When getting into video production, there's a lot of factors to consider, not the least of which is the camera you'll use to shoot video.
We benefit from living in an age in which there are plenty of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that have incredible video features. One only needs to look at the likes of the Nikon Z7 or the Canon EOS R for that.
So the question becomes, what are the best mirrorless cameras for video?
In this guide, I offer up my suggestions for three can't-miss cameras for your video work.
Editor's Tip: Frustrated with overly complex and expensive video-production software? See how easy it can be to create professional-looking videos.
Panasonic Lumix GH5
Essential Specs:
- Micro Four Thirds Sensor
- 20.3-megapixel resolution
- 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD
- In-body image stabilization
- 4K video at 60fps
- V-Log L gamma profile
- MOV and MP4 video formats
- 150-minute recording limit
- Price: About $1,700 (body only)
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that is capable of 4K recording at 60fps and 1080p recording at a whopping 180fps.
What's more, the swivel screen on the GH5 is a great asset to have because it gives you the ability to frame up low-angle and high-angle shots without losing the ability to fully see the LCD to check composition and framing.
Panasonic has loaded this camera with professional video tools as well.
That includes waveform monitoring, focus peaking, and zebras. In-camera slow motion recording and playback is a nice touch too.
For serious shooters that want the ultimate in post-production possibilities, Panasonic offers a V-log profile that creates a flat look that allows you to add custom color touches to the footage that you shoot. The camera's 10-bit color profile also helps in that department.
Add to that two extra stops of dynamic range with V-log, which allows you to bring blown out highlights down and dark shadows up.
While the GH5 doesn't have the best low-light performance of the cameras on this list, the deep list of other top-shelf features makes this an ideal camera for videographers of all skill levels. See sample footage taken on a GH5 here.
Learn more about the Panasonic GH5
Learn More:
- How to Make the Move From Photography to Videography
- Why Videography is Important for Every Photographer
Sony Alpha a6500
Essential Specs:
- APS-C Sensor
- 24-megapixel resolution
- 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD
- In-body image stabilization
- 4K video at 30fps
- S-log gamma profile
- MP4 and MPEG-4 video formats
- 29-minute recording limit
- Price: About $1,200 (body only)
What makes the Sony Alpha a6500 such a great camera for video work is that it has many of the same features as the higher-end Sony a7 series of full frame cameras. That includes 5-axis in-body image stabilization and S-log profiles.
The APS-C sensor has 24-megapixels, which makes it a great combination for photography and videography.
The impressive autofocus system - which sports 425 phase-detect points - also makes this a great hybrid camera for both still photography and videos.
The a6500 will shoot 4K video at up to 30fps while HD video at 1080p can be achieved at up to 120fps.
Something else to bear in mind about this camera is that it is very small and very light.
Measuring just 15.7 x 2.8 x 2.1 inches and weighing just 16 ounces, this is the smallest camera on our list.
But don't think that the small package means there aren't tons of features...
You get a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, an extended ISO range up to 51200, a weather-sealed body, and more!
Learn more about the Sony Alpha a6500
Editor's Tip: The gear you use to shoot video is only part of the equation. Learn how to produce beautiful videos without spending a ton of money.
FujiFilm X-T2
Essential Specs:
- APS-C Sensor
- 24.3-megapixel resolution
- 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD
- 4K video at 30fps
- F-log gamma profile
- MP4 and MPEG-4 video formats
- 10-minute recording limit (30 minutes with optional battery grip)
- Price: About $1,100 (body only)
Like the Sony a6500, the FujiFilm X-T2 is an ideal camera for shooters that need excellent photo and video capabilities.
This camera shoots in 5K, giving you highly resolute videos with rich details. It also has dual SD card slots so you don't have to worry about SD card problems with a backup option.
The F-Log gamma profile on the X-T2 means a greater dynamic range in your video footage, and with Fuji's Film Emulsion Simulation and in-camera color processing features, you have much greater control over the reproduction of colors.
Like the Sony outlined earlier, this camera features an APS-C sensor, only this one is slightly higher resolution at 24.3-megapixels.
This little Fuji also has a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, just like the other cameras on this list.
What this camera lacks, however, is in-camera stabilization. Paired with a native ISO range that goes to just 12800, this is the least capable camera on this list in terms of low-light performance.
However, this isn't to say that this is a poor camera. Quite the contrary! Instead, it's an excellent choice for beginner videographers that need a highly capable still camera as well.
Learn more about the FujiFilm X-T2
Learn More:
- Learn Beginner Videography Techniques in This Tutorial for Photographers
- Basic Composition Tips for Beginner Videographers
Final Thoughts
Creating gorgeous videos certainly depends on a lot more than the camera you use, but having a nice camera for videography sure doesn't hurt!
Something else to consider is the software you use to produce your videos.
Some, like Final Cut Pro, for example, are phenomenal programs with tons of features. The problem with programs like that tend to be both expensive and difficult to learn how to use.
Now, there are all kinds of budget-friendly video-making programs out there that allow you to create incredible videos.
I personally use Kizoa because it's an easy interface for me to use to create awesome videos, complete with a variety of texts, special effects, and transitions.
I often use the free Kizoa iOS app to make quick videos right on my phone, but I also use the online platform on my computer from time to time (as shown in the screenshot above). Either way, it's a painless process!
Perhaps the best of all was the price I paid for my lifetime Kizoa membership - just $30! So unlike Adobe products that require a yearly subscription fee, I have access to all of Kizoa's video editing tools for life.
I'm not saying that Kizoa or these cameras will turn you into Steven Spielberg, but having the right gear will definitely help you in your endeavor to create beautiful, professional-looking videos!