Many photographers nowadays need to equip themselves with cameras that are able to produce videos of excellent quality. The reasons behind this need can be many: the integration of static and moving images is in fact spreading in various fields, both professional and amateur.
Consequently, for some time now, more and more models of cameras are appearing on the market that are able to perfectly fulfill both tasks and many companies have adapted their production to this new trend. But this is precisely where the problem arises: choosing, faced with such a wide range of possibilities, without competent and disinterested advice, is really a difficult task!
This is why I wanted to prepare for you a guide on best video cameras: I know that you too, like many others, are strongly undecided on what to do and need help not to make rash decisions that would lead you, in the worst case scenario, to purchase an unsatisfactory model from all points of view. So what are you waiting for? Get comfortable and start reading my article. You will see that interest will grow from paragraph to paragraph and, in the end, you will be more than ready to find the right product for you.
Preliminary information
Versatility e mobility sectors are the watchwords that are defining the production principles of many companies in the technological branch and, among these, a leading role is played by the multinationals specialized in the manufacture of cameras and precision lenses. We are witnessing an increasing attitude to develop compact cameras, capable of merge multiple high-level features into a single device, with particular attention to transportability and lightness.
Exceptional quality digital cameras are now able to produce equally fine video, supporting the most advanced technologies and the latest resolution standards, without giving up practically anything. However, in choosing the model it can represent a fair compromise between photography and movies, there are some important precautions that must be taken into consideration, always taking into account your own needs.
Whether you are a professional photographer who wants to integrate and update its equipment with the latest technology, a blogger who wants to provide more and more curated content to their followers or a amateur who wants to carry only one device suitable for all occasions, you will be spoiled for choice, because there is something for all needs and for all budgets.
In the next paragraphs I will show you which are the distinctive elements to pay more attention to; all you have to do is reflect on what your needs are and then make the right decision.
How to choose the best video camera
Know how to choose the best video camera it is a task you will be able to accomplish easily. Just keep in mind some basic notions, which I am about to illustrate to you. I will briefly show you what types of cameras are currently in production and some essential basic principles regarding their components. Finally, I will focus attention on the main elements that concern the production of the videos.
Sensors, optics, displays and stabilizers will have no more secrets for you and you will be satisfied with your next camera, both in terms of the quality of the photos and video footage: I am sure that thanks to the few tips I am about to give you you will be able to choose it with criteria and knowledge of the facts.
Type of camera
Let's start with a first essential distinction concerning the type of camera. In fact, you can choose between a Reflex or a Mirrorless. But what are the differences?
- reflex. this typology is characterized by the implementation of a complex mirror system which allows you to reflect the stabilized image on the viewfinder. The presence of different elements inside the camera body makes it heavier and more bulky, since it should not be underestimated, especially in anticipation of long shooting sessions.
- mirrorless. As the name suggests, this type differs in the absence of the mirror and consequently the classic optical viewfinder, which has been replaced by an additional electronic screen. Mirrorless cameras are gaining ground thanks to constant technological advancement that now allows us to obtain top-level performance in the photographic field and even better than DSLRs in the video field. On the other hand, to work they have an important demand for resources and the battery life often cannot withstand long sessions. Furthermore, even the availability of additional optics is not yet at the same level as the Reflex which, in this respect, are currently unmatched.
Sensor
Camera sensors can be divided into three categories that qualify their size: Micro 4/3, APSC and Full Frame. The larger the sensor, the more the camera is able to take in light, an essential element to better define images.
- Micro 4 / 3. It is a specific format with dimensions 17.3mm x 13mm. They are present in cameras with reduced weight and dimensions, but allow you to adapt different types of lenses, including vintage ones, to improve their quality.
- APS. Many SLRs are equipped with these sensors, which can be of various sizes, from about 14mm x 21mm to 16mm x 24mm in the APSC format, up to 28.7mm x 19.1mm in the APSH format.
- Full Frame. They are also often identified as 35 mm, as the sensor is the same size as the standard film format. Sensors this large are very expensive to make and affect the final price of the camera. They are in fact present only in the most professional models.
Another parameter to be considered with particular attention is the ISO sensitivity, which indicates the amount of light that the sensor is able to absorb in a certain time. Higher values determine a greater ability to collect light, for the same amount of time. Remaining on the theme of light, which is crucial for making high quality photographs and videos, it is appropriate to consider another factor, namely the opening of the diaphragm. This is indicated with an F and the relative value next to it: consider that the lower this number is, the larger the aperture, and therefore it is able to penetrate more brightness, giving the images more sharpness and detail.
Resolution
The resolution of a digital camera is expressed in pixel, small points organized horizontally and vertically that make up the images. The more pixels a camera sensor is capable of producing, the more detail the shot will be. However, for videos the situation is different. In fact, a movie can normally reach a maximum resolution of 4K in a camera, corresponding to 4096 2160 pixels x, or just 8 Megapixel.
Basically we must not look too much at this value with regard to the creation of videos, quite the contrary. Also remember that the processing of 4K movies requires high resources both in the processing phase, with computers equipped with very powerful processors and video cards, and in the display one (you must have a 4K TV, which can therefore guarantee the same standard) . Another format that many high-end cameras can guarantee is the most common Full HD (1920 X 1080 pixels), which still allows you to obtain very high quality movies.
In the videos, the framerate, which is the number of frames per second (fps) of the movie itself: as easily understood, the more fps there are, the more fluid and natural the video is. It should also be said that to save high quality and high fps videos you need to use high performance memory cards.
Autofocus
During your search for the best video cameras you will often come across various definitions of the technology Autofocus (abbreviated to AF). It is a particular automatism applied to optical systems that allows to obtain and automatically maintain focus on the subject of the shot or shot. The speed with which the camera is able to achieve focus is critical for a photographer, even with continuous shooting. For this you will be able to find values that identify the single Autofocus (AF-S) and continuous autofocus (AF-C), which becomes particularly important in the presence of dynamic and lively scenes.
The AF in turn can be distinguished in active e passive. The active one is based on the emission of infrared or ultrasound rays that reach the subject and come back: with this system the camera is able to calculate its distance and adapt to the situation for focusing. The passive system can instead be present in two ways: contrast detection, when the camera adjusts focus until it can find the image with maximum contrast, or phase detection. The latter technology is much more advanced and precise, but requires additional components in the camera, with sensors dedicated to focusing.
It is also important to consider the number of points of autofocus that the camera makes available, as well as the percentage of the frame they occupy. The mirrorless cameras excel in this, allowing greater coverage of the frame with the focus of even the most peripheral areas of the scene.
Other characteristics
There are many other features which must be taken into account when choosing a camera that can best adapt to quality video shooting.
- Stabilizer. During filming, especially in high definition, the natural hand shake is amplified by the device, causing significant disturbance to the video quality. For this it is important to verify that the camera is equipped with a particular stabilization system with 3 or more axes, able to counterbalance the effects and make the result sharper and more linear.
- Display. This element is even more important when you are engaged in video shooting. The best thing to do is to focus on a model with removable and adjustable screen, possibly backlit, in order to facilitate real-time viewing of the scene even in direct light conditions.
- Microphone. The built-in microphone quality o the possibility of inserting an external one through special inputs are to be carefully considered if you do not want to underestimate the importance of the audio rendering in a movie.
- Resistance. An eye on the materials with which the camera was produced is essential, especially if you intend to use it even in difficult environmental situations, where the resistance to dust and water resistance of the camera body can make a difference.
- Battery. Consider that video shooting requires more resources, so I recommend that you prefer a camera with a battery that can guarantee good autonomy, especially if you are oriented towards a Mirrorless, which by conformation requires an extra energy compared to the Reflex.
- Connectivity . Nowadays, having as many connectivity options available as possible has become essential for reasons of practicality and greater compatibility with various types of external devices. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, but also a good supply of HDMI inputs and outputs, USB are elements to always take into great consideration.
Which video camera to choose
Now that you have all the essentials to evaluate which video camera to choose, you will not have particular difficulties in identifying it. I have prepared for you a selection of the best video cameras currently on the market, making a distinction by price range, in order to simplify the task even more.
Best budget video cameras (under $ 500)
The models an entry level, available for less than 500 euros, are however products capable of guaranteeing excellent performance, with high quality photographs and smooth and defined videos. Here are some of them for you best budget video cameras.
Sony Alpha 6000L
For less than 500 euros you could take home this fantastic Mirrorless of home Sony, characterized by an extremely fast AF for this price range, which integrates a phase detection highly evolved, capable of practically covering the entire image and function of contrast detection at high speed. It also allows extremely precise movement tracking for both still images and videos. The sensor APS-C is large and allows you to produce high quality images, sharp and bright, while the processor BIONZ X it is capable of capturing precise textures, reducing blur and eliminating noise. There ISO sensitivity arrives at 25.600 and guarantees excellent performance even in low light conditions. As for the video resolution, it is capable of producing movies in Full HD at 60fps. The body has a particularly compact and lightweight design and features one removable and tiltable LCD screen 3-inch. Last but not least, Il EVF OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder it represents another very useful tool that allows composition and preview in real time, even in those situations of direct light that often make viewing on the display difficult.
Vedi offers your AmazonGoPro Hero 9
It is not really a video camera, but a real video camera, and more precisely one action cam, that is, a video camera capable of withstanding very busy situations; but given the value for money I recommend it. So, if you are looking for a solution to take your photos and shoot your videos in difficult environmental situations and characterized by strong dynamism, with less than 500 euros the GoPro Hero 9 can be yours and support you in an exceptional way in this difficult task. It can in fact make extraordinary videos even in 5K, with sharp details even when you zoom in and the ability to take pictures a 20 Megapixel. Image stabilization in these conditions is essential and this model guarantees it thanks to technology HyperSmooth Max 3.0, while functionality SuperView Max allows you to expand the wide-angle perspective in an extraordinary way. It has two screens, one of which is large flip-up and one equipped with very intuitive touch screen technology. The advanced functions of slow motion and speeding up the image, in addition to the possibility of integrating a series of optional accessories, to be purchased separately, such as additional lights, a directional microphone and external handles for greater stability and adaptability to different situations.
Vedi offers your AmazonCanon EOS M100
This mirrorless of Canon is equipped with an image processor DIGIC 7 and CMOS sensor from 24,2 Megapixel with important dimensions (22,3 x 14,9 mm), with autofocus up to 49 points and face tracking for automatic face recognition. It is able to take shots in a very fluid and fast way and the produced movies are characterized by a deep realism, reaching a resolution Full HD at 60fps. It has a large 3-inch LCD touch screen and connectivity Wi-Fi e Bluetooth. The ISO sensitivity reports values up to 25.600, excellent for taking photos and videos even in low light conditions. The image stabilizer is 3-axis. This camera is a great entry level, compact but durable and reliable.
Vedi offers your AmazonPanasonic Lumix DMC-LX100
The series Lumix di Panasonic is one of the most reliable and the model DMC-LX100 allows you to ensure excellent technologies with less than 500 euros. The CMOS sensor micro 4/3 12,8 megapixel camera ensures excellent dynamic range and clarity in images. The wide angle lens Leica it is of absolute value for this price range, with the diaphragm guaranteeing focal values of F1.7 - F2.8. As for the videos it can record in 4K (3.840 x 2.160 pixels) at 25fps. It also features 6,2 × optical zoom and 4 × digital zoom and optical stabilizer POWER O.I.S.. Also important is the presence of a large 3-inch LCD touch-screen display and a LVF viewfinder (Live View Finder) 0,38 inch. The lightness (393 grams without battery) that characterizes this model allows a certain handling during all filming and shots, and is therefore widely used in the production of vlogs.
Vedi offers your AmazonBest mid-range video cameras (between 500 and 1.000 euros)
With a further economic effort, a professional-level device can be obtained, with which author photographs and videos of impeccable quality can be created. The best mid-range video cameras that I have selected below will allow you to best express your potential.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G7K
This model of Panasonic has very interesting features both from the point of view of the movies, which can get to 4K (3.840 x 2.160), which of photographs, thanks to a sensor Digital Live CMOS 16 Megapixel. It also has a very advanced focus for this price range, which takes advantage of the DFD technology (Depth From Defocus), capable of instantly calculating the distance between the elements of a frame and focusing them with extreme speed. Plus the image processor Venus Engine, together with a particular noise reduction technology, is able to ensure excellent shooting even in low light conditions, reaching an ISO value of 25.600. Also to be considered carefully is the presence of a high-contrast OLED LVF viewfinder and a rotatable and tiltable display, useful for finding the right shots in any situation. Finally, it has Wi-Fi connectivity.
Vedi offers your AmazonCanon EOS 800D
Canon has always been a reference point for SLR lovers and this digital model guarantees an excellent compromise for the realization of both photos and videos. When taking shots one of the most important prerogatives is the focusing speed and the EOS 800D is equipped with a system AF Live View at 45 points extremely fast, only able to spend 0,03 seconds in this operation. The sensor APS-C it allows to reach a high quality of 24,2 megapixels, capturing any detail even in difficult conditions. You can also make movies Full HD with excellent image stabilization. Extremely useful is also the guided interface that shows how the camera settings work and helps in making photos always at the top of the possibilities. As for connectivity, it integrates Wi-Fi for fast connection of smartphones or tablets, in order to share images and control the camera from a distance. The display is adjustable, a feature that meets many shooting needs and integrates an optical viewfinder capable of showing the scene with perfect realism.
Vedi offers your AmazonFujifilm X T30
Extremely compact and lightweight, this mirrorless camera is capable of shooting video in 4K with highly evolved levels of customization of both image and audio. Its sensor CMOS X Trans 26 megapixel camera was developed by Fujifilm to obtain vivid colors and deep tones even in difficult lighting conditions (ISO 51.200) .The image processor, on the other hand, allows the use of Color Chrome Effect, to make every shot sharp and defined e Sports Viewfinder, to adapt to more dynamic situations. The convenient display LCD touch-screen 3-inch removable makes it easier to interact with the various focus modes and with the rich range of features that this model offers. Wi-Fi connectivity has also been designed to make connecting external devices such as smartphones or tablets simple and intuitive.
Vedi offers your AmazonBest high-end video cameras (over $ 1000)
Are you a professional or enthusiast without budget problems, looking for the best the market has to offer? Here are the best high-end video cameras, assembled with the most advanced sensors and image processors and equipped with cutting-edge technologies to allow you to create shots and videos of absolute value.
Fujifilm X T4
This mirrorless camera from Fujifilm is designed for a combined use of photos and videos thanks to the presence of different elements of absolute thickness, such as the sensore X-Trans CMOS fourth generation, the image processor X-Processor 4 and a new system of 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS). One of the most original features of this model is the availability of the film simulation function ETERNA Bleach Bypass, which gives both movies and still images a more vintage and artistic look. It has a very solid body and resistant even to extreme temperatures (down to -10 °) and has an ergonomic grip that allows you to hold the camera steady even when using larger telephoto lenses. The movies can reach a resolution of 4K and 60fps, while in Full HD mode at 240fps it can integrate up to 10 slow motion effects. It has a removable and swiveling LCD display and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, with Micro USB and Micro HDMI inputs.
Vedi offers your AmazonPanasonic Lumix G DC-GH5L
The mirrorless camera Lumix GH5L It has a LEICA lens 12-60mm, a 20 Megapixel Live Digital MOS sensor. The sharpness of the images is guaranteed by the presence of technology HDR, which also allows you to take very high quality photos at 6K and 30 fps and videos in 4K at 60 fps, even for professional use. The minimum focal distance is 12mm, and it is equipped with 5X optical and 4X digital zoom. Other important technical data is the presence of one 5 axle stabilizer, essential for producing videos even in particularly dynamic situations, which makes it particularly popular with professional vloggers. It has a compact and lightweight design (725 grams), but is at the same time very resistant to harsh environmental conditions. The presence of an adjustable 3,2-inch removable LCD display is important. From the point of view of connectivity it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Vedi offers your AmazonSony Alpha 7 III
If you have no budget problems this model of Sony has everything you need to achieve outstanding results in both stills and movies. It is equipped with sensore CMOS Exmor R Full Frame 42 Megapixel camera and an extremely fast and precise autofocus, which allows continuous shots even in the presence of sudden movements. The functionality is interesting Eye af which automatically detects and follows the eyes of the people and animals you are photographing, making this model excellent for portraits. As for the videos instead the Alpha 7 III supports high-resolution 4K and HDR images, with a wide dynamic range and high color gamut. The 5-axis image stabilizer integrated allows you to obtain movies of exceptional quality and extremely sharp. The camera body is very light but still has excellent resistance and an important handling, which makes it effective even in demanding conditions. There NP-FZ100 battery allows continuous use, and it is possible to insert external auxiliary batteries via the USB type C and multi / micro USB ports.
Vedi offers your AmazonCanon EOS-1D Mark XNUMX XNUMX
Are you a reflex lover and are you looking for one that can guarantee very high performance even in terms of video? No doubt that the choice must fall on EOS-1D Mark XNUMX XNUMX by Canon. Its very fast and very precise autofocus is able to adapt to any type of situation and to detect the face even in very difficult contexts. The autofocus is very advanced and offers an extended focus area with 61 individually selectable points, including 41 cross and 5 double cross. The processor DIGIC 6+, together with the 20 megapixel sensor, guarantees surprising performance even in low light conditions: the ISO sensitivity reaches up to 51.200, but it is also possible to extend it to 409.600. As for the video performance, we are facing a product that allows resolutions in 4K a 60fps o Full HD at 120fps. As for connectivity, it allows you to take advantage of both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, allowing professional-level versatility.
Vedi offers your AmazonNikon D780
A house model could not be missing Nikon in this section and the choice fell on D780, a single lens reflex (DSLR) that represents an example of versatility and handling. The camera is equipped with a dual focusing system, one hybrid with 273 points, particularly fast and dedicated to Live View shooting and one with phase detection at 51 points, fast and reliable for shooting with the optical viewfinder. Autofocus also allows, through the functionality of Eye Detection, to lock onto the subject's eyes, keeping them constantly framed. The 24,5 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor is backlit and thanks to the integration of a EXPEED image processor 6 it is possible to obtain a wide dynamic range by exploiting also a very high ISO sensitivity (51.200, extendable up to 204.800). From the point of view of movies, this model allows you to make them in 4K / UHD format at very high resolution (up to 30fps) or in Full HD taking advantage of the slow motion features up to 120fps. Even from the point of view of the design of the camera body, this model promises exceptional performance: it is protected from adverse weather conditions thanks to the use of resistant materials such as magnesium alloy. It integrates a dual UHS-II SD card slot, capable of handling the high speeds of shooting sequences and a deep grip that helps support its weight during long shooting sessions.
Vedi offers your Amazon Best Video Cameras: Buying Guide
