Best 4K Camera For Filmmaking

The best 4K cameras are great tools for vloggers and filmmakers, and they’re pretty affordable these days.

Before you invest in the best 4K camera for video, you’ll need to think about what kind of content you want to shoot. Whether you’re looking for a camera that shoots high-quality stills and 4K video or you’re a filmmaker looking for a video-focused camera, our list includes the best of both worlds.

We’ve updated this buying guide to include two major new cameras. The Panasonic GH5 II is an update to Panasonic’s best-selling GH5, with numerous important and worthwhile improvements, though we suspect the Panasonic GH6 – now due in 2022 due to delays – will quickly steal the limelight.

At A Glance

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In this guide, we focus on regular interchangeable-lens cameras with strong 4K video capture. These are ideal for photographers transitioning to video, or filmmakers who don’t want or need dedicated film cameras, and all the expense and technical complexity that goes with it.

This guide focuses on the rapidly growing list of hybrid photo/video cameras that can handle all types of content creation. This is where all the action is happening right now, as mirrorless cameras move into the market and start to eat up the territory of professional cinema cameras, but at a fraction of the price.

These days mirrorless cameras have such amazing 4K capabilities that they truly challenge professional cinema cameras. The powerful Panasonic S1H and the remarkable Panasonic S5 are two cameras that pave the way for 4K-ready mirrorless cameras.

Our Recommendations For Best 4K Camera For Filmmaking

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If you want even more resolution, the Canon EOS R5 and Sony A1 are now capable of 8K shooting, which, while it sounds great on paper, is probably a bit overkill for most vloggers, and commercial photographers, and filmmakers. For most scenarios, a camera that shoots decent 4K video is more important than one that shoots at higher resolutions due to the massive file sizes and processing power required to edit them. Not to mention how long these videos take to transfer and share!

The Sony A7S III offers incredible 4K images, but since it only takes 12MP stills, file sizes are comparatively small. This is the opposite of the Canon in terms of specs, but would be considered by many to be the best 4K mirrorless camera on the market, although it certainly isn’t cheap!

In this section, we list the best ‘hybrid’ cameras: fully functional still cameras that can also capture professional-level 4K video. These are cameras that split 50:50 between stills and video (okay, some can be 60:40!) for photographers, videographers, and content creators who need to capture both.

1. Panasonic Lumix S5 – Best 4K Camera For Filmmaking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full Frame
• Sensor Resolution: 24.2MP
• Lens Mount: L-Mount 4K
• Frame Rates: 60, 50, 30, 25, 24p
• 4K Sensor Crop Factor: 1x
• Standard ISO Range: Dual Native ISO, 100-51,200
• Memory cards: 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC (1 UHS-II, 1UHS I)

If you’re looking for the highest quality video and stunning photos even in low light, the S5 is a winner

The Panasonic S5 ranks a very close second to the Fujifilm X-T4 with its impressive video and photo capabilities. In fact, as far as full-frame cameras go, this is probably the best value you can get. It benefits from a smaller build than the Panasonic S1 but uses the same 24-megapixel CMOS sensor.

Its autofocus has been improved, it features a weather-resistant body, and it has 6.5 stops of in-body stabilization so even handheld video is smooth. It is capable of recording [email protected], 4:2:0 10-bit video internally with an APS-C crop or [email protected] 4:2:2 using the entire sensor.

For stills photographers, it offers a high-resolution shooting mode that combines 8 shots into a 96 MP image, resulting in raw files that are 165 Mb in size.

The Lumic S1 and Lumix S1H might have been Panasonic’s first jump into full-frame mirrorless cameras, but we think the Lumix S5 is much more exciting, especially for the price.

The only downside is that it uses contrast-detection AF instead of phase-detection AF, which is what the Sony A7 III and Canon EOS R6 use, but there are plenty of features that make it a great choice for shooting 4K video.

2. Fujifilm XT4 – Best 4K Camera For Youtube

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C
• Megapixels: 26.1MP
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Screen: 3-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,620,000 dots
• Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69 million dots
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30/15 fps
• Max Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Expert/Professional

The X-T4 proves that it’s not all about full frame. When it comes to APS-C sensor cameras, the Fujifilm X-T4is among the best. It offers advanced video capabilities such as 4K at up to 60P which will give you a smooth 2x slow-motion effect.

It can also capture 10-bit video internally, whereas most 4K cameras only capture 8-bit. If you connect it to an external monitor, the Fujifilm X-T4 is also capable of saving 4:2:2 10-bit video, which means it can detect many more accurately replicated colors than when recording in 4:2. :0.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is the first Fujifilm X-series camera to benefit from internal stabilization which not only reduces or eliminates the need for a gimbal but also means you can shoot at a much slower shutter speed in low light environments.

Its fully articulating screen makes it perfect for shooting from the hip or shooting from over the head and when you’re not using it, it can be flipped on itself to protect the screen. Even though the X-T4 uses a phase-detection autofocus system, it has been known to ‘hunt’ on occasion, but we still think it’s a great value and versatile camera.

3. Panasonic LUMIX G7 – Best 4K Camera For Live Streaming

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS
• Megapixels: 24.2MP
• Lens mount: Sony E
• Screen: 7.5cm TFT screen
• Weight: 346g
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 11fps Maximum
• video resolution: 4K

If size, portability, and 4K video are your top priorities, the ZV-E10 is a no-brainer. The Sony ZV-E10 is Sony’s latest APS-C camera release, offering 4K video, a 24.2MP sensor, and 11fps in continuous burst mode.

It’s more compact than the A6000 range, and unlike the Sony ZV-1, it has an interchangeable lens mount with over 60 lenses to choose from. It is the first Panasonic camera with a fully adjustable wide-angle screen, which is a huge plus for filmmakers.

It features a 3-capsule directional microphone on top of the camera, to which you can attach a clip-on wind muffler, but it also has an external microphone port. If you’re a stills photographer, the lack of a viewfinder might be a drawback, but for anyone who primarily wants to vlog or shoot video, it shouldn’t be a problem.

4. Canon EOS R5 – Best 4K Camera For Music Videos

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame
• Megapixels: 45
• Lens mount: Canon RF
• Monitor: 3.15-inch Vari-angle touchscreen, 2,100,000 dots
• Viewfinder: OLED EVF, 5,690k dots, 100% coverage, 0.0x magnification, 76x
• Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 12fps Mechanical, 20fps Electronic Shutter
• Max Video Resolution: 8K
• User Level: Professional

Forget 4K, the R5 can also shoot amazing quality 8K video. When Canon released the Canon EOS R5, it paved the way for the future of mirrorless cameras. With a 45MP sensor, 20fps burst shooting, and super-fast autofocus, as far as a still camera goes, it’s hard to beat.

Then we come to its video capabilities, which are again quite impressive. Despite the bad rap, it’s gotten for overheating when shooting 8K video, the Canon EOS R5 is still a flagship camera.

Canon has since released firmware updates that help with the overheating issue, but they haven’t fully resolved it. It’s also worth noting that the camera will only overheat when recording continuously for more than 20-25 minutes.

If you’re shooting a lot of short clips, you shouldn’t experience overheating issues. If it weren’t for the high price, the Canon EOS R5 would have been at the top of our list. Canon RF lenses you’re thinking of spending thousands of dollars on to get a full video setup.

5. Nikon Z6II – Best 4K Camera For Travel

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
• Megapixels: 24.5MP
• Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2100k-dot
• Continuous shooting speed: 14fps
• Viewfinder: EVF, 3690k-dot, 100% coverage
• Maximum video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p (60p via upgrade)
• User Level: Enthusiast/Professional

The Z6 II has impressive AF, can shoot 4K 30p without cropping, and finally has two card slots. The Nikon Z6 II is a slight update to the original Z6, with a second memory card and processor that improve burst shooting, now up to 14fps, and the promise of 4K 60p video via an upgrade.

However, 60p video is cropped and the camera still lacks an articulating screen, limiting its appeal for videos and vlogs. Current Z6 owners won’t see the need to upgrade, but new buyers will get a very capable camera at a pretty good price.

The dual card slots are definitely a plus, Nikon’s in-body stabilization is very good, and the best Nikon Z lenses are some of the best on the market right now.

6. Sony A7C – Best 4K Camera For Zoom

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame
• Megapixels: 24.2MP
• Lens: Sony E-mount
• LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 921k-dot
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2359k-dot
• Max continuous shooting speed: 10fps, 115 RAW, 223 JPEG
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K 30p
• User Level: Enthusiast

A compact full-frame camera with excellent AF and 4K 30p video. The specifications of the Sony A7Cthey’re not ambitious, particularly in terms of their video capabilities, but their practical performance, from their handy vari-angle screen to their excellent AF system, makes them very effective.

But why have we included this and not the mighty Sony A1? Because the A7C does the right job at the right price, while the A1 is overkill for most users.

We’ll leave it to you to decide if the silver A7C’s two-tone design is appealing, but to us, it doesn’t have the quality ‘feel’ of the other A7 models.

With that new retractable 28-60mm lens, the A7C is also compact. The main thing for video shooters is the very useful vari-angle screen, in-body stabilization, and Sony’s excellent autofocus system.

7. Panasonic Lumix GH5I – Best 4K Camera For Sports

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SPECS

• Type: CSC
• Sensor: Four Thirds
• Megapixels: 20.3MP
• Screen: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84 million dots
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 3680k
• Lens: Micro Four Thirds
• Continuous shooting speed: 12fps (6k 30 fps, 4k 60 fps)
• Max Video Resolution: 4k
• User Level: Professional

A renewed GH5 that keeps Panasonic technology up to date.

The GH5IIit’s not an update as such, it’s more like an update that keeps the GH5 up to date. For a Micro Four Thirds camera, it’s quite thick, but at least it doesn’t feel lopsided, even when shooting with premium lenses like the Panasonic Leica 12 – 60mm.

It’s still and video capabilities aren’t as impressive as some cameras are today, but regardless, it’s capable of delivering high-quality video and photos. It has in-body stabilization so you can create smooth handheld video, a fast burst mode for taking stills, 4K streaming capabilities, and it handles very well.

The fully articulating screen makes it a great choice for videographers, bloggers, or photographers who like to shoot from the hip or overhead.

With the launch of the long-awaited Panasonic GH6, we can’t be sure how much longer the GH5 II will stay on the list as the GH6 is a much more advanced piece of kit, but until we can test and put it to the test, it’s the GH5. II will stay.

This section contains cameras that are designed for video first and stills second (or, in the case of the EOS C70, video only). The Sony A7S III is a classic example; a stellar 4K camera that can also capture 12MP stills.

The Lumix S1H is another; a big, heavy beast that has a 24MP sensor but leans so heavily towards the video that stills capability is more of a bonus. The Canon EOS C70 looks like a mirrorless camera, but it’s actually a film camera.

8. Sony A7SIII – Best 4K Camera For Pictures

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full-frame
• Megapixels: 12.1
• Lens mount: Sony FE
• Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle, 1,440,000-dot fully-articulating touchscreen
• Viewfinder: OLED EVF, 9,437,000-dot
• Speed Maximum Continuous Shooting: 10 fps
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• User Level: Professional

4K video quality is amazing, but it’s useless for taking photos. It took five years for Sony to upgrade the video-focused A7S II to a Mark III, but the wait was worth it for enthusiasts and professional filmmakers.

It may not have the 6K or 8K video resolution of some of its rivals, and at just 12.1MP it’s not a powerful stills machine either. But other than a big, expensive movie camera, it’s the only camera that can record full-frame 4K 60p without cropping, recorded internally, in 4:2:2 10-bit with no recording time limitations and with all the Advanced AF functions continue to work.

The 12MP resolution means the A7S III is pretty poor as a stills camera but absolutely natural in 4K, so it leans more towards video than photos. However, sports fans should note that it can shoot stills at 10fps and has an incredible 1,000 shot raw buffer (using the new CFexpress Type A cards).

9. Blackmagic 4K Pocket Cinema – Best 4K Camera For Filmmaking Under 1000

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SPECS

• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
• Dynamic Range: 13 stops
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Monitor: 5-inch LCD touchscreen
• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• Standard ISO Range: Dual native ISO 400 and 3200

Ideal for anyone who wants to record with professional codecs like ProRes and Raw.

If you’re primarily a filmmaker or videographer looking for a camera strictly for video, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K is a cinema camera without a high price tag. Although it was released in 2018, it is still a popular choice among filmmakers who need Pro-Res and Raw recording.

It has a Micro Four Thirds sensor, which means there are a plethora of Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party lenses available, both new and second-hand. It can shoot up to 4K 60p with no crop factor and has 13 stops of dynamic range.

With a Canon LP-E6 battery, you could argue that it’s a bit of a camera combo, and while it only has 60 minutes of battery life, you can plug it into mains for continuous recording.

It features a slow SDXC card and a CFast 2.0 slot that supports 4K Raw. The only downside to the camera is that it doesn’t have a pull-down screen, but if you’re a serious filmmaker, you’ll probably want to invest in one of the best in-camera monitors anyway.

10. Canon EOS C70 – Best Budget 4K Camera For Video

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SPECS

• Sensor Size: 26.2 x 13.8mm (Super35)
• Sensor Resolution: 4096 x 2160 (8.85MP)
• Card Slots: SDXC x 2
• Lens Mount: RF
• Maximum Shooting Resolution: 4K
• Screen Size: 3.5 inch
• Electronic viewfinder: No

Canon’s first video-focused RF mount camera boasts an incredible 16-stops of dynamic range.

The Canon EOS C70 is Canon’s first RF mount cinema camera to offer powerful video capabilities. It features Canon’s Super35 sensor, dual gain output, a massive 16 stops of dynamic range, and 4K 120fps/2k 180fps. It also includes an innovative touch screen that makes precise focusing faster and easier.

The C70 powers the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II’s deep learning iTR AFX system, which offers extremely accurate autofocus and head detection. If you don’t want to invest in expensive RF lenses, you can use an adapter to mount EF lenses on them.

Canon’s new speed booster will also allow you to use them with an additional f-stop and full-frame angle of view. The flaw with the C70 is that it doesn’t record in RAW format and you can’t use PL glass on it;

11. Panasonic Lumix S1H – Best Affordable 4K Camera For Filmmaking

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SPECS

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: Full Frame
• Sensor Resolution: 24.2MP
• Lens Mount: L-Mount 4K
• Frame Rates : 60, 50, 30, 25, 24p
• 4K Sensor Crop Factor: 1x
• Standard ISO Range: Dual Native ISO, 100-51,200
• Memory cards: 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)

Capture high-quality still images and stunning 6K video. With the Lumix S1H, Panasonic has used its considerable video experience to bring many of its high-end VariCam features to the Lumix S range. The controls, interface, and, of course, the hardware have been built for video and cinematography, and the fact that it’s also a very useful 24MP still camera is a plus.

It is a truly attractive ‘bridge’ between conventional system cameras and high-end cinema equipment, especially for Panasonic videographers.

It’s expensive, though, and also specialized, so it’s not necessarily the first choice if you need to keep the cost down, though it does make the ‘regular’ S1 look second best now.

Its official Netflix accreditation is a huge plus, but its continuous AF proved to be pretty spotty in our tests, so combined with this camera’s hefty size and weight, it rules it out for run-of-the-mill vlogger-style videography. -and-gun.

However, a recent update to offer ProRes RAW output via HDMI to Atomos Ninja V devices adds to the S1H’s credentials as a cinema camera offering at a regular camera price.