When you want to shoot amazing videos, picking the right camera is super important. The right camera can make your video look way better, whether you’re recording for YouTube or making a short film. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one?
In 2024, there are cameras for everyone—from small, easy-to-use ones to big, pro-level models. Some cameras work better in low light, while others are perfect for action shots. No matter what you’re filming, the best camera for you depends on what you need.
One of the top choices this year is the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II. It records in 6K and has great autofocus, which makes it perfect for lots of different shooting styles. But it’s not the only option. The Sony a7S III is awesome for low light, and the GoPro Hero 11 Black is tough enough for action-packed scenes.
This guide will help you find the right camera for your needs, whether you’re filming indoors, outdoors, or on the go. Let’s get started!
Top 7 Best Cameras for Videography in 2024
Choosing the right camera is important when you want to capture great videos. Here are the top 7 cameras for 2024, with details on each model’s features, strengths, and who they’re best for.
Panasonic Lumix S5 II – The Best Value Camera for Most People
| SPECIFICATIONS | Type: Mirrorless, Sensor: Full-frame, Resolution: 24MP, Lens: Leica L mount, Viewfinder: 3.69m-dot OLED EVF, Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1.84m-dot vari-angle touchscreen, Movies: 6K at 30p User level: Enthusiast |
| REASONS TO BUY | Versatile uncropped video Effective stabilization and fast autofocus |
| REASONS TO AVOID | 1.5x crop on 4K slow-mo No tally light |
| BUY IT IF | |
|---|---|
| ✅ You shoot for social media: The S5 II can record uncropped video, so you get full details even when using different aspect ratios. | ❌ You love slow-motion videos: The S5 II’s 4K slow-motion video has a 1.5x crop, which limits your wide-angle shots. |
| ✅ You shoot handheld often: The camera’s great stabilization and lightweight build make it perfect for filming on the go. | ❌ You care a lot about how your camera looks: The design is more about function than style. |
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is a compact but durable camera with great updates. It’s easy to carry around, and the 6K footage looks sharp with vibrant colors. The camera’s autofocus and stabilization make it easy to shoot, even when you’re moving. It’s a good all-around camera, but the 1.5x crop on slow-motion videos might be a downside if you need wide-angle shots.
Sony a7S III – Best for Low-Light Performance
| SPECIFICATIONS | Type: Mirrorless, Sensor: Full-frame, Resolution: 12MP, Lens: Sony E-mount, Viewfinder: 9.44m-dot OLED EVF, Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, Movies: 4K at 120p User level: Professional |
| REASONS TO BUY | Amazing in low-light conditions 4K video at 120fps for smooth slow-motion |
| REASONS TO AVOID | High price Low resolution for photos |
| BUY IT IF | DON’T BUY IT IF |
|---|---|
| ✅ You shoot in low light: The a7S III performs great in dark settings, like night or indoor shots. | ❌ You need high-res photos: The 12MP sensor is more focused on video, so it’s not ideal for detailed photography. |
| ✅ You want smooth slow-motion video: Its 4K at 120fps is perfect for creating detailed slow-motion footage. | ❌ You’re on a tight budget: This camera is expensive and might be more than what you need for casual use. |
The Sony a7S III is made for videographers who need to shoot in low light. It captures great details in dark settings and records 4K slow-motion at 120fps, which is excellent for those who want super smooth motion. Its focus is on video quality, and the lower resolution for photos may not meet the needs of those who need both photo and video.
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro – Best for Filmmaking
| SPECIFICATIONS | Type: Cinema Camera, Sensor: Super 35, Resolution: 6K, Lens: EF mount, Monitor: 5-inch tilting touchscreen, Movies: 6K at 60p User level: Filmmaker |
| REASONS TO BUY | High-quality 6K resolution RAW format for better control in editing |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Bulky design Requires external storage for longer shoots |
| BUY IT IF | DON’T BUY IT IF |
|---|---|
| ✅ You need cinematic video: The 6K resolution provides amazing detail, ideal for making professional films. | ❌ You want a small, lightweight camera: The camera is bulky and not the easiest to carry around. |
| ✅ You like editing your videos: The RAW format gives you more control during editing. | ❌ You need long recording times without extra gear: You’ll need external storage for bigger shoots. |
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is perfect for filmmakers who want control over every detail. It shoots in stunning 6K, which gives a cinematic feel to your videos. It also allows for RAW format recording, meaning you have a lot more flexibility in editing. However, the camera’s size and need for extra storage can make it less convenient for long or on-the-go shoots.
Panasonic Lumix GH6 – Best for Content Creators
| SPECIFICATIONS | Type: Mirrorless, Sensor: Micro Four Thirds Resolution: 25MP, Lens: Micro Four Thirds mount Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, Movies: 5.7K at 60p, User level: Content creator |
| REASONS TO BUY | Lightweight and portable Strong stabilization and fast autofocus |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Struggles in low light Small sensor limits shallow depth of field |
| BUY IT IF | DON’T BUY IT IF |
|---|---|
| ✅ You need a camera for long shoots: The GH6 is light and easy to handle for long filming sessions. | ❌ You shoot in low-light settings often: The small sensor doesn’t perform as well in the dark. |
| ✅ You film while moving: Great stabilization makes handheld shooting smooth. | ❌ You want a shallow depth of field: The smaller sensor makes it harder to blur the background in your shots. |
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is great for content creators who need a light camera that’s easy to carry around. It captures high-quality 5.7K video and has excellent stabilization for smooth shots, even when filming handheld. However, it struggles a bit in low-light conditions, making it more suitable for well-lit environments.
GoPro Hero 11 Black – Best for Action Videography
| SPECIFICATIONS | Type: Action camera, Sensor: 1/1.9-inch Resolution: 27MP, Lens: Fixed wide-angle Monitor: 2.27-inch rear touchscreen, 1.4-inch front screen, Movies: 5.3K at 60p User level: Action enthusiast |
| REASONS TO BUY | Waterproof and durable Great stabilization for smooth footage |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Short battery life Small sensor limits low-light performance |
| BUY IT IF | DON’T BUY IT IF |
|---|---|
| ✅ You film action: The GoPro Hero 11 Black is built for fast-moving action and outdoor filming. | ❌ You need long battery life: The battery can drain quickly during extended filming. |
| ✅ You need steady footage: The built-in stabilization keeps your videos smooth, even when you’re on the move. | ❌ You shoot in low light: The small sensor struggles in dark environments. |
The GoPro Hero 11 Black is perfect for outdoor adventures and action shots. It’s small, rugged, and waterproof, making it great for extreme sports or traveling. The built-in stabilization ensures your footage is smooth, even when moving fast. However, its small sensor makes it less suitable for low-light shoots, and the battery doesn’t last long during long sessions.
Sony ZV-E10 – Best for Vlogging
| SPECIFICATIONS | Type: Mirrorless, Sensor: APS-C, Resolution: 24.2MP, Lens: Sony E-mount, Viewfinder: None Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen Movies: 4K at 30p, User level: Beginner/Vlogger |
| REASONS TO BUY | Easy to use and great for vlogging Flip-out screen is perfect for filming yourself |
| REASONS TO AVOID | No built-in stabilization Limited advanced features |
| BUY IT IF | DON’T BUY IT IF |
|---|---|
| ✅ You’re new to videography or vlogging: The Sony ZV-E10 is simple to use, making it great for beginners. | ❌ You need stabilization: Without built-in stabilization, your handheld shots might be shaky. |
| ✅ You need to film yourself: The flip-out screen makes it easy to see yourself while recording. | ❌ You want advanced video features: The camera is great for beginners but may not have everything a pro needs. |
The Sony ZV-E10 is a fantastic camera for vloggers and beginners. It’s user-friendly, and the flip-out screen is perfect for creators who film themselves. However, it doesn’t have built-in stabilization, so you might need extra gear to keep your shots steady. This camera is ideal for casual creators who need a simple tool to create high-quality videos.
Fujifilm X-H2S – Best Hybrid Camera for Photo and Video
| SPECIFICATIONS | Type: Mirrorless, Sensor: APS-C, Resolution: 26.1MP, Lens: Fujifilm X-mount, Viewfinder: 5.76m-dot OLED EVF, Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, Movies: 6.2K at 30p User level: Enthusiast/Professional |
| REASONS TO BUY | 6.2K video recording Fast autofocus and great stabilization |
| REASONS TO AVOID | Expensive for an APS-C camera Complex controls |
| BUY IT IF | DON’T BUY IT IF |
|---|---|
| ✅ You need high-quality video and photos: The Fujifilm X-H2S is great for those who need both great video and photo performance. | ❌ You want a budget-friendly option: The X-H2S is pricier than other APS-C cameras. |
| ✅ You film fast-moving subjects: The fast autofocus keeps your video sharp, even with a lot of movement. | ❌ You need simple controls: The menu and controls can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. |
The Fujifilm X-H2S is a powerful camera for both photos and videos. It shoots in 6.2K, giving you impressive detail for your videos, and has fast autofocus for capturing movement. It’s best for professionals who need a camera that can handle both types of media. However, its higher price and complex controls may be too much for casual users.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Videography Camera
When picking a camera to shoot videos, you want to make sure you get the right one. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choice.
Sensor Size and Resolution: The sensor in your camera helps capture light to make videos. A bigger sensor, like in the Sony a7S III or Panasonic LUMIX S5 II, takes in more light. This makes it easier to film when it’s dark. If you want clear and detailed videos, you need a high-resolution camera. For example, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro shoots sharp, clear videos.
Lens Quality and Compatibility: The lens on your camera affects how clear your video looks. Some cameras, like the Sony a7S III and Panasonic LUMIX S5 II, let you change lenses. This means you can pick the best lens for what you’re filming. If you want more control, make sure your camera works with lots of different lenses.
Video Formats and Frame Rates: The video format and frame rate decide how your videos look. Cameras like the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 and Sony ZV-E10 can record in 4K, which is super sharp. If you want slow-motion videos, get a camera that records at high frame rates. The Sony a7S III can record at 120 frames per second, which is great for slow-motion shots.
Stabilization Features: When you move around while filming, your videos can get shaky. Stabilization keeps them smooth. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II does a great job keeping videos steady. If you’re filming action shots, the GoPro Hero 11 Black is a great option because it has strong stabilization.
Battery Life and Storage: If you film for long periods, you need a camera with good battery life. The Sony a7S III and Panasonic LUMIX GH6 can last a long time. You’ll also need a lot of storage for your videos, especially if you record in high resolution. Make sure your camera can handle big memory cards.
Best Videography Cameras for Different Needs
When choosing a camera, you want one that fits what you need. Whether you’re new to filming, making YouTube videos, or shooting movies, there’s a camera that’s perfect for you.
Best for Beginners: Sony ZV-E10
The Sony ZV-E10 is great if you’re just starting. It’s easy to use and makes sharp videos. It records in 4K, which means your videos will look clear. The camera also has a screen that flips out so you can see yourself while you film. This helps a lot if you’re vlogging or filming alone. You can also use different lenses, which is good for trying new things as you learn.
Best for Professional Videographers: Sony a7S III
If you’re a professional, the Sony a7S III is perfect for you. It works well in low light because it has a full-frame sensor. This camera also records 4K videos and can shoot at 120 frames per second, which is great for slow-motion. Professionals love this camera because it gives them control over how their videos look.
Best for Vlogging and YouTube: Panasonic LUMIX GH6
The Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is great for people who make YouTube videos or vlog. It’s light and easy to carry. It also has image stabilization, so your videos stay smooth even when you’re moving. The camera records in 4K, and its flip-out screen makes it easy to film yourself. You can shoot for hours because it has a long battery life.
Best for Filmmaking: Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
For filmmaking, the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is the best. It records in 6K, which makes your videos look super detailed. This camera is great for people who want to make movies. It also works with professional editing tools, which means you can change colors and lighting easily when editing.
Tips for Using Your Videography Camera
When you use your camera, knowing a few simple tips helps make your videos look better. These tips are easy to follow and work with any camera.
Basic Videography Tips for New Users
If you’re new to making videos, start by using auto mode. Cameras like the Sony ZV-E10 and GoPro Hero 11 Black do a lot of the work for you. They adjust things like focus and brightness automatically. As you get more comfortable, try using manual settings to learn more. Always keep your camera steady. Use a tripod or turn on the built-in stabilization, like the one in the Panasonic LUMIX GH6, to keep your videos smooth.
Camera Settings and Adjustments for Different Scenarios
Every place you film needs different settings. In low light, cameras like the Sony a7S III or Panasonic LUMIX S5 II can help by adjusting the ISO to let in more light. For bright, outdoor scenes, lower the ISO and change the shutter speed so your video doesn’t look too bright. If you’re filming action scenes, like with a GoPro Hero 11 Black, use a higher frame rate, like 60fps, to capture smoother movements.
Maintenance and Care for Videography Cameras
Taking care of your camera is important. Keep the lens clean by wiping it with a soft cloth so your videos stay sharp. Store your camera in a cool, dry place, especially models like the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro. Always keep extra batteries handy, especially if you plan to shoot for a long time. Some cameras, like the Panasonic LUMIX GH6, are great for long shoots, but having spare batteries ensures you won’t run out of power. Also, use a sturdy bag to protect your camera when traveling.
Conclusion: Final Recommendations for Videography Cameras
Finding the right camera depends on what you need it for. Different cameras are good for different people.
If you’re just starting, the Sony ZV-E10 is easy to use. It helps you take great videos without needing a lot of knowledge. If you love action, the GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best. It keeps your videos steady, even when you’re moving fast.
For professional videographers, the Sony a7S III is great for filming in low light. It works well when it’s dark, making sure your videos still look clear. If you want to make movies, the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is perfect. It shoots in 6K, giving your videos high quality and making them look like films.
For content creators, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 works well for long shoots and keeps videos smooth. If you want a camera that does both photos and videos well, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II and Fujifilm X-H2S are great for both.
FAQs about Videography Cameras
- What camera should I use if I’m new to videography?
If you’re new to videography, the Sony ZV-E10 is a great option. It’s easy to use and helps you make sharp videos without worrying about complicated settings. The flip-out screen also makes it easy to see yourself while filming.
- Which camera is best for action videos?
The GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best for action videos. It’s small, strong, and keeps your videos smooth, even when you’re moving fast. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures or sports.
- How can I shoot better videos in low light?
For shooting in low light, you need a camera like the Sony a7S III. It has a big sensor that helps capture more light, making your videos look clear even when it’s dark. You can also adjust the ISO to make it work better in low light.
- What’s the best camera for filmmaking?
For filmmaking, the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is the best choice. It shoots in 6K, which makes your videos look very detailed and professional. It’s great for people who want to make movies with high-quality visuals.
- Which camera should I use for long shoots?
The Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is perfect for long shoots. It has great battery life and keeps your videos steady for hours. It’s ideal for people who create content that needs long recording times.
- Can I take photos with a videography camera?
Yes, cameras like the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II and Fujifilm X-H2S are great for both photos and videos. They give you high-quality results for both, making them good for people who need to switch between shooting pictures and recording videos.