People used to record their entire lives on film, from births and deaths to vacations and other milestones. Today, most people who plan to upload their videos to social media sites only shoot short pieces (30 seconds to 1 minute and 20 seconds in length). Then there are the people who want to be social media stars so badly that they will videotape anything for an eager audience. Hence, it’s important to use a high-quality video camera no matter what your demands are for recording video. While smartphone photography has advanced rapidly, smartphone video has lagged behind. So, perhaps you’re considering supplementing your phone’s camera with a standalone video recorder. Whatever your circumstance, in this piece, you will find out the best video cameras for filmmaking, Youtube streams, and homes and in the end be able to decide which is best for you.
Best Video Cameras
There is a plethora of cameras option available, making it challenging to select the ideal video camera for your, homes, Youtube, and filmmaking projects.
Although professional digital cameras like the ARRI Alexa and the Red Weapon Helium 8k are everywhere at festivals like Sundance, it’s crucial for filmmaking professionals to realize that they don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve stunning results.
Below are some of the top best video cameras you can choose from, either for homes, Youtube, or for filmmaking
#1. Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II With 12-60mm Lens
Features:
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Max video resolution: 4K (up to 60 fps)
- Still image resolution: 20.3 megapixels
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Viewfinder type: 3.7-million-dot electric viewfinder
- Display size: 3-inch touchscreen
Ideal for filmmakers and photographers who desire more freedom to express their individuality in their work.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II is an affordable option if you’re searching for a versatile camera that can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and shoot excellent still photographs. The Mark II version of the GH5 is more expensive than the original GH5, which is still on the market, but it captures at a higher frame rate and features faster auto-focus. The battery life is better, too.
The GH5 Mark II is an adaptable camera that can help you make the jump from a fully automatic point-and-shoot by providing complete manual controls, image presets, and a helpful auto-mode. The GH5 Mark II’s resilience to dust and moisture means it may be used effectively in a variety of environments. When shooting video, it can switch to its Cinelike mode, which captures footage with muted tones. The camera has an XLR microphone adaptor connector so you can get professional-quality sound on set, and it also has a 3.5mm input jack in case you want to use an external microphone instead. The Lumix GH5 III body-only may be purchased from B&H Photo for $1,398.
Pros:
- Accommodates both wired and wireless live streaming
- Additional video control settings
- Two SD memory card slots
Cons:
- No RAW video capture
- Inconsistent video quality and dim lighting
#2. Canon EOS R5 With RF24-105mm Lens Kit
Features
- Camera type: Full-frame mirrorless
- Max video resolution: 8K (up to 20 fps)
- Still image resolution: 45 megapixels
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Viewfinder type: OLED color electric viewfinder
- Display size: 3.2-inch touchscreen
Ideal for recording video or taking stills at an incredibly high resolution in a wide variety of lighting conditions.
The Canon EOS R5 with 24-105mm lens combo is a worthy investment if you have the means to do so, as it is capable of recording 8K video and taking 45-megapixel stills. This full-frame mirrorless camera boasts a native ISO range of 100-52,000 (expandable to 1,024,001) and a dual-pixel CMOS auto-focus system with 1,052 focus points. Human and animal subjects can be followed as well.
The camera’s five-axis in-body image stabilization helps to eliminate jerkiness caused by accidental hand movements. After recording, data can be sent to a computer or mobile device wirelessly, via a cable, or via Bluetooth. You may save yourself some money on the R5’s compatible lens by purchasing just the camera body on Amazon for $3,699.
Pros:
- Captures stunning 8K video
- Shoot still pictures at 45 megapixels
- Wide range of shooting techniques
Cons:
- High cost
#3. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Features
- Camera type: Point-and-shoot
- Max video resolution: 4K (up to 30 fps)
- Still image resolution: 20.1megapixels
- Weight: 0.7 pounds
- Display size: 3-inch touchscreen
A video camera is ideal for taking on trips. The G7X Mark III is ideal for social media influencers and YouTubers due to its small size and flip-up rear display. It’s not just a powerful still camera, but it can also record 4K video. The 24–100mm (35mm equivalent) focal length range of the 4.2x optical zoom lens is enough for everyday photography. Significantly, the lens’s aperture may be set anywhere between f1.8 and f2.8, making this a great option for low-light photography. The G7 X Mark III is more expensive than the average point-and-shoot camera because of its remarkable optics.
In addition to its other connectivity options (including live streaming and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is also capable of recording video in 4K resolution. It can shoot in both manual and automatic modes, and its top-mounted control dial and touchscreen make it easy to switch between the two. The camera may be little, but its design is well thought out, and its right handle is slightly curved for a secure hold.
Pros:
- Integrated external microphone jack
- Fantastic image stabilization
- Compact design
Cons:
- The lack of an optical viewfinder
#4. Fujifilm X-H2S
Features
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C X-Trans 5 CMOS
- Megapixels: 26.1
- Lens mount: Fujifilm X
- Screen: 3-inch articulating touchscreen, 1.62m dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 5.76m dots
- Max continuous shooting speed: 40fps
- Max video resolution: 6K
- User level: Expert/professional
There is a solid reason why the Fujifilm X-H2S is the company’s most expensive X-series model to date. This camera is genuinely geared for professionals thanks to its 26MP sensor, 4/6K footage at 120fps, in-body stabilization, vari-angle flip-out screen, and blackout-free shooting at 40fps.
Although Fujifilm has replaced several of the external exposure control dials with digital screens like those seen on the Fujifilm X-H1, the camera still has a very Fujifilm feel to it thanks to its high-quality finish, generous grip, and well-known button layout. The Fujifilm X-H2 is identical to the X-H2S in terms of design, however, it has a 40MP sensor and supports shooting 8K video (although burst mode shooting speed isn’t as quick).
Pros:
- +40 frames per second continuous shooting
- Video in 6K/4K 120p
- +In-body stabilization
Cons:
- Fujifilm’s priciest X-camera
#5. Sony Alpha ZV-E10 With 16-50mm Lens
Features
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Max video resolution: 4K (up to 24 fps)
- Still image resolution: 24.4 megapixels
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Display size: 3.0-inch touchscreen
Choose a small, interchangeable-lens camera for the best results when filming video. The Alpha ZV-E10 is portable and lightweight, making it ideal for vloggers as well as general video recording. The touchscreen on this mirrorless camera may be rotated and it uses interchangeable lenses. Video features such as automatic face exposure, Product Showcase (for moving the emphasis between a product and a face), subject tracking, and more allow you to rapidly concentrate in on a subject while blurring the background with the click of a button.
The entire camera package (battery and storage card included) weighs only 12.80 ounces. It’s easy to record crisp audio because of the built-in three-capsule microphone and removable windshield. It is capable of recording 4K video at up to 24 frames per second and taking stills at 24.2 megapixels with built-in picture stabilization. In a variety of settings and lighting circumstances, the Alpha ZV-E10 performs admirably. Connecting the ZV-E10 to a computer or mobile device enables you to use the camera for live streaming. Continuous shooting time is limited to 80 minutes and charging is possible with a USB power bank. On Amazon, you can purchase a ZV-E10 shell for only $698.
Pros:
- Replaceable lenses
- Compact design
- Live Streaming capabilities
Cons:
- Expensive
- Low frames per second (fps) maximum rate
#6. Panasonic Lumix S1H With 20-60mm Lens
Features
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Max video resolution: 6K (up to 24 fps)
- Still image resolution: 24.2 megapixels
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Viewfinder type: Electronic OLED 5.8-million-dot resolution
- Display size: 3.2-inch touchscreen
Those who have stringent requirements for both video and still photography will find the Lumix S1H to be an ideal tool. Panasonic offers a variety of lenses for this camera, and you can buy it with or without the 24-60mm lens as shown in the price table above.
As compared to today’s conventional TVs, which max out at 4K, a camera that shoots up to 6K at 24 frames per second may seem excessive; yet, the additional resolution provides you with greater flexibility and permanence. In post-production, you can reframe your shot by, for instance, punching it into the video. The camera feels substantial, suggesting that it might perform better when mounted on a gimbal or tripod than when used hand-held. In addition, RAW video is not supported. The Lumix S1H body only is currently $300 off at B&H Photo.
Pros:
- Superior clarity in both moving and still pictures
- Performs effectively in low-light conditions.
- Flexible shooting modes
Cons:
- Expensive
- No RAW video
- Size is too large to be used for portable video.
What Is the Difference Between a Video Camera and a Camcorder?
Recordings made by video cameras are basically saved to flash memory cards. Camcorders on the other hand not only have the ability to record onto memory cards, but they also have the capacity to save footage on internal hard drives.
What Are the 3 Common Types of Video Cameras?
Below are the different Types of Cameras available;
- Compact Cameras
- DSLR Cameras
- Mirrorless Cameras
- Action (Adventure) Cameras
- 360 Cameras
- Medium Format Cameras
- Traditional Film Cameras
What Kinda Camera Do Youtubers Use?
Here are some of the top best cameras for YouTube in 2023;
- Fujifilm X-S10
- Panasonic GH5 Mark IIGoPro HERO10 Black
- Sony ZV-E10
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark IIIPanasonic Lumix S5
- DJI Pocket 2
- Panasonic Lumix GH6
- Sony ZV-1
- Sony α6400
Video Cameras for Filmmaking
If you’re an amateur filmmaker who wants to shoot high-quality videos without breaking the bank, a mirrorless or DSLR camera is a great investment. A wide range of recording formats, codecs, and picture profiles are supported by today’s still and hybrid cameras. This nevertheless gives you full creative freedom from pre-shoot preparation to post-production. Video resolution and frame rate, in-body stabilization (IBIS), and design elements like memory card slots and ports to attach peripherals like microphones or external monitors are all important factors to think about when shopping for filmmaking cameras. Furthermore, your budget and personal preferences in ergonomics will also play significant roles in picking the ideal camera for you.
Regardless, when shopping for video cameras for filmmaking or youtube videos, keep in mind that the performance of your camera, particularly its stabilization, and autofocus, will be greatly impacted by the lens you select.
Best Video Cameras for Filmmaking
Making movies now costs a fraction of what it did a generation ago. These days, even a camera costing a few hundred dollars can record high-quality video.
While video cameras come in a wide variety of designs and functions, a mirrorless camera however is the finest solution for low-cost creative filmmaking. One can capture both static images and clear 4K video with these small system cameras. You can use various lenses. In low light, they perform better than other camcorders. Furthermore, you can capture interesting shallow-focus pictures.
It might be challenging to choose the ideal filmmaking camera for your production because there are so many different types of video cameras available.
While professional digital cameras like the ARRI Alexa and the Red Weapon Helium 8k are everywhere at festivals like Sundance, it’s vital to know that filmmaking may acquire professional-grade results without the significant cost that comes with those video cameras.
Trying to figure out the best camera to purchase for filmmaking including the one to stream on youtube, check out these top video cameras available in 2023;
- Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro
- Canon EOS C200B
- Panasonic G85/G80
- Canon EOS C100 Mark II
- Blackmagic Pocket CC
- Fujifilm X-T4
- Panasonic HC-X1
- Canon XA60
- Sony PXW-FS5
- Panasonic Lumic GH5s
Do I Need a 4K Video Camera?
4K footage is superior because of its clarity and depth of field. Very fluid editing is possible with 4K content due to the lack of any discernible loss of quality whether panning, zooming, or cropping. Even when screenshotted, 4K video maintains its sharpness and detail, so you can conceivably capture some really high-quality images.
What Is a 4K Video Camera?
High-definition (HD) video with a resolution of 4K which is four times as high as HD video with a quality of 1080p. Basically, there are two resolutions that are considered typical for a 4K video.m4096x2160 pixels, the Digital Cinema Initiatives specification for 4K resolution in the film and video production sector. The 3840×2160 pixel 4K resolution standard for televisions and monitors.
Conclusion
Generally, there are a plethora of camera options available, making it challenging to select the ideal video camera for homes, YouTube, and filmmaking projects.
However, when shopping for cameras, either for YouTube, homes, or filmmaking, there are numerous factors to consider. Furthermore, your budget and personal preferences in ergonomics will also play significant roles in picking the ideal camera for you.
Regardless, when shopping for video cameras for filmmaking, homes, or youtube videos, keep in mind that the performance of your camera, particularly its stabilization, and autofocus, will be greatly impacted by the lens you select.
Related Articles
- Camera Brands: A Comprehensive List Of The Best Options.
- 11+ BEST 4K SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM FOR BUSINESS (Updated)
- COMMERCIAL SECURITY CAMERAS: Best 4K, in Door & Wireless Cameras
- The Best 15 Cordless Business Phone Systems in 2023
- SECURITY EQUIPMENT: Best Supplies & What You Need to Know
- BEST SCREEN RECORDING SOFTWARE: 20 Best Software 2023
- VIDEO CONFERENCING: Meaning, Types & Free Platforms