The 5 Best Cameras For Videography And Filmmaking - Fall 2023 Reviews

The Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best hybrid cameras in its price range for up-and-coming videographers. It's an incredibly capable camera, with a 26-megapixel stacked sensor that keeps rolling shutter to a minimum and supports 6.2k open gate recording. It's also one of the few consumer cameras that can record video from a 14-bit readout, meaning you'll get a wider dynamic and tonal range. On top of that, it records at up to 60 fps in 4k without a crop and even has a slow-motion recording mode that captures 4k at 120 fps.

Aside from its superb internal recording capabilities, it also has all the ports you'll need for video peripherals, including a full-sized HDMI port to connect a compatible external recorder, to which you can output RAW video. Even without an external recorder, the camera's internal codec support is fantastic, with Apple ProRes formats to capture higher-quality video with less compression. Really, that's just scratching the surface of what this camera can do, making it one of the best-value options for hybrid and video shooters.

If the Fujifilm X-H2S is out of your price range, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 offers fantastic bang for your buck and can often be found on sale now that the Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5 II has replaced it. Although there's a significant crop at 60 fps, the camera can record 4k video at up to 60 fps, with internal 10-bit recording and a wide range of codecs and recording formats. Video quality from its full-frame sensor is also excellent, and its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) works very well.

That said, its contrast-based autofocus isn't nearly as good as other options on the market, including the X-H2S above, but if you use manual focus anyway, this is a steal of a camera. If autofocus is important to you, the S5 Mark II has upgraded to a phase-detection autofocus system, but it'll cost you more. It's also worth noting that native L-mount lenses can be expensive, though you can get around that by going for third-party options or using a lens-mount adapter.

Another great option for aspiring filmmakers is the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II. It uses a Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) sensor instead of a full-frame sensor like the Panasonic LUMIX S5 above, so while it's a bit less suited to shooting in dim or uncontrolled lighting conditions, it still delivers excellent video quality overall. Plus, you'll find a lot more affordable and portable lens options for the Four Thirds system.

Like its full-frame sibling, the GH5 II supports many resolution and frame rate options, including anamorphic modes to get a wider, more cinematic aspect ratio and UHD and DCI 4k at up to 60 fps. You also get Log profiles and 10-bit 4:2:2 4k recording (up to 30 fps) to capture more color information and give you more flexibility in post-production. The GH5 II has since been replaced by the Panasonic LUMIX GH6, which has a higher-resolution sensor, higher-resolution video recording, and a CFexpress card slot. But, for the price, the GH5 II is still one of the best cameras for filmmaking that you can get.

The Sony ZV-E10 is the best camera for filmmaking on a budget. Though marketed as a vlogging camera, this entry-level APS-C model offers a lot for beginner videographers and filmmakers who don't want to spend a fortune on camera gear. It doesn't have a viewfinder like the cameras above, but the fully articulated screen is perfect for video work. The camera's portable size also makes it a breeze to shoot anywhere. Unfortunately, it doesn't have IBIS, but you can pair it with optically stabilized lenses or use a video rig to get smoother camera movements. It also has excellent connectivity options, with headphone and mic jacks and a Micro HDMI port to connect an external monitor.

There's no time limit on recording, which is great for longer recording sessions. Its battery life is also impressive, and you're unlikely to have any issues with overheating. Compared to higher-end options, though, you'll miss out on 10-bit internal recording and 60 fps 4k video. However, you still get 4k at up to 30 fps and 1080p at up to 120 fps for slow-motion recording. Overall, it's a great choice for the budget-conscious filmmaker.

The Sony ZV-E1 is one of the best cameras for videography in low light. That's because it features a 12 MP full-frame sensor optimized for low-light shooting—the same sensor found in the pricier Sony α7S III and Sony FX3, some of the best videography cameras in their respective classes. With fantastic noise handling and plenty of dynamic range, the ZV-E1 delivers excellent video quality in even the trickiest lighting conditions. It also comes with in-body image stabilization, Sony's ever-reliable autofocus, and 4k recording at up to 60 fps.

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5s is another great option for low-light videography. Though it uses a smaller Four Thirds sensor, the sensor's low resolution and dual-native ISO are designed to optimize the camera for low light, and the camera supports a wide array of recording formats and codecs. It's a more portable camera system than the ZV-E1, with more compact lens options and more effective IBIS, but its AF falls far behind the Sony camera's. But if you prefer manual focus, the GH5s is a good choice to save you some money. Otherwise, the ZV-E1 offers a ton of value for its price for solo operators who frequently shoot in uncontrolled or dim lighting conditions.