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The 6 Best Cameras For Videography And Filmmaking - Winter 2024 Reviews

Updated
Best Cameras For Filmmaking

Investing in a mirrorless or DSLR camera is an increasingly viable option for amateur filmmakers who want to produce high-quality videos without spending a fortune on professional video gear. In fact, consumer stills and hybrid cameras now offer more and more advanced video capabilities, with many cameras now supporting features like internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and high-quality recording formats, codecs, and picture profiles. Generally speaking, when looking for a filmmaking camera, you should consider the camera's video resolution and frame rate options, whether or not it has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and design features like dual memory card slots and ports to attach peripherals like microphones or external recorders. Of course, budget and ergonomic preferences also play a big role in determining which camera is best for you.

We don't currently test cinema cameras, and because dedicated cinema cameras run the gamut from affordable prosumer models to astronomically expensive professional models, this article focuses primarily on consumer stills and hybrid cameras. Note also that your chosen lens will significantly affect your camera's performance, including its stabilization and autofocus performance.

We've bought and tested over 100 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best hybrid cameras for aspiring filmmakers and videographers to buy. If you're looking for simpler options to create videos for online media platforms, check out our recommendations for the best cameras for YouTube or the best cameras for vlogging. If you like to film sports videos, you can try the best video cameras for sports, too. Otherwise, check out our best cameras overall.


  1. Best Camera For Videography

    The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is the best camera for filmmaking that we've tested. It's loaded with video features that match up to and sometimes surpass much more expensive options, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck video options. That includes 6k open gate recording, a wide range of frame rate options, including 4k 60p (albeit with an APS-C crop), and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, with support for a wide range of codecs and recording formats. Video quality from its full-frame sensor is also excellent, and its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) works very well.

    One of the biggest improvements of the S5 II over its predecessor is a new phase-detection autofocus system. It's the first LUMIX camera to feature PDAF, and it definitely shows in video, with near-seamless subject tracking. That said, its implementation in photo mode still needs some work. It's also worth noting that native L-mount lenses can be expensive, though you can get around that by going for third-party options or using a lens-mount adapter. Of course, if you want to save even more money, the original Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a steal, particularly if you buy used and don't need the more advanced autofocus on the Mark II.

    See our review

  2. Best Micro Four Thirds Camera For Videography

    If you already have a stable of Micro Four Thirds lenses, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is a no-brainer. This is one of the most capable Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market, and its video-centric design makes it one of the best cameras for filmmaking and advanced video work. Unlike the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II above, the GH6 supports features like external RAW video output and internal ProRes codecs out of the box (the S5 II can do those things too, but you need to buy an upgrade key at an additional cost). It also has built-in heat vents to prevent overheating and a unique tilting AND articulating screen.

    The biggest drawback here is that the GH6 uses Panasonic's older contrast-based autofocus system, which isn't as effective and can create pulsing artifacts in the background of your videos. Ultimately, if you're a single operator who tends to shoot in less controlled lighting conditions and relies on autofocus, the full-frame S5 II will likely suit you better. On the flip side, if you're a more advanced videographer who needs RAW video output and doesn't mind pulling focus manually, get the GH6.

    See our review

  3. Best Camera For Action Videography

    The Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best hybrid cameras in its price range for videographers who need high frame rates and speed. That's primarily because of its 26-megapixel stacked sensor, which keeps rolling shutter to a minimum and makes it a great fit for fast-moving subjects and sweeping action videography. On top of that, it supports 6.2k open gate recording, 4k at up to 60 fps without a crop, and even has a slow-motion recording mode that can capture 4k at up to 120 fps.

    Aside from its superb internal recording capabilities, it also has all the inputs you'll need for video peripherals, including a full-sized HDMI port to connect a compatible external recorder, to which you can output RAW video. Even without an external recorder, the camera's internal codec support is fantastic, with Apple ProRes formats to capture higher-quality video with less compression. That's just scratching the surface of what this camera can do, making it a great choice for more advanced filmmakers.

    See our review

  4. Best Camera For Low-Light Videography

    The Sony ZV-E1 is one of the best low-light video cameras we've tested. That's because it features a 12 MP full-frame sensor optimized for low-light shooting—the same sensor found in the pricier Sony α7S III and Sony FX3, some of the best videography cameras in their respective classes. With fantastic noise handling and plenty of dynamic range, the ZV-E1 delivers excellent video quality in even the trickiest lighting conditions. It also comes with in-body image stabilization, Sony's ever-reliable autofocus, and 4k recording at up to 60 fps—all in a relatively compact body.

    The Panasonic LUMIX GH5s is another great option for low-light videography. Though it uses a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, the sensor's low resolution and dual-native ISO design optimize the camera for low light, and the camera supports a wide array of recording formats and codecs. The MFT system is more portable overall than the ZV-E1, with more compact lens options and more effective IBIS, but its autofocus is much less reliable. That may not be a dealbreaker if you prefer to focus manually, so the GH5s is a good choice if you want to save some money. Otherwise, the full-frame ZV-E1 offers a ton of value for its price for solo operators who frequently shoot in uncontrolled or dim lighting conditions.

    See our review

  5. Best Mid-Range Camera For Videography

    Another great option for aspiring filmmakers is the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II. It's the predecessor to the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 above and uses an MFT sensor, albeit with a slightly lower resolution, so it's a bit less suited to shooting in dim or uncontrolled lighting conditions than full-frame models. However, it still delivers excellent overall video quality, and the Four Thirds system has a vast library of lenses to choose from, including plenty of compact and relatively affordable options.

    The GH5 II has a wide range of resolution and frame rate options, including anamorphic modes to get a wider, more cinematic aspect ratio and UHD and DCI 4k at up to 60 fps. You also get Log profiles and 10-bit 4:2:2 4k recording (up to 30 fps) to capture more color information and give you more flexibility in post. Unlike the GH6, however, it lacks a CFexpress card slot, can't shoot in Apple ProRes formats internally, and is a bit more limited in frame rate options. For the price, however, the GH5 II is a fantastic choice.

    See our review

  6. Best Budget Camera For Videography

    The Sony ZV-E10 is the best camera for filmmaking on a tighter budget. Though marketed as a vlogging camera, this entry-level APS-C model offers a lot for beginner videographers and filmmakers who don't want to spend a fortune on a camera. It doesn't have a viewfinder like the cameras above, making it less versatile for hybrid shooters, but the fully articulated screen is ideal for video work. The camera's portable size makes it a breeze to take it on the go.

    Unfortunately, it doesn't have in-body stabilization, but you can pair it with optically stabilized lenses or use a cage to get smoother camera movements. You'll also miss out on internal 10-bit capture and 60 fps recording in 4k compared to higher-end options. For the price, though, the camera is quite feature-packed, with a fairly wide range of frame rates, including 4k at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps. Overall, it's a great choice for the budget-conscious filmmaker.

    See our review

Notable Mentions

  • Canon EOS R6 Mark II: The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an excellent full-frame option for filmmakers. It supports internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording in 4k at up to 60 fps but doesn't offer as many recording formats and codecs as the Fujifilm X-H2S and has worse rolling shutter effect. See our review
  • Fujifilm X-T4: The Fujifilm X-T4 is an excellent upper mid-range option for hybrid shooters, with 4k recording at up to 60 fps. While its APS-C sensor is better suited to low light than the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II, it has fewer recording format/codec options and is limited to 4:2:0 subsampling internally. See our review
  • Sony α6700: The Sony α6700 is an excellent mid-range option for hybrid shooters. It can capture 4k video at up to 120 fps, though with a notable crop, and has a reliable autofocus system. However, it's less video-centric than the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II, with fewer supported recording formats and lacking quality-of-life touches like a full-sized HDMI port. See our review
  • Sony α7 IV: The Sony α7 IV is another fantastic hybrid option with advanced video specs. However, it can only record 4k / 60 fps video with a Super35 crop, and unlike the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II, it lacks some video-centric features like vectorscope functionality and RAW video output. See our review

Recent Updates

  1. Mar 14, 2024: We've reviewed the article to ensure the picks and text are still accurate and relevant.

  2. Feb 16, 2024: Added the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 as the 'Best Micro Four Thirds Camera For Videography'.

  3. Jan 17, 2024: Renamed the Fujifilm X-H2S to 'Best Camera For Action Videography' because of its stacked sensor and high frame rate options, and moved the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II from the upper mid-range spot to the top spot because of the value it offers to most consumers. Removed the SIGMA fp L from Notable Mentions.

  4. Dec 14, 2023: Added mention of the Panasonic LUMIX S5 as a cheaper alternative to the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II.

  5. Nov 16, 2023: Added the Sony α6700 to Notable Mentions and slightly restructured order of picks.

All Reviews

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best videography cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for video-capable cameras. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.