Best Professional Video Cameras in 2024: Top Picks for Filmmakers
Whether you're an indie filmmaker, videographer, or just getting started in video production, choosing the right professional video camera is fundamental.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect camera to fit your needs and budget.
Here are the best professional video cameras of 2024 across different price points and use cases.
Top Professional Camcorders for 4K Video
Sony PXW-Z90
The Sony PXW-Z90 is a great professional-level camcorder that doesn’t cost much.
It comes with a removable top handle and a big zoom range of 29-348mm, so it's great for all kinds of shooting.
This camera can record amazing 4K video and even does "super slow motion" at 120fps in 1080p.
Plus, it has S-Log which makes color editing easier later on.
At $2,449, the PXW-Z90 is your best option.
Sony AX-700
The Sony AX-700 is a budget-friendly 4K camcorder that costs around $1,200.
It has a 1-inch sensor, which is smaller than the larger Super 35mm sensor in the more expensive Sony PXW-Z90 camcorder.
While the AX-700 does not have all the same features as the PXW-Z90, such as the SDI output, it still provides 4K video recording capabilities at a lower price point.
The AX-700 is a good option for those looking to get 4K video quality without spending as much as the professional-level PXW-Z90.
Canon XC15
The Canon XC15 is a good camcorder for broadcast-quality HD video.
It doesn't have XLR inputs built-in, but it comes with an adapter that adds those plus physical controls.
Priced around $1,800, the XC15 is a great choice if you care about high-end video quality.
Hybrid Mirrorless Cameras for Video and Photos
Panasonic Lumix S5 II
For a more affordable pick, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II is an awesome mirrorless camera that can shoot 6K video.
It has great autofocus and costs $1,997, making it a versatile option for both photos and videos.
The S5 II is an excellent choice for amateur videographers and filmmakers looking for a hybrid camera with impressive video capabilities and good in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for handheld shooting.
Some key video features that make it stand out:
6K 24p and 4K 60p video recording with unlimited record time
Excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilization for smooth handheld footage
Advanced autofocus system with subject detection and tracking
10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with codecs like H.265 and Apple ProRes
Full-frame 24MP sensor for great low-light performance
Lens Recommendation
While the kit 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is a decent option to start with, consider stretching your budget for the Panasonic Lumix 24-105mm f/4 lens.
It has a constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range, which is very useful for video work.
This lens plus the S5II body would likely come in around $2,500-2,700 based on current prices.
The constant f/4 aperture allows for better control over depth of field and low-light performance compared to the variable aperture kit lens.
The versatile 24-105mm focal range is also great for different shooting situations.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is a strong choice.
At $1,995, it has many of the same great features as the more expensive 6K Pro model, like 6K video and excellent image quality.
While it's missing a few things like built-in filters, it's still a powerful camera in a small body.
Other Cameras for a Higher Budget
Panasonic S5 IIX
The Panasonic S5 IIX is also worth looking at.
This camera has impressive autofocus, can shoot 6K video, and has advanced video features like V-Log.
Sony Alpha 7 IV
The Sony Alpha 7 IV is another good option.
It can shoot 4K 60p video, has great autofocus, and gives you a lot of flexibility with its full-frame sensor and wide selection of lenses.
Cameras Under $500 for Shooting Bright LED Screens
Capturing vibrant footage and stills of LED signs that can reach up to 10,000 nits of brightness requires a camera with good dynamic range and highlight handling capabilities.
Within a $500 budget, here are some options to consider:
Used/Refurbished DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras
Your best bet is likely to look at used or refurbished camera bodies from a few generations back.
While not the newest models, many of these still offer decent dynamic range to better handle those extremely bright highlights.
Potential Options:
Sony a6000 series mirrorless (a6300, a6500) - $400-500 used
Canon EOS 80D DSLR - $450-550 used
Nikon D7200 DSLR - $400-500 used
Pair the camera body with a budget prime lens with a wide aperture like a 50mm f/1.8 to allow more light control.
Using filters like neutral density (ND) filters can also help reduce the intensity.
GoPro HERO9 Black
Price: Around $350 new
20MP sensor with improved dynamic range
Can shoot 5K video at 30fps
Front-facing color screen for easier framing
While not as capable as a larger DSLR/mirrorless sensor, the HERO9's improved dynamic range and 5K video modes give it an edge over most budget action cams for this use case.
Top Video Cameras for $1000-$2000 Budget in 2024
If your budget is $1000-$2000 and you mainly want to shoot videos, here are some great camera options:
Sony a7 III
Full-frame 24.2MP sensor for excellent image quality, even in low light
Can record 4K video up to 30fps, oversampled from 6K for high detail
Has log profiles like S-Log2 and S-Log3 for better dynamic range and color grading flexibility
Good autofocus performance with real-time eye tracking for video
Compact and lightweight camera body with weather-sealing
Can often find used/refurbished models within this budget range
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II
20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with no crop for 4K video
Records 4K 60p video internally at 10-bit quality with unlimited record time
Has V-Log L flat profile, waveform monitor, and anamorphic mode
In-body image stabilization helps get smooth handheld shots
Rugged weather-sealed body built for outdoor use
Can live stream over wired internet connection
New model priced around $1700
Fujifilm X-T4
26.1MP APS-C X-Trans sensor, oversampled for high quality 4K up to 60p
Records 10-bit 4:2:2 color internally with F-Log flat profile
In-body image stabilization is great for handheld video
Fully articulating screen is ideal for vlogging/self-recording
Rugged weather-sealed body with good ergonomic controls
Can find used/refurbished models within this $1000-$2000 budget
The Sony a7 III and Panasonic GH5 II are strong hybrid video/photo cameras with professional video features like log profiles, high bitrates, and unlimited record times.
The Fujifilm X-T4 is also a very capable video camera in a compact body.
Any of these three would serve you well for video if your budget is $1000-$2000.
Best Cameras for High Frame Rate Video (120fps+)
For those interested in capturing high frame rate video, here are some top cameras that can shoot at least 2K resolution at 120fps or higher:
Sony FX3
Can shoot 4K at 120fps, which exceeds the 2K/120fps requirement.
Features a full-frame sensor for excellent low-light performance.
Active cooling system allows for extended recording times.
Compact and lightweight, designed for handheld shooting.
Panasonic Lumix GH6
Offers 4K 120fps recording.
Equipped with a Micro Four Thirds sensor.
Advanced cooling system for long-duration recording.
High bitrates and multiple recording formats.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
Capable of 2.8K 120fps.
Super 35mm sensor with excellent dynamic range.
Compact form factor with professional-grade features.
Limitations include the lack of built-in ND filters.
Sony Alpha 7S III
Can record 4K at 120fps.
Full-frame sensor with exceptional low-light capabilities.
Advanced autofocus system with real-time tracking.
Active cooling for prolonged recording sessions.
Benefits of High Frame Rate Video
High frame rate video (120fps+) is particularly beneficial for creating smooth slow-motion footage, which can add a dramatic and cinematic effect to your videos.
It allows for more creative flexibility in post-production, enabling you to highlight specific moments with greater detail and clarity.
This is especially useful in action sequences, sports, and nature videography.
And That’s It
No matter which camera you choose, you'll end up with a high-quality, feature-packed device that will help you capture amazing footage.
From traditional camcorders to high frame rate capable cameras, there are plenty of options to suit different videography needs and budgets.
Take a closer look at these options and see which fits your needs and budget best.
I hope this guide helps!
Hakan.