Which Canon Video Camera is Best for Your Needs and Budget?
- A Good Canon Video Camera
- A Better Canon Video Camera
- The Best Canon Video Camera
- Final Thoughts on Canon Video Cameras
- Camera Type: Hybrid Camera
- Sensor: 12.8MP 1”-Type CMOS sensor
- ISO: 100 - 20,000
- Lens Mount: Built-in 10x f/2.8-5.6 zoom lens (27.3-273mm equivalent focal range for video & 24.1-241mm equivalent focal range for photos)
- Autofocus: 9 phase-detection points
- Video: 4K/30p, 1080p/60p, & 720p/120p
- Size/Weight: 125 x 102 x 122 mm / 1040 grams
- Microphone/Headphone port: Yes/yes
- Stabilization: Yes (optical image stabilization)
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Camera Type: Cinema Camera
- Sensor: 9.84MP Super 35mm CMOS sensor
- ISO: 200 - 25,600 (expandable to 100 - 102,400)
- Lens Mount: Canon EF Mount
- Autofocus: 19 phase-detection points
- Video: 4K/30p, 2K/60p, & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 190 x 265 x 226 mm / 1800 grams
- Microphone/Headphone port: Yes/yes
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
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- Camera Type: Cinema Camera
- Sensor: 20.8MP Full-Frame CMOS sensor
- ISO: 160 - 25,600 (expandable to 100 - 102,400)
- Lens Mount: Canon EF Mount
- Autofocus: 19 phase-detection points
- Video: 5.9K/60p, 4K/60p, & 1080p/120p
- Size/Weight: 121 x 84 x 55 mm / 370 grams
- Microphone/Headphone port: Yes/yes
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Canon Cinema EOS C300 Camcorder - PL Fit
- Canon Cinema EOS 100 Camcorder - EF Fit
- Canon XF 200 Camcorder
- Canon XC15 Camcorder
- Canon Cinema EOS C200B
Photo by lisegagne via iStock
Canon has long been the number one camera manufacturer in the world. And while their bread and butter are their DSLR cameras, they also have some truly extraordinary cinema cameras for videographers and filmmakers. The only problem is, with so many great options, how are you supposed to know which one is best for you?
That’s where this ultimate Canon video camera guide comes in! Below, we’ll share three of the best Canon video cameras available today, break down their pros & cons, and tell you who will benefit most from shooting with each one.
One amazing resource with loads of used Canon video cameras in stock and a place I have bought and sold countless video and photo gear throughout the years is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform that sells used video and photo kit at unbeatable prices.
Furthermore, all their cameras are dutifully hand-inspected by expert product specialists and backed by warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another fantastic feature of MPB is its online marketplace, where you can trade in and sell your old gear to help offset the cost of new-to-you video and photo equipment you want and need.
Now, it’s time to dive in and discover which Canon video camera is ultimately best for you based on your skill level and budget!
Table of Contents
A Good Canon Video Camera
The first Canon EOS video camera on our list is the Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder. It was introduced in April 2015 and is a budget-friendly hybrid cinema camera capable of shooting both video and stills. Thanks to its low price and user-friendly ergonomics, it’s ideal for beginner and intermediate-level photographers.
The primary thing that jumps out about the Canon XC10 is the crazy amount of professional features packed into such a small, economically priced camera. It boasts UHD 4K, 1080p Full HD, and 720p slow-motion video formats. Moreover, the Canon Log color profile boosts dynamic range by up to 800% (12 stops), increases overall video quality, and gives you more control over the footage in post-production.
While the built-in zoom lens may scare some people away, I absolutely love it! It has a 10x optical zoom, manual/autofocus capabilities, and means you don’t have to spend additional money on expensive lenses. Lastly, its compact and portable size is perfect for on-the-go content creators like documentary filmmakers and people who shoot weddings and concerts.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this killer Canon video camera:
A Better Canon Video Camera
Next up, we have the Canon Cinema EOS C300 II Camcorder. It was released to much fanfare in September 2015 as a replacement for the award-winning Original Canon Cinema EOS C300 Camcorder. It takes all the best parts of its predecessor and combines them with a handful of next-level upgrades to form one of the most powerful video cameras ever made.
A Super 35mm CMOS sensor and two Canon DIGIC DV 5 image processing engines are at its core. The trio combines to make this Canon video camera astonishingly fast and produce sharp, cinematic quality 4K footage. Another feature I can’t get enough of is the enhanced audio controls. They allow users to have pinpoint accuracy when recording and help deliver crystal-clear sound.
Other noteworthy aspects of this camera include super-responsive Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, dual memory card slots, and a built-in multi-step neutral density filter. It’s a wonderful choice for videographers who shoot commercials, sports, music videos, and more!
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this spectacular Canon EOS cinema camera:
Learn More:
The Best Canon Video Camera
And finally, my favorite Canon video camera is the Canon Cinema EOS C500 II. It debuted in January 2020 and took over for the Canon EOS C500 as the flagship interchangeable camera in Canon’s Cinema EOS lineup.
Its signature feature is the stunning video quality of its enormous 20.8-megapixel Full Frame CMOS image sensor. The sensor can record full-frame footage in resolutions up to 5.9K and also boasts crop-sensor modes of Super 35mm and Super 16mm. These creative modes allow you to capture unique cinematic styles often preferred by Avant Garde filmmakers while sustaining high resolutions.
To ensure that the camera is running at maximum efficiency and to limit overheating issues, it uses an all-new DIGIC DV 7 image processor. In addition, the image processor helps power the camera's lighting-fast Dual Pixel AF and allows simultaneous 2K and 5.9K recording to two separate SD cards.
If that wasn't enough, this Canon video camera has even more drool-worthy features: its built-in 5-axis electronic image stabilization, countless customizable buttons, and slow/fast motion recording modes are just the tip of the iceberg. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, the C500 II is an unbeatable option for serious filmmakers and documentarians.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this killer canon video camera:
Final Thoughts on Canon Video Cameras
While those are three of the best Canon video cameras available today, they are certainly not the only ones out there. If you want to check out other options, here’s a list of a few more amazing used Canon cinema cameras currently in stock for bargain prices at MPB!