The Best Video Cameras (Updated 2026)

In this article, I will be helping you find the perfect video-centric camera for your budget.

With so many great camera releases in 2025, it’s a great time to be in the market for a new camera. I’ll be covering four budget categories: low budget (below $1000), mid-range ($1000-$2000), semi-professional ($2000-$3000), and professional (above $3000). Please note that prices may vary depending on your location and taxes.

I’ll be focusing on hybrid cameras that are more geared toward video rather than cinema cameras and camcorders because I think that’s what most content creators prefer working with.

Low-Budget (below $1000)

If you’re in the market for a new camera and you’re working with a budget of less than $1000, you have several great options to consider. However, before diving into specific cameras, here’s my honest take: unless you’re mostly shooting on a tripod or gimbal, your phone is probably already good enough. The iPhone 15, 16 and 17 Pro especially are hard to distinguish from pro-level cameras if you film in Apple LOG, and the stabilization is often better.

Sony ZV-E10 *

The Sony ZV-E10 is a solid choice with a price of $698 without a lens or $798 with the kit lens. This camera has 4K resolution, FHD 120P, good autofocus, and Sony’s reliable face tracking. It also has digital IS and a mic input.

However, it does have a bad rolling shutter, no IBIS (in-body image stabilization), and is heavy with a significant crop when using digital stabilization. It also lacks 4K 60P and is only 8-bit.

ZV-E10 in short

• Positives
  • 4K30P
  • 120P slow motion in 1080P
  • Good autofocus
  • Mic input
  • Digital stabilization
• Negatives
  • No IBIS
  • Bad rolling shutter
  • No 4K60P
  • Only 8-bit

Sony ZV-E10 II *

The Sony ZV-E10 II, priced at $998, is a significant improvement over the original ZV-E10. It fixes the bad rolling shutter issue and adds 4K60P in 10-bit 422 with SLOG3, making it excellent for color grading. You can also load LUTs into the camera for instant color grading.

Sony’s AI-powered autofocus is among the best, with excellent subject tracking and eye autofocus. The camera is still compact and lightweight, perfect for vloggers and content creators. However, it still lacks IBIS, so you’ll need to use digital stabilization (which crops the image) or optically stabilized lenses like the Sony 10-20mm f/4.

ZV-E10 II overview

• Pros:
  • 4K60P in 10-bit 422
  • SLOG3 for color grading
  • Much better rolling shutter
  • LUT support
  • AI-powered autofocus with excellent tracking
  • Great lens selection
• Cons:
  • No IBIS, only digital stabilization

Nikon Z30 *

The Nikon Z30 is another option with a body-only price of $600. It has 4K resolution, good autofocus (though not Sony-level), FHD 120P, and digital stabilization that doesn’t crop the image – which is a big advantage. It also has a mic input. However, it does not have 4K 60P and is only 8-bit with a flat profile.

Z30 overview

• Positives
  • 4K30P
  • 120P slow motion
  • Digital stabilization doesn’t crop
  • Mic input
• Negatives
  • No 4K60P
  • Only 8-bit

Nikon Z50 II *

The Nikon Z50 II offers solid basics with 4K up to 30fps and 120fps slow motion. The Z50 II has 10-bit with N-Log for better dynamic range. The big advantage with Nikon is lens adaptability – you can use old Nikon F lenses with the FTZ adapter, plus there are adapters for Canon EF lenses and Sony E-mount. If you want flexibility down the road, Nikon’s worth considering.

Z50 II Overview

• Pros:
  • 4K30P
  • Full HD 120P slow-motion
  • 10-bit N-Log
  • Great lens adaptability (FTZ, EF, E-mount adapters)
• Cons:
  • No IBIS
  • Autofocus isn’t as advanced as Sony or Canon

Canon R50 *

The Canon R50 is priced at $579 for the body only. It features 4K30P without a crop and FHD with up to 120P, good autofocus, a mic input, and live streaming capability. You can adapt cheap used Canon EF lenses with full autofocus. However, it has no IBIS and CLOG3 gives you a bit less dynamic range than competitors.

R50 overview

• Positives
  • 4K30P without a crop
  • 120P slow motion in 1080P
  • Good autofocus
  • Mic input
  • Live streaming
• Negatives
  • No IBIS
  • Rolling shutter

Canon R10 * & R50 V *

The Canon R10 is around $879, while the new R50 V is specifically designed for video at around $649 – excellent price. The R10 has 10bit in HDR PQ mode for color grading, but no CLOG3. The R50 V adds a cooling fan, making it perfect for livestreams or long recordings. Both have Canon’s excellent autofocus and can adapt EF lenses.

R10 / R50 V overview

• Positives
  • Good autofocus
  • R50 V has cooling fan
  • Can adapt EF lenses
  • Third-party Sigma lenses available
• Negatives
  • No IBIS

Fujifilm X-M5 *

The Fujifilm X-M5 at $799 to $899 is stunning. Just 350 grams, it shoots 6.2K open gate – recording the full sensor height so you can crop for vertical and horizontal content later. All in 10-bit 422 FLOG2 for fantastic dynamic range, plus Fuji’s film simulations for great straight-out-of-camera footage.

Trade-off? No IBIS, and autofocus isn’t as reliable as Sony’s. With Fuji cameras, turn face tracking on but eye tracking off for better results. You’ll likely still get some stepping when racking focus, but it’s a beautiful camera.

X-M5 overview

• Pros:
  • 6.2K open gate
  • Only 350 grams
  • 10-bit 422 FLOG2
  • Film simulations
• Cons:
  • No IBIS
  • Autofocus not Sony-level

Canon PowerShot V1 *

The Canon PowerShot V1 at around $849 is a compact camera with a built-in zoom lens, optical stabilization, and ND filter. Smaller sensor though. If you just want to grab one camera and go without swapping lenses, it’s compelling for travel or vlogging.

My Recommendation

If you do shoot on a tripod and want a better image than your phone, ideally get either the ZV-E10 II * or the Fuji X-M5 *. The quality is professional-level, and with affordable lenses like the Viltrox 13mm F1.4 or 27mm F1.2, you’ll get that background blur your phone can’t match. If it must be a dedicated camera for cheap, the R50V * would be my choice.

My strong recommendation? Save money and use your phone while you do so, because the mid-range cameras offer way more bang for the buck.

Mid-Range ($1000 – $2000)

This is where things get exciting because you’re stepping into cameras with pro-level features, better build quality, stabilization, and way more versatility. You’re always getting 10-bit LOG recording, higher frame rate options, and better handling.

Fujifilm X-S20 *

The Fujifilm X-S20 at $1299 offers 6.2K open gate, 4K60 with a small crop, Full HD at 240fps, F-Log2 in 10-bit 422, and Fuji film simulations. It has IBIS, though not as strong as Panasonic. Autofocus is good but not Sony-level – use face tracking without eye tracking for best results. The lenses aren’t optimized for video, so expect some focus or exposure stepping. But for a light, compact hybrid that punches above its weight, this is fantastic.

X-S20 overview

• Positives
  • 6.2K open gate
  • 4K60P
  • 240P slow motion in 1080P
  • 10BIT 4:2:2 F-LOG2
  • Film simulations
  • Sensor stabilization
• Negatives
  • Autofocus could be better
  • Lenses not optimized for video

Sony a6700 * / FX30 *

The Sony a6700 at $1498 is hard to beat for APS-C. You get 4K60 oversampled (super detailed footage), 4K120 for slow motion with a crop, 10-bit 422 with S-Log3, LUT support, focus breathing compensation, and IBIS plus active stabilization. Sony’s AI tracking autofocus is the best in the business, especially in low light. Plus, you have the biggest selection of affordable third-party lenses.

The Sony FX30 at $1498 is essentially the same camera but in a video-first body. It handles better when rigged up, has better cooling for long recordings, and is more comfortable for serious video work. If you’re doing run-and-gun documentary work or interviews, the FX30 makes more sense.

a6700 / FX30 overview

• Positives
  • 4K60P oversampled, no crop
  • 4K120P with 1.6x crop
  • 10BIT 4:2:2 SLOG3
  • Best autofocus
  • LUT support
  • Breathing compensation
• Negatives
  • Crop in 4K120

Canon R8 *

The Canon R8 at only $1199 is insane. You get 4K60 oversampled with no crop, 10-bit 422 in C-Log3, focus breathing compensation, and the image quality is identical to cameras that cost way more. The deep grip is super comfortable to hold.

The catch? No IBIS. But most Canon RF lenses have stabilization built in, and you can adapt cheap used Canon EF lenses with full autofocus. It’s overall the best bang for the buck camera, together with the Panasonic S5ii.

R8 Overview

• Pros
  • Full frame 4K60P oversampled, no crop
  • 10BIT 4:2:2 CLOG3
  • Good autofocus
  • Breathing compensation
• Negatives
  • No IBIS
  • Expensive RF lenses

Canon R6 Mark II *

The Canon R6 Mark II just dropped to $1999, essentially the same camera as the R8 with a bigger, more professional body, better button layouts, better viewfinder, and IBIS. Videos are stabilized, though wide-angle wobble can happen. Autofocus is great, sometimes outperforming Sony except in low light. The subject-only feature prevents background hunting when it loses focus.

So: R8 if you want best value without IBIS or use stabilized lenses/gimbals. R6 II if you want pro handling and IBIS for handheld. Either way, Canon’s color science and autofocus are fantastic.

R6 Mark II overview

• Pros
  • Full frame 4K60P oversampled, no crop
  • IBIS
  • Subject detection only mode
  • Better ergonomics than R8
• Negatives
  • Wide-angle IBIS wobble
  • Expensive lenses

Sony a7 IV *

The Sony a7 IV just dropped to $2000, one of the most popular hybrid cameras ever made. 33 megapixels full frame, 4K30 oversampled from 7K – some of the sharpest 4K footage you can get. 10-bit 422 S-Log3, strong IBIS, fantastic autofocus. The downside? 4K60 has a 1.5x crop.

Versus R6 II: more resolution, better low-light autofocus and video, more dynamic range – but R6 II has no 4K60 crop. Versus Panasonic: better autofocus and sharper 4K30 – but Panasonic has better IBIS, waveform monitoring, and open gate.

The a7 IV can overheat on very long recordings, though you can use APS-C crop mode to manage that. If you want the best all-around with elite autofocus, hard to beat here.

a7 IV overview

• Pros
  • 4K30P oversampled from 7K
  • 33MP full-frame
  • Elite autofocus
  • Strong IBIS
• Negatives
  • 1.5x crop in 4K60
  • Can overheat on long recordings

Panasonic S5 II * & S5 IIX *

The Panasonic S5 II at $1697 and S5 IIX at $1997 offer 6.2K open gate, 4K oversampled from 6K, waveform monitoring, V-Log in 10-bit 422, Full HD at 180fps, and a fan to prevent overheating. The IBIS is the best in this price range – incredibly stable, almost gimbal-like. S5 IIX adds ProRes recording to external SSD plus RAW via HDMI.

Downsides? Autofocus is behind Sony and Canon – still reliable for most needs, just not quite as sticky. 1.5x crop in 4K60 like the a7 IV. But at $1697, the S5 II is $300 cheaper than a7 IV and R6 II while offering more video-focused features.

S5 II overview

• Positives
  • 6.2K open gate
  • 4K30P oversampled from 6K
  • Best IBIS
  • Waveform monitoring
  • Cooling fan
• Negatives
  • Autofocus behind Sony/Canon
  • 1.5x crop in 4K60

Sony ZV-E1 * (not in script, but great if you mostly film in automatic modes)

The Sony ZV-E1 at $2198 is a full-frame vlogging camera with AI-enhanced stabilization and autofocus, making it one of the best options for solo content creators. It records 4K60P with full readout (no crop), 4K120P with 1.1x crop, and 10-bit 4:2:2. The AI-powered autofocus is incredibly reliable, tracking faces, objects, and estimating human poses.

Biggest drawback: no mechanical shutter, meaning it’s not ideal for photography. Only 12MP sensor.

ZV-E1 overview

• Pros
  • Full-frame 4K60P with no crop
  • 4K120P with 1.1x crop only
  • AI-powered autofocus
  • Sony a7S III quality for less money
• Cons
  • No mechanical shutter
  • Only 12MP

Semi-Professional ($2000-$3000)

These cameras offer great 10-bit LOG codecs, great dynamic range, sensor stabilization, and 4K 120P. The price difference comes down to specific features that might matter a lot to you or not at all. Key differences: sensor tech (some have stacked sensors), whether you get only 4K or higher resolutions, open gate or RAW recording, port quality, and ecosystem costs.

Sony a7C II *

The a7C II at $2198 is the a7 IV in a smaller, travel-friendly body. Same 33MP sensor, same 4K30 oversampled from 7K, but 4K60 has a 1.5x crop, and 10-bit 422 S-Log3. Key upgrade: AI chip for better autofocus. More compact and lighter – fantastic for travel. Great in low light.

Downsides? No waveform monitoring, micro HDMI, fewer buttons.

a7C II overview

• Pros
  • Compact travel body
  • AI chip autofocus
  • Great low light
• Cons
  • No waveform
  • Micro HDMI
  • 1.5x crop in 4K60

Sony a7 V *

The brand new Sony a7 V at $2898 is the most expensive and controversial camera here. The 33MP partially-stacked sensor delivers the highest dynamic range in this price bracket – matching medium format for photography. Fast readout means minimal rolling shutter.

For video: 4K60 oversampled from full 7K sensor with NO crop – big advantage over a7 IV and a7C II. 4K120 is APS-C crop only. Heat management vastly improved – 90+ minutes 4K60 continuous. 10-bit 422 S-Log3, LUT support, 7.5 stops IBIS.

The catch: no 6K, 7K, 8K, or open gate. Limited to 4K max. If you need higher resolution for cropping, skip this. But if 4K is enough and you value best image quality, dynamic range, zero 4K60 crop, amazing autofocus, and best lens ecosystem – the a7V is probably the best hybrid here.

a7 V overview

• Pros
  • Highest dynamic range in price bracket
  • 4K60 oversampled, no crop
  • 90+ min 4K60 continuous
  • Partially-stacked sensor
• Cons
  • 4K maximum resolution
  • No open gate

Canon R6 Mark III *

The brand new R6 Mark III at $2799. 4K60 oversampled from 7K with no crop, Full HD at 180fps, great dynamic range with CLOG2 10-bit 422, strong stabilization except typical Canon wide-angle wobbles. Beautiful color science, “detect only” autofocus. Uses same sensor as Canon’s C50 cinema camera, though dynamic range slightly lower than C50.

Downside: Canon RF lenses are expensive, no affordable third-party full-frame options. But adapt EF lenses for cheaper used glass. Canon recently released more affordable F1.4 VCM line, 16-28 and 28-70 F2.8 zooms, 45mm F1.2.

R6 III overview

• Pros
  • 4K60 oversampled, no crop
  • CLOG2
  • Detect-only AF
• Cons
  • Expensive lenses
  • Wide-angle wobble

Nikon ZR * 6K Cinema Camera

At just $2196, the Nikon ZR is fascinating and shares best bang-for-buck with the Panasonic S5ii. Shoots 6K full frame with RED RAW, N-RAW, ProRes RAW, plus normal codecs. Up to 6K60, 4K120, 1080p240. IBIS, deep learning tracking, LUT loading. Huge 4-inch screen – no other hybrid has one this big.

Trade-offs: cinema file workflows mean massive RAW files, micro HDMI only. RED RAW looks amazing, but normal HEVC 10bit N-LOG isn’t that special. Super small body – less ergonomic, fewer customizable buttons. But for affordable RAW recording, incredible value.

ZR overview

• Pros
  • 6K60 RED RAW
  • 4-inch screen
  • Best value for RAW
• Cons
  • Massive RAW files
  • Small, less ergonomic

Nikon Z6 III *

The Z6 III sits mid-$2k with N-RAW internal, 10-bit N-Log, 4K up to 120P, solid IBIS, modern autofocus, plus Nikon adapter advantage (FTZ for F lenses, third-party for EF and E-mount). However, dynamic range isn’t impressive. Good camera, but not a perfectionist’s choice.

Z6 III overview

• Pros
  • N-RAW internal
  • 4K120P
  • Adapter advantage
• Cons
  • Dynamic range disappointing

Fujifilm X-H2S *

The Fujifilm X-H2S at $2899 is an APS-C beast with the best video quality I’ve shot in any hybrid. Stacked sensor means virtually no rolling shutter. 4K60 no crop, 4K120 with crop, 6.2K open gate, ProRes internal on CFexpress. Incredible dynamic range, cinematic film simulations, fantastic FLOG2.

Autofocus good but not Sony/Canon level – turn eye tracking off, use face tracking, but expect some stepping. If autofocus isn’t top priority and you value image quality and dynamic range, probably best option here. Especially for professional filmmakers using manual focus – this is cinema camera level.

X-H2S overview

• Pros
  • Stacked sensor
  • 6.2K open gate
  • ProRes internal
  • Best video quality in hybrid
• Cons
  • Autofocus not best
  • Focus/exposure stepping

Professional ($3000+)

Everything here is good enough to be the camera, not the excuse. Differences come down to sensor technology (stacked or global shutter), whether you need 8K or RAW, port quality, and ecosystem. Sometimes it really just comes down to which brand you’re already invested in.

Nikon Z8 *

The Nikon Z8 at $3497 is essentially a compact Z9. 45MP stacked sensor, 8K, 4K high frame rates, solid IBIS, N-Log, full-size HDMI. Autofocus capable though behind Sony/Canon. Nothing negative except weight – chunkier than competition.

Z8 overview

• Pros
  • 45MP stacked
  • 8K recording
  • Full-size HDMI
• Cons
  • Heavier than competition

Sony a1 II *

The brand new a1 II at $6998 has 50MP stacked, 8K, 4K120, 10-bit 422 S-Log3, flagship autofocus, 30 RAW photos/second. Lacks video-centric features like open gate, waveform. No oversampled 4K internal – shoot 8K, downscale in post, massive files. More photography-first. Nikon Z8, Panasonics, Canon R5 II offer more bang-for-buck spec-wise.

a1 II overview

• Pros
  • 50MP stacked
  • 8K recording
  • 30 RAW fps
• Cons
  • Expensive
  • No oversampled 4K
  • No open gate

Sony a9 III *

The Sony a9 III at $5998 – first full-frame with global shutter, completely eliminating rolling shutter. 4K120P subsampled without crop, 4K60P oversampled from 6K without crop. Elite autofocus, full-size HDMI, flip-out screen.

Trade-offs: lower dynamic range, more shadow noise, more post work. Base ISO 2000 in S-Log3 needs 6-9 stop NDs outside. Noise cleans up well, fantastic latitude. But a7 IV, a7C II, FX3, a7S III give better results with less work.

a9 III overview

• Pros
  • Global shutter
  • No rolling shutter distortion
  • 4K120P no crop
• Cons
  • No 6K/open gate
  • Lower dynamic range

Sony a7S III * & FX3 *

The a7S III at $3148 has 12MP sensor for video. 4K120, 10-bit 422 S-Log3, incredible low light. Older but solid, won’t change soon. Find used ones cheap.

The Sony FX3 at $3659 is a7S III in cinema body. Better cooling, recording reliability, rigging-friendly. For dedicated video shooters recording long.

a7S III / FX3 overview

• Pros
  • 4K120P
  • Incredible low light
  • Full-size HDMI
• Cons
  • Only 12MP

Canon R5 II * & C50 *

Both the R5 II and C50 at $3899 are great depending on your needs. The R5 II has 45MP stacked, 8K60 RAW internal, 4K30 oversampled, 4K120 subsampled, C-Log2 10-bit 422 (huge upgrade from C-Log3 for dynamic range). Excellent autofocus, IBIS though wobbles wide, full-size HDMI. Best hybrid for photo and video.

The C50 is Canon’s smallest cinema camera with 7K sensor, 7K60 Cinema RAW Light, 7K 3:2 open gate recording – first in Canon’s cinema line. 15+ stops dynamic range, dual base ISO 800/6400, oversampled 4K120, detachable XLR top handle. But no IBIS and no electronic viewfinder – pure video-first.

So: C50 if you’re dedicated video and want open gate, RAW workflows, better dynamic range, XLR audio. R5 II if you need a hybrid with IBIS, high-res photos, video flexibility. Both use RF lenses (expensive), but EF adapters work great for cheaper glass.

R5 II / C50 overview

• R5 II Pros
  • 8K60 RAW
  • IBIS
  • Best hybrid
• C50 Pros
  • 7K open gate
  • 15+ stops DR
  • Cinema RAW
  • XLR audio
• Cons
  • Expensive RF lenses
  • C50: No IBIS, no EVF

Panasonic S1 II * & S1R II *

The S1 II and S1R II at $3200 – probably best value here. Incredible monitoring tools (waveform, vectorscope, anamorphic support), open gate, strong codecs, best IBIS in business. Autofocus improved but still behind Sony/Canon. Main difference: S1Rii has 44MP and 8K, S1ii has 24MP but more dynamic range or less rolling shutter (menu selectable). Cropless IBIS is gimbal-like – best professional vlogging/handheld cameras.

Big downside: lens ecosystem. Not bad, you’ll likely be happy. But no 16-35 F2.8 – F4 or 16-28 don’t replace that. Tele lenses like 70-200 F2.8 are heavy versus competition.

S1 II / S1R II overview

• Pros
  • Best value
  • Best IBIS
  • Monitoring tools
  • Open gate
• Cons
  • Limited lens options
  • Autofocus behind Sony/Canon

Conclusion

For those just starting out, the Sony ZV-E10 II * or Fuji X-M5 * are excellent entry-level options with professional-level quality. However, your phone is probably good enough unless you’re shooting on a tripod.

Mid-range shooters should consider the Sony a6700 */ FX30 *, Canon R8 *, Panasonic S5 II *, or Sony a7 IV *. All are solid options with the S5 II offering best IBIS and video tools, FX30 offering 4K120P and best autofocus, and Canon R8 giving full-frame 4K60P for only $1199.

For semi-professional work, the Canon R6 III *, Nikon ZR *, and Sony a7V * are all excellent depending on your needs. The a7V has the best image quality if 4K is sufficient.

Professional videographers have amazing options with the Sony a7S III */ FX3 * for low light, Canon R5 II */ C50 * for 8K and RAW, Sony a9 III * for global shutter, and Panasonic S1 II * for best overall value.

* = Affiliate Link – I get a small commission if you buy through this link but you don’t pay anything extra.