VIDEO CAMERAS: TOP RECOMMENDATIONS 2023

The video camera is, more and more, something to take into account for lovers of photography. Many of us, as visual creators that we are, usually end up getting our attention at some point in the subject of the video.

From recording documentaries, travel videos, family videos, event videos, product videos, for YouTube or vlogs... Videos occupy an important space in our personal and professional lives, and have a unique way of transmitting and bringing us closer to the viewer.

And we couldn't have chosen a better time for our double hobby because, today, in some DSLR or EVIL models we find extremely interesting video cameras without having to pay exorbitant amounts for professional video cameras. So fun is guaranteed.

Now, choosing a camcorder is not an easy task, there are many models, prices and differences in features. In this guide I intend to guide you when choosing a perfect camera for you, teach you what you should look for when doing it, what are those features that I consider most important, as well as some models that may be interesting for you, as well as other equipment that I consider it important to enter the world of video with high quality results.

Let's go to the mess ;).

Important note: if you're in a hurry and want to go straight to our video camera recommendations, here they are .

HOW TO CHOOSE A VIDEO CAMERA?

When choosing a video camera, you should always start by answering these two questions: What budget do I have? That is, how much do I want (or can I) spend and what kind of videos do I want to record with it?

WHAT BUDGET DO YOU HAVE?

With the budget I always recommend you keep a cool head and that you think that the equipment, whether for video or photography, does not start, far from it, with the camera. My advice is to always keep in mind that, to get the best results, you should not only invest in a camera but also in other accessories such as (above all) a good lens. So keep this in mind when calculating your maximum budget ;).

WHAT KIND OF VIDEOS ARE YOU GOING TO RECORD?

There are so many ways to make video that it is very important, before going into technical specifications, models, etc., to define what type of video you want to record. Do you want a camcorder to document your family life? To advertise products? To upload videos to your social networks? Do you want to record interviews? Landscape? Videos for your YouTube channel? Are you going to record yourself? yourself very often?

The answers will condition which is the ideal camera for you.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS WHEN EVALUATING CAMERAS TO RECORD VIDEOS

In my experience, the points that I detail below are the most important when looking for the best video camera.

Manual controls: You do need a camera with manual settings if you want to get good results with your video camera. Some manual controls will allow you, among other aspects, to control the opening of the diaphragm and, therefore, the blur.
Interchangeable objectives: Also very important to achieve good results and have versatility in your work.
Folding screen: It is essential if you want to record yourself for your video channel or vlog, but also if you want to get interesting angles without leaving your back ? . It is a more than interesting option to record video.
Autofocus effectiveness: Also give priority to this point because it is essential. Having a good autofocus can be the difference between success and failure in a forceful way. Whether you want the camera to record yourself or for another type of video, it is essential that the autofocus does not get lost, that it does not constantly search for the subject ( focus hunting ), or simply has the wrong protagonist.
- face detection
- Eye AF (Automatic detection of focus on the eye)
Built-in Stabilizer : When you're shooting moving situations, especially handheld, you're going to need that on-body stabilizer that reduces unwanted movement and shake. Unless you're always going to have your camera mounted on a tripod, it's important to look for a camera with a good stabilizer.
Audio input: Another interesting option is that it has an audio input, since the audio microchips of the cameras are not always optimal, being able to add a microphone in a simple way can be a point in favor.
4K recording: Nowadays, you have many options for cameras that record in 4K, so unless you want to make very simple videos for more “home” use, I would go for one that records in 4K. Of course, 4K takes up much more storage space since it generates larger files, keep that in mind.
Frames Per Second: You have several fps options, from 24p, 30p to 60p. My recommendation is that, if you are looking for a more off-road video camera, opt for 60p, it will allow you to obtain higher quality slow-motion videos.
Good response to high ISOs: To get good image quality in low light situations you will need a camera that responds well to high ISO values.
Compact and manageable size: Whether you want to use it freehand or if you are going to add accessories such as a Gimbal, a compact and not very heavy camera becomes more manageable and efficient.
WI-FI: A very interesting option if you want to be able to control the video from other devices.

OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CAMCORDER

There are other features that, although they are not the priority, are very interesting, especially if the subject of the video is something that you want to "professionalize" a little more:

Full Frame: It is not essential to start and you probably will not need it, but it is interesting especially if what you like is the landscape or similar. With a Full Frame sensor, you will avoid the crop factor and have a better response at high ISOs.
Sealed for water and dust: If you are looking for a camera for outdoors, nature, and more extreme conditions, I recommend that you consider this option.
Battery life: A short battery life should be considered with multiple spare batteries.
Double SD slot: A double slot will allow you to have the security of not losing work due to the failure of a memory card. If you are thinking of professionalizing yourself in any way through video, this option is important.
Headphone output: To listen precisely to what we are recording.
Color profiles or specific profiles for video: Cinestyle, profiles with logarithmic curves.
Unlimited recording: Most cameras have a limit of 30 minutes per clip, but there are some that offer the possibility of unlimited recording, which may be essential depending on the type of videos you have thought of making.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CAMERA TO RECORD VIDEOS?

After seeing, in a general way, the most important characteristics of a camcorder, let's see which ones can be more interesting depending on the type of video you are thinking of making.

TRIPS

Given the above points, if you are looking for a camera to accompany you on your travels, I would recommend that it fulfill the following functions:

manual controls
interchangeable objectives
integrated stabilizer
4K recording
folding screen
dual SD slot
Compact and manageable size
Dust and water sealed (not essential but it doesn't hurt)

FOR A YOUTUBE CHANNEL

If you are going to record yourself to upload to YouTube, for example, these are the functions that may be most interesting for you:

Good autofocus, preferably with face detection or, even better, eye detection ?
manual controls
interchangeable objectives
audio input
folding screen

FOR EVENTS

The ideal is to have a very all-terrain camera with the maximum possible features and that allows you to function in various areas: exterior and interior, in motion, in a more static way…

manual controls
interchangeable objectives
dual SD slot
integrated stabilizer
Good response to high ISOs
audio input
Folding screen (it is not essential but it always adds up)
4K recording
Compact and manageable
good autofocus

FOR VLOGGING

This is a broad and very generic field because it will depend on the content you want to create, but in general you will be looking for a versatile camera that covers both studio and outdoor trips.

manual controls
interchangeable objectives
folding screen
Good autofocus, preferably with face detection or even better with eye detection ?
Compact and manageable
audio input
4K recording

FOR INTERVIEWS

manual controls
interchangeable objectives
Good autofocus, preferably with face detection or even better with eye detection ?
audio input
headphone output
unlimited recording

BEST VIDEO CAMERAS

After this introductory guide, I leave you with a few recommendations for cameras to record video that are also great options as cameras ?

1. CANON EOS 850D

This Canon SLR camera is very balanced in terms of price and quality in both photography and video. If you are not looking for a professional camera but do not want to fall short either, the Canon EOS 850Dis a very interesting option:

Camera with manual controls
interchangeable objectives
Good autofocus system (Dual Pixel CMOS)
Flip-up touch screen, ideal for Vlogging
Video recording in 4K (25fps)
External microphone input
No in-body stabilizer (integrates into lenses)
30 minute recording limit per clip
Weight: 515g. approx.
WIFI

Its price is below 1000 euros on Amazon.

Buy the Canon EOS 850D on Amazon

2. NIKON D7500, FOR THE ADVANCED HOBBYIST

This SLR camera can be an interesting option if you want good photographic results while getting very good quality 4K video shots even in low light situations.

Here some interesting features of the Nikon D7500:

Vista camera for photo and video Nikon D7500

Camera with manual controls
interchangeable objectives
Record in 4k at 60p
audio input
headphone output
HDMI output
WIFI
Weight 720g.

Here you can see it in action:

Buy the Nikon D7500 on Amazon

3. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 MARK IV, PRETTY, LIGHT AND TOUGH

The OM-D E-M10 Mark IVIt is a mirrorless camera from Olympus, ideal for travel, it has a very good value for money and can be an option to delve into the world of video with more than acceptable results.

We like this camera for recording video because of its:

manual controls
interchangeable objectives
micro sensor 4/3
Touch and tilt LCD screen
Video in 4K at 30 fps and fullHD (1080p) at 60 fps
5-axis stabilizer on the body
Maximum recording per clip of 29 minutes
WIFI
Approximate weight 383gr (not counting the lens).

Its price is about €699.00on Amazon.

Buy the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV on Amazon

4. SONY A6600, AUTHENTIC SEMI-PROFESSIONAL VIDEO CAMERA

A spectacular mirrorless camera for both photography and video. You can make a mark next to each of the features that I recommended at the beginning of this article because it has everything you can imagine ? :

Integrated 5-axis stabilizer
4K recording at 30 fps
At 1080p you can record up to 120 fps
folding screen
Fast, reliable autofocus with face detection
Good response to high ISOs
audio input
headphone output
Full HD slow motion (up to 120fps)

Currently its price is around €1,331.98on Amazon.

Buy the Sony A6600 on Amazon

5. SONY A7 III, SEMI-PROFESSIONAL FULL FRAME CAMCORDER

This Sony Full Frame is not for you if you are just starting out in video or photography, neither for benefits nor for budget. It is a video camera for advanced amateurs or for those who want to obtain very professional results.

Here you can see some of its features:

Sony alpha a 7III camera for video and photos

manual controls
interchangeable objectives
full frame
High precision autofocus
Record in 4K at 60p
double groove
5-axis stabilizer on the body
Touch screen (adjustable only upwards to approx. 107º, downwards to approx. 41º)
Sealed against dust and humidity.
Approximate weight 650gr.

In the following video you will see a sample of how this camera records:

Currently, it costs €1,900.15on Amazon.

If you have an almost unlimited budget, you can opt for the Sony A7S III, which in the video field is the best there is. However, its price makes it unaffordable for most non-professional videographers.

Buy the Sony A7 III on Amazon

6. NIKON Z6, PROFESSIONAL VIDEO CAMERA

This Nikon EVIL Full Frame has the advantage of being able to add, through its mount adapter, a wide range of Nikon optics.

If you already have material from this brand and you are looking for a mirrorless one for photo and video, this Nikon is the serious bet of this brand for mirrorless and for the world of video.

Its main features:

Camera with manual controls
interchangeable objectives
Precise autofocus with eye detection
5-axis in-body stabilization
Record in 4k at 30p
Very good behavior in low light environments
Flip-up LCD touch screen
sealed body
1 card slot
audio input
headphone output
WIFI

You can even get the video kit offered by the brand itself:

Its price with the 24-70 F/4 S objective is €2,438.80on Amazon.

Buy the Nikon Z6 on Amazon

7. FUJIFILM X-T4, IDEAL FOR SEMI-PROFESSIONAL RESULTS

Another EVIL camera that is worth having on your radar if you like to record video but also enjoy taking pictures, is this mirrorless camera from Fujifilm. These are some of the features for which I recommend this camera:

Double card slot
In-body stabilizer
folding screen
Good autofocus performance even in low light situations
Wi-Fi connectivity
Light and compact with only 607gr. of weight

You can find it for a price of €1,899.00on Amazon.

Buy the Fujifilm X-T4 on Amazon

8. PANASONIC LUMIX GH5S, TRUE BEAST FOR PROFESSIONAL VIDEO

Another awesome mirrorless camera for recording video is the Lumix GH5s.. It is designed precisely for this and, although it is not cheap, if you can afford it, it is a safe bet with which you will get spectacular results, as well as a good camera, 2×1 ;).

Sealed against dust and splashes
Good response to high ISOs
integrated stabilizer
folding screen
4K@60fps
unlimited recording
audio input
headphone output
WIFI
Weight 660g. with battery and card included.

As you can see, it is not a camera to start with, but for very advanced or expert videographers . Currently its price is around €1,450.99on Amazon.

Buy the Panasonic Lumix GH5S on Amazon

9. NIKON Z50, MY NEW FAVORITE CAMERA

I have to confess that the Nikon Z50 has become my new favorite among amateur cameras . For a price below 1000 eurosIt offers excellent features for both photography and video.

Flip and touch screen
4K at 30fps / Full HD (1080p) at 60fps
Maximum recording per clip of 30 minutes
Excellent low light performance
Very good autofocus system with face detection
audio input
WIFI
Weight 450g. approx.

Buy the Nikon Z50 on Amazon

10. CANON EOS M6 MARK II, NO CROP

This mirrorless camera for advanced hobbyists, in addition to being quite compact and lightweight, is not only attractively priced, but is perfect for small productions, vloggers, and other content creators who want to do both photography and video.