Not all 4K cameras are equal
We are halfway through 2019 and we’ve already welcomed a Couple of exceptional 4K-capable cameras, from Canon and Fujifilm through to Panasonic and Sony.
Together with Canon and Panasonic having Started new systems from scratch in recent weeks, these might well wind up reshaping the market as a whole in years ahead. But our pick of the 4K harvest is centred around cameras from more lines that have shown themselves at the on professionals.
Want a great deal on a 4K camera? Obviously you do — and Amazon Prime Day may just be your golden opportunity. Together with 4K recording today firmly settled as a primary attribute in mirrorless cameras and compacts — and now offered on a growing number of DSLRs too — it appears certain that any camera deals we spot will be 4K bargains too. Everything kicks off on July 15 but if we spot any sweet deals before then, we’ll allow you to know.
It’s easy to assume that since two cameras will capture 4K footage That they will output results that are similar — however, this isn’t the case. The use of various sensors and various procedures of capture, together with variations in output possibilities, imply two 4K cameras can act quite differently, from another.
Even something as simple as If the camera uses the entire width of the detector or applies a crop variable is vital to consider, as it has a significant impact on your effective angle of perspective. And all the aforementioned is before we even think about supporting features like headphone sockets, focus peaking, zebra patterning and Log profiles.
To make things simple, we’ve rounded Up what we think are the fittest 4K cameras on the industry at the moment, and sum up why they’ve made the cut.
Excellent value option: Panasonic Lumix G80 / G85
Big features thrown right into a small body
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor dimensions: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 16MP | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Viewfinder: EVF | Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040K dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 9fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Beginner/intermediate
Before we examine our round-up of their very best 4K cameras, we all wanted to emphasize a marginally more affordable choice. It may not be leaking with attributes, but Panasonic’s Lumix G80 (known as the Lumix G85 in the US) is still a very capable and cost-effective solution for those looking for a budget 4K camera. There is 4K video capture around 30p (using a bit rate up to 100Mbps) and a dedicated microphone socket. Focusing is fast, while the vari-angle touchscreen must make framing footage nice and easy. The G80/G85 is also weather-sealed to shield it from the components.
1. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
90s looks but is packed with the Most Recent tech
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: N/A | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Viewfinder: N/A | Monitor: 5.0-inch touchscreen display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: N/A | Films: 4K in 60fps | User level: Pro
If you’d like the ideal camera to shoot 4K videos, then that is it. Blackmagic’s Pocket Cinema Camera 4K was created for film makers through and through and is not something to consider if you are trying to shoot stills as well. According to a Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens mount, it features a huge 5.0-inch touchscreen, it head and shoulders above other MFT shooters from a video-centric operational perspective. The range of connections on-board can also be class-leading, and also the fact there’s a double card slot is considerably pricier cameras like the EOS R. That is not forgetting decent on-board sound recording capabilities and naturally, the sweetener to the tune of $299 value of applications – a permit for DaVinci Resolve Studio, it really is a gift that keeps on giving. Ultimately, and most importantly, the basic quality of its 4K video requires on much pricier cameras also, when you understand how to work it, handles sound better than a full frame sensors too, as a result of its the dual native ISOs.
2. Panasonic Lumix GH5S
This is one uncompromising video tool
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor dimensions: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 10.2MP | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Viewfinder: EVF | Monitor: 3.2-inch vari-angle display, 1,620,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12fps | Films: 4K in 60fps | User level: Pro
Even though it can take stills quite happily (although at a fairly limited 10.2MP resolution), this should be seen first and foremost as a video cameraif you want to do both you’ve got the Lumix GH5 (under ) to fill that brief. While the lack of built-in picture stabilization may be a disappointment for some, that issue besides the breadth of video features is incredibly impressive. If you want to shoot broadcast-quality footage without remortgaging your home to buy a pro video camera, then you won’t find a better video-focused camera at this time.
3. Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Lumix GH5 is a feature-laden 4K workhorse
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 20.3MP | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Viewfinder: EVF | Monitor: 3.2-inch vari-angle screen, 1,620,000 dots | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12fps | Movies: 4K at 60fps | User level: Pro
Until the coming of the Lumix GH5S, the GH5 was the choice of the bunch for all those seeking to shoot video. A bit cheaper than the newer GH5S, the GH5 is a bit more flexible for individuals wanting to shoot both stills and video, and the video specification are still very impressive, allowing you to shoot Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) in 60p using a bit rate of 150Mbps, while Full HD video can be captured up to 180fps. That’s not all, since the GH5 offers color subsampling at 4:2:2 and a color depth of 10-bit, delivering higher colour info and richer graduations. The GH5 also offers live output to external recorders like Apple ProRes via HDMI, in addition to simultaneous inner recording. We are looking forward to testing the new Panasonic S1 (and its S1R launch partner), since it also boasts powerful video specs but adds the additional pleasure of a full-frame detector, which bodes well for low-light function and shallow depth of field. Until we see just what it’s made of, we are sticking with the GH5.
4. Sony Alpha A7S II
Excellent footage, enormous dynamic selection plus a compact dimensions — what’s not to like?
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor dimensions: Full-frame CMOS | Resolution: 12.2MP | Lens: Sony E mount | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilting display, 1,228,800 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Films: 4K | User level: Pro
At the time of this A7S II’s inspection we said it was the very best video-shooting stills camera available, and while much has changed in the market we still reckon it’s a compelling option for the videographer. Among its key selling points at launch — inner recording of 4K footage — has been matched with others, but it’s the small pixel count of its detector that splitting it from its rivals. We discovered its dynamic range to be very large, and consistently better than competitions at higher sensitivities, while noise was also shown to be reduced than cameras with more populated chips. It also has the advantage of employing the entire detector width for recording movie, as well as having the ability to record into the memory card while outputting 4:2:2 footage into a HDMI recorder, but shows itself to be capable for stills shooting too. Autofocus is usually fast and built-in picture stabilisation is a massive bonus, while the body is more powerful than its predecessor too. In general, while it might not be the most recent model, its detector and video specs give it a couple of advantages over its rivals. Hopefully the long-rumoured A7S III will probably be stronger with its own video credentials.
5. Sony Alpha A6500
Sony’s 4K-enabled APS-C version is a smasher
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor dimensions: APS-C | Resolution: 24.2MP | Lens: Sony E mount | Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 921k dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 11fps | Films: 4K | User level: Intermediate
The previous APS-C-based Alpha A6300 proved to be a major hit with enthusiast users, and also the Alpha A6500 builds on its success in many ways. The camera records 6K footage that’s downsampled to 4K for the advantage of caliber, and utilizes the effective XAVC S codec which has a rate of 100Mbps. This is joined by Log gamma manners, 120fps HD recording (also at 100Mbps) and enhanced zebra patterning to keep your eye on exposure. You also benefit from a 425-phase-detect-point focusing system for quick attention and a 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder, together with 11fps burst shooting at full resolution, all inside a dust- and – moisture-resistant body. That’s not to mention the welcome addition of Sony’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization system. Now that the price has started to drop it would also be a fine choice as an update over previous APS-C-based Sony versions.
6. Nikon D850
High resolution meets high speed
Type: DSLR | Sensor dimensions: Full-frame CMOS | Resolution: 45.4MP | Lens: Nikon F | Display type: 3.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots | Viewfinder: Optical | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 7fps | Films: 4K | User level: Expert
The long-awaited successor into the D810 arrived earlier this year, and Nikon surely did not hold back with all the specs. With a fresh 45.4MP full-frame detector, an extremely advanced 153-point AF system and 7fps shooting, supported by attributes such as a leaning touchscreen and complete suite of connectivity options, the D850 is the most advanced DSLR we’ve seen. Video-wise, there’s plenty to love. The camera is capable of 4K UHD capture in 30p/25p/24p, and that is using all the detector – no unwanted cropping here, letting you take whole benefit of your own lenses. Other movie attributes include ports for both microphone and headphone sockets, as well as a Flat Picture Profile, zebra patterning and Electricity Aperture Control. You can also record at 120fps in Complete HD quality. A brilliant DSLR that’s great at shooting video also.
7. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Top-end OM-D version contrasts across stills and video equally
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 20.4MP | Lens: Micro Four Thirds | Monitor: 3.0-inch free-angle display, 1,037,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 60fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Expert
The finest Micro Four Thirds camera nonetheless” was what we concluded from our time testing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, also video is one place where Olympus has made considerable improvements over previous models. Not only do you get 4K catch in both DCI and UHD tastes, but you also become clean output over HDMI in 4:2:2, a headset interface for audio monitoring as well as the advantages of Olympus’s fast Hybrid AF system, which works in conjunction with the touchscreen to get even simpler subject selection. Whether you are shooting videos or stills, you get one of the image stabilisation systems we’ve yet seen, which will please. Other reasons why the camera walked away with a full five stars include its excellent weather-sealing, lifelike EVF, and the capacity to shoot 18fps with continuous AF and AE monitoring. People who want to easily attain an extremely shallow depth of field may not prefer the bigger Micro Four Thirds sensor within larger-sensor offerings, but with the ideal lens and technique you can still isolate subjects in their environment on such a camera without hassle. Whatever the situation, while Panasonic might have had a head start with video, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II surely sets the bar high to get a flagship Micro Four Thirds camera. Incidentally, the newer OM-D E-M1X also captures impressive video, but at double the cost we are sticking with the OM-D E-M1 Mark II for now.
8. Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm ramps up the video specs from the already capable X-T2
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: APS-C | Resolution: 26.1MP | Lens: Fuji X | Monitor: 3.0-inch tilt-angle display, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting rate: 11fps | Films: 4K | User level: Intermediate/Expert
Fujifilm made a great deal of effort to revamp many aspects of the X-T2’s spec sheet to craft the X-T3, and advancements in movie recording were more important than is normally true for such a version. The important changes include the option to catch 10-bit video in 4:2:0 internally, together with a much denser phase-detect AF array that makes for more refined theme monitoring. There is also a forthcoming Hybrid Gamma option, in addition to this F-Log setting which may be used for captured footage supplied as standard. The camera also offers the benefit of employing no crop when shooting 4K footage at 30p, and just a minor 1.18x crop when encouraged to 60p shooting, in either DCI 4K or UHD 4K manners, while? both mic and headphone sockets are also now both incorporated into the body also. In our inspection we found the camera to deliver detailed and organic footage, whether you are capturing conventionally or using one of those slow-motion possibilities, and this is in addition to a stellar functionality elsewhere, with fantastic autofocus, lovely image quality in the new sensor and quick response throughout operation. The more recent X-T30 supplies a lot of the same core movie specs for less money though, but we’re yet to give it a full workout.
9. Nikon Z6
Strong video specs matched with equally impressive performance makes the Z6 shine
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor dimensions: Total frame | Resolution: 24.3MP | Lens: Nikon Z | Monitor: 3.2-inch screen, 2,100,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12fps | Films: 4K | User level: Pro
Nikon’s joint first full-frame mirrorless camera is the most serious attack on the movie marketplace thus far. While the Z7 remains a superb choice for stills shooter users looking to capture video alongside their pictures, the Z6 is arguably better to the videographer since it can capture oversampled 4K footage without a harvest (that the Z7 can’t do). Perhaps most crucially, the presence of the sensor-based and electronic VR imply that the camera does great job to keep things secure, regardless of what the lens you are using, while 293 sensor-based phase-detect AF points which are available during video recording do very well to keep everything focused and transitions nice and smooth. The 10bit N-Log shooting alternative, which is also absent in the D850, provides you a much far better starting point for scoring footage. We would love to have noticed a 4K60p alternative, and a little rolling shutter remains, but we’re otherwise very pleased with the way Nikon has launched its new system.
10. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
A cracking travel camera with excellent video — but it comes at a price
Sort: Compact | Sensor size: 1-inch CMOS | Resolution: 20.2MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f/2.4-4 | Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.44 million dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 24fps | Movies: 4K | User level: Intermediate/Expert
If you’re looking for a powerful all-around camera, then you’re not likely to go far wrong with Sony’s brilliant RX10 IV. With a long and quick 24-600mm f/2.4-4 zoom lens partnered with a piled 1-inch type 20.2MP sensor and quick 315-point phase-detect AF system, it is an incredibly versatile camera. It does not disappoint when it comes to video either, with 4K UHD footage caught using 1.7x more info than really required without any pixel binning, prior to being downsampled to 4K for the sake of quality. This happens at a 100Mbps maximum bit rate, and you are able to boost up the camera to 960fps for slow-motion footage too. All of this is supported with a fresh HDMI output, zebra patterning and microphone and headphone ports. You also receive an S-Log2 gamma profile in addition to the Picture Profiles (which you’ll be able to correct ), and Sony’s Gamma Display Help mode to help you get a better idea of exactly what rated footage would look like. It’s not cheap, but there’s nothing quite like it.
