Today, video is one of the most important media formats with nearly every other person dabbling in creating their very own movies. And with videography becoming so popular, cameras are becoming smaller, easier to use and more feature-rich. These great updates have fueled the growth of vlogging and DIY filmmaking for home-movie enthusiasts, students, businesses and anyone else who wants to capture special memories or tell stories. If you’re looking to improve your filmmaking skills, have a look at our list featuring some of the best videography cameras currently available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most important settings to look out for on a videography camera?
There are three main settings to look out for: ISO, shutter speed and aperture. These are foundational and called the ‘exposure triangle’. ISO is a camera’s sensitivity to light, shutter speed is the speed at which the shutter opens and closes, while aperture is the way light passes to enter the camera.
How do you clean your videography camera?
After shooting, always wipe down your camera with a soft cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Pay particular attention to the small areas around the zoom, focus, buttons or aperture wheels if you have a fixed-lens camera. Also, use a lens cleaning kit to carefully maintain your glass and keep it in good condition.
Buying Guide
Choosing a new videography camera isn’t as easy as simply picking the first one you see. When you choose one, you have to make sure it fits your needs and the purpose you are buying it for. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind when shopping for a quality videography camera:
- Video Quality and Control: Having control over the settings of a videography camera can be very important. Most cameras that shoot in 4K, have touch screen and frame rate options as well as customizable tone curves that can help make any video footage look more professional.
- Lenses: Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, your videography camera options include options with fixed lenses and ones with interchangeable lenses. Both are rich in features and produce great results. But keep in mind that fixed-lens videography cameras are often less complicated to use because of their all-in-one design.
- Viewfinder: If you want to keep your camera steady and produce sturdy footage, choose a videography camera that comes with a viewfinder on the screen.
- Zoom: Having a great zoom ratio on your camera can make zooming in and out of objective with little image distortion easy and convenient.
Apexcam 4K Waterproof Camera
Best Waterproof Design
Can be used under water up to 40 meters
This action camera is perfect for outdoor and underwater sports enthusiasts. It comes with a 170-degree super-wide angle lens that produces high-definition photos and professional video quality. The camera kit includes two rechargeable 1050 mAh batteries.
Pros:
- Camera can be connected to Wi-Fi for easy sharing of footage
- Can record in four different modes
Cons:
- Average storage capacity
Sony DC ZV-1 Camera
Best Digital Option
Features a side-flip LCD screen
This pocket-sized videography camera comes engineered with uncompromising imaging technology and innovative features that lets the subject shine in any scene. It comes with creative effects and styles that allow for near-limitless visual possibilities.
Pros:
- Includes a microphone jack and MI shoe
- Comes with a windscreen to reduce outdoor noise
Cons:
- Lacks front-facing touch control
Panasonic HC-V770 Camcorder
Easiest to Use
Perfect for beginners
With its four-drive lens system and HDR movie function, this 1080-pixel camera is designed to capture perfectly clear shots with excellent detail in both bright and dim conditions. It has a creative control function that allows you to select different video effects.
Pros:
- Features a 20X zoom that draws in the scene from far away
- Has a BSI sensor that minimizes image noise
Cons:
- Inserting SD cards may produce errors at times
Klmire Video Camera
Highest Definition
Provides life-like video quality
This camera is lightweight and has a slim body, making it ideal for on-the-go shooting. It has video resolution of 1080 pixels and supports 270-degree rotation. It includes anti-shake technology to capture sturdier footage.
Pros:
- Comes with a 16X digital zoom
- Includes self-timer and webcam functions
Cons:
- Does not support 4K shooting
Canon VIXIA HF G50 Camcorder
Best Quality Footage
See everything more intensely and more realistically
With its 4K capabilities and 20x optical zoom lens, this videography camera gives you impressive power and wide angle views to produce better quality footage. It comes with five-axis image stabilization technology that provides excellent steadiness.
Pros:
- Has a tiltable electronic viewfinder
- Features a 3.0-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen
Cons:
- Microphone picks up a lot of background noise
