Best mirrorless cameras for video

Introduction

Choosing the right camera is the most crucial decision for any filmmaker. And given the financial investment that comes with it, it's not a decision to be taken lightly: the camera you buy ultimately dictates the content you can create. Over the years, mirrorless cameras have become more commonplace, continually pushing the boundaries of video creation.

And today's market offers many enticing options, many of which are capable and rank quite closely against each other. In fact, the newest camera support

4K video

with relatively high bitrates, efficient compression, flat picture profiles, and other video-centric necessities. And often, only minute differences separate two video cameras, which can quickly become overwhelming. And you will soon become more confused when looking closely at the cameras, especially when looking at the specs.

With that, we've compiled a list of the ten best mirrorless cameras for video in today's market.

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10 – Sony a6600

9 – Sony a7III

8 – Sony A7R IV

7 – Nikon Z6

6 – Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

5- Canon EOS R6

4 – Fujifilm X-T4

3-Panasonic S1H

2 – Sony A7S III

1 – Panasonic GH5S

10 – Sony a6600

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Sony's a6600 is the APS-C flagship and their best option yet. Released in fall 2019, it houses a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, the Bionz X image processor and 4K 30p and 1080p 120p video. It also has a 3-inch swivel touchscreen, image stabilization, weather protection, log profiles, and headphone and microphone inputs.

It uses Sony's latest 425-point hybrid AF system with 84% coverage. And this system also uses their real-time AF, which uses machine learning for better subject tracking and continuous AF performance. It's also one of the few cameras in Sony's lineup to offer unlimited video recording. And coupled with its new Z-type battery, it offers the longest battery life of any current APS-C mirrorless camera to date.

Overall, Sony's a6600 combines nine years of refinement that prove Sony is the leader in software innovation. And it's their best all-in-one mirrorless camera and a great choice for videographers looking for a compact yet capable solution.

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9 – Sony a7III

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Sony's a7 Mark III was by far one of the most anticipated mirrorless cameras to date. Released in spring 2018, it houses a 24.2 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, the Bionz X image processor and 4K 30p and 1080p 120p video. It also has a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, dual card slots, image stabilization, log profiles, weather protection, and headphone and microphone inputs.

It uses Sony's 693-point phase-detection AF system with a 93% coverage frame, a system carried over from the flagship a9. And it offers outstanding continuous AF performance and full-time eye detection. It was also the first Sony camera to launch the updated Z-type battery, which also offers the longest battery life in the full-frame segment.

Overall, Sony's A7 Mark III offers performance that rivals several years' flagships. before. But, at a price that's still attractive even to budding filmmakers looking for their first full-frame camera.

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8 - Sony A7R IV

Sony's A7R Mark IV is their fourth high-resolution mirrorless camera. Released in the fall of 2019, it houses a 60.2 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, the Bionz X processor and 4K 30p and 1080p 120p video. It also has a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, image stabilization, log profiles, weather protection, dual card slots, and headphone and microphone inputs.

It uses Sony's 567-point phase-detection AF system with true time tracking. It also uses the new Z-Type battery, which offers the best performance in the A7R line. But, where this camera shines is in the detail, the result of its 60MP sensor. And the images provided offer unparalleled detail in this segment, especially in Super 35 mode.

Overall, Sony's A7R IV, although camera-oriented, offers filmmakers tremendous detail. And it's a great choice for those looking for a high-res hybrid option.

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7-Nikon Z6

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It uses Nikon's 273-point phase-detection AF system with 90% frame coverage. And the latest firmware updates bring continuous autofocus with eye and animal detection, delivering Nikon's best performance yet. Nikon has also equipped this camera with built-in timecode for easy synchronization, and 10-bit HDMI output as well as N-log view assist for easy verification.

All in all, Nikon's Z6 is an excellent choice, especially for videographers who appreciate the style and ergonomics of DSLRs. With this release, Nikon has pleasantly surprised the market with a strong competitor. And it's a compelling all-rounder with solid video capabilities.

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6 - Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

The Blackmagic Pocket 4K combines traditional camcorder capabilities with the DSLR style. Released in the fall of 2018, it uses a 21.2-megapixel MTF sensor and records 4K DCI 60p and 1080p 120p video. It also has a 5-inch touchscreen, full-size HDMI, mini XLR input, two card slots, and headphone and microphone inputs.

Blackmagic designed this camera specifically for video. And it provides several notable additions rivals at this price lack. First, you can apply 3D LUTs for monitoring and save them to file. Second, this camera shoots RAW video, with an impressive 13 stops of dynamic range and their fourth-generation color science from the high-end URSA Mini Pro. These combine to deliver stunning, true-to-life skin tones. This camera also shoots in the wider DCI 17:9 aspect ratio, and it can even record externally via USB-C to SSD drives. And it even has a built-in timecode generator and the optional ATEM Mini for creating live multi-camera streaming productions.

Overall, Blackmagic's Pocket 4K gets several high-end features from its flagship cinema line, which costs tens of thousands of dollars. And it's a great option for videographers and filmmakers at this price point.

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5- Canon EOS R6

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Canon's EOS R6 is their newest addition to the RF lineup. Released in Fall 2020, it houses a 20.1MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC X Image Processor, 4K 60p and 1080p 120p video. It also has a 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, image stabilization, weather protection, log profiles, and headphone and microphone inputs.

It gets several flagship features from Canon's flagship 1DX Mark III, including their latest DIGIC X Processor. This gives the camera the power to support Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, with learning technology depth and 100% frame coverage. This system brings face, head, eye and animal autofocus, which offers the best autofocus of any Canon camera to date. It's also one of the few cameras to offer 4K 60p recording, let alone with H.265 compression and 10-bit HDR. Yet it even uses Canon's latest NH type battery with the best longevity in the entire RF range.

Overall, Canon's EOS R6 is a substantial improvement over the original EOS R. With its side-hinged screen, 10-bit 4K 60p video, IBIS and updated autofocus, it's arguably the best camera they've ever released.

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4 - Fujifilm X-T4

The Fujifilm X-T4 is the latest high-end APS-C hybrid. Released in Spring 2020, it houses a 26-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 4K DCI 60p and 1080p 240p video. It also has a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, dual card slots, image stabilization, log profiles, microphone input and headphone output via adapter.

The X-T4 is the first camera in the line. debuting stabilization in the body, fundamentally changing its use. It also gets Boost IS mode, which maximizes stabilization, creating a locked tripod effect. And this mode virtually eliminates the need to carry a tripod of any kind. Fuji has also equipped the camera with the new W-series battery, which offers nearly double the battery life. The camera even offers 10-bit upsampled video via HDMI. But, with 12 historical film simulations, filmmakers have plenty of extra flair at their disposal. Particularly if you prefer to shoot footage that requires little color grading and post-processing.

Overall, Fujifilm's X-T4 is a great option for hybrid shooters with expansive specs and quality to match. To date, it's their most comprehensive camera for video and one that matches several Panasonic flagships.

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3 - Panasonic S1H

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Panasonic's S1H was a revolution in the movie industry and ushered in a new era. Released in fall 2019, it houses a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 6K 24p, DCI 4K 60p and 1080p 180p video. It also has a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen, status LCD, two card slots, a

hdmi

full size, a pointing light, image stabilization, weather protection, log profiles, and headphone and microphone inputs.

Of this list, it is the only camera with dedicated fans, which consistently cools the camera during extended sessions. This effectively allows you to record indefinitely without overheating. And it's the only camera that offers 6K video. Combined, it offers 52 options in total, making it the most comprehensive selection of cropping, resolution, and codecs to date. It's also one of the few cameras to offer vector oscilloscopes, in addition to waveforms for more advanced monitoring.

Overall, the Panasonic S1H has little competition with other mirrorless cameras. Instead, it's direct competition with cinema cameras that cost tens of thousands of dollars its price. It revolutionized the movie industry when it was launched and is a great option for filmmakers today.

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2 - Sony A7S III

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Sony's A7S Mark III is their latest release and long-awaited replacement for the acclaimed A7S II. Released in fall 2020, it houses a 12.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, the Bionz XR image processor and 4K 120p and 1080p 240p video. It also has a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, full-size HDMI, dual card slots, image stabilization, log profiles, weather protection and headphone and microphone inputs.

It gets Sony's latest Fast Hybrid. Flagship FX9's AF system with 759 phase-detection AF points and 93% coverage. This system also brings real-time tracking for humans and animals, resulting in the best AF performance of the A7S series. Sony has also added superior AF customization options for greater flexibility on AF transition speed. Like other S-series cameras, it delivers class-leading low-light performance, easily capturing usable footage up to ISO 51200. Yet it is now the only Sony camera to shoot 60p 16-bit RAW video. And one of the few cameras with H.265 compression, XAVC HS format and unlimited 10-bit internal recording. It also gets the new Z-type battery, which offers the longest recording time of any Alpha camera.

All in all, Sony's A7S III completely redefines the A7S lineup. Not only does it continue to be the current king of lowlights, but it also meets the demands of real-world performance professionals. And it's a solid alternative to their flagship FX9 cinema camera.

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1 - Panasonic GH5S

Panasonic's GH5S makes video the top priority. Released in Spring 2018, it houses a 10.2-megapixel Live MOS sensor, Venus Engine processor, DCI 4K 60p and 1080p 240p video. It also has a 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen, dual card slots, full-size HDMI, timecode, log profiles, weather protection and headphone and microphone inputs.

Like the S1H, you can apply LUTs to better monitor footage both in playback and in the final render. It even has advanced waveforms and vectorscopes to check brightness, color and luminance. Plus, in keeping with recent Panasonic releases, it offers unlimited 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and anamorphic format. And it's also one of the few cameras to offer two native ISOs, a feature taken from their cinema range. This allows the camera to deliver sharper images at higher sensitivities.

As it stands, the Panasonic GH5S is a substantial improvement over the original model. Although it lacks image stabilization, its capabilities at this price point are still unmatched. As a video-centric camera, it is indeed quite powerful and offers exceptional value for money.

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