Choosing the best camera for video can be a tricky task, so we’re here to make it simpler! We have put together this guide to help anyone who is in the market for a new video camera, offering a range of flexible options covering different budgets and use cases. Whatever kind of video shooting you aim to do, there should be a great camera here for you.
As such, we've included a mix of options, riunning from cameras that would be a good choice for someone graduating from shooting on their phone, all the way up to professional cine cameras. We've included options from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and Blackmagic, and have gone into detail on each entry to give you a little more of an idea of each model's strengths and weaknesses.
So, let's get shooting!
Our top picks
Pros:
- Exceptional suite of video options
- Incredible in low light
- Loads of E-mount lenses to choose from
Cons:
- Low resolution limits hybrid use for stills
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 it’s definitely been worth it, with this highly sophisticated 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.
Pros:
- Slim, lightweight package
- Good-looking 4K and Full HD
- Livestreaming option
Cons:
- Fairly short zoom range
- Smaller sensor than interchangeable-lens rivals
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. There’s the option to plug in a mic via the 3.5mm jack, and the lightweight build makes it highly suited to travel.
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.
Pros:
- Internal directional mic improves audio
- Cinematic video settings and creative looks
- Huge range of compatible E-mount lenses
Cons:
- No AI-powered subject-recognition autofocus
- No internal stabilisation
Though Sony’s full-frame Alpha models are arguably its star-players, it’s great to see that the manufacturer never forgets about APS-C and has released plenty quality cameras in this sensor size. The ZV series are Sony's cameras that are specifically optimised for vlogging, and the mirrorless ZV-E10 II is an excellent mid-range option for video shooters without an enormous budget. It shoots 4K 60p video and benefits from a built-in directional mic that provides significantly higher-quality audio than standard built-in mic setups.
With a vlogging-friendly, ergonomic design, the ZV-E10 II is light on its feet. It sports an upgraded 26MP Exmor R sensor with a back-illuminated design, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise for better low-light performance. The included S-Cinetone Picture Profile, Cinematic settings and various Creative Looks also make it easier to produce good-looking, shareable footage in-camera, which is useful if you need to get content published ASAP. There are also handy special modes for specific types of video shooting, such as Product Showcase to keep objects in focus.
Pros:
- Lots of video options
- MFT lens mount
- Weatherproof build
Cons:
- Smaller sensor than full-frame / APS-C rivals
Panasonic’s Lumix GH7 is a first-choice, world-renowned tool for creators. Keeping in line with Panasonic’s reputation for versatile video/still-image hybrids, the GH7 is a mirrorless camera with a 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor that delivers impressive high-resolution imagery with a high-speed signal readout. New to this edition of the legendary Lumix GH series is internal recording of 5.7K 30p Apple ProRes Raw, as well as an improved autofocus system with phase-detection.
One of the strengths of Lumix GH cameras for video is that they give you a huge suite of options to play with. The Lumix GH7 offers open-gate recording using the full width of the sensor, allowing for a great deal of flexibility when it comes to cropping footage to different aspect ratios (i.e. vertical for TikTok, 16:9 for YouTube, etc). In a world's first, the GH7 also provides 32-bit float recording, protecting your audio from being blown out by unexpected loud sounds.
All this is 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 splashproof, dustproof, and freeze-resistant (down to -10°C). Combined with the highly responsive 3,680k-dot OLED viewfinder and a 3.0-inch free-angle touch-control monitor in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution, the GH7 offers industry-leading specs that truly push the boundaries of mirrorless cameras for video.
Pros:
- Slim, ergonomic body
- Incorporates RED colour science
- Bright 4-inch monitor
- 6K 60p RAW
Cons:
- No open-gate video
- RED colour files require a lot of power to process
For a long time, Nikon wouldn't necessarily have been considered a first choice for video. However, thanks to the company's acquisition of cinema specialists RED, the full-frame Nikon ZR has arrived and it is not here to play. Equipped with a a 24.5MP partially stacked full-frame sensor, this mirrorless camera offers 6K 60p RAW and 4K 120p and 32-bit float audio.
The big headline of the ZR is that it's capable of shooting in 12-bit Raw video in a new R3D NE format, a Nikon-specific version of Red Color Science that offers enormous colour depth and flexibility in post-production. Of course, if you don't necessarily want to dive into a hefty colour grade, the ZR also offers a selection of Red Picture Controls, which apply cinematic looks in-camera.
The body of the Nikon ZR is slim and well-designed, and its large 4-inch monitor is bigger and brighter than the competition, making it better suited for outdoor work. It's an enormously capable camera, offering quality and flexibility nearing that of full cine cameras, at a much more approachable price.
Pros:
- Dual Native ISO
- Small and portable
- Video looks consistently excellent
Cons:
- Screen not articulating
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 below. The 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!
Pros:
- Cine power in a DSLR-sized body
- RF lens mount
- Fast, accurate autofocus
Cons:
- No Raw recording
The EOS C70 was the first Cinema camera to come sporting the sophisticated 12-pin RF lens mount from Canon's full-frame mirrorless range. Built around a sophisticated 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.
Pros:
- Super 35 sensor with plenty of dynamic range
- Flexible codec options
- Tailored to needs of pro video users
Cons:
- Requires expertise / pro-level budget
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.
FAQs
What features should I look for in a video camera for beginners?
At first, it’s best to think about what you want to film. Once you know that, you should consider your experience, autofocus capabilities, image stabilisation, recording resolution (1080p or 4K), battery life, and connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy file transfer.
What is the difference between a camcorder and a DSLR/mirrorless camera for video?
Camcorders are designed primarily for video recording and offer features like longer zoom ranges, built-in microphones and ergonomics. DSLR and mirrorless cameras, while capable of shooting high-quality video, video isn’t always the prime purpose. Some benefits of DSLRs or Mirrorless over camcorders are that you have interchangeable lenses and generally larger image sensors for better low-light performance and depth of field control.
Do I need extra accessories when buying my first camera for video?
While most beginner video cameras come with essential accessories like batteries and chargers, investing in additional accessories can enhance your filmmaking experience. There are all sorts of video accessories out there like tripods for stable shots, an external microphone for improved audio quality, and extra memory cards for extended recording sessions.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography specialists, store staff, and industry partners work together to review our buying guides and advice articles. We also monitor emerging trends and listen closely to customer feedback, ensuring our recommendations stay current and relevant to what photographers and filmmakers are actually looking for.
By carefully curating the products we recommend, our guides are designed to offer clear, trustworthy advice that helps customers choose the right kit with confidence.
If you would like further advice, our contact centre team are here to help. You can also reach us via email or social media. And remember, if you purchase based on our recommendations, your order is covered by our full returns policy.
