Best Camera For Videography 2022: Guide and Review

Are you a videographer or vlogger? Pretty cool job you got there! But we realize it must be as challenging as any other profession. Shooting high-quality video requires the best equipment and excellent technical know-how. 

We aren't experts to tell you about the technical know-how, but we have something that might interest you. 

Shooting high-quality videos require DSLR or mirrorless cameras, and the world can be your oyster. But choosing such cameras requires you to research and find the best suit. With so many options in the market, selecting the best camera for videography can get daunting. 

So, this blog gathers a list of the top five best cameras for videography. We also acquaint you with narrowing your choice to the best camera among many options. Read on!

Top 5 Picks of the Best Cameras for Videography 2022

We've done our research and selected these top five cameras for videography. Read through their specifications strong and weak points to better learn the product before finding the best video camera. 

Panasonic Lumix S5

Specifications

• Megapixels: 24.3 MP APS-C 
• Lens Type: Interchangeable
• ISO Range: ISO 100-51200 (expandable)
• Video (Max Resolution): 4K 60

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is an impressive camera model suitable for all purposes. Available at an affordable price, the Lumix S5 is an ideal choice for both videographers and photographers. The camera offers a 24.3 MP full-frame CMOS sensor that allows you to capture great qualities of shots. 

The Lumix S5 can UHD 4K 60 videos on the video site. It can shoot 16-bit internal video recording an APS-C sensor area and 4:2:0 10-bit colour. Also, it is the best camera for video shooting that can shoot full-frame UHD 4K30p using 4:2:2 10-bit colour. 

The ISO range for this camera is up to a native capacity of 100-51200. It can be expanded to ISO 50-204800. One of the best features of this camera is its inclusion of dual card slots that allow you to record even when one of the memory cards are full. 

You can even use this camera for still shooting purposes and record continuous 3:2 or 4:3 8MP stills at a 60 or 30 fps shooting rate. It also has the option of 18MP stills at a 30 fps shooting rate. 

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is weather-sealed and can withstand water splashes and dust. Also, for your travelling convenience, the camera is lightweight and portable. This is an all-round camera you would love for your videography and photography purposes. 

What We Love:

• 4K 60 video recording
• Fully articulating screen
• Internal 10-bit video recording
• Dual card slots

What We Don't Like:

• Lens Selection

Sony a6400

Specifications

• Megapixels: 24.2 MP APS-C 
• Lens Type: Interchangeable
• Video (Max Resolution): 4K 
• Shooting Speed: 11 fps
• Display: 180-degrees tiltable LCD touch screen

The Sony a6400 is the upgraded version of a6300 in Sony's lineup of compact, portable APS-C cameras. Sony has the fastest autofocus cameras in the world. The acquisition time for this camera is only 0.02 seconds which means it is lightning fast. 

The camera supports 4K video recording with "Real-time Eye AF" and "Real-time Tracking." Additionally, the camera has a 180-degrees tiltable LCD touch screen. The camera is Sony's first APS-C mirrorless camera. It includes a Hybrid Log-Gamma picture profile.

The Sony a6400 uses a 24.2 MP APS-C sized image sensor with a BIONZ X processor. With such a combination and Sony's image-processing algorithm, the noise in the a6400 is significantly less. 

Other features of this camera include Zebra functionality, Gamma display, and proxy recording. In terms of features, the Sony a6400 is a top-notch camera. 

What We Like:

• 120fps in HD
• No record time limit

What We Don't Like:

• No headphone jack
• No in-body image stabilization

Canon EOS Rebel T8i

Specifications

• Megapixels: 24.1 MP APS-C 
• Size: 5.16 x 4 x 3 inches 
• Weight: 18.2 ounces
• Lens Type: Interchangeable
• ISO Range: ISO 100-25600
• Image Stabilization: In-lens
• Autofocus: 45-point phase detection
• Video (Max Resolution): 4K at 24 fps
• Shooting Speed: 7 fps
• Display: 3.2-inch swivelling touchscreen

If you are only a casual photographer who does videography once in a while, you will love the Canon EOS Rebel T8i, the best among all cameras. It is a DSLR camera. Although the camera is popular for photography, it supports 4K video shooting and has a handy built-in guide for users. 

The EOS Rebel T8i has a framerate of 24 fps, and therefore, it poses the best camera for beginner filmmakers. One of the great features of this camera is that it also has a microphone jack for greater audio recording and allows users to shoot a vertical video for social media platforms. 

What We Like:

• Built-in guides for beginners
• Easy to use
• Records 4K video
• Records 4K video

What we Don't Like:

• No USB charging

Nikon D5600

Specifications

• Megapixels: 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor
• Size: 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 inches
• Weight: 16.4 ounces
• Battery Life: 970 shots
• Display: 3.2-inch swivelling touchscreen
• Shooting Speed: 5 fps
• Video (Max Resolution): 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
• Image Stabilization: In-lens
• ISO Range: ISO 100-25600
• Lens Type: Interchangeable

Made with a 24MP sensor, 3.2-inch swivelling touchscreen, and interchangeable lenses, the Nikon D5600 is one of the best digital filmmaking cameras for most users. It has a wide usable ISO range and a battery life, allowing you to take 970 shots. 

If you are a professional videographer, this camera will best suit your purposes, given that it has a full range of manual controls. You can make the required changes to apply your creativity to the videos you shoot. It also comes with many assisted shooting modes that can be handy to train beginners. 

The maximum resolution supported by the camera is 1080p at 60fps. It also has a microphone jack for better audio recording.

What We Like:

• Solid set of practical and functional features
• Responsive performance
• Top-notch image quality

What We Don't Like:

• No 4K video
• Minimal manual video control

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Specifications

• Type: Mirrorless
• Movies: 4K UHD at 30p
• Continuous shooting: 5fps
• Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360,000 dots
• Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
• Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Resolution: 20.3MP
• Sensor size: Four Thirds

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the fourth iteration of Olympus' series of E-10 mirrorless cameras. It belongs to the Om-D, a junior, a beginner-friendly family of cameras. The series only gets better and better with the successive camera launched.

This one is a micro four-thirds camera with a small sensor. But it has a vast range of interchangeable lenses supporting both Olympus and Panasonic lenses. 

The sensor is a 20MP Live MOS sensor and captures impressive shots. The camera is especially great for newbies. Furthermore, the 5-axis stabilization available on this camera at this price is simply excellent.

What We Like:

• Beginner modes
• Gorgeous build and feel

What We Don't Like:

• Only 5fps burst

What Features to Look for when Buying a Video Camera

There are plenty of options in the market when you choose a camera for video shooting purposes. However, not all of them would suit your requirements and stand as a good camera. Here are the factors that make an excellent camera to choose from for your needs. 

Size and Weight

The first thing to consider in a camera is its size and weight for portability purposes. If you need to go on regular shoots, portability is a significant factor, which is fulfilled by finding a lightweight and small camera. 

Depending on the expert level you belong to, purchase a camera you can handle for long hours of shooting without compromising the quality of your shots. 

Resolution

A pixel is a tiny colored dot that appears on the screen. One megapixel is made of a million such dots. Therefore, 24 megapixels is about 24 million dots of color. 

Don't go by the myth that more megapixels mean better quality pictures and videos. It all depends on the camera's sensor that determines the quality of the shots. However, megapixels play a smaller part in the quality of the photos.

Interchangeable Lenses

Most of the good cameras for filmmaking come with interchangeable lenses, which allows you more choices for different styles of shots. 

A compact video camera would have a fixed lens. You cannot change the zoom range available in such cameras. But the interchangeable lens of a camera allows you to switch among wide-angle lenses, a zoom lens, etc., for better aperture options.

Both mirrorless cameras and DSLRs have options for interchangeable lenses. 

Manual Settings

With a camera with manual settings, you can have full control over it in terms of setting the aperture, ISO, or shutter speed. This way, you are open to another level of creativity, and you can create videos and photos as per your perspective. 

4K Video

It's 2022, and nothing is better than shooting 4K videos. The higher the resolution of your video, the better its quality and value will be. However, if you don't have a 4K monitor, you can use the clip and watch it in HD 1080p. Remember that 4K video takes up your battery life too. 

Weatherproofing

Unless you plan to shoot only in good weather, you would need a weatherproof camera. Although not fully waterproof, ensure that your camera has good weather sealing. Alternatively, you can opt for underwater housing to shoot underwater. 

Zoom

It is crucial to find the appropriate zooming ability of a camera. If you purchase a fixed lens camera, it should have a long zoom range. For mirrorless cameras or DSLRs, you need not worry about this factor. 

Stabilization

You may think you are steady enough, but there will always be some amount that makes your camera shake when you shoot photos and videos. 

It won't be a problem if your camera shoots at faster shutter speeds, but you would need better stabilization for low light captures. Look for inbuilt image stabilization for this purpose. 

Mirrorless vs DSLR

A DSLR can work with a mirror inside the camera. When you look through the viewfinder, you see the mirror covering the sensor, reflecting a scene. When you push the shutter, the mirror flips mechanically and exposes the image onto the sensor and then onto your SD card. These moving parts need space, and therefore, DSLRs are larger in size.

Mirrorless cameras don't have any moving parts. The images are viewed through the lens and directly onto the sensor. You can see a digital copy through the electronic viewfinder pointing at the camera. 

So, the camera can be a lot smaller without a flipping mirror. Depending on your requirements, you can choose a DSLR or mirrorless camera. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I just save some more money and go for a flagship camera instead? 

If you are into making semi-professional video content, you don't need a Flagship camera. But if you are a professional and need a camera for Wildlife, Sports, Portrait, professional-grade films and documentaries, you can invest in a high-end flagship camera. 

Are Mid-range cameras good enough for making YouTube videos? 

Mid-range cameras work fine for shooting YouTube videos. However, ensure that they support prime, wide-angle, zoom lenses and shoot 4K videos. If it had manual controls, it would be even better. 

What Mid-range camera setup works best for Vlogging? 

Vlogging requires a compact and lightweight camera that shoots 4K videos with fast autofocusing and excellent dynamic range. It should also capture decent shots in low light scenarios. Also, it would be best if you looked for a good wide-angle lens for the best vlogging results out of a mid-range camera. 

Which focal length lens should I buy?

It depends on the purpose you need the camera for. Portraits are well-captured with a 50mm or 75 mm mark. But if you want to capture wildlife, it would be better to go for something like 300mm or greater. 

Are mirrorless cameras better for filmmaking?

Mirrorless cameras are ideal for filmmaking given they are lightweight, supports great video quality, and are perfect for low-light conditions. They are within your budget as well.