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Best cameras for 4K video

4K Cameras

The demand for video content is growing day by day. Increasingly, creatives and agencies are investing in the right team to create high-quality video content that is not only popular but connects them with their audience. A great piece of this equipment is to take into account high-quality 4K cameras.

Regardless of the type of video content being produced, whether it’s a YouTube video or a TikTok clip, the best videos also tend to look better and the right 4K camera can make that possible.

With that in mind, we wanted to focus on the best 4K cameras so you can create amazing, high-quality videos right out of the box and we wanted to present our picks for the best 4K cameras for graphic designers, filmmakers, and content creators and more.

15 Best 4K Cameras

1. Sony A7S III Camera

Display: 4K at 120fps | Resolution: 12.1 MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: Full Frame | Lens: Sony E | Ideal for: Intermediates and experts

Known for producing stunning 4K video cameras, Sony’s A7S III variant is a technical beast that produces flawless results.

Its ultra-smooth recording is a breeze for beginners and experts alike, plus its ability to capture 16-bit raw via HDMI, allowing photographers to take sharp images.

Another important feature of the camera is the interchangeable lens. In addition, the A7S III’s fully articulating display has a competitive touch interface, making it easy for users to adjust their settings and achieve the best light.

Sony provides full-frame recording with stunning resolutions and quality, and achieves this in a well-designed rig by using the right sensor, processing power, and heat dissipation.

2. Panasonic Lumix S1H Camera

Display: 6K | Resolution: 24.2 MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: Full Frame | Lens: Sony E | Best for: Intermediate to Expert

Lumix is also a well-loved brand for creatives of all kinds, so it makes perfect sense that Panasonic’s Lumix S1H is on our list. Notably the most affordable digital video camera approved by Netflix for its original productions, this particular offering extends to an ethereal motion graphics quality thanks to its Dual Native ISO.

It also has a ton of frames to play with, as well as an impressive range of resolutions that can help you complete your vision. Each resolution comes with 10-bit color, providing ample room for flexibility when it comes to editing.

3. Panasonic Lumix GH6

Display : 4K at 120fps | Resolution : 25.2 megapixels | Type : Mirrorless | Sensor Size : Micro Four Thirds | Best for: Intermediate to Expert

The GH6 is a long-awaited camera upgrade among Panasonic’s Lumix lineup. This incredible piece of gear packs power, stability, and depth, sealing the Lumix line as one of the best Micro Four Thirds camera lines ever.

The GH6’s in-body stabilization is simply amazing. Panasonic promises up to 7.5 stops of stabilization, which means you can reduce the shutter speed by up to 7.5 stops before experiencing the same level of wobbly blur in your video.

On top of that, the GH6’s AF system is based on its Depth-from-Defocus technology, which creates a depth map of the scene by changing focus and examining any changes based on knowledge of the lens’s out-of-focus rendering.

In the burst mode section, the GH6 surpasses its predecessors, which can offer up to a total of 200 images in RAW format.

4. Fujifilm X-S10 Mirrorless Camera

Best Budget APS-C 4k Camera Display: 4K at 60fps | Resolution: 26MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: APS-C | Lens: Fujifilm X | Ideal for: Intermediate to expert When it comes to maximum control, the Fujifilm X-S10 is one of the best 4k cameras to work with. This camera comes with the same sensor, processor, and AF system as the X-T4 but with a lower price. When it comes to cameras, the price can skyrocket significantly when it comes to 4k cameras, but the X-S10 is reasonably priced. Capable of shooting bursts at 30fps, this camera is definitely a solid choice.

One thing to note is that the camera can only capture 4k video for up to 30 minutes at a time. Keeping this in mind, this camera is more suitable for recording videos and vlogs and is not as suitable for streaming. That said, the X-S10 is a favorite among camera enthusiasts because of its budget price and the loyal fans that Fujifilm cameras usually have.

5. Canon EOS R5 Camera

Display: 8K | Resolution: 45MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: Full Frame | Lens: RF Mount: Best For: Intermediate to Expert

The Canon EOS R5 is equipped with a competent 45MP CMOS sensor along with a Dual Pixel AF II system, which allows your shots to look perfect in any light. The R5 also features an autofocus system that allows it to expertly track humans and animals in motion. Suitable for anyone who is looking for a Canon 8k video camera and can keep up with the subjects they are trying to capture, the EOS R5 is the perfect choice.

6. Canon EOS RP (cheap)

Display: 4K | Resolution: 26.2 MP | Type: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: Full Frame| Lens: RF Mount | Best for: Beginner to Intermediate

Canon EOS RP in combination with plastic and rubber surfaces feels fantastic in the palm of your hand, and the matte black finish, which offers a covert look, gives you excellent control over the camera. The move to transfer the video record button from the back of the camera to the top makes a lot of sense given that your finger on the trigger is already in position to open the shutter.

As an entry-level full-frame camera, the Canon EOS RP boasts a large number of focus points compared to other cameras in its price range. It is dustproof, waterproof, and can capture in 4K Ultra HD 2160p.

The ability to seamlessly switch between the 3″ LCD screen and the viewfinder is the icing on the cake.

7. Panasonic Lumix G9 Camera

Display: 4K | Resolution: 20.3 MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 17.3 x 13 mm | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Best for: Beginners

Panasonic’s Lumix G9 may not be one of the manufacturer’s most powerful 4k camcorders, but it holds its own against any competition. Enthusiasts and amateurs can shoot beautiful 4k videos, the best video camera comes with in-body image stabilization, allowing you to capture real video content. Its lightweight construction and 6k photography capability also make it perfect for anyone who wants to photograph wildlife or the outdoors.

8. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Display: 4K | Resolution: 20.3 MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds | Lens: 12-40 mm | Best for: Intermediate

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a spectacular all-around camera. Equipped with robust image stabilization, continuous autofocus, and external headphone and microphone ports, this is a professional camera that any creative will love to use.

The overall build and features of the Olympus Mark III give you an incredibly powerful camera with the same premium quality that you’ll find in many third-party options.

9. Sigma fp camera

Display: 4K | Resolution: 24.2 MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds | Lens: Sony FE | Best for: Intermediate

With a cool industrial design, the Sigma fp will turn heads. Don’t let that fool you though, underneath its compact build is a device made specifically for capturing stunning videos.

It’s also the smallest and lightest full-frame camera in the world. It can also be easily connected to your computer and function as a webcam. Perfect for streamers, content creators, and vloggers, this piece is considerably one of the most charming 4k shooters available today.

10. Blackmagic 4K Pocket Cinema

Display : 4k | Resolution : 4096X2160 | Type : Mirrorless | Sensor Size : Full Frame | Ideal for: Intermediate and expert photographers.

If you’re a videographer looking for a video camera, Blackmagic is a great option. Even after its release in 2018, the camera is still famous among videographers and filmmakers. The camera is an excellent choice for Raw and Pro-Res recording.

Although the camera lacks some features, such as a fold-out screen, it allows 4k 60p recording without crop factors. In addition to these, the camera has excellent port options with a 5-inch LCD screen.

11. Sony Alfa a7 III

Display : 4K | Resolution : 24.2 MP | Type : Mirrorless | Sensor Size : Full Frame | Lens : Sony E | Best For: Intermediate

The a7 III’s stunning focus and autofocus coverage may be its most distinctive quality. With this quality, among other features, this Sony camera will definitely provide clear, stable, and excellent quality videos.

The a7 III has more than four times the number of “focus points” as the similar Nikon D850. Practically speaking, this means that the a7 III makes it difficult to miss a shot because it will automatically detect and focus on the subject whenever it is partially framed.

12. Nikon Z50 Camera

Display: 4K | Resolution: 21MP | Guy: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: APS-C | Lens: Nikon Z | Best for: Intermediate

Perhaps one of the most eye-catching compact mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z50 delivers wherever needed. Equipped with the brand’s stunning Nikon Z mount, this piece performs amazingly in low-light conditions, making it a great tool for film enthusiasts and beginner videographers.

In addition, you can also connect it to your phone, expanding your level of control. And because you can flip the screen, it’s also a wonderful vlogging camera.

13. GoPro Hero 8 Camera (Cheap)

Display: 4K | Resolution: 12MP | Lens: SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow | Touch screen: Intuitive 2-inch LCD | Waterproofing: 10 m (33 ft) without case

The days when only professional cameras can have 4k capabilities are over. These days, action cameras are also heavily equipped to deliver superior quality. The GoPro HERO8 Black has a HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization feature, making this small camera the perfect choice for documenting every adventure without adding extra weight.

14. GoPro Hero 9 Camera

Display: 5K | Resolution: 20 MP | Lens: SuperView, Wide, Linear, Narrow | Touch screen: Intuitive 2.27-inch LCD | Waterproofing: 10 m (33 ft) without case

GoPro’s most advanced camera yet, the Hero 9 packs 5k video capabilities plus enhanced video stabilization. With a second front screen, this action camera is perfect for anyone who wants to vlog a getaway and more.

The small 4k camera also has a resolution of 20MP, ensuring that your photos are clear, premium, and well-balanced. With a number of different mounting options available, you can beautifully capture anything from skydiving to mowing the lawn in crisp quality.

15. DJI Pocket 2

Display : 4K | Resolution : 64MP | Lens : 20mm | Waterproof: 60M with waterproof cover

Appropriately named Pocket 2, DJI has updated its small stabilized video camera. Following closely on from the DJI OM 4 smartphone’s gimbal, the Pocket 2 features a dedicated 4K video camera in addition to several of the same standout features, such as a three-axis stabilizer, time-lapse, hyperlapse, and panorama modes.

Although it has many features on its own, the DJI Pocket 2 can be connected to your smartphone using the adapters that come with it. This allows you to watch your movie and immediately share it on social media while using the DJI Mimo app as a secondary viewer.

You’ll undoubtedly find it difficult to get your hands on a more comprehensive feature set in a 4K video setup as small, compact, and affordable as this one.

How to choose a 4k camera

Before we get started, though, let’s take a closer look at what you should consider before buying a new 4K camera.

When buying any device, choosing the right one for your needs should come from a place of familiarity. You should know what factors to consider and what features to look for when buying a digital video camera that you can trust for photography and videography demands.

Frames per second

A camera’s frames per second (FPS) determine how smooth the video content is. The higher the number, the smoother the continuous video should look. That said, your camera’s FPS should matter more if you’re buying a 4k camera for professional use. Otherwise, a smaller FPS may not matter as much.

WiFi connectivity

If you love convenient recording setups, you’ll want to make sure your next 4K camera comes with wifi connectivity. This allows you to control your camera with your smartphone, play videos and view photos on a smart TV or even send files to another device. While it’s a nice feature, transferring and evaluating files via an SD card works just as well.

Image stabilization

Image stabilization is non-negotiable for any creative who is serious about buying a 4k camera. As implied, this helps you capture smooth and crisp video and photo content without any lag or shaking that you would experience without this feature.

Control S

The more you’re allowed to adjust your camera settings, the better. A 4k camera that comes with a plethora of controls that you can adjust and adjust to suit your needs is a great choice. If you’re buying an action camera, choose one that has a remote control. Again, the more control you have, the easier it will be to shoot and capture amazing content.

File storage

If you are a professional photographer, you may know that the camera storage is not enough to store all the images. Therefore, you should consider a 4k camera that has a MicroSD card slot. This will help capture a lot of 4k videos.