If you ask a professional or any camera expert about which is the best camera for video, you'll probably get a different answer every time. It all comes down to what you want to use it for. The best camera for streaming won't be the same as a camera you'd choose for shooting a movie, your next vacation, or for launching your career as an influencer!
This guide is for anyone just starting out in video that doesn't know what camera to get. If you already know what you're looking for, you can jump straight to our dedicated buying guides to the best camcorders, the best cameras for filmmaking, the best action cameras, and more.
Here at Digital Camera World our experts have tested and reviewed a huge range of camera types and price points. I will walk you through all the options available, whether it's a camera phone, mirrorless camera, or one of the best cinema cameras – and tell you our favorites. They all shoot video in completely different ways and some are much better all-rounders than others, so if you want to take pictures too it's worth keeping that in mind.
Video doesn't have to be difficult, so don't be put off by all the accessories, technical terms, or complex-sounding techniques. Remember, your first project doesn't have to be a masterpiece, the more you do, the more you'll learn…
Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech. With several years of experience as a photographer and videographer, shooting for some household names, he has learned a thing or two about working with cameras and the photography industry. Outside of this, expect to find him cycling around London, or deep in a Netflix binge.
Best camera for video: our top picks
Best overall
Mirrorless cameras are the most popular choice for serious video shooting – offering you an interchangeable lens system that means you can pick the right lens for what you are shooting.
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Best action camera
If you're looking for a great camera that can capture all the action on your latest adventures then you really can't beat a GoPro, especially the Hero11 Black with its 27MP stills and 5.3K video.
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A high-spec camera in a drone small enough to be used safely (and legally) in most places makes this an ideal first drone and often the only one you'll ever need.
The Insta360 'X' series has been refined over several generations, and now is sharp with 8K resolution, snappy and responsive, plus – crucially – easy to use with excellent software that'll suit fun users and serious creators.
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Most versatile
If you want a compact camera that's great for video, but also not too shabby at taking stills either then the X-S20 from Fujifilm is the best versatile camera on this list.
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Each generation has built on the success of the last and the iPhone 15 series is the best yet. Our reviewer found that video from this phone looks exceptional, whether capturing nearby or faraway subjects.
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Best for live streaming
Most cameras can be set up for live streaming, but this Canon compact can do this without the need for a capture card - and unlike your webcam it has a quality built-in 4x zoom.
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Best camcorder
The big advantage of a camcorder is that it comes with a big zoom built-in - making it great for subjects such as sport. Another plus is that the form factor is custom-made for videomaking.
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Best camera for video in 2024
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Best overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want the best of both: With open-gate 6K 30p, 4:2:2 10-bit, LongGOP, SSD recording,, and 24MP stills this is a content creator's dream!
✅ You rely on stabilization: When you don't have a gimbal, the incredible in-body image stabilization (up to 6.5 stops) outperforms even higher-specced competition.
❌ You rely on a tally light: A rare miss for the otherwise excellent video features is the lack of a tally light, to indicate when the camera is recording.
Mirrorless cameras are the most popular choice for serious video shooting – offering you an interchangeable lens system that means you can pick the right lens for what you are shooting.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is our top pick for videographers - but its full-frame sensor make it a great camera for shooting stills too. It builds on the original Lumix S5’s tough compact frame, class-leading 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and excellent color science.
In my review, the most significant new addition to this camera is the Phase Hybrid autofocus system that combines PDAF with Contrast Detect AF to provide 779-area metering. The S5 series was always a favorite, but this newer model is now much, much better at getting the focus right on low-light and moving subjects.
We were also impressed that the Lumix S5 II gives you truly unlimited 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit recording internally - and FHD/180p for slow-motion effects- making it a highly versatile camera for content production. And at $2500/£2000, we think the Lumix S5 II is astonishingly good value for money.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix S5 II review for more details
Best action camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You share across platforms: If you edit the same clip across platforms the 8:7 sensor will help you
✅ You want to record your speed: This is the last GoPro with built-in GPS, a great feature for recording your movement
❌ You want external microphones: GoPro will need you to buy an external media mod to connect a microphone
❌ You want to shoot in low light: GoPro cameras don't love working in lower lighting.
Action cams are one of the simplest ways to get into video. There’s almost nothing to know. Apart from a handful of basic settings for the video resolution and frame rate, you just press a button to record and press it again to stop. What action cams lack in finesse they make up for in immediacy, impact, and their bulletproof go-anywhere attitude – and one name stands above all the others: GoPro.
It looks very similar to earlier GoPros but what we love is that it has an 8:7 - that makes it much easier to edit your videos for vertical TikTok use, as well as for standard 16:9 platforms. What's more it produces stunning 5.3K video, and 27MP stills.
There is a more recent GoPro Hero 12 Black - but we don't recommend this as not only is it more expensive, it also has stripped out the GPS feature, which is great of adding things such as a speedometer display in post production
If you shoot a lot of slow motion, it can record at 240fps in 2.7K making it perfect for those smooth action shots. This is hands down the best GoPro on the market - but its fixed lens means it does not give you the range of angles of view of alternative video cameras.
Read our full GoPro Hero 11 Black review for more details
Best for aerial video
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want the ultimate power under 250g: The weight limit has a big impact on where you can fly and this drone is the best equipped in the weight category.
✅ You want great range: The excellent range also means control is reliable at more normal distances.
❌ You're looking for the best value: There are a lot of features here, and you can get away with less while still capturing high-quality content.
❌ You want true telephoto: If you want to zoom, then only digital zoom is on offer with this drone.
This drone's predecessor, the DJI Mini 3 Pro, had a massive effect when it arrived in May 2022 – it redefined what DJI was doing with the ultra-light category, bringing some collision sensors and a 4K 60fps camera which could physically rotate to vertical mode (a feature still not equalled by much bigger craft).
Under 18 months later, the Mini 4 Pro finished the job, making the collision sensors omnidirectional (all-round) and adding 10-bit D-Log M video and waypoint programmable flights while keeping under the magic weight. It can also do HDR at a full 60fps rather than the 30fps limit of the Air 3 Pro.
The Mini 4 Pro also sports DJI's updated O4 radio system which offers up to 20km (over 12 miles) of theoretical range or, more importantly, top-notch reception in sensible operational distances. The updated DJI RC 2, as seen with the DJI Air 3, is an option, which feels very pro in hand, giving the choice of a model with a screen to save the (fairly minimal) fuss of connecting a phone). In some markets (start chanting "USA, USA...") there is also a choice of batteries if you don't mind pushing the weight limit, meaning you can go from the already decent 30 minutes to over 40 (again, always take these with a pinch of salt – it depends on conditions and flying style). You should note, though, that the drone will know about the weight change, and can alert authorities.
The message of the Mini 4 Pro is that DJI will not let the weight restriction prevent creatives from achieving their goals. The inevitable downside is the pricing, which is quite a lot closer to the company's higher-end models than other ultralights. If you want to save, there is the less-expensive DJI Mini 3, which lacks the collision sensors and some of the output options, but will capture similar video and stills for the average user.
Read more: DJI Mini 4 Pro review
Best for 360 video
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want sharp 360 video: The 8K makes for much more flexibility than most other
✅ You want a great all-rounder: The camera is powerful enough to turn itself to nearly any task, including one-camera action camera modes.
❌ You are on a tight budget: There are cheaper options (including the previous generation X3) which still provide a lot of quality.
❌ You want top-notch low-light: With 1/2-inch sensors the HDR is good, but low-light performance is only so-so.
When I tried this camera, I knew immediately it would find itself at the top of this buyer's guide. It's a great choice for people like me (owners of the X3 looking for more resolution and processor power) and an equally sensible choice for anyone getting into 360-degree photography for the first time, whether their goals are serious content creation or fun.
A couple of things set the camera apart. A big one is the Insta360 software, which is comfortably ahead of the offerings from others at the moment. As well as an excellent phone app (iOS/Android), there is an Insta360 Studio for Mac/PC and plugins for Premiere and Final Cut Pro so creating content can happen almost immediately for social, or in careful detail later. The AI subject tracking is excellent too, saving hours in manual keyframing compared to GoPro's offering.
That, though, is available with the X3 too. The headline feature here is the 8K resolution, and the processing power which delivers it. The boost makes for significantly better quality, especially when zooming into video in the edit. It also provides a lot of other upgraded resolutions, like single action camera mode at the crucial 4K60fps threshold, as well as features like bullet time now at 5.7k/120fps.
Other refinements exist too, like the removable lens covers which make the device extra rugged and the ability to connect microphones. All seem to result from a company listening to its customers and making improvements over generations. Whenever improvements suit the users like that things are good (and a word to the wise – this camera's 5-star review was earned in 2024, not 2020).
See my full review of the Insta360 X4
Most versatile camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You shoot a lot of video: the Fujifilm X-S20 is made with video in mind, and offers sensational video quality, with open-gate and codecs for filmmakers, and vlogging modes and vertical video for social creators. The X-S20 is also light and compact, so is perfect for rigs and gimbals.
✅ You want a versatile hybrid camera: the X-S20 isn't just all about video, it offers brilliant stills as well, and with access to Fuji's entire X-Mount range of lenses it is versatile enough to handle everything from landscapes to a safari.
❌ You want big resolution: one of the only real downsides of the X-S20 is its 24MP sensor isn't quite as high as the 40MP sensor found in the X-T5 or X-H2, so if ultimate resolution is your game, then those two cameras might be better choices, although are considerably pricier.
❌ You prefer retro styling: there isn't a retro camera in Fujifilm's range that quite has the same feature set as the X-S20. The X-T5 is the closest, but it is a bigger and more expensive camera. The other retro option – X-T30 II – is aging and can't keep up with the more modern X-S20.
In our field test, the Fujifilm X-S20 proved to be an outstanding camera for a wide range of users. It offers an intuitive and user-friendly experience, with straightforward controls that make it easy for anyone to pick up and start shooting.
The camera's fully automatic modes are impressively effective, allowing even beginners to capture high-quality images and videos effortlessly. Despite its small and compact design, the X-S20 is packed with power, featuring a processor capable of 6K video recording and advanced subject recognition tracking, which is usually found in more expensive models.
This makes the Fujifilm X-S20 an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts, content creators, and vloggers alike, as it caters to various needs with versatility and reliability. While the price is slightly higher than the previous version, the significant improvements and enhanced capabilities justify the cost, offering a mirrorless camera that exceeds the expectations of most users.
Whether you're upgrading from an older model or stepping into the world of mirrorless cameras for the first time, the X-S20 delivers exceptional performance that’s hard to beat.
Read our Fujifilm X-S20 review to find out more
Best phone for video
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want convenience: Your phone is always on you and the iPhone 15 Pro Max has 4K from front and back cameras
✅ ProRes in your pocket: this will be the smallest and lightest setup to offer the awesome Codec
❌ You're on a budget: while most have phones on contract, this phone is the most expensive in Apple's range
❌ You want to do pro work: while its footage has been used to shoot Hollywood films, it doesn't look great rocking up with a phone for client work
Since the launch of the iPhone 5S, we've been found Apple’s flagship phones to be a great choice for filmmakers. Each generation has built on the success of the last and the iPhone 15 series is the best yet.
Although the headline stats of 4K and 60fps are the same as its predecessor, Apple has introduced a number of video upgrades with this phone, including digital zoom up to 3x with Cinematic mode and exporting ProRes footage via USB-C. Overall, our reviewer found that video from this phone looks exceptional, whether capturing nearby or faraway subjects.
A more general benefit of choosing an iPhone is that third party manufacturers prioritize making accessories specifically for them. Plus, because iOS is a single platform, apps like Instagram and TikTok are optimized primarily for it, which generally leads to fewer issues with compression ruining the quality of the content you upload. For more information, read our iPhone 15 Pro Max review.
Best for live streaming
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want 4K: with its 4K30p this is the perfect camera for those wanting 4K streaming
✅ You want zoom options: with its built-in 24-100mm Equiv lens you can always make sure you;re framed correctly
❌You want to change lenses: while its built-in zoom lens offers a vast zoom range, you can't change it for a faster one
❌ On a budget: for a compact, it is a bit pricey, but it can be used for other things than just streaming
Streaming is become an increaingly popular way shoot and share video. 'Streaming', whether it's to Facebook or YouTube or some other video-sharing platform, is sharing video live, as you shoot it, whether that's out in the field or in front of your computer hooked up to a camera.
Streaming from a phone is the simplest solution, but if you want a proper camera that's easy to carry around, the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is ideal. It was also the first camera of its kind with a microphone input – vital if you want clean audio, not to mention the ability to Livestream straight to YouTube.
This means that even if you’ve got an expensive cinema camera if you also have a G7 X Mark III you can create a fuss-free live setup without any expensive capture cards and a PC. And unlike with mirrorless cameras, the zoom lens is built-in - offering a 4x zoom range at no additional cost.
With its flip-out screen, the G7 X III also gives vloggers a clear view of themselves when they shoot, and thanks to its 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 processor it’s also able to capture great stills, so your custom thumbnails can pop nicely.
Read our full Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review for more details | Best cameras for streaming
Best camcorder
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a great zoom: with a 20x zoom this camcorder can capture all the action close up, or far away
✅ You want something that just works: Camcorders are amazing for doing what they do best, recording video
❌You want connectivity: it being of a more traditional design you will have to unload your SD card to a computer
❌Want to shoot photography too: designed for video use only you'll need to carry another camera for photography
Camcorders peaked in popularity in the 1990s, but it is a mistake to think they don't have their advantages for videomaking in the modern era. Unlike mobile phones or mirrorless cameras, camcorders have huge built-in zooms - making them great for shooting sport, wildlife and current affairs. What's more they are designed for the needs of the moviemaker - so the electronic viewfinder and the screen fall naturally to your eye and eyeline.
The Canon HF G70 is one of the best camcorders around right now with an impressive 20x zoom that will take you from 29mm wideangle to 600mm telephoto using the motorized rocker switch so you can frame up each shot as tightly as you need it.
Read our full Canon Vixia / Legria HF G70 review
How we test the best video cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and, for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our team of reviewers have tested hundreds of different cameras, of different types - and for us we are looking for great looking video footage, something that is designed well so that its features can be used easily, and something that offers good value compared to its rivals. 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. We use both real-world testing and lab results to inform our comments in buying guides. Action cameras, phones, compacts and camcorders are assessed using our field tests alone, but footage is assessed by our expert reviewers in a variety of different lighting conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 4K video?
All of the video cameras in this guide can shoot 4K video - and some can even shoot video in even higher resolution. 4K is a measurement of the maximum detail that can recorded - very roughly 4000 dots across (but usually slightly less). As many people play back footage on screens with lower resolutions, 4K is not essential. However, the higher the resolution, the more scope you have to crop the image during editing – and it is also a useful to help future-proof you for the ever-improving quality of screens. A 6K camera can shoot video with a horizontal resolution of approaching 6000 pixels. All cameras also allow you to record at a lower resolution - such as 1080P or 2K (which gives you a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels) - to allow you to achieve smaller file sizes, or allow you to use faster frame rates (for slow-motion effects).
Are DSLRs good at shooting video?
All recent DSLR cameras can shoot video - and the best SLRs for videos can do this well. But the design of DSLRs means that more modern mirrorless cameras are better adapted to shooting video, making these the obvious choice over DSLRs for anyone starting out. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras both allow you to change lenses - so you can choose your lens to shoot your subject. But this does mean that the lens is a separate purchase - which can easily cost as much as the camera body itself.
Isn't my phone good enough to shoot video?
Recent phones can shoot video to a very high standard - and some people even use them professionally. However, the size and shape of phones does not make them particularly easy to use for serious videomaking. They also provide fewer lens options than mirrorless cameras with their interchangeable lenses - or camcorders with their big built-in zooms.
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