The best 8K and 6K cameras represent the next generation of video content production. Able to capture crystal-clear video in ultra-high resolutions, these are the cameras for serious filmmakers and video professionals who need all the advantages these modes bring. We've reviewed all the cameras on this list, and only models that have seriously impressed our team have made it onto the list.
Most of the options you'll find on this guide are hybrid mirrorless cameras, designed to excel at both video and photography. Of course, you'll also find some of the best cinema cameras, as well as a 360-degree camera option. We've kept price in mind when making our picks, so this isn't simply a list of the top-of-the-line professional models. 8K and 6K video are more within reach of the average consumer than they ever have been – as this list demonstrates.
High-resolution video capture is a tricky beast, bringing with it issues like overheating, processing power requirements, and huge file sizes that need plenty of storage space. You may find the 6K options on this list more practical for your workflow than the 8K cameras – though we could hardly let this list go by without at least mentioning Blackmagic's 12K magnum opus, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K. You can browse the quick list below for a rapid-fire overview of our picks, or read on to find out in full detail which cameras we've picked and why.
Sebastian 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, while also operating his own RED camera setup.
The quick list
The Nikon Z9 is late to the pro mirrorless party – but with 120fps bursts and 2½ hours of 8K video, it may not matter.
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The Sony A1 is a flagship mirrorless camera with staggering specs matched to a pretty staggering price point. We check it out.
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The Fujifilm X-H2 is quite simply astonishing for the price. It may well be Fujifilm's most expensive camera yet but there is good reason for it.
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The Canon EOS R5 is a sublime piece of camera engineering, and produces utterly pristine 8K footage. Overheating issues aside, its autofocus system is one of the finest on the market.
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The mirrorless Sony A7R V may be a physically light and slim camera, but in terms of resolution and performance, it's a real heavyweight.
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It may be costly, but the Kandao QooCam 8K 360 is in a class of its own when it comes to high-resolution 360º content. For capturing absolutely everything around you, it's the best bet.
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The Panasonic Lumix BS1H is squarely pitched at serious filmmakers. With cutting-edge specs in a small form factor, it can be used solo with ease.
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It may not reach the 8K heights of the Nikon Z9 or Sony A1, but the Canon EOS R3 is a 6K beast that benefits from futuristic features like Eye Control focus – which really works!
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While 'pocket' is a bit of a misnomer in terms of its physical size, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro delivers a spectacular pro filmmaking spec, at a wallet-friendly price.
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With phase-detection autofocus and a gallery of cine-optimised features, the Lumix S5 IIX is the hybrid camera of choice for those who shoot a lot of video.
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If nothing but the best will do, why not opt for the only camera on the market that shoots 12K! Built like a tank, the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 12K is made for professional use.
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The best 8K and 6K cameras in 2024
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Best 8K Nikon camera
✅ 8K 30p & 60p: Capable of 8K video recording at 30fps in 10-bit Apple ProRes 4:2:2 HQ and 60fps in 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ.
✅ Nine Recognition Modes: Recognizes human and animal eyes, heads, bodies, and even vehicles like cars, trains, and motorbikes.
❌ Steeper Learning Curve: The advanced autofocus system with Deep Learning recognition can be complex for users not familiar with such technology.
❌ No Backup Shutter Option: For those who prefer having a mechanical shutter option, the Z9 lacks this completely, which might be a drawback in certain situations where electronic shutters struggle (e.g., artificial light flicker).
Nikon might've been late to the game in launching its professional, top-spec mirrorless but the Nikon Z9 was definitely worth the wait. It's an absolute beast of a camera when it comes to video, capable of recording in 8K 30p 10-bit Apple ProRes 4:2:2 HQ or 8K 60p 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ and has an enormous record limit of 2 hours.
Nikon removed the mechanical shutter completely which means the Z9 is capable of 120fps continuous shooting and has a max shutter speed of 1/32,000 which makes it perfect for sport and bird photography. The Z9 is powered by Deep Learning AF which makes the camera capable of nine kinds of recognition: human eyes, faces, heads and upper bodied; animal eyes, heads, and bodies; and cars, planes, trains, and motorbikes.
It has the same 493 AF points as the Nikon Z7 II, which seems impressive until you find out that the Canon EOS R3 has a whopping 4,779 AF points. The Z9 comes in quite a bit cheaper than both the Sony A1 and the Canon EOS R3 and it's packed with advanced features.
Read our full Nikon Z9 review for more details
Best 8K Sony camera
✅ Versatile Performance: Capable of shooting all types of photography and videography, from sports to fine details and landscapes.
✅ Fast and Accurate AF: The A1 has exceptional autofocus capabilities, performing well even in fast-paced shooting scenarios.
❌ Extremely Expensive: The Sony A1 is priced significantly higher than other top-tier models like the Sony A9 II and Fujifilm GFX 100S. It may only be justifiable for professionals who need the best in terms of both video and stills performance.
❌ Stabilization Issues Pre-Update: In-body stabilization only works as intended after updating the firmware to version 1.10. Without the update, stabilization performance might not meet expectations.
If you have an obscene amount of money to spend on a camera, you can't really beat the Sony A1. There is nothing it can't shoot may it be sports, fine details, portraits, landscapes, or video. Thanks to its insane 30fps continuous shooting, its 50.1-megapixel resolution, 8K recording, and its fully weather-sealed body, it's an absolute powerhouse of a camera. Perhaps the only downside is the fact it doesn't have a fully articulated screen.
While the Sony A1 is probably one of the fastest and most powerful cameras you can buy, it comes with a pretty weighty price tag. It costs almost twice the amount of the Sony A9 II and it's even more expensive than Fujifilm's phenomenal GFX 100S. It does have a tendency to top out at 15-20fps which while is still pretty fast, it's not exactly what the spec sheet says. Also, it's worth noting that you need to update the firmware to 1.10 in order for its in-body stabilization to work as intended. Despite those two little niggles, it's an absolute beast of a camera and a joy to shoot with.
Read our full Sony A1 review for more details
Best 8K Fujifilm camera
✅ Versatile Resolution: Capable of recording in both 8K 30p and 6.2K 30p, offering flexibility in video quality and file sizes.
✅ Smooth Shooting: The in-body stabilization ensures smoother footage, particularly when shooting handheld or in challenging conditions.
❌ APS-C Sensor: While the camera excels in many areas, it uses an APS-C sensor rather than a full-frame sensor. This could be a disadvantage for users who prioritize the larger sensor format for depth of field and low-light performance.
❌ Lacks Higher Frame Rate Options: Unlike the X-H2S, the X-H2 cannot record 5K 120p, which limits options for super slow-motion footage.
The Fujifilm X-H2 is quite simply astonishing for the price. It may well be Fujifilm's most expensive camera yet but there is good reason for it and you'd be hard-pushed to find another 8K camera at this price. Whether you're using it for photography or videography, the high-resolution sensor, in-body stabilization and lightning-fast AF make for an incredibly smooth shooting experience.
One of the disadvantages to shooting 8K is overheating but the X-H2 comes with cooling vents that claim a recording time of 160 minutes at 25° without any cooling or 240 minutes with the cooling fan (purchased separately). It might not be able to capture 5K 120P like the Fujifilm X-H2S but it can record 8K 30P and 6.2K 30P. This incredibly versatile camera would be well suited to a content creator who needs to shoot high-quality videos and photos but doesn't need a full-frame sensor.
Read our full Fujifilm X-H2 review for more details or Fujifilm X-H2 vs Fujifilm X-H2s
Best 8K Canon camera
✅ Extended Recording Times with Firmware: A firmware update has addressed overheating issues and extended the 8K recording times, making it more reliable for long video shoots.
✅ High Frame Rates: Capable of shooting 4K video at 120fps, giving users more creative options for slow-motion footage.
❌ Overheating in 8K: The R5 attracted attention for overheating during 8K video recording, limiting long sessions. Although the firmware update has helped, it still requires careful management in certain conditions.
❌ Performance Trade-offs: While excellent in many areas, the camera is not perfect at everything. Some users might find certain compromises, particularly in extended 8K recording or in more demanding professional videography.
As a stills camera, the Canon EOS R5 is simply Canon's finest product ever. It’s the perfect amalgamation of the EOS R’s form, the EOS 5D’s function, and the professional-grade autofocus of the EOS-1D X. If you're a stills or hybrid shooter who flits between photography and videography, it's one of the best cameras you will ever have the pleasure of using.
It has attracted some attention for the wrong reasons, notably overheating (or the threat of it) when recording 8K video, but this shouldn't detract from this camera's extraordinary capabilities, and a subsequent firmware update has extended its 8K recording times. It's not perfect at everything, but given its resolution, its frame rate, and its video capabilities combined, this is genuinely a landmark camera. What's more – and this might sound a little strange – it's taken the arrival of the much more expensive Sony A1 to realize just how good the Canon EOS R5 actually is.
Read our full Canon EOS R5 review for more details
Best 8K camera for travelling light
✅ AI Subject Recognition AF: The new AI-driven autofocus system excels at rapid subject identification and tracking, making it highly effective for both stills and video. This "sticky" AF system is particularly helpful for fast-moving subjects.
✅ Endless Customization Options: The camera's buttons can be fully customized to suit the user's workflow, allowing for personalized control, although this comes with a learning curve.
❌ Physically Underwhelming: The compact body design feels too small for the larger professional lenses typically used with this camera. This could be uncomfortable for users who prefer a more substantial grip when working with heavier lenses.
❌ Unoptimized Controls: The button layout feels generic and not specifically tailored to the camera’s high-end capabilities. While customizable, this requires effort and memorization to make full use of the camera’s potential.
Technically overwhelming, physically underwhelming – that’s how the A7R V feels. The camera body feels too small – or not tall enough in the body – for the big pro lenses you’ll be using with it, and the controls follow a generic layout rather than being adapted to this camera’s strengths. You can customize the buttons endlessly to suit the way you work, but that takes time and also a good memory for which button you’ve customized to do what.
Technically, the A7R V is stunning. With 61 megapixels paired with new AI subject recognition AF is remarkable, both for its rapid identification and acquisition and its very sticky ‘tracking’. The image quality is every bit as good as that of the A7R IV before it (Sony says it’s better), and the bigger buffer makes the A7R V much more effective for prolonged burst shooting.
Read our full Sony A7R V review for more details
Best 8K 360 camera
✅ 8K Resolution: The QooCam 8K offers the highest image quality in the 360º camera market, with 8K resolution delivering exceptional detail, sharpness, and smoothness in both 360º and widescreen video formats.
✅ 360º and Widescreen Versatility: The ability to capture 360º footage and then extract high-quality widescreen shots makes this camera extremely versatile for filmmakers who want creative flexibility.
❌ Noticeable Fan: The camera has an audible fan that can be picked up by the microphone, which may be a distraction in quiet shooting environments or require post-processing to reduce noise in audio recordings.
❌ Not Waterproof Without Housing: The QooCam 8K isn't waterproof, and you’ll need to purchase a separate housing for underwater or wet-weather use. This adds cost and reduces its convenience for outdoor and adventure filming.
The QooCam 8K is the best 360 camera right now for image quality. A massive (by 360 standards) 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, 10-bit color, and, of course, that 8K resolution make sure of that. When it comes to the quality of its photos and videos, the QooCam 8K is peerless in the 360º market.
Photos have plenty of colors and contrast like nothing we’ve seen before from a camera like this. The ability to spit out a great-looking photo from a 360º video is welcome, while the detail, sharpness, and smoothness of video – whether in 360º or cut down to widescreen – itself makes the QooCam 8K a giant leap forward for creative filmmakers.
It does have an audible fan, however, the battery life isn't great and it's not waterproof without a housing. It was also pretty expensive.
Read our full QooCam 8K review for more details
Best 6K box camera
✅ 6K and 4K Recording: The Panasonic Lumix BS1H can record 6K 24p or 4K 60p in 10-bit when using an image area equivalent to Super 35mm, offering exceptional detail and flexibility for serious video shooters.
✅ Superior Low-Light Performance: The Dual Native ISO technology helps in maintaining image quality in various lighting conditions, making it ideal for low-light shoots.
❌ Lack of Display: The BS1H does not come with an integrated screen, which can be inconvenient for some users. An external monitor is necessary, adding to the overall cost and setup complexity.
❌ Limited Full-Frame 4K at Higher Frame Rates: When using the full-frame sensor, the BS1H is limited to 4K 30p, with higher frame rates (4K 60p) requiring the Super 35mm crop, which might limit certain shooting scenarios.
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.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix BSH1 review for more details
Best 6K Canon camera
✅ 6K RAW Recording: While the EOS R3 doesn't offer 8K, its 6K RAW video is exceptionally sharp and clear, delivering professional-grade footage with rich details. It's ideal for videographers who prioritize high-quality video without needing 8K.
✅ Hybrid Powerhouse: Whether you're shooting video or stills, the EOS R3 delivers. Its combination of advanced autofocus, high-resolution video, and robust performance make it a versatile option for hybrid shooters who switch between photography and videography.
❌ Limited to 6K: Unlike competitors like the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1, the EOS R3 maxes out at 6K video resolution. This might be a dealbreaker for those specifically seeking an 8K camera for future-proofing or ultra-high-resolution projects.
❌ Priced for Professionals: As a high-end professional camera, the EOS R3 is quite expensive. It's targeted at serious professionals, so the price may not be justifiable for enthusiasts or hobbyists.
The EOS R3 is Canon's mirrorless rival to the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1, and it immediately differentiates itself from those cameras in a number of ways. For one, its video resolution tops out at 6K rather than 8K. While that'll be a non-starter for those who came to this guide specifically looking for an 8K camera, the 6K RAW video produced by the EOS R3 is crystal clear and utterly sublime. Better yet, it benefits from all the same autofocus advancements that the stills modes do – so not only do you get Deep Learning AF, but you get the space-age Eye Control function that literally follows the movements of your eye in the viewfinder.
This is a camera that has been built from the ground up with professionals in mind (naturally it is priced as such), and using it truly does feel like you're holding the future in your hands. We have a few reservations – the decision to split the two card slots between CFexpress and standard SD, for instance. While this is handy in the sense that pretty much any photo/video shooter will have an SD or two lying around, the slower format isn't really up to the data-crunching challenges of the EOS R3's more demanding shooting modes.
See our full Canon EOS R3 review
Best 6K Super 35 camera
✅ 6K Raw and ProRes Recording: The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro can record rich, detailed files in both raw and ProRes, offering filmmakers incredible flexibility for post-production. The Super35mm sensor ensures high-quality cinematic footage.
✅ Affordability: Despite its high-end features, the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is still relatively affordable for the level of image quality it offers, making it a budget-friendly option for filmmakers who need professional-grade video.
❌ Handheld Limitations: Without built-in image stabilization, handheld shooting can be challenging, requiring either a tripod, gimbal, or stabilizing rig for smooth footage. This is another factor that makes it less suited for spontaneous shooting.
❌ No Autofocus: The camera lacks continuous autofocus, which can be an issue for run-and-gun shooting or dynamic, fast-paced scenarios where refocusing quickly is critical. This makes it less versatile for those who need autofocus capabilities.
The new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is cheaper still, but we think it's worth paying the extra (and it's not much) for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro. It's an evolution of the original 6K model which adds features missing from the first, including in-built ND filters.
First of all, though, you have to get used to the handling from the odd size and large shape of the Super35mm Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro – which is certainly far from being pocket size. And the lack of continuous autofocus, image stabilization, or any auto-exposure can be an issue for some. It’s definitely not a run-and-gun camera. But if you use it as a tool for considered, cinematic shooting then it’s a bit of a steal as it produces rich, detailed files in raw or ProRes from its dual native ISO sensor.
Read our full Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro review for more details
Best 6K Panasonic camera
✅ 6K ‘Open-Gate’ Recording: The Lumix S5 IIX offers 6K 'open-gate' video recording at up to 30p, providing filmmakers with a flexible and high-resolution option for detailed footage, including more flexibility for cropping and reframing in post-production.
✅ 5.8K ProRes & RAW: When connected to an external SSD, the S5 IIX can record 5.8K Apple ProRes internally, and it also supports Apple ProRes RAW when paired with an Atomos recorder. These formats offer industry-standard quality and flexibility in post-production, especially for professionals who need maximum editing latitude.
❌ Limited to 6K: While 6K is still a very high resolution, some users may be disappointed by the lack of 8K video capabilities, especially when competitors like the Canon EOS R5 or Nikon Z9 offer 8K recording for future-proofing.
❌ Large File Sizes: The high bitrates and ProRes formats produce larger file sizes, which may require more robust post-production hardware and storage solutions, potentially increasing the total cost of ownership.
The Lumix S5 IIX is a video-focused variant of Panasonic's successful Lumix S5 II, the camera that finally brought phase-detection autofocus to the Lumix brand. That camera was also already pretty much a beast as far as video spec was concerned, so what does the S5 IIX actually do differently? Well, the headline video resolutions are the same – both can shoot 6K 'open-gate' at up to 30p, as well as a range of other resolutions and frame rates. However, the Lumix S5 IIX offers substantially higher bitrates (up to 800Mbps in C4K) internally. Plus, if you hook it up to an external SSD, it can capture 5.8K Apple ProRes, as well as Apple Pro Res RAW when hooked up to an Atomos recorder.
Quite technical-sounding differences, but for serious filmmakers, they make a huge difference. Our reviewer was hugely impressed with the Lumix S5 IIX, awarding it the full five-star score as a top-tier camera that slots easily into professional workflows while still delivering premium video quality. The 6K footage just consistently delivers, and at such a competitive price, the Lumix S5 IIX should warrant consideration from any serious video shooter.
See our full Panasonic Lumix S5IIX review
Best 12K camera
✅ 12K Recording: The Ursa Mini Pro 12K offers an exceptional 79.6-megapixel CMOS sensor that enables shooting in 12K resolution, providing stunning detail and clarity, ideal for high-end production where maximum resolution is crucial.
✅ High-Speed Shooting: When reduced to 8K or 4K, the Ursa Mini Pro 12K can shoot at frame rates that exceed what many other cameras offer, making it suitable for slow-motion effects and high-speed capture.
❌ Super35mm Sensor: The camera uses a Super35mm sensor, which, while still capable, is not as advanced as some of the newer full-frame sensors available in other high-end cameras.
❌ No IBIS: The absence of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) means that the camera requires additional stabilization equipment to achieve smooth handheld shots, which can add to the overall setup complexity and cost.
If you really must have the bragging rights that come with owning the highest-resolution video camera on the market, then the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 12K is it. With a 79.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, it shoots 12K Blackmagic Raw files which give stunning quality with 14 stops of dynamic range and very filmic colors. Reduce it to a more reasonable 8K and 4K, and not only is the quality incredible, but you can shoot at fast frame rates that no other cameras can.
But a camera is more than just its headline resolution and the Ursa Mini Pro 12K is based on the original Ursa Mini Pro launched almost four years ago and is starting to show its age. For example, it has a Super35mm sensor, no IBIS, no codecs other than Raw, no continuous autofocus at all, and certainly no phase-detection AF. It’s really a camera for experienced cinematographers shooting narrative dramas such as feature films and VFX specialists rather than all-rounders.
Read our full Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 12K review for more details
How to choose the best 8K or 6K camera
While a lot of attention is paid to headline resolution when it comes to cameras for video, when choosing the right model for you, it's worth taking a holistic view of the specs. For instance, high-resolution video modes often come with a number of caveats – a camera may be able to shoot 8K 60p, but how long can it sustain that resolution before overheating? Does the video mode use the full width of the sensor or does it incur a crop – this can make it harder to shoot at wider angles. And on that note, larger sensor sizes are also a plus as they provide greater dynamic range and better capacity for shooting with a shallow depth of field. However, they come at a cost.
Almost all of the cameras on this list have interchangeable-lens mounts, so it's also worth looking at the lens selection for each one. Size and weight may also be an issue, particularly if you're planning on travelling with your shooting setup.
How we test 8K and 6K cameras
We test 8K and 6K cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab 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.
As well as lab testing, our reviewers also assess every camera's real-world usability and how a model performs out in the field. This includes looking at how well laid-out its controls are, how easy various functions are to find and use, and how it responds to different shooting challenges. We look at a camera's wider place in the market as well, weighing it up against its competition to see whether it's worth the price its manufacturers are asking. We make our judgements based on years of expertise in the fields of filmmaking and photography.
Find out how we test and review on Digital Camera World.
FAQs
How much more resolution is there in 8K compared to 4K
Resolution is measured in terms of the total number of pixels in an image. A 4K image roughly measures 4000 pixels across - and an 8K image is approximately 8000 pixels across. So in terms of area, 8k is four times bigger - with four times as many pixels (and four times the resolution).
Typical resolutions for each format are given in the table below for video shot in a 16:9 aspect ratio:
| Format | Pixel dimensions | Total pixels |
|---|---|---|
| 12K | 12288 x 6912 | 84MP |
| 8K | 7680 x 4320 | 33MP |
| 6K | 6144 x 3456 | 18MP |
| 4K (UHD) | 3840 x 2160 | 8MP |
| 2K (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 | 2MP |
Where can I watch 8K content?
TVs equipped with 8K have been rolling out of factories since 2018 – however, the film and television industries have been slow to actually produce content for them. YouTube and Vimeo both support 8K streaming, so you can head to either platform to check out various examples of user-shot 8K content. There have also been some movie trailers released in 8K, including for Barbie, Wonka and Dune: Part Two.
Is 8K worth it?
If we're not seeing much content released in 8K yet, you're justified in wondering whether the upgrade is worth it. While this is a question that only you can answer as a filmmaker and video shooter, there are a number of advantages to having 8K at your disposal beyond simply being able to put out content at this high resolution.
Just as when Full HD was the general standard and 4K was the luxury high-res option, shooting in 8K expands your options for producing content in 4K. You can crop significantly into 8K footage and still get the resolution required for 4K content, meaning you have a lot more flexibility when it comes to framing and editing – you can even introduce a horizontal pan into a static shot.
Read more:
Best cinema cameras
Best 4K cameras for video
Best vlogging cameras
Best 360 cameras
