Best Camera for 4k Video of 2024

The Best Camera for 4k Video can capture cinematic video in a variety of settings. These cameras can help you get the shots you need to wow your audience, whether you’re making a full-length feature film or just some social media video content. The best models also provide you a variety of filming and editing choices to let your imagination run wild. Which 4K cameras are the ideal for your project, then?

We have examined the most recent 4K cameras, including some of the best cameras on the market, to determine the answer. Our knowledgeable reviewers have used these tools for hundreds of hours. In order to evaluate each camera’s durability and usability, it is used in a variety of real-world situations. In order to test every area of performance, from frame rates to stabilization, our experts also record test footage in a variety of settings and shooting configurations.

Currently, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is what we consider to be the greatest 4K camera overall. It’s a 5.7K powerhouse that undercuts the Sony A7S III while being manageable in the hand and loaded with a variety of video options. Having said that, your production budget might be more constrained. In that case, we heartily suggest the Sony ZV-E10. It’s an ideal video hybrid for 4K vloggers because it’s compact and lightweight.

Best Camera for 4k Video Reviews

Our guide will help you choose the best camera, whether you’re looking for a lightweight mirrorless camera for professional filmmaking or a tiny shooting equipment. The greatest 4K cameras in various price ranges have been covered, with details on what makes each one unique. We’ve also provided some knowledgeable buying advice below in case you still can’t decide which type of camera best suits your needs.

Once you’ve decided which 4K camera is perfect for you, look for the greatest deals of the day indicated beneath each item. Our price comparison tool will always display the best deal.

1. Sony Alpha 7S III

The Sony A7S III is unquestionably the best hybrid camera currently on the market. To be the greatest 4K camera you can buy, it limits output to 4K and maintains resolution modest (as opposed to some other models’ 6K/8K capabilities).

There are many other highlights available in addition to the spectacular output and up to 120fps shooting for ultra-smooth recording. A full-sized HDMI connector, a shockingly high-resolution viewfinder, and a fully-articulating screen with an upgraded touch-interface are all included. Additionally, 16-bit raw footage may be captured over HDMI.

Other ports for up to four audio inputs, a headphone and microphone jack, and compatibility with Sony’s XLR-K3M hot-shoe device are also available for videographers.

Without a doubt, this camera is expensive, but if you want something that performs its function incredibly well, we don’t believe you can find a better option.

The menu structure has been revised in response to suggestions from professional photographers and videographers. More straightforward settings and a more responsive camera. Fully articulating touchscreen, excellent low-light performance, and long battery life.

2. Panasonic LUMIX GH6

Looking for a portable 4K camera with outstanding videography capabilities? First and foremost, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a Micro Four Thirds flagship camera for filmmakers.

We believe that the GH6 gains from excellent handling and a sensible control layout, making it more manageable in the hand than a full-frame heavyweight. We found that its front and back recording buttons, tally lights, and multi-angle touchscreen made framing and shooting simple.

The GH6 is a video powerhouse despite its relatively small size. Additionally, it has built-in color profiles and a wide variety of 10-bit ProRes and anamorphic video codecs. 5.7K footage can be captured at 60 frames per second with 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization. It’s basically a monster from a movie.

However, during testing, we encountered no overheating problems. Although its smaller sensor might have an impact on low-light performance, we managed to get nice pictures at dusk.

We believe that the camera’s 25.2MP sensor and autofocus mechanism were created with video in mind. Other manufacturers have faster autofocus systems if you require it, but tests showed that the contrast-based autofocus on the GH6 is still reliable. It contains all of this and weighs less than a kilogram, making it tiny enough to put into a camera bag.

3. Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Sony’s ZV-E10 is an inexpensive, video-focused hybrid with an APS-C sensor housed in a quality small chassis. It makes a great choice for 4K vloggers. Although it is compact and light, it does not have a viewfinder or flash, but it does have a helpful articulating touchscreen and strong audio communication. Unfortunately, the menu system cannot be accessed via the touch interface.

The ZV-E10 shouts video thanks to its wide range of format options. It can capture competitive 4K at 30 frames per second, but we believe the absence of a 60 frames per second preset at 4K is unfortunate. In order to achieve detailed results, footage is captured with 6K oversampling, making the most of the pixel count. In our tests, SteadyShot’s electronic stabilization effectively compensated for hand trembling, and even when a subject was moving around the frame, the object-tracking autofocus reliably locked on.

Although noise-handling falls short of full-frame competitors, the rolling shutter that is observed when panning is much worse. Because of this, it is essentially useless for run-and-gun videographers. But the ZV-E10 is a terrific alternative if you’re happy to shoot handheld selfie vlogs or use a tripod – accompanied with a selection of small lenses.

With the ZV-E10, it’s simple and worry-free to capture your voice clearly. Even when you’re speaking to a large group of people, the internal Directional 3-Capsule Mic records your voice clearly because it is designed to collect sound from in front of the camera.

4. Sony Alpha 7 IV

The Sony A7 IV establishes a standard for mirrorless hybrids by fusing photography power with video adaptability. Although substantial by modern standards, it’s too much for the majority of amateur filmmakers. Although dedicated 4K cameras offer better value, the A7 IV still boasts impressive video capabilities thanks to its unlimited recording capacity, powerful autofocus, and 10-bit recording support.

In our tests, the camera’s variable touchscreen felt like a benefit for shooting alone, and the record button served as a practical convenience. Although it can’t completely replace a gimbal, in-body image stabilization is useful for handheld vlogging. Additionally, testing showed that its autofocus is the best in the business, sticking to targets like glue.

Even at higher ISOs, the A7 IV offers clear, noise-free output by oversampling 7K resolution video to 4K/30p. The 10-bit 4:2:2 option offers versatility for color graders as well. On 4K/60p video, there is a crop, and panning with a rolling shutter can deform verticals. But the A7 IV is a true all-arounder if you’re looking for a camera that can capture a compelling combination of stills and video.

Even if there are better specialized cameras available, the A7 IV is the best mirrorless camera overall. You’ll really enjoy its adaptability, capabilities, and lens options if you frequently photograph a well-balanced mixture of portraits, weddings, wildlife, and video.

5. Panasonic LUMIX GH5

When it was initially released, the Panasonic GH5 was among the best 4K cameras money could buy. The Mark II from Panasonic is the preferred camera for video creators because it builds on the proven foundation while making a few significant changes.

The most notable upgrade is integrated wireless live streaming, which the GH5 II can do thanks to support for the RTMP/RTMPS protocol. When your connection is strong enough, the resolution increases to its highest setting of 1080/60 frames per second.

The GH5 can capture breathtaking 4K footage even when you’re not streaming. Videographers now have access to a few new frame rates and resolutions, including anamorphic 6K and 4:2:0 10-bit C4K, while maintaining the same Micro Four Thirds sensor. Additionally, a variable frame rate mode is available for production of both fast and slow motion (up to 180fps).

The sensor size has a small impact on low-light performance, but five-axis in-body image stabilization allows you to shoot handheld without any shake. The GH5 Mark II is shaping out to be an excellent choice for capturing all types of 4K content, especially when combined with a fully articulating touchscreen.

Although not everyone may find wireless live streaming appealing, it is a new phenomenon that few other camera manufacturers appear eager to investigate. For anyone looking for a high-end mirrorless camera with wireless live streaming capability, the GH5 II is the only option left. At least for the moment.

Final Verdict

The top 4K cameras let you capture clear, crisp video in a variety of situations. Every model in the buying guide above can record video in 4K, with some models going as high as 6K and even 8K. Resolution is an important factor to consider when choosing a video camera.

Despite the fact that the highest values typically result in the sharpest footage, they can be excessive for you. High-performance memory cards and editing programs that can cope with the resulting file sizes are needed for 8K. The majority of ardent videographers will find that variables other resolution are more important.

For instance, frame rates should be taken into consideration. Although many cameras can only capture slow-mo at lower resolutions, the top 4K cameras can record footage at 60fps for smooth real-time shots and at buttery-smooth 120fps for slow-motion b-roll.

Additionally, take in mind output formats and color profiles. The best 4K camera for video provide you the freedom to record however works best for your workflow. Depending on your configuration, that can entail using a certain log profile, such V-Log. With the majority of the top 4K cameras supporting log profiles, post-production color grading adjustments are possible for videographers. The finest models can also internally record 10-bit video for richer color (but bigger file sizes).

Your level of expertise and preferred method of videography are other aspects to take into account. If you want to record video handheld, you must have image stabilization, but if you use a gimbal, the problem is less significant. Similarly, tracking autofocus is useful if you’re upgrading from a smartphone, but if you’re used to manual tracking, it’s not a deal-breaker.

For individuals who enjoy recording in low light, a big sensor is ideal. It’s also important to consider the physical design: if you frequently shoot alone, features like an articulating touchscreen and an ergonomic handgrip are helpful, as are controls that are easily reachable.

Don’t forget about accessories either; the majority of the top 4K cameras have ports for external microphones and headphones, allowing you to add high-quality audio to your 4K film. Before purchasing a new 4K camera, make sure the accessories you need, such as a battery grip or hot-shoe attachment, are suitable with your shooting style.