Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera ($899.00), Olympus redesigned many of the internal components on this camera, making it quite smaller than Mark II. With a portable weather sealed design, a 20MP Four Thirds sensor (same available on the Olympus E-M1 II), a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system (capable of reducing shake by up to 6.5 stops), and a 121-point hybrid auto focus system, it really got our attention for good.
Regarding its performance, the OM-D E-M5 III can shoot bursts at 10 fps with continuous auto focus, and can fire away at 30 fps with focus and exposure locked on the first shot. And it can also shoot ultra high resolution 50MP images when mounted into a tripod.
Toughly designed and with a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder and tilting touchscreen display, it captures 4K 30p and 24p video. And as all the other Olympus cameras out there, it comes with several filters which allow its users to be as creative as the can without the further hassle of dealing with a computer.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
And if you are into the benefits of Micro Four Thirds, then you'll find that the Lumix DC-G9 might be the right camera for you. This rugged looking camera uses a 20MP sensor capable of shooting up to 20 fps with continuous auto focus, class-leading in-body stabilization and 4K video capture, and it has been designed to par with higher end APS-C DSLR cameras.
Featuring a magnesium alloy body and a large comfortable hand-grip, is a wise call for any video creator looking to invest in a tool which will feel smooth to use even after several hours of shooting. Although it is technically a camera focused on stills shooting, and doesn't have the same video capabilities as the more video related GH5, but at $997.99, we think it behaves quite well.
It offers UHD 4K/60p capture and slow motion capture in 4K and Full HD too, and its image quality has been improved over previous Panasonic cameras, with more intelligent high ISO noise reduction and enhanced color precision. The G9's raw image resolution is on par with other 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor cameras. It has a well balanced noise throughout its entire ISO range, and the 80MP High Resolution mode captures an impressive amount of detail.
The Sony Squad
Alright, we went a bit too far with Sony cameras in this one, and we don't want to be felt as biased (if so, we might be a bit more biased towards Fuji rather than Sony, but that's a talk for another day). Here, we'll briefly cover our favorite Sony cameras for video creators.
- Sony α6600
A $1,399.99 full-fledged toolkit for your visual imagination. This camera packs in the features, to deliver what you need for just about any situation you find yourself with. It has fast AF, steady image stabilization and stunning image quality, a high-capacity battery and serious 4K HDR (HLG)2 movie shooting.
Prepare to get some serious fast continuous shooting with AF/AE at up to 11fps. Also shoot at up to 11 fps with minimal display lag, and 8 fps with live view on, in bursts of up to 116 shots in JPEG (Standard) at one time. With the settings clearly previewed in the EVF, and the virtually real-time display, it will take your current action shooting to a whole new level.
- Sony α7 III
Definitely one of the smallest and least expensive ($1,799.99) full frame cameras on the market. Offering a sweet mix of resolution, speed and features for enthusiast photographers and videographers interested in capturing subjects of all sorts.
With outstanding imaging capability and high-speed performance contained in a compact body, this camera delivers the power, precision, and flexibility to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments just as you like. With a brand new developed back-illuminated image sensor and evolved image processing system fulfill various shooting needs with high-quality imaging capabilities that you would only expect on a full-frame camera.
- Cyber-shot RX100 VII
This is definitely the Vloggers' sweetheart, the one and only, the seventh version of the almighty Sony RX-100. And beyond being pricey (1,298.00), it can blow your mind away. So, this camera has so many built-in goodies that has made it into a legend, and with such a solid legacy behind it, you can be sure of having a tremendous amount of photography power at your hands with it.
The RX100 VII comes with a 24-200-equivalent (f/2.8-4.5 ) ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* lens that will cover all of your optical needs. From wide street and interiors to telephoto power for wildlife and close-ups, this camera brings it all together into a travel friendly format. One of the best things we've found about this camera is the step zoom that allows its user to quickly change between 5 of the most popular focal lengths. These are 24, 28, 35, 50 and 70, and they can be toggled by simply using the rotating ring control on the lens. How convenient is that huh?
The new Mark VII comes with a 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor with UHD 4K video recording capabilities and with an impressive high ISO performance. And if that wasn't enough, it also can shoot between 20 to 90 frames per second depending on the image mode. And it also comes with a 357-point hybrid AF system for quick and accurate focus performance and subject tracking in both stills and video modes.
Just to be clear, all the camera prices that we've mentioned in this piece are all for body-only options. Expect for the mouthwatering Sony RX100 VII which, well, you know, is technically a point and shoot camera.
