Looking for the best video camera? We’ve ranked all of the finest options you can buy today, based on our in-depth testing.
In search of the best video camera money can buy? Then make sure you peruse this guide before you part with your hard-earned cash. Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of videography, a seasoned camera user in need of a more video-centric model or a veteran filmmaker looking for the perfect tool to take your creative game to the next level, there’s something here for you in our guide. While most of today’s digital cameras are capable of capturing video, some are still skewed towards stills photography or lacking some of the features that aid video capture. So while you might be able to get excellent footage from plenty of cameras not mentioned in our ranked list below, we’ve picked out these ones for their videocentric design and features. Some are large and bulky, some are compact; some are affordable, some are (extremely) pricey. But all have one thing in common: they’re built with video very much in mind, and do their jobs well. Our current pick for the title of best video camera is the Sony A7S III, a mirrorless full-frame model able to capture pristine-looking, highly detailed 4K footage in the kind of tricky low-light conditions that thwart even some of the finest video cameras around. The A7S III also features a fully articulated screen, in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to keep handheld footage as steady as possible, and a class-leading autofocus setup that will automatically keep eyes and faces in sharp focus – all features that serve video capture well. That said, it might not be the best model for you personally: you might need something a bit more compact, or more affordable, or that records at even higher resolutions than 4K. So make sure you read the whole list before making your final decision. The most video-focussed of all Sony’s A-series cameras, the Sony A7S III’s back-illuminated full-frame sensor delivers best-in-class 4K video in low-light situations. With 15 stops of dynamic range and an expandable ISO of 40 to 409,600, not to mention an effective in-body image stabilization system, it’s able to capture beautiful-looking videos in conditions that would thwart most of its competitors. The sensor’s relatively low resolution of 12.1MP does rule out 6K and 8K recording (and limits detail for stills shooting), but the powerful Bionz XR processor allows 4K footage to be recorded at up to 120fps for smooth slow-motion playback; Full HD can be recorded at up to 240fps. The full-size HDMI output, class-leading autofocus, support for several picture profiles (including the popular S-Log) and ability to record long clips (30 minutes-plus) with no overheating issues are all signs of a serious video cameras. In terms of usability and quality of life, the A7S III boasts many improvements over its predecessors. The touchscreen is now fully articulated and able to flip, boosted battery life lets you capture over 75 minutes of 4K footage on a single charge and the simplified UI is much more intuitive. The smallest, cheapest camera to be approved by Netflix for its original productions, the S1H is a hugely powerful full-frame model designed for demanding creators. While it can’t match the Sony A7S III for frame rate, it can record at 6K resolution at 24fps (as well as 4K at up to 60fps), giving it the edge when it comes to sheer detail. In Panasonic’s V-Log or V-Gamut picture profiles, the S1H delivers 14 stops of dynamic range, while its All-I mode results in a staggering 400Mbps bitrate. The Dual Native ISO and large sensor size makes low-light shooting a breeze – although the Sony A7S III maintains an edge here. There’s superb in-body image stabilization to help out when shooting handheld, but do be aware that the S1H is larger and heavier than many of its contemporaries, so long handheld sessions aren’t advised. Autofocus is a mixed bag: in good lighting the Depth From Defocus (DFD) system works well, but in dimmer conditions it feels a little slow. Still, if you can live with its minor quirks, the S1H is capable of producing stunningly sharp and detail-rich footage. APS-C sensors might hold less of a cachet than their larger full-frame cousins, but the image quality of Fujifilm’s X-series cameras is proof positive that they can more than deliver the goods – and in a more compact, lightweight body than most full-frame models too. For us, the X-T4 is not only the best X-series model but the best APS-C camera on the market. This hybrid excels at both stills photography and video, with its flip-out touchscreen,5-axis IBIS, compelling color science, and ability to shoot 10-bit 4K footage at up to 60fps (or Full HD footage at up to 240fps) making it a great tool for both vlogging and ‘serious’ filmmaking.
