We of course opt to focus our interests on the best 4K camera taking into account real-world performance over an arbitrary category. Below is our list of best vlogging cameras, from pocket-friendly to flagship mirrorless models with budget and target user in mind. However, they all share the ability to capture true 4K footage that looks cinematic.
It is actually the sweet spot between portability and performance, courtesy of its Four Thirds sensor that it balances. It's such a great camera to shoot with but also has this huge array of 5.7K video modes (among others) so you can capture all kinds of footage, at ProRes or BRAW compression levels depending on the quality and type needed for post-production later And that image! But it's also cheaper than the Sony A7S III. However, we know that you may be seeking another type of 4K camera and to help with this specific matter read our guide right until the end.
After testing hundreds of 4K cameras, we compiled this round-up. We put each one through a series of shooting scenarios, as well as evaluate on key criteria if you plan to use 4K. For video recording, we evaluate image stabilization, autofocusing and battery life in addition to overall quality at various resolutions and frame rates. We still consider handling as well, for how easy or useful each would be to use under different circumstances.
The quick listIf you just want to leap straight to the best 4K camera for every kind of videographer, this rapid reference guide will tell you everything right off the bat. When you come across one that interests, then scroll below the jump to read more about it in our abbreviated summary.
Best All Rounder Camera
We think the Lumix GH6 is a great option if you want a powerful 4K cameral in a small package (predicated on decent video results too). Its Micro Four Thirds flagship is considerably more manageable in the hand than a full-frame heavyweight, offering great handling and smart controls. Its recording buttons, tally lights and multi-angle touchscreen all proved pretty useful during testing when it came to framing up shots. The 25.2MP stills are specifically built around its video capabilities, with focus functions tailored as such too; you ain't gonna shoot cinematic great footage if the thing won't stay in tune! The faster AF systems of some other brands will prove tempting, though the contrast-based autofocus proved dependable for us in our review.
The GH6 is a bit Asus-like, with very compact dimensions but packing massive video muscle. This includes 10bit ProRes and virtually every video feature under the sun, including internal anamorphic modes as well on board color profiles. All the way up to 60fps in 5.7K with a staggering 7,5 stops of IBIS can be had from this monster camera unit To put it simply, a movie monster. And yet there were no overheating issues to be had during testing. However, we also recorded some quite good low-light results at twilight which is when the light starts to go but there's still a little bit of colour in sky. All of that, in a package weighing under 1kg and able to fit into an over-the-shoulder camera bag.
Vlogging Camera
The ZV-E1 should be at the top of your list if you need a compact vlogging camera enjoying bleeding-edge video specs. In our test, it is best 4K footage would be the one from Sony and yielding cleanest of resolution with its super ripped by A7S III sensor. Its S-Cinetone color profile looks spectacular right out of the camera and its image stabilization system is excellent as well for calming wobbly handheld footage.
It was easy to carry and use as a one man band in the field and at just 650 g, it weighs less than any other Sony full-frame camera with IBIS. The vari-angle LCD is a bit underwhelming, and more than occasionally difficult to read in the bright sun outside. The camera's dimensions also result in some tradeoffs: There is only one card slot, and there are no cooling vents. However, the excellent AI and a brand new Auto Framing feature mean it can produce incredibly well presented 4K footage with next to no discernible autofocus hunting from its lenses that are pretty sharp as far as kit glasses go. The Sony ZV-E1 looks like an affordable vlogging champ for one-man bands.
Full-frame Camera
The Lumix S5 was already a 4K favorite of ours, and the mk II only takes things to greater heights. As with the original S5, we thought that the Lumix S5 II is quite small for a full-frame mirrorless camera - however it feels just as well built in your hand. This is a wise tidy product, and the familiar direct access control theme also makes it very easy to use. Our tests confirmed this, showing that its 6K/30p footage is excellent when it comes to image quality: there's very good dynamic range and rich color are also possibilities of testing. We also appreciated the option to open gate recording, since you can crop pretty significantly with 6K when using an expand areas of full actively cooled sensor like in the S5 II. Not so with 4K/60p, which has a crop of 1.5x at best
The S5 II is Panasonic's first Cinema 4K-capable mirrorless model to use phase detection AF for video, which performs impressively. We also saw the value of its image stabilization for run and gun handheld work, making it a stand-out choice to crank out 4K. However, more serious videographers may be interested in the Lumix S5 IIX with its live streaming capabilities, SSD recording and native support for RAW output over HDMI. However, the S5 II is still an excellent 4K camera for enthusiasts with unlimited recording times.
Flim-making Camera
The Camera 6K isn't a vlogging camera for beginners, with no niceties like tracking autofocus or image stabilization. If you are a pro, and post-shooting editing with color grading is within your wheelhouse then the 6K can generate spectacular raw video quality. In our testing, the large sensor and dual native ISO helped produce clean footage even in dark environments, while Blackmagic’s 12-bit codec combined with a smooth workflow to keep post-production pain-free.
There's no getting around the fact that, objectively, the Cinema Camera 6K is a pricy camera and with L-mount lenses attached it becomes quite large. But it is kind of a more budget-friendly, down-sized alternative than most pro-grade competitors when you take into account its video capabilities. It has only basic stills and no USB power or built-in viewfinder, which are both capable of outweighing advantages in even areas such as this. However, as a high-end cinema camera which can also be somewhat portable, we struggle to think of one that might outshine it.
Pocket-friendly Camera
Our top choice for pocket 4K video is the DJI Pocket 3. With a three-axis gimbal maintaining stability, plus an automatic face detector and active framing system under part of ActiveTrack 6.0 to keep you centered even when filming alone These features, aside from the larger 1-inch sensor that should improve performance in low light (more on this later) combined really well together for top notch testing quality footage of various shooting contexts and situations.
On the social side of things, a new portrait mode in particular should please those who like to share their stuff and will be able to adjust levels via 2-inch touch screen which can now rotate for vlogging vertical framing. Despite the improvements, it remains fiddly to use, although Argon uses a companion app that makes adjusting settings much easier. However, we believe the Pocket 3 is a great choice for any content creators out there with its 120fps slow-mo in 4K and various timelapse enhancements. Sure, it can make do with a few less features than other options due to its size but this is still an incredible Vlog option for shooting 4K on the go.
Hybrid Camera
Nikon's flagship full frame mirrorless camera does away with a mechanical shutter, but doesn't truly get rid of the concept. That blistering stills performance is going to make this a firm favourite with sports and wildlife photographers, but it also benefits from class-leading video capabilities. Now it offers internal 8K video recording at 60fps on the latest firmeware update. It also achieves 4K slow-mo at up to 120fps, or standard 4K using the full width of its sensor. As expected in testing, the results were sharp enough thanks to good image stabilization and solid Eye AF tracking.
The unprecedentedly high-speed scan rate of the rolling shutter ensures in no clip during that our test drive while a solid battery life and large 8K recording times of up to 125 minutes will ensure any subsequent constraints is likely having your memory card. All while still offering some excellent photo performance, as well as a dual-axis tilting touchscreen that we know is very welcome for videographers. Provided you're able to take of its rugged form factor, this is arguably one of the best all-rounders for experienced videographers – and it'll come in at a lower price than Canon's EOS R3.
Enthusiastic Camera
There are only two real complaints regarding the Fujifilm X-S20 in our review; it's more expensive than the X-S10 and there is still no weather-sealing. Outside of that, we consider it one of the best all-around video-focused cameras. It is the same size as X-S10, which makes it a very comfortable camera to both video and still photography. In testing, we also found its streamlined dials and better battery life to be assets the X-S20 has double the runtime of last year's version.
The 26.1MP sensor is the same as before, but it accomplishes this with one of X-S20's enhanced features: 6K/30p open-gate 4:2:210-bit internal recording. This, along with ProRes RAW support is more features than most novices will be requesting from the camera — but also leaves a lot of room for videographers to work whatever they want into their workflow. On the other hand, we felt Vlog mode is a great feature for new users to get started in making some content. This makes it a rather interesting hybrid, especially with proven stills performance as well.
How to choose the best camera
The best 4K cameras are ones that will enable you to capture vibrant, sharp video in a wide array of situations. Video camera resolution: Resolution is a critical spec when buying any type of video camera, and all the models in our ever-evolving guide above can capture footage at 4K (most will even go up to 6 or even an eye-watering 8K).
While the largest numbers typically mean the clearest video, they might be overkill for you. 8K needs super-fast memory cards, and editing tools able to cope with those file sizes. For the serious videographers, however, resolution is pretty far down their list of concerns.
And there's a second consideration; frame rates, for example. The top 4K cameras can shoot at minimum rates of up to 60fps, for silky-smooth real-time shots and some will even manage an impressive 120fps for slow-motion b-roll – although often only in a lower resolution.
Try to understand color profiles and output formats as well. The best 4K cameras for video recording film type flexible workflow That may mean a particular log profile, like V-Log, depending on your setup. Nearly all of the top 4K cameras to some extent offer log profiles, which allow colorists to make changes in post. Those top-end models also allow 10-bit video recording internally, which has more color depth (but takes up more space).
The rest of the deal-makers are going to depend on your proficiency and shooting- style. It needs stabilization for video capture handheld which does not matter if you use a gimbal. On the other hand, if you are a smartphone user and upgrading to it this is also equally useful with tracking autofocus but not necessarily dealbreaker for manual track.
Large sensor: For low light recording people Then there's physical design to consider: do you mainly shoot solo, in which case features like an articulating touchscreen and a well-designed handgrip can be more important than having fully customizable buttons.
Not to mention accessories most high-end 4K cameras have ports for attaching an external microphone and trigger/monitor headphones, so you can complete your professional-enough-for-work flow by adding great audio. Make sure that any accessories needed for your filming style, such as a battery grip or hot-shoe attachment are compatible before commiting to a new 4K camera.
This content was last updated on 07 December 2024.
