Updated May 06, 2024 at 04:11 pm
By Adriana Wiszniewska
overview 15 comments
Investing in a mirrorless or DSLR camera is an increasingly viable option for amateur filmmakers who want to produce high-quality videos without spending a fortune on professional video gear. In fact, consumer stills and hybrid cameras now offer more and more advanced videocapabilities, with many cameras now supporting features likeinternal 10-bit 4:2:2recording and high-qualityrecording formats, codecs, and picture profiles. Generally speaking, when looking for a filmmaking camera, you should consider the camera's video resolution and frame rate options, whether or not you needin-body image stabilization (IBIS), and design features like dual memory card slots and ports to attach peripherals like microphones or external recorders. Of course, budget and ergonomic preferences also play a big role in determining which camera is best for you.
We don't currently test cinema cameras, and because dedicated cinema cameras run the gamut from affordable prosumer models to astronomically expensive professional models, this article focuses primarily on consumer stills and hybrid cameras. Note also that your chosen lens will significantly affect your camera's performance, including its stabilization and autofocus performance.
We've bought and tested over 100cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best hybrid camerasfor aspiring filmmakers and videographersto buy.If you'relooking for simpler optionsto create videos for online media platforms, check out our recommendations for the best cameras for YouTubeor the best cameras for vlogging. If you like to film sports videos, you can try the best video cameras for sports, too. Otherwise, check outourbest camerasoverall.
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Best Camera For Videography
Panasonic LUMIX S5 II 15
Studio Video
9.4
Sensor Size
Full FrameIn-Body Image Stabilization
YesMirrorless
YesBody Type
SLR-StyleSee all our test results
The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is the best camera for videography that we've tested. It's loaded with features that match up to and, in some ways, surpass more expensive options, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck cameras if you're interested in videography and filmmaking. That includes 6k open gate recording,a wide range of frame rate options, including 4k at up to 60 fps(albeit with an APS-C crop), and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, with support for a wide range of codecs and recording formats. Video quality from its full-frame sensor is also excellent, and its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) works very well.
The S5 II is also the first LUMIX camera to feature phase-detection autofocus, giving it significantly improved subject tracking compared to its predecessor, particularly in video mode.It's worth noting that native L-mount lenses can be expensive, although you can get around that by going for third-party options or using a lens-mount adapter. Of course, if you want to save even more money, the original Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a steal, particularlyif you buy used anddon't need the more advanced autofocus ofthe S5 II.
See our review
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Best Micro Four Thirds Camera For Videography
Panasonic LUMIX GH6 5
Sensor Size
4/3 (MFT)In-Body Image Stabilization
YesMirrorless
YesBody Type
SLR-StyleSee all our test results
If you already have a stable of Micro Four Thirds lenses, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is a no-brainer. This is one of the most capable Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market, and its video-centric design makes it one of the best cameras for filmmaking and advanced video work. Unlike the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II above, the GH6 supports features like external RAW video output and internal ProRes codecs out of the box (the S5 II can do those things too, but you need to buy an upgrade key at an additional cost). It also has built-in heat vents to prevent overheating and a unique screen that can both tiltand fully articulate, making it easier to shoot at various angles.
The biggest drawback here is that the GH6 uses Panasonic's older contrast-based autofocus system, which isn't as effective and can create pulsing artifacts in the background of your videos. Ultimately, if you're a single operator who tends to shoot in less controlled lighting conditions and relies on autofocus, the full-frame S5 II will likely suit you better. On the flip side, if you're a more advanced videographer who needs RAW video output and doesn't mind pulling focus manually, you won't be disappointed by the GH6.
See our review
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Best Camera For Action Videography
Fujifilm X-H2S 10
Studio Video
8.7
Sensor Size
APS-CIn-Body Image Stabilization
YesMirrorless
YesBody Type
SLR-StyleSee all our test results
The Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best hybrid cameras in its price range for videographers who need high frame rates and speed. That'sbecause of its26-megapixel stacked sensor, whichkeeps rolling shutter to a minimum and makes it a great fit for fast-moving subjects and sweeping action videography. It also supports 6.2k open gate recording, 4k at up to 60 fps without a crop, and a slow-motion recording mode that can capture4k at up to 120 fps.
Aside from its superb internal recording capabilities, it also has all the inputsyou'll need for video peripherals, including a full-sized HDMI, making it easyto connect to anexternal recorder or display. The camera also supports RAW video outputto a compatible external recorder. Even without an external recorder, the camera's internal codec support is fantastic, with Apple ProRes formats to capture higher-quality video with less compression.
See our review
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Best Camera For Low-Light Videography
Sony ZV-E1 8
Studio Video
8.4
Sensor Size
Full FrameIn-Body Image Stabilization
YesMirrorless
YesBody Type
SLR-StyleSee all our test results
The Sony ZV-E1 is one of the bestlow-light video cameras we've tested. It features a 12 MP full-frame sensor optimized for low-light shooting, fantastic noise handling, and plenty of dynamic range for great results in even the trickiest lighting conditions. It's the same sensor found in the pricier Sony α7SIII and Sony FX3—though we haven't tested them, they're known to be someof the best videography cameras in their respective classes. The ZV-E1 is billed as a vlogging camera, so it's more accessible to newcomers, with a relatively compact body.It also comes with in-body image stabilization, Sony's ever-reliable autofocus, and 4k recording at up to 60 fps.
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5s is another great option for low-light videography. Though it uses a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, the sensor'slow resolution and dual-native ISO design optimize the camera for low light. The MFT system also featuresmore compact lens options, and the camera has more effective IBIS, but its autofocus is much less reliable than the ZV-E1. That may not be a dealbreakerif you prefer to focus manually, so the GH5s is a good choice if you want tosave some money. Otherwise, the full-frame ZV-E1 offers a ton of value for its price for solo operators who frequently shootin uncontrolled or dim lighting conditions.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range Camera For Videography
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II 5
Studio Video
8.8
Sensor Size
4/3 (MFT)In-Body Image Stabilization
YesMirrorless
YesBody Type
SLR-StyleSee all our test results
Another great option for aspiring filmmakers is the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II. It's the predecessor to the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 above and uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor, albeit with a slightly lower resolution. However, it still delivers excellent overall video quality, and the Four Thirds system has a vast library of lenses to choose from, including plenty ofcompact and relatively affordable options.
The GH5 II has a wide range of resolution and frame rate options, including anamorphic modes to get a wider, more cinematic aspect ratio and4k recording at up to 60 fps. You also get Log profiles and 10-bit 4:2:2 4k recording (up to 30 fps) to capture more color information and give you more flexibility in post. Unlike the GH6, however, it lacks a CFexpress card slot,can't shoot in Apple ProRes formats internally, and is a bit more limited in frame rate options. For the price, however, the GH5 II is a fantastic choice.
See our review
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Best Budget Camera For Videography
Sony ZV-E10 9
Studio Video
7.9
Sensor Size
APS-CIn-Body Image Stabilization
NoMirrorless
YesBody Type
SLR-StyleSee all our test results
The Sony ZV-E10 is the best camera for filmmaking on a tighter budget. This entry-level APS-C vlogging camis ideal for beginner videographers and filmmakers who don't want to spend a fortune on a camera. It doesn't have a viewfinder like the cameras above, making it less versatile for hybrid shooters,but the fully articulated screen is idealfor video work. The camera's portable size also makes it a breeze to take iton the go, and you have plenty of great E mount lenses to choose from.
Unfortunately, it doesn't have in-body stabilization, but you can pair it with optically stabilized lenses or use a cageto get steadiercamera movements. You'll also miss out on internal 10-bit capture and 4k 60 fps recording compared to higher-end options. For the price, though, the camera is quite feature-packed, witha fairly wide range of frame rates, including4k at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps. Overall, it's a great choice for the budget-conscious filmmaker.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II: The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an excellent full-frame option for filmmakers. It supports internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording in 4k at up to 60 fps but doesn't offer as many recording formats and codecs as the Fujifilm X-H2S and has worse rolling shutter effect. See our review
- Fujifilm X-T4: The Fujifilm X-T4 is an excellent upper mid-range option for hybrid shooters, with 4k recording at up to 60 fps. While its APS-C sensor is better suited to low light than the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II, it has fewer recording format/codec options and is limited to 4:2:0 subsampling internally. See our review
- Sony α6700: The Sony α6700 is an excellent mid-range option for hybrid shooters. It can capture 4k video at up to 120 fps, though with a notable crop, and has a reliable autofocus system. However, it's less video-centric than the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II, with fewer supported recording formats and lacking quality-of-life touches like a full-sized HDMI port. See our review
- Sony α7 IV: The Sony α7 IV is another fantastic hybrid option with advanced video specs. However, it can only record 4k / 60 fps video with a Super35 crop, and unlike the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II, it lacks some video-centric features like vectorscope functionality and RAW video output. See our review
Recent Updates
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May 06, 2024: We looked over the picks, including their price and availability, to ensure the article is up to date; the recommended cameras remain the same.
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Apr 09, 2024: We've updated some of the product photos in the article to be more relevant to videography and filmmaking and checked that the picks were still the best options for users.
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Mar 14, 2024: We've reviewed the article to ensure the picks and text are still accurate and relevant.
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Feb 16, 2024: Added the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 as the 'Best Micro Four Thirds Camera For Videography'.
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Jan 17, 2024: Renamed the Fujifilm X-H2S to 'Best Camera For Action Videography' because of its stacked sensor and high frame rate options, and moved the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II from the upper mid-range spot to the top spot because of the value it offers to most consumers. Removed the SIGMA fp L from Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best videographycamerasfor most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our reviews for video-capable cameras. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
