With one of the best hybrid cameras, content creators can be equally adept at shooting stills and movies. If you want to switch in an instant from shooting pin-sharp photos to crisp, high-quality video – a hybrid camera lets you do it seamlessly.
You might be a somewhat established content creator looking to step up from the best camera phone. Or, perhaps you're a fully-fledged filmmaker interested in the best cameras for video with stills on the side. Whatever your discipline, I’ve picked out today’s top hybrid cameras at all price points and levels to help you find the right one.
All of the cameras have been tested and reviewed by our experts. They've all got decent video resolutions and frame rates – 4K is a prerequisite for inclusion on this list. On the stills side, I've made sure each model has a decent burst-shooting rate, reliable autofocus, and enough megapixels to make a quality print. Read on to find the best hybrid camera for you.
Lauren has previously served as the Managing Editor at Digital Camera World, Editor of Digital Photographer and a features writer for Tech Radar, Canon Europe and Stuff magazine. She's spent over a decade in the photo industry and has shot stills and video content for clients using a wide range of hybrid DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
The Quick List
The Lumix S5 IIX is a balanced all-rounder, with the same brilliant 24.2MP full-frame sensor and Phase hybrid AF as the S5 II but with the ability to record 5.8K Apple ProRes video to an SSD drive. Get it if you're a serious filmmaker who can't afford the Sony A1 or EOS R5 C.
If you're into live-streaming or hoping to start, the GH5 II is a great option. It's Panasonic's most video-centric Micro Four Thirds camera, but dual SD card slots, IBIS, and 4K cement it as a fantastically affordable hybrid model.
The Nikon Z50 is the best choice for beginners who want to dabble in stills and video. It's small, easy to use, and offers a decent 4K video resolution for entry-level content creation. I'd get it with the twin-lens kit for maximum versatility out of the box.
The X-S20's headline specs include 26.1MP (APS-C) stills, and 6.2K 30P uncropped video. It's easily one of my favorite hybrid cameras for general use because it looks lovely, performs exceptionally well, has a huge lens lineup, and offers good value.
The Z8 is like a Z-series equivalent of the popular D850. The combination of a back-illuminated 45.7MP sensor for detailed low-light work, 5.5-stop IBIS and 8K video up to 60p will satisfy most advanced users and Nikon fans wanting a mirrorless camera.
The A1's 61MP sensor gives you gigantic, detailed stills and video capture tops out at 8K 30p, with the option of 4K 120p for smooth slow-motion footage. I was blown away by this camera's autofocus speed too, but you have to need it all to justify its prohibitive price.
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With 40fps blackout-free shooting, the Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the fastest guns in the west for sports shooters – and it's also a powerhouse for video, capable of producing 6.2K 30p video using the full width of its sensor. It's expensive for APS-C, but it's hugely capable.
The R5 C borrows good bits from the EOS R5 and adds unlimited video recording to make a phenomenal dedicated cinema camera. It's an entry-level Cinema EOS with the bonus of great stills, but only pro videographers will get the most out of its features.
The A6700 is an APS-C camera for advanced creators. It's a compact hybrid that still managed to make room for a viewfinder. With 4K 120p video recording, IBIS, and AI autofocus, it's a more traditional alternative to Sony's ZV vlogging lineup.
Don't let the R50's affordable price put you off. It's a beginner-friendly model with lots of clever features for content creators. You get a decent 24.2MP APS-C sensor, uncropped 4K 30p video, Canon's rapid AF, and vertical modes that are ideal for shooting content straight for social.
The best hybrid cameras in 2024
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Best all-rounder hybrid camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You need the extra features over the S5 II: The S5 IIX offers ProRes RAW video recording to a hard drive, making it more versatile as a capture device.
✅ You don't need an epic burst mode: The mechanical shutter is limited to 9fps which is lower than some rivals.
❌ You don't need full-frame: Other Panasonic cameras with a Micro Four Thirds sensor will come in cheaper.
❌ You're an enthusiast creator: The S5 IIX is geared toward pro use and doesn't have the same social-friendly features as the Canon EOS R50.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX is a mid-range hybrid camera in the same market sector as the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R6 II. It's almost identical to the Panasonic Lumix S5 II, an already competent hybrid camera and the previous all-rounder in this guide. I'd recommend reading our Panasonic Lumix S5 II vs S5 IIX article to compare the two more fully; essentially, the S5 IIX offers extra features for video users at a modest price increase.
The S5 II and S5IIX give 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 them highly versatile cameras for content creation. On top of this, the S5 IIX lets you record straight to external SSD devices, record video with less compression, and stream live to YouTube and Facebook.
Both variations are the first Lumix cameras to feature Phase Hybrid autofocusing combining PDAF with Contrast Detect AF to provide 779-area metering. This means they're adept at detecting and tracking subjects, especially in low light and backlit scenarios. For stills, our reviewer was "struck by the amount of data [the camera] retains in the shadows and highlights," and found that it could deliver clean frames in dark situations.
And while they praised the tough magnesium build and articulating screen, they found the battery was "the only real pain point when shooting video or a mix of photos and video." With 30fps maximum burst shooting, two SD card slots, a full-frame 24.2MP sensor, and epic video potential, the S5 IIX is the perfect choice if you're looking for a hybrid camera capable of capturing excellent stills while enabling a pro-level video workflow.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX review
Best affordable hybrid camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You do a lot of handheld shooting: The image stabilization goes up to 6.5 stops (lens dependent) and delivers shake-free footage.
✅ You'll be shooting outdoors often: The GH5 II's magnesium body is resistant to splashes and dust, and freezeproof down to -10 °C (14°F) for any cold weather spells.
❌ You want BIG resolution: The 20.3MP sensor is outclassed by several options on this list and isn't the most generous for landscape or fine art images.
❌ You need dependable run and gun AF: The GH5 II's autofocus for video is effective if you stay still, but not in the same league as rival cameras with phase AF.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is several years old, but one of the best-value hybrid cameras on the market right now. Why? The first GH5 was widely regarded as one of the best consumer video cameras you could buy, and the second generation is only an improvement on that for video producers. Unlike the full-frame S5 IIX above, the GH5 II has a smaller Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, which is easier to stabilize for video. You also get C4K/4K UHD up to 60p video, and wireless streaming support.
The GH5 II's high-end video features include vectorscope and waveform monitoring – these are both found in the EOS R5 C and prove Panasonic's dedication to making professional video. However, using the GH5 II isn't necessarily a steep learning curve. "The menu system is excellent, and a model of clarity both in its organization and its appearance," said our reviewer, also praising how the camera focus shifts smoothly and silently for video.
They also said that the Lumix GH5 II is hard to fault for stills photography. Its 20MP MFT sensor places limits on the resolution and high ISO performance, but our lab tests often show that MFT sensors hold their own against larger APS-C sensors. The 6.5-stop IBIS produced sharp images with 0.5sec and 1sec exposures, meaning you can push the camera in low light if that's something you need.
Many users will likely be put off by the GH5 II's chunky build, but I'd counter this by saying it helps it stay balanced with premium zoom lenses. Compared to many of the hybrid cameras on this list, the specs don't break any boundaries. But it adds up to more than the sum of its parts for stills and video shooters, particularly if you're on a budget.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix GH5 II review
Best hybrid camera for beginners
Specifications
Reasons to buy
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✅ You're a hobbyist: The Z50 is Nikon's best "serious" mirrorless camera under $1,000, balancing solid specs for stills and video if you're starting.
✅ You're happy with a few lenses: You can use all of Nikon's Z mount lenses with the Z50, but only a few DX lenses have been created specially for it.
❌ You need hyper-smooth footage: With only lens-based VR rather than IBIS, the Z50 won't handle camera shake effectively when moving fast.
❌ You want a vari-angle screen: The Z50's screen flips 180 degrees down for vlogging and selfies, but this can be awkward and obscured by a tripod.
The Nikon Z50 is a perfect hybrid shooter for anyone looking to expand their creative opportunities but is limited by budget. Nikon has made some savings by eliminating a few components you would find in higher-end cameras, such as image stabilization. That means you'll need a lens with some IS built-in if you want to get the most from your videos.
This APS-C camera performs in the image department, with an excellent 20.9MP sensor for stills, Nikon's well-regarded hybrid autofocus system from its higher-end cameras, 11fps shooting, and some impressive low light capabilities thanks to a native ISO range of ISO100-51,200. But it doesn't let up on the video thanks to video recording in 4K up to 30fps using the whole sensor, so there’s no unwieldy video cropping – which can't be said for some of its rivals.
The Z50 is designed to be small and agile. I find it ideal for travel and street shooting, but appreciate that you still get an electronic viewfinder if you like framing that way. Our reviewer praised the Z50’s ergonomic design and found that its deep grip paired well with the 16-50mm kit lens for a well-balanced combination. They also pointed to a potential flaw; the touchscreen “flips by 180 degrees to sit below the camera for selfies and vlogging… but would be obscured if the camera were mounted on a tripod.”
However, you are still left with a robust and modern set of features that will please almost any casual user or would-be influencer. The Z50 is cheaper and lighter than full-frame Z models, but it’s compatible with Z-mount lenses for greater versatility. To get the most from the system, I’d recommend pairing it with the 16-50mm pancake kit lens which is super-slim and has a full mechanical zoom.
Nikon has released a successor to this camera, the Nikon Z50 II, which offers 4K video at 60p (though with a crop) as well as more high-speed JPEG shooting options. We'll have to wait until we get it in for a full review before determining if it makes it onto this list, but in the meantime, you can read our Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z50 II comparison piece to get a feel for which model seems right for you.
Read our full Nikon Z50 review
Best enthusiast hybrid camera
Specifications
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✅ You want good battery life: With the same battery pack used in Fujifilm's medium format cameras, the X-S20 can last up to 800 shots.
✅ You like traditional cameras: Despite housing ultra-modern specs, this is still a more traditional-looking hybrid with Fujifilm's classic range of film simulations.
❌ You need rugged protection: The X-S20 looks pretty but isn't waterproof or weather-resistant for people who often shoot outside.
❌ You don't shoot much video: The 6K video capabilities may be more than you need, and the X-S10 is cheaper if you're mainly a stills photographer.
The Fujifilm X-S20 is the natural upgrade to the Fujifilm X-S10 – a take-anywhere camera that I loved as an alternative to my bulky full-frame model. It costs more than the X-S10 but improves on its in almost every way. For more serious content creation, you get 6.2K 30fps video with full subject tracking, and there's a new "Vlog" option on the mode dial for easy access to functions like Product Priority Mode, which can switch focus between your face and products that you're presenting to an audience.
On autofocus, the X-S20's Deep-Learning AI Technology automatically detects and tracks a broader range of subjects than before, and our reviewer found it very snappy across all subjects. "The camera almost instantly locked onto targets... and the human subject tracking modes work excellently, with the camera picking up the eyes and faces of subjects nearly without fail."
They also praised the camera's comfortable design, and although the electronic viewfinder isn't the sharpest or brightest of the cameras in the guide, it's still clear and smooth. Something increasingly rare but still useful for stills is the pop-up flash built into the top of the viewfinder.
With the X-S20 you get the usual range of brilliant Fujifilm film simulations to replicate a classic analog look in-camera – which can be applied to photos and videos. You can even use them while live streaming or using the X-S20 as a webcam.
This is the Fujifilm hybrid to beat, and while it doesn't fulfill a specific niche, I can see it appealing to a huge range of enthusiasts thanks to its gorgeous 26.2MP image quality, compact size, straightforward controls, and excellent battery life (around 700 shots). For hybrid creators who like classic styling, the X-S20 is a gorgeous choice.
Read our full Fujifilm X-S20 review
Best advanced hybrid camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ The Nikon Z9 is too big: The Z8 packs similar image and video quality levels as the Z9 into a smaller body.
✅ You want to upgrade your Nikon DSLR: If you've been waiting to upgrade to mirrorless and currently have a DSLR like the D850, the Z8 makes sense.
❌ You're already embedded with Canon: If you've bought into the Canon ecosystem and have compatible lenses, the EOS R5 makes more sense.
❌ You want the highest res possible: Sure, the 45MP sensor is impressive, but 60MP (and higher) resolution cameras are better suited for landscape photography.
The Nikon Z6 II previously had a spot in this guide, and for good reason. It offered decent hybrid specs for enthusiasts but the 4K 60p footage was cropped, and it didn't have an articulating screen, limiting its appeal for serious video and vlogging uses. By contrast, the Z8 is a much more advanced, expensive alternative, but it's the best Nikon camera overall, and one of the best hybrid cameras you can get.
The 45.7MP full-frame sensor almost rivals the Sony A1, and for video, there's up to 8K 60p video recording or 8K 30p with an impressive 2-hour record limit. That's better than the flagship EOS R5. Action photographers and wildlife photographers will also be well served by the 120fps continuous shooting speed, while the autofocus can recognize a huge range of subjects.
Design-wise, our expert reviewer found the Z8 "borrows much of its form factor and handling characteristics from the Nikon D850 – widely considered to be the best all-around DSLR ever made". It's got lots of direct-access controls, a tilting LCD (still not as good as a fully articulating screen), and a fully weather-sealed magnesium body for excellent durability outdoors. While we tested the Z8's autofocus on animals, we found it fell just short of rivals like the Canon EOS R5 and Sony's A1. It's still formidable, but not class-leading.
Like the Sony A1, the Z8 gives you a true combination of speed, resolution, ruggedness, and video capability in one. But it's a couple of grand cheaper. If you're already a Nikon shooter looking to upgrade, or a professional looking for an accomplished all-rounder to last for years to come, the Z8 could be it.
Read our full Nikon Z8 review
Best professional hybrid camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You shoot a bit of everything: The A1 is an outstanding all-rounder for professionals and blends speed and resolution to suit most hybrid applications.
✅ You need 8K video: 8K video is overkill for many destinations, but if you're looking for 8K 30p video the A1 can deliver.
❌ You need high resolution but not speed: If you're drawn to the A1's high megapixel count but not its high burst rate, the Sony A7R IV is cheaper with a bigger 61MP resolution.
❌ You're on a budget: It gets boring to keep saying a camera is expensive, but if you're looking for value in your hybrid camera, you won't find it in the A1.
So far, I’ve been covering hybrid cameras that are going to be reasonably affordable for a lot of people. Unlike those sensibly-priced options, the Sony A1 is the camera for top-of-the-line pros who need the best, regardless of price. It does everything and does it well, but it's only worth the price tag for the most demanding hybrid shooters.
I was lucky enough to use the A1 at its launch, and I found its advanced 759-point phase-detect AF system could keep up with dancers, animals, and people alike. Its resolution also makes it a good contender for fine art landscapes that need printing big. Our reviewer said that this high-resolution sensor "means the Sony A1 isn't a low-light specialist, but it holds up pretty well in the dark." They also praised its accurate exposures and found that Sony’s BIONZ XR processor has improved the color depth and fidelity.
On the video side, the Sony A1 can shoot 8K video at up to 30p, or 4K at a highly impressive 120p. For photography, there's a 51.4MP sensor, a maximum continuous shooting rate of up to 30fps, and a big buffer capacity to boot. All this is encased in a body with absolutely superb handling, including one of the best electronic viewfinders ever to grace a mirrorless camera.
The Sony A1 costs about as much as any two other cameras on this list combined, but if you're a professional who needs a reliable camera for everything that clients might ask of you, it's a great investment. If you don’t need everything it can do, then it simply isn’t worth it. But if you do – well, you’ve got a spectacular camera at your disposal.
One thing that's worth noting is that Sony has recently taken the wraps off its update to this camera, the Sony A1 II. While it's not looking like a radical overhaul of the original A1, its updated processor and next-generation autofocus capabilities should put it back at the top of the pack – especially when you consider that its price tag of $6,499 / £6,299 is actually a little lower than the A1 was at launch. Once we've taken this camera for longer test, we'll be able to determine whether it belongs in this list or not – until then, the original Sony A1 stays here.
Read our full Sony A1 review
Best hybrid camera for speed
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want class-leading shooting speeds: With up to 40fps available when using the electronic shutter, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a speed demon.
✅ You want open gate video: The Fujifilm X-H2S uses the entire width of its APS-C sensor to record high-quality video, which not all hybrids do.
❌ You want full frame: While the APS-C sensor puts in an excellent performance, full-frame rivals still edge it out at higher sensitivities.
❌ You want a budget option: This is still a pretty expensive camera, especially for APS-C and even a couple of years down the line.
The Fujifilm X-H2S is a muscly option for photographers and videographers alike. It seems expensive at first blush, especially for an APS-C camera, but once you dig into its features – as I did in my review – you find you’ve got a superstar stills speedster on one hand, and a comprehensive video professional on the other – both in the same body. And what hybrid shooter can ask for more than that?
Let’s look at stills first. The Fujifilm X-H2S shoots at 26.1MP, which is fairly low especially compared to some of the competition on here, but is realistically enough for most purposes. It uses a stacked sensor design that allows for blinding readout speeds and enabled blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 40 frames per second. That beats both the Sony A1 and the Nikon Z8, and the X-H2S also has a deep buffer to keep up.
While conventional wisdom says that APS-C sensors offer inferior dynamic range compared to full-frame, in my testing the Fujifilm X-H2 held its own against full-frame rivals like the Nikon Z6 II and Canon EOS R6 II. It was only when the ISO was taken above 6400 that the larger-sensor models really pulled ahead.
Video-wise, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a stunner. It shoots 6.2K 30p 10-bit video open-gate, meaning it uses the full width of its sensor. It also supports three Apple ProRes codecs – ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT, and offers F-Log2 capability for maximising dynamic range. Recording times are up to 240 minutes in 4K 60p thanks to a superb heat-dissipating structure, though if you need it, you can buy and attach the optional cooling fan.
Superb in both stills and video capabilities, the Fujifilm X-H2S is a true hybrid camera – especially for sports shooters who want its speed.
Read our full Fujifilm X-H2S review
Best hybrid camera for filmmakers
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You use a tripod or gimbal: Canon has traded the EOS R5's in-body image stabilization for fan-powered cooling, which isn't great news for handheld filming.
✅ You're filming productions: With dedicated cinema menus, the R5 C puts all the settings you need in a sensible, ordered place.
❌ You want a seamless hybrid: The R5 C has separate modes for separate stills and video modes, and you have to reboot it to switch between them.
❌ You don't need 8K: As with the Sony A1, 8K video is still unnecessary for most outputs, and you might be paying more for specs that sound good on paper.
The Canon EOS R5 C is a unique addition to this guide, and will only appeal to professional videographers and dedicated cinematic shooters. I've included it because it takes many design cues from the flagship Canon EOS R5 and makes an entry-level Cinema EOS – one that's smaller and cheaper than most – with the bonus of great stills capture. Our reviewer called it "two cameras in one."
The headline video feature is 8K video at 30p (which reaches 60p with a compatible external power supply) and oversampled 4K at 120fps. As a dedicated video camera, Canon has installed a cooling fan and vents that mean you should be able to shoot unlimited 8K video without overheating – a big improvement on the EOS R5. The downside of this is that you lose IBIS, although Five-axis Electronic IS helps to smooth handheld footage.
The EOS R5 C has a very similar design to the EOS R5, and while it will feel familiar to Canon users, there's a separate Cinema EOS menu with the option to set things like waveform, vectorscope monitors, and false colors. While having two menus for stills and video might seem complex, this allows you to differentiate more clearly between the two and offers a video-oriented workflow when you need it.
Our review called the EOS R5 C’s still photography output first-rate. "Raws from the 45-megapixel EOS R5 C are packed full of detail and processed sympathetically and are capable of serious enlargement"
If you're a serious content creator or videographer, the EOS R5 C is a better investment than the EOS R5. There are too many internal and external recording modes to list, and while you don't get built-in ND filters as with some of Canon's advanced camcorders or the EOS C70, these are by no means dealbreakers.
Read our full Canon EOS R5 C review.
Best portable hybrid camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a viewfinder: It's rare to get a viewfinder on an APS-C camera this small, even if it is placed to the left rather than central.
✅ You want a travel hybrid: The A6700 is comfortable to hold, well-built, compact, and has decent battery life too.
❌ You want low light performance: The APS-C sensor doesn't handle noise as well as full-frame alternatives, and it becomes an issue above ISO 6400.
❌ You want uncropped 4K slow-mo: With a heavy 1.6x crop on 4K 120p slow-motion footage, you'll need a wider lens to get the most from it.
The Sony a6700 is the next camera on from the a6600, and it’s a slimline mirrorless APS-C camera for hybrid shooters who still want a viewfinder. 4K 120p video recording, IBIS, and the latest in AI autofocus make this a compelling alternative to Sony's ZV vlogging lineup. Altogether, it feels more adult, with more of a lean towards the stills experience.
The a6700’s 26MP APS-C sensor is modest when you compare it to something like the Sony A1, but it’s not designed for professionals making massive prints. Nor is it priced as such. For stills, our reviewer praised the accurate colors it could capture – including skin tones – with a “richness and vibrancy that makes them pop without looking unnatural.” Sony’s Bionz XR processor and AI Chip also work together for fast and accurate focus acquisition. “Where the a6700 now shines is in its AI recognition and tracking capabilities.”
Tracking is also incredibly reliable for video, with the camera able to follow subjects moving in and out of the frame without hesitation. And while image stabilization will be enough for gentle pans and zooms, IBIS is softer for walking shots (nothing a basic gimbal wouldn’t solve).
The A6700 is a little pricey when compared to the competition, and it costs more than the fantastic Fujifilm X-S20 in this guide. The viewfinder is one of this camera’s selling points, but it falls down in its resolution, brightness, and positioning on the left. Still, I think the A6700 is one of the best options for hybrid travel photographers or content creators who like the Sony ecosystem and want professional features in a compact package.
Read our full Sony a6700 review
Best hybrid camera for vlogging
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're shooting for socials: With dedicated vertical video recording and easy footage transfers to a phone, you'll be able to share content almost instantly.
✅ You want guidance: The R50 has brilliantly helpful guided interfaces, 14 stills scene modes, and six movie modes to help you adapt to different scenes.
❌ You've been shooting for a while: The EOS R50 is limited by one memory card slot and UHD 4K 30p video, which will leave advanced creators wanting.
❌ You want solid design chops: The EOS R50 won't win any design awards, and its mainly plastic body makes it feel like a toy.
The best hybrid camera for vloggers was previously the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, but the EOS R50 combines the best features of the M50 Mark II and the R10 to make a perfect entry-level hybrid for content creators. If you're upgrading from a smartphone, and want a compact camera that's delightfully easy to use, this is the one. There's an optional guided interface, explaining modes and settings in a way that means beginners can get great results quickly.
At the camera's launch, I spoke to several successful creators to find out how the EOS R50 elevated their stills and video content. They all mentioned the vari-angle touchscreen for easy vlogging, the speed at which they could send footage to the Canon Camera Connect app (via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) for quick sharing, and the quality of the stills and video.
The EOS R50 has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor for stills and maxes out at 1080p up to 120p, 4K up to 30p (uncropped) for videos. This isn't enough for professional video applications but is fine for social-first content. Our reviewer noted that "the AF is very impressive for a camera of this category, and bringing Dual Pixel AF II to its entire mirrorless range is a huge home run for Canon."
Like the Fujifilm X-S20, there's a product mode that transitions focus from your face to products in the scene, and you can shoot vertical video natively. Being a cropped sensor camera, the same focal length displayed is narrower than on a full-frame camera. To get the most out of this camera for vlogging, I'd recommend a wider 10-18mm lens (the camera uses the Canon RF mount for RF-S lenses) plus a microphone that you can attach to the camera's hotshoe for the best audio output.
Read our full Canon EOS R50 review
How to choose the best hybrid cameras
You can find the best hybrid cameras in all form factors; DSLR, mirrorless, compact, and a combination of the three. To find the right one for you, consider how much you want to spend and what you need it for. Are you going to shoot stills and videos equally, or does one take priority?
If you're a professional creator seeking the best stills and video resolution money can buy, a flagship performer like the Sony A1 makes sense. But most of us don't need this much power (or have the budget for it), and a mid-range model will offer greater value. Sensor size will somewhat dictate a camera's image quality and while full-frame sensor cameras offer better noise handling in low light, they also cost more than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds.
If you're a videographer planning to shoot content for demanding clients or cinematic outputs, you'll need to scrutinize video resolution and frame rates more closely than if you're a wannabe vlogger just wanting to boost a social channel.
If you're upgrading an old camera, you might have a collection of lenses that you want to use on a new model. If you're buying your first "proper camera", this won't matter so much. The camera's design and ergonomics are important too. A heavy camera will weigh you down if you're into run-and-gun footage, but you might prefer the defined grip of a DSLR if you mainly shoot handheld.
What is a hybrid camera?
The term hybrid camera is relatively recent, and it means a camera that's equally good at capturing stills and video. Its specs, build and features are designed for both mediums, and where you used to need two separate cameras to shoot photos and video content, hybrid cameras can do everything in one, saving you space and money.
What is the best hybrid camera for landscape photography?
There isn't one specific hybrid camera that will excel for landscape photography. For landscape work, you'll generally want a camera with a high resolution – for detail and the option of making large prints – and a high dynamic range to squeeze all the juice from the highlights and shadows in the scene. I'd recommend looking at the best cameras for landscape photography (which can all shoot video) and narrowing down the selection based on your budget and resolution needs.
How we test the best hybrid cameras
The best hybrid cameras come in all formats and price points, and we extensively test all of them beyond the specs list from a manufacturer. First, we’ll use the cameras in real-life shoots, then we’ll perform lab-controlled tests to analyze their performance.
Our real-world testing is carried out by experts who have years of experience with hybrid cameras. Because these models have been designed to excel for both stills and video, we’ll ask our testers to shoot in the two mediums over several days or weeks and report back on their honest experiences. They’ll give their pros and cons of aspects like the design, performance, and functionality, and share test stills and footage straight from the camera, without any editing.
Cameras then go to the lab, where controlled tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range.
Find out more about how we test and review at Digital Camera World.
