Which Camera is Best For Video

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Team
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Joined: Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:20 am

Which Camera is Best For Video

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We are often asked this loaded question. Being hard core pros, we would like to suggest an Arri 435. Or an Arri Alexa LF.

Unfortunately when someone asks this question, what they mostly mean is 'I want an affordable light weight camera that will shoot cool video'..

That makes the question clearer. What should be look for in a camera that shoots cool video. Do you want to shoot fiction or non-fiction.

If non-fiction, then we mostly suggest a camcorder. Why? Compact form factor with built in good lens zoom range, autofocus (very very important for documentary and sports), built in excellent sound recording, robust quality etc. So here is a list of great camcorders we recommend.

The DesiShoots Support & Editorial Team

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Team
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Which Camera is Best For Video

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However if you want to shoot Fiction, then it is a different ball game. Because in fiction you get the time to stage your shots. You can afford to use focus as a narrative tool. You need more manual control over the artistry.

So, to shoot fiction, you need a camera which records good quality video, records audio, lets you monitor your audio recordings, allows easy focussing.

What is good quality video? Typically all these years we have been shooting 8bit video in the consumer space. Now, though the modern cameras can shoot 4k, many of them still shoot fewer colors of 8 bit. We recommend, if you can, go for 10 bit. 8bit will have 256 shades of a colour while 10 bit will have 1024 (very very loosely speaking). But 10 bit also produces heavier files.

Most modern DLSRs with video capability allow audio monitoring via headphone jack and a touch screen focus. So we have compiled a small list of cameras we recommend.

While most modern DSLRs and Mirrorless Cameras can record video, our top choices are (Check their latest prices online or with your vendor):


Nikon Z6. Records 4k Video, and with an external recorder, 4k 10 bit is recorded.

Supports in-body image stabilisation

Subject tracking autofocus

Tiltable TFT Screen means you can reach exciting new angles

Stereo mini-jack to monitor audio while recording.

Good low-light performance (51,200 ISO).

Large sensor (Full Frame).

Mirrorless.

 

Panasonic Limix GH5S

Records 4k 10bit 422  Video Internally.

Supports in-body image stabilisation

Continuous Servo AF

Tiltable LCD Screen means you can reach exciting new angles

Stereo mini-jack to monitor audio while recording.

Good low-light performance (51,200 ISO).

Micro Four Thirds Sensor. (Not full frame).

Mirrorless.

 

 

Sony A7S II

Records 4k 10bit 422  Video Internally.

Supports in-body image stabilisation

Continuous Servo AF

Tiltable LCD Screen means you can reach exciting new angles

Stereo mini-jack to monitor audio while recording.

Good low-light performance (102,400 ISO).

Micro Four Thirds Sensor. (Not full frame).

Mirrorless.

 

Canon 5D Mark IV

Records 4k 8bit Video Internally.

Continuous Servo AF

Stereo mini-jack to monitor audio while recording.

Good low-light performance (32000 ISO).

Micro Four Thirds Sensor. (Not full frame).

Mirrorless.

 

 

The DesiShoots Support & Editorial Team

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parambyte
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Which Camera is Best For Video

Post by parambyte »


Another Camera which is a strong contender in the video space is 

FujiFilm XT-4

Records 4k 10bit Mov Video Internally (upto 400Mb/s which is very good, but needs expensive V90 cards for that high quality)
Continuous Servo AF
Stereo mini-jack to monitor audio while recording.
Good low-light performance (32000 ISO).
APSC Size Sensor   (Not full frame).

In Built Image Stabilisation

Mirrorless.

 

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Team
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Which Camera is Best For Video

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FujiFilm X-S10

Shoots 4k 8Bit Internal

4K 10Bits external

Headphone Jack : Not Sure

Continuos Servo Auto Focus

Mirrorless




Nikon Z6II
  Records 4k Video, and with an external recorder, 4k 12  bit is recorded

Supports in-body image stabilisation

Subject tracking autofocus

Tiltable TFT Screen means you can reach exciting new angles

Stereo mini-jack to monitor audio while recording.

Good low-light performance (51,200 ISO).

Large sensor (Full Frame).

Mirrorless.




 

 

The DesiShoots Support & Editorial Team

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parambyte
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Which Camera is Best For Video

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