With the right camera for filmmaking, you can capture cinematic footage, shoot dynamic music videos, or document your own adventures with ease. There are numerous options available, but we’ve tested and curated the best cameras for filmmaking today, assessing their design, performance, and image quality.
Key features we looked at include 4K/6K recording, smooth in-body image stabilization, various video modes, and the essential flip-out screen for flexible shooting angles.
While some may find the best phones for video recording and vlogging sufficient, those seeking top-level performance should explore the best 8K and 6K cameras or best cinema cameras. Interchangeable lens cameras offer greater versatility and more professional results, allowing you to add accessories like a shotgun mic, on-camera monitor, or video light to elevate your production.
Our list includes not only cameras designed specifically for video but also the best hybrid cameras that excel at both photography and videography.
Sebastian Oakley
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in medium and large format photography with products by Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar and has used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between.
If you want a great hybrid camera that can take amazing 4K video, but also capture 33MP stills, the Sony A7 IV is the perfect candidate for your kit bag. Read more below
Not everyone needs or wants 8K - but if you want the ulitmate in video resolution the R5 is a brilliant choice It's equally as good at shooting stills as it is at filmmaking. Read more below
If you want a small, compact cinema camera that's capable of 6K video full frame recording then look no further, this is your perfect match. Read more below
The best filmmaking cameras in 2024
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Max continuous shooting speed: 30fps (electronic shutter)
Max video resolution: 6K (Full-sensor readout)/29.97/25/24/23.98p
Reasons to buy
+
Value for money
+
Best-in-class stabilization
+
Professional video functionality
+
Unlimited recording
Reasons to avoid
-
No tally lights
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No CF Express slot
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Flip-out screen blocked by cables
Buy it if:
✅ You want value for money: Given its the latest flagship this camera offers great specs for the money
✅ You want unlimited recording: Record in 6K with no limits, make sure you have a big enough memory card
Don't buy it if:
❌You use fast CF Express cards: With no CF Express slots you are going to have to use slower SD cards instead
❌ You want a clear monitor: Flip-out screen can be blocked by cables when fully rigged out
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II builds on the original Lumix S5’s tough compact frame, class-leading 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and excellent color science.
The most significant new addition is a Phase Hybrid autofocus system that combines PDAF with Contrast Detect AF to provide 779-area metering. This means it's better at detecting and tracking subjects, especially in low light and backlit scenarios.
The Lumix S5 II gives you truly unlimited 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit recording internally, S&Q 4K/60p (a high-speed 60fps) and FHD/180p, as well as up to 6K, full sensor readout video recording, making it a highly versatile camera for content production. And at $2500/£2000, the LUMIX S5 II is astonishingly good value for money.
✅ You want slow motion: with 4K 120p slo-mo this is a great option to record something spectacular
✅ You want the best: this is the flagship video camera from Fujifilm right now
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: Its flagship status means you'll need to pay a high price for its features
❌ You want full frame: this is the best APS-C camera around, but you won't get that amazing full-frame look
The Fujifilm X-H2S is the fastest camera in the Fujifilm X-mount range and can capture 4k video at 120fps. With a chunky pro-spec body and handling, a top-mounted status panel, and a fifth-generation sensor, it offers four times the speed of its predecessor.
The X-H2S can shoot at 40fps with minimal screen blackout, has in-body stabilization, a flip-out vari-angle screen, and a 5.76m dot electronic viewfinder.
There's so much power here for professional photographers and filmmakers will need it – but it comes at a price. The X-H2S is the ultimate professional APS-C camera and is ideal for filming wildlife and sports – or anyone who wants to shoot fast.
with its ability to capture 6K and 4K at 120fps, while also being able to capture 40fps stills this is a great option for those wanting a great hybrid camera
4.5 / 5
Performance:
This camera offers the best of video and stills in one camera, and speed is its key features of 120p slow-motion and 40fps stills
4 / 5
Value:
Its value reflects its flagship status , it might be out of reach for some, but for many its worth the pennies
Continuous shooting speed: 14fps with AFS, 8fps with AFC + Live View
Max video resolution: 5.7K
Reasons to buy
+
Shoots 5.7K at 60p
+
Impressive choice of codecs
+
25MP stills
Reasons to avoid
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Can only shoot Raw video with external recorder
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Big for a micro four thirds camera
Buy it if:
✅ You love codecs: With a huge choice of codecs you can be sure to have the right one for your workflow style
✅ You want more than 4K: with a top resolution of 5.7K at 60p this is a great choice for those seeking more than 4K
Don't buy it if:
❌You want to shoot RAW internally: RAW can only be shot externally via a recorder, which adds extra bulk
❌ You want compact: This is a little on the large side for a MFT camera
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 had pretty big boots to fill following the popular Panasonic Lumix GH5, which was long regarded one of the very best value options for shooting video. However, the GH6 is an improvement in just about every way. It has a brand new 25.2MP sensor, it can shoot 4K at 120p or a staggering 5.7K at 60p.
For those looking to shoot stills, Panasonic decided to stick with its DFD (Depth From Defocus) contrast AF system which is super fast and effective. From what we've seen so far, the image quality is very good, it can shoot up to 75fps in burst mode (when using the electronic shutter and AFS) although this is reduced to 8fps when shooting with continuous AF.
The body is very big for a Micro Four Thirds camera – it's even bigger than some of the Sony A7 bodies however, the lenses are still much more compact and there are loads to choose from.
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Comments:
Rating:
Features:
With a 5.7K video this Micro Four Thirds camera really delivers. it also offers 14fps still shooting of 25MP and it perfect for film students wanting a very capable camera
4.5 / 5
Performance:
With its impressive video codes and 25MP stills this budget otion really offers great features for anyone looking to start their career in filmmaking
4 / 5
Value:
Priced at a reasonable price ti offers a lot for the money
ISO range: 100 to 51,200 (exp. 204,800 stills, 102,400 video)
Memory cards: 1x CFexpress Type A/SD UHS-II, 1x SD UHS-II
Reasons to buy
+
Unprecedented buffer capacity
+
10-bit 4:2:2 video and 4K 60p
+
Super-responsive AF
+
Extensive external controls
Reasons to avoid
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Priced for semi-pros, not beginners
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Needs a fast card to record best quality video
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Cropped timelapse/ slow-motion mode
Buy it if:
✅ You want 10-bit: the ability to record 10-bit 4:2:2 4K internally makes it great for pro work
✅ You want great autofocus: the A7 IV comes with super quick AF that responds lightning-fast in video mode
Don't buy it if:
❌You have low-end cards: to shoot at the best quality Sony you need high-end media
❌ You want a "video first" camera: while it shoots amazing 4K video, the A7 IV is a photo camera first
The Sony A7 IV isn't just a successor to the older (but still current) A7 III; it's a significantly more advanced camera designed for a higher-level audience.
Stills photographers will appreciate its 33MP resolution and impressive burst mode, while filmmakers will find it a substantial upgrade from the A7 III.
With 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, the Sony S-Log3 mode becomes much more effective for color grading, and although the 4K 60p recording requires a switch to Super35 crop mode, the Sony A7 III couldn't handle 4K 60p at all.
Additionally, the A7 III’s 4K 30p recording has a 1.2x crop factor, and only the 25/24p 4K is full width.
Max continuous shooting speed: 12fps mechanical shutter, 20fps electronic
Max video resolution: 8K
User level: Professional
Reasons to buy
+
Best AF on the market
+
Best full-frame IBIS
+
8K video is astounding
Reasons to avoid
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Video recording limitations
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Standard 4K is just okay
Buy it if:
✅ You want 8K: it's the only camera in our list to shoot 8K
✅ You want IBIS: equipped with full-frame IBIS the R5 has the best stabilization around
Don't buy it if:
❌ If your computer isn't up to it: video files can be massive with 8K, demanding top computer power
❌ If you don't have the storage: due to file size you will need masses of back-up space
The Canon EOS R5 has paved the way for the future of Canon cameras. With a 45MP sensor, 20fps burst shooting, and super-fast autofocus, as far as a stills camera goes it's hard to beat. Its video capabilities are equally impressive. Despite the bad rep it has received for overheating when recording 8K video the Canon EOS R5 is still a landmark camera.
If you're recording lots of short clips you shouldn't experience overheating issues. If it wasn't for the high price point, we would have given the Canon EOS R5 the top spot on our list. When you also factor in how expensive some of the best Canon RF lenses you're looking at spending thousands to get a complete video set up.
✅ You want compact: its box-style form factor lets this be rigged to the basics to full studio productions
✅ You value low-light performance: equipped with dual native ISOs the BS1H it excellent in low-light situations
Don't buy it if:
❌ Want a built-in screen: due to its size Panasonic has removed the rear screen, so you need to use an external monitor
❌ Have to buy a battery: keeping with compact you get a DC lead for power, but you have to buy a battery for remote work
For serious video shooters, the Panasonic Lumix BSH1 boxcam can make a lot of sense as it can be rigged up for a multitude of different uses. It has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor with Dual Native ISO technology, 14+ stops of dynamic range and an OLPH (Optical Low Pass Filter) which helps to suppress moire and false colors and make it excellent in low light.
It's capable of recording 6K 24p or 4K 60p 10 bit when using an image area equivalent to Super 35mm. If you're using the entire 35mm sensor area, it can shoot 4K 30p 10-bit 4.2.2 in H.264.
With live streaming growing increasingly popular, the BS1H is capable of transmitting high-quality footage to social streaming platforms over a wired LAN collection. It can stream 4K 60p video in H.265 which means the bit rate is halved and the image quality is kept the same.
The lack of a screen may be off-putting but its modular system means you can easily attach an external recorder such as the Atmos Ninja V which will also make it capable of outputting 12-bit raw video.
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Comments:
Rating:
Features:
Box-style design, 6K full frame video, Leica L mount
4 / 5
Performance:
Offering a lot of mounting options, and 6K video this is one of the best box-style cameras out there, for a decent price!
5 / 5
Value:
While it might seems pricey to some, its the best box-style out there for affordability
✅ You shoot a lot of doc-work: due to its form factor and features this is the perfect camera for documentary filmmakers
✅ You want great dynamic range: equipped with 16 stops of dynamic range you can be sure to capture outstanding cinematic visuals
Don't buy it if:
❌Want to shoot RAW: Unfortunately, no RAW options are available on the C70
❌ Lens restrictions: due to its RF mount you are limited on lens choices
The Canon EOS C70 is Canon's first RF-mount cinema camera offering 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 a game-changing touchscreen which makes accurately focusing quicker and easier. The C70 boasts the deep learning iTR AFX system from the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II which offers head detection and extremely accurate autofocus.
If you don't want to invest in expensive RF lenses we suggest you use an adapter to mount EF lenses onto them. Canon's new speed booster will also enable you to use them with an extra f-stop and a full-frame angle of view. Where the C70 falls down is that it doesn't record RAW and you can't use PL glass on it - for that, you'll have to step up to the Canon C300 Mark III.
Offering great audio options for documentary filmmakers, 4K video and RF-mount - it offer a lot in a compact package
4 .5 / 5
Performance:
with 4K 120fps or 2K at 180fps its slow-motion performance is excellent. While its dual-gain ISO makes it a perfect run-and-gun setup for docuseries filmmaking
5 / 5
Value:
This is a pro-system, so the price is quite astronomical!
We test the best filmmaking cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled conditions. In our tests, we look at the resolution, dynamic range in real-world use cases and make our judgement on years of expertise in the field of filmmaking and photography. Find out how we test and review on Digital Camera World
What other equipment can you use for filming?
There are lots of devices you can use for recording video these days such as action cameras, camera phones or 360 cameras. While something like the Sony A1 might be the best option for a pro at the top of the game (and with a massive budget), for someone wanting to film a first person perspective of downhill skiing it wouldn't be the best choice! , The perfect camera for you all comes down to what and how you shoot and everyone is different.
There are hundreds of video accessories out there including gimbals, microphones and camera rigs and if you're starting to get really serious it might also be worth investing in a dedicated video editing monitor. Not only will it make your job a lot easier, but it will accurately reproduce colors and be high res so you can really appreciate the 4K video.
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
