We round up the best video cameras you can buy right now, from budget models to pro-spec camcorders
With video on consumer cameras getting better all the time, choosing the best cameras for video right now is a hard task! Luckily we felt up to the challenge, as have put together this guide to help anyone who is in the market for a new video camera.
We've engineered this list to cover the full range of video options on the market right now. As such, we've included mirrorless cameras, a DSLR, professional-grade camcorders and a compact camera or vlogging, as well as a waterproof action camera and even a drone! Whatever kind of video you want to shoot, the models on this list should have you covered, and we've factored price into our choices as well, so you can be sure you'll be getting value for money.
We've divided our guide up into sections to make it easier to navigate; you can click the titles below to jump straight to the section that's relevant to you:
The best video camera – this is our favourite video-capable camera around right now, balancing quality, versatility, functionality and price.
The best camera for YouTube – if you're starting a vlogging channel, here is our pick of the best camera to use for YouTube videos.
The best camera for sports – our favourite action-focused video camera for sports shooting, extreme and otherwise.
The best video camera for beginners – if you're just getting started, here's our favourite novice-friendly camera.
The best camera for video and pictures – for a hybrid between video and stills, we pick out our favourite do-everything camera right now.
The best professional 4K cameras – the serious stuff, for those who demand broadcast quality.
The best small video camera – because we don't always want to be toting around a camera the size of a mini-fridge! Here's something compact and lightweight
The best video camera for the money – here we pick the cameras we reckon represent the best value for money, in terms of balance between features and price.
The best 4K video camera – our favourite camera right now for producing great-looking 4K video.
We'll keep this list updated, so you can be sure it's replete with current models. So without further ago, let's dive right into the best cameras for video right now!
Which is the best video camera?
1. Sony A7S III
Key specs:
- Exmor R 12MP Full-Frame BSI Sensor
- 4K 120p + 4:2:2 10-Bit Internal
- FHD 240p with AutoFocus
- 16 Bit RAW transfer via HDMI
- S-Log Fx9 Colour Matching
- New codecs: H.265, X-AVCHS
Mirrorless video shooters have been singing the praises of the Sony A7S series ever since the first one arrived all the way back in 2013. The wait for the A7S III was long, but from the looks of the spec it’s definitely been worth it, with this highly sensitive model being more attuned than ever to the needs of video producers.
Equipped with an Exmor R 12MP full-frame BSI sensor, the Sony A7S III sports a native ISO range of 80 to 102,400, expandable to 40 to 409,600. The first camera made headlines for literally turning night into day, and this one continues that noble tradition, with the addition of a BIONZ XR Processing engine that improves its performance eightfold over previous models.
The A7S III offers 4K 120P (4:2:2 10bit) and FHD 240P recording, as well as S-Log FX9 colour-matching, 5-axis stabilisation, a 759-point autofocus system, and lots, lots more. Unmatched in speed and sensitivity, the A7S III is a game-changing mirrorless camera for video shooters, and one we expect to see a lot of content shot on in the years to come.
Who’s it for? Pure video shooters and hybrid content creators alike; anyone who likes shooting in low light
Who isn’t it for? Those who want high megapixel counts
Find out more about the Sony A7S III
What is the best camera to film YouTube videos?
2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Key specs:
- 4K movies
- 120fps Full HD movies
- 3.5mm mic input
- 24mm 4.2x zoom lens
- 20.1 megapixel 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor
- Livestreaming capability
One of the best cameras for vloggers available right now, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III may look like a tiny compact, but it’s got the capacity to shoot glorious 4K video, as well as Full HD movies at a super-slow 120fps.
Add all this to full connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as a slim form factor and a 4.2x optical zoom lens, and you can see why vloggers have flocked to this self-contained shooting package. It’s even got the capacity for livestreaming, allowing you to give your Facebook Live videos that little professional polish you won’t get from recording on your smartphone.
Who’s it for? Vloggers, travelling video shooters, anyone on a budget.
Who isn’t it for? Pros who need the best in quality; anyone who needs more flexibility than is provided by a 1-inch sensor and a 4.2x zoom.
Find out more about the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
What is the best video camera for sports?
3. DJI Osmo Action
Key specs:
- Duаl LСD dіѕрlау
- RосkЅtеаdу Іmаgе Ѕtаbіlіѕаtіоn
- 4К/60fрѕ НDR vіdео аt 100Мbрѕ
- 1080р vіdео аt 120p
- 8х Ѕlоw Моtіоn wіth 1080р аnd 240fрѕ
- Wаtеrрrооf uр tо 11m
If you’re looking for a video camera that’ll stand up to being dropped, frozen, submerged in water and more, then action cameras are the way to go. We’d recommend the DJI Osmo Action, a fantastic action camera from a company previously best known for its drones, able to shoot 4K 60p HDR video at 100MBps and – thanks to its algorithm-powered RockSteady Image Stabilisation system – able to keep it looking smoother than smooth even in bumpy situations.
Dual LCD screens help with monitoring no matter which way the camera is facing, and with up to eight-times slow motion in Full HD, you can create super-stylish footage of all your adventurous exploits.
Who’s it for? Adventurous filmmakers, underwater filmmakers.
Who isn’t it for? Anyone scared of getting their feet wet.
Find out more about the DJI Osmo Action
What is the best video camera for beginners?
4. Panasonic Lumix G100
Key specs:
- 20.3MP Live MOS image sensor
- Micro Four Thirds lens mount
- OZO audio system by Nokia
- Free-angle LCD screen
- 4K 30p video
- 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilisation
Panasonic has provided a refreshed, slimmed-down CSC for new shooters and vloggers, the Lumix G100. Able to shoot great-looking 4K 30p video, it make suse of such extra features as a free-angle LCD screen, it's a camera that makes it easy for new users to get used to the basics of shooting video.
It's got plenty of features that are designed to reduce the necessity of buying extra accessories. The 5-axis Hybrid Image Stabilisation makes it more possible to get smooth-looking footage without the need for a gimbal, while the OZO audio is designed to substitute for an external microphone, with multiple directional mics that track subjects to provide great-sounding in-camera audio. This version comes with a handy 12-32mm lens, covering a general-purpose focal range that'll be good for all sorts of situations.
Who's it for? New users, vloggers, anyone who appreciates a light setup.
Who isn't it for? Pros, prosumers, those who need high frame rates.
Find out more about the Panasonic Lumix G100
What is the best camera for video and pictures?
5. Nikon D780
Key specs:
- 24.5 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 6 image processor
- 51-point Phase-Detection AF via Viewfinder
- 273-point Hybrid-AF system in Live View
- 4K/UHD footage at 30p/25p/24p with zero crop factor
- Dual SD card slots
Blending the best of DSLR and mirrorless technology, the Nikon D780 is one of the finest DSLRs you can choose for video shooting as well as stills. It’s able to use its 6K imaging sensor to output ultra-high-resolution 4K/UHD footage at 30p/25p/24p, with none of the pesky crop factor that plagues many similar cameras.
The D780 also allows the user to record in Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) footage when it’s paired with an external recorder, and can record N-Log internally. There’s also an impressive sensitivity range to play with, with ISO settings expandable to 50-204,800.
Who’s it for? Hybrid stills/video shooters; anyone who likes the form factor of a DSLR.
Who isn’t it for? Pure, high-end video shooters.
Find out more about the Nikon D780
What is the best professional 4K video camera?
6. Sony FS5 II
Key specs:
- 4K RAW up to 120fps (in 4 second bursts), continuous 240fps in 2K RAW, or continuous 4K 60fps to an external recorder
- Instant HDR workflow
- 10 different picture profiles
- Improved colour science
A long list of tweaks and upgrades meant that the Sony FS5 II was a welcome upgrade to its predecessor, the FS5. Chief among these was improved colour science, which meant greatly improved skin tones straight out of the camera, as well as an instant HDR workflow.
Also on the upgrade list – no more would we need to fiddle with expensive firmware updates to get features like RAW and high-framerate shooting, which were now included in the base firmware along with 4K RAW shot at up to 120fps (in four-second bursts), continuous 240fps in 2K RAW or continuous 4K 60fps to an external recorder. Internally, the FS5 II would shoot 4K, Full HD 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 240fps with an eight-second cache, with the option of up to 120fps in Full HD Instant HDR too. This is just the start, and overall we can say that Sony took customer feedback on board and came out with a real quality upgrade in the FS5 II.
Who’s it for? Pro filmmakers who want exceptional reliability and quality.
Who isn’t it for? Filmmakers on a budget.
Find out more more about the Sony FS5 II here
7. Canon EOS C300 Mark III
Key specs:
- 4K S35mm sensor
- DIGIC DV7 image processor
- 4K recording at up to 120fps
- Dual card slots for simultaneous internal recording of 4K Cinema RAW Light files (10/12-bit) or 4K XF-AVC files (4:2:2 10-bit)
- Electronic Image Stabilization (IS)
Canon has spent many years perfecting its Cinema EOS range, building on what went before and listening to the concerns of the pro video industry to make a tool that truly works. The EOS C300 Mark III is the apex of this process, a truly top-end camcorder with such features as a Super 35 sensor with 16 stops of dynamic range, new codecs that provide 120p in 4K RAW, and much more.
For more detail, you can read our pro video expert Stuart Dennis's summary of how the C300 Mark III fits into the Cinema EOS story, in which he also does a deep dive into the features and functions of this spectacular camcorder.
Who’s it for? Broadcast professionals.
Who isn’t it for? Amateurs, budget users.
Find out more about the Canon EOS C300 Mark III
What is the best small video camera to buy?
8. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Hotly anticipated by huge swathes of the industry, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K arrived with our expectations at a fever pitch and it did not disappoint. With a small form factor (though ‘pocket-sized’ is up for debate), the BMPCC shoots 4K 60fps in 12-bit RAW with a full-sized Micro Four Thirds sensor, meaning none of the unfortunate crop factor that blighted the original, and also means that with the aid of a Metabones adapter, users can now take advantage of the enormous MFT lens range.
We stuck a Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS lens on the front of the BMPCC 4K to shoot the test footage, and you can judge the quality for yourself in the video above. The new BMPCC 4K also introduces some popular new features to the Blackmagic line, including dual native ISO, allowing users to shoot at higher ISOs without compromising on quality. An all-around winner from Blackmagic – full marks!
Who’s it for? Anyone who wants a great-value 4K camera.
Who isn’t it for? Top-range pros.
Find out more more about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K here
What is the best video camera for the money?
9. Panasonic LUMIX GH6
Key specs:
- 5.7K 30p internal video recording in ProRes 422 HQ & ProRes 422
- 25.2-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with AR coating
- Updated Venus Engine offers superior processing power
- Slot 1: CFexpress Card Type B & Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC Card
- 3.0-inch, 1.84 million dot tilt free-angle touch LCD screen
- Stable handheld use with a powerful Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser)
Panasonic’s Lumix GH6 is the latest addition to the GH series and has launched on the back of extensive user reviews to position the GH6 as a first-choice, world-renowned tool for creators. Keeping in line with their reputation for versatile video/still-image hybrids, the GH6 is a mirrorless camera with a 25.2-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and updated Venus Engine with double the processing power.
The sensor affords impressive high-resolution imagery with a high-speed signal readout that results in a reduced rolling shutter, a wide dynamic range and faster management of higher-resolution, higher-bit-rate video. Coming hand in hand with the updated sensor is 5.7K 4:2:0 10-bit 60p/50p and 5.8K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 10-bit anamorphic 4:3 video recording modes - optimised for the highest level of image quality and versatility that’s needed for any level of video production.
Housed in a body designed to withstand the rigours of everyday professional use, this camera’s magnesium alloy full die-cast front/rear frame is splash-, dust-, and freeze-resistant (down to -10°C). Combined with the highly responsive 3,680k-dot 0.76x live viewfinder and a 3.0-inch free-angle touch-control monitor in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution, the GH6 offers industry-leading specs that truly pushes the boundaries of the mirrorless camera market.
Who’s it for? Any video shooter who wants a fantastic, reliable camera with great features and a huge range of lenses.
Who isn’t it for? Those who don’t like mirrorless-style controls.
Find out more about the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S here
10. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Key specs:
- Hasselblad 28mm F2.8 EQV camera with 1-inch CMOS sensor
- 45mph top speed
- Battery life of 31 minutes
- 4K at 30fps
- 3-axis gimbal
- Intelligent Flight modes
Come on, it’d be deeply irresponsible for us to put together a list like this without including a drone. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro houses a Hasselblad camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor that allows it to record 4K UHD at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps and full HD at up to 120fps.
Pair this with a 31-minute flight time, a top speed of 44mph and the ability to transmit full HD 1080p video up to ranges of five miles away, and you’ve got a drone that excels in all areas – although, to borrow a favoured maxim of our former Pro Video technical editor Kriss Hampton: "Just because you can fly it five miles away, doesn’t mean you should." This aside, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a ridiculously good drone for its price, and proof (if proof were needed) that DJI is at the top of what it does.
Who’s it for? Any filmmaker who wants to incorporate aerial shots into their work.
Who isn’t it for? Any filmmaker who doesn’t want to do that.
Read more about the DJI Mavic 2 Pro here...
Which is the best 4K video camera?
11. Canon EOS C70
Key specs:
- 4K Super 35mm DGO sensor
- 16+ stops of dynamic range
- Canon RF lens mount
- 4K 120fps video
- Dual-Pixel CMOS autofocus
- Dual SD card slots
The first Cinema camera to come sporting the sophisticated 12-pin RF lens mount from Canon's full-frame mirrorless range, the EOS C70 could well be a glimpse of the future. Powered by a sophistictaed Super 35 sensor, the EOS C70 offers a whopping dynamic range of up to 16 stops, giving filmmakers real latitude to experiment with.
The image quality of the EOS C70 is simply stunning, and its sophisticated autofocus system is bolstered by the highly developed RF connection system, which ensures near-instantaneous communication between camera and lens. Plus, if you have a collection of EF lenses, you can use the EF-EOS R 0.71x adapter, which actually increases light transmission by a whole stop! All around, this is a hell of a tempting package for pretty much any filmmaker.
Who's it for? Filmmakers, professionals, anyone invested in Canon systems.
Who isn't it for? Users on a budget, anyone who doesn't need the latest cutting-edge tech.
Find out more about the Canon EOS C70
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