If you are looking for the best 4K cameras, then this blog post is for you. We will explore 10 of the best 4K cameras on the market today and give a brief overview of what makes them stand out from other competitors.
In addition to our top picks, we have also included a list of some honourable mentions that may be worth your consideration if you want to take advantage of all this technology has to offer. So without any further ado, let’s get started!
4K cameras are gaining plenty of popularity. For those who don’t know, 4K (Ultra HD) is a video resolution with a horizontal resolution of 3840 pixels and a vertical resolution of 2160 lines. It is also known as UHDTV or Ultra-high-definition television.
Used by professionals, 4K is an advanced technology that creates clear images even when zoomed in.
Being a comparatively newer technology, it has many features that make it better than its predecessors; however, the prices have not decreased yet despite this improvement in quality.
We will explain why you should invest in one, what to look for and what to consider before purchase.
Hopefully, this article will help you understand what makes a good 4K camera and how to get one for yourself, either as a beginner or an advanced photo enthusiast.
These must be ideal for beginners or experienced filmmakers who can’t afford those special cinema cameras with all the expense and complexities in them. But if you are looking for a Camera under $1000 then Read this Article.
So you have come to the right place because today we’ll tell you the best 4K cameras you should buy to make your footage or video look fully cinematic and professional.
To be fair all the 4K cameras are not equal, most of them are very expensive and out of young filmmaker’s budget.
Good Read: 15 ways on how to make money with your camera
That’s why we have shortlisted some of the best 4k cameras which are the best for the new filmmakers. We have check their reviews and they are perfect for low-budget new filmmakers.
So, whether you’re a filmmaker or an aesthetic video creator, you definitely want your ideal featured camera. If you want the best 4K camera for video then you should be kept in mind that what kind of video you want to capture.
In this article, we are going to concentrate on the regular interchangeable lens, mirrorless, and full-frame cameras with powerful 4K footage.
These must be ideal for beginners or experienced filmmakers who can’t afford those special cinema cameras with all the expense and complexities in them.
1.Sony A7S III
An incredible camera that is great for shooting 4k footage.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Full-Frame
- Resolution: 12.2 MP
- Lens: Sony E
- Viewfinder: 9.44 MP EVF
- Monitor: 1.44m-dot articulating screen
- Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
- Movies: 4K at 120fps
- User level: Intermediate/Expert
Suffice to say, Sony has raised the bar yet again with the A7S III by taking its game-changing performance and stellar image quality but kicking things up a notch.
We’re talking native 4K 120p video capture thanks to full pixel readout in all resolutions and recording modes – as well as increased resolution slow motion, HD 2160p at 60fps from their newest BIONZ XR processing engine that’s 8x more powerful than before!
With ISO up to 409,600 for low digital noise images and 15+ stop dynamic range because of Sony’s incredible backside illumination Exmor R sensor; you get spectacular images even after dark! It’s no wonder professionals around the world choose this camera.
2.Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
90’s looks but packed with fully latest technology.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 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
- Movies: 4K at 60fps
- User level: Expert
They desidgned the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K to help you reach your creative goals.
From capturing cinema quality footage in amazing low-light situations to stunning cinéma vérité style images of family, friends and moments that matter, everything from the design to the onboard technology has been optimized for ultra-creative image quality.
This little guy will make all of your big ideas happen on camera!
The best way to describe the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is in numbers. A full-size 4/3 sensor, 16 stops of dynamic range and a resolution that will take your breath away.
You’ll feel like you’re shooting on film with this camera, but it will capture more detail than ever before.
Add hi-res RAW data and audio recording that rivals even top end cameras costing 10x what you pay for this device.
This tiny powerhouse is perfect for time-lapse work or capturing professional looking footage on any shoot where size might be an issue.
3.Panasonic Lumix S1H
A cinematic 6K camera that’s good enough for Netflix.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorlless
- Sensor Size: Full-frame CMOS
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Lens: L mount
- Viewfinder: OLED EVF
- Monitor: 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen, 2,330K dots
- Maximum Continuous shooting speed: 9fps
- Movies: 6K
- User level: Expert
Get high-quality, professional video and snapshots with the Panasonic Lumix S1H. Outfitted with a newly designed full-frame sensor and 6K 10-bit video capabilities, this camera is perfect for action cam enthusiasts who crave crisp sharpness in their videos.
The Panasonic Lumix S1H is capable of taking beautifully exposed photos even in low light due to its dual native ISO sensitivity capabilities.
You can shoot anywhere from 6400 at 25 frames per second up to 12800 when you’re at 2000+ fps! Plus, there’s an OLED electronic viewfinder that provides accurate feedback from more angles so you’ll never miss an opportunity for a shot again.
When it comes to taking your photography skills to another level while simultaneously benefitting from projects
The Panasonic Lumix S1H is the new soul of photography. It features a wider 14+ Stops of dynamic range which are compatible with the Cinema VariCam look to capture everything from shadows to highlights.
The camera has been made lightweight, compact and exceptionally rugged for use in heavy field conditions under harsh environments.
With its dust-resistant, splash-proof and freeze-proof design that withstands heat without the risk of water condensation building up inside causing damage.
It’s perfect for professionals who want to record video or photograph images during tough conditions but don’t want all their best camera gear following them around like a toddler on their hip.
4. Panasonic Lumix GH5S
This one is an uncompromising video tool for the price.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: 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
- Movies: 4K at 60fps
- User level: Expert
The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is the ultimate workhorse camera for professional photographers and videographers.
With a 10.2-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, high ISO range, and ruggedized build quality, the GH5S captures images that will be unmatched in clarity and detail.
Get closer to action with your ultra-wide dynamic range lens to produce moody portraits and still life shots from sunrise to sunset; capture video at an unbelievable Dual Native ISO level of up to 51,200 without fussing over noise or snow on top of footage!
The use of magnesium alloy materials gives this camera a durable exterior that can withstand heavy field use while being waterproof down
Featuring a touch-screen articulating OLED means that you can bend the camera to suit your creative needs. Connectivity and connectivity will never be an issue with this well-equipped tool.
The effective Bluetooth low energy (BLE) range is 30 meters, which makes it perfect for long shoots on location.
No matter where life takes you and your creativity, it’s always worth bringing the Panasonic Lumix GH5S Zoom Camera with You.
5. Fujifilm X-T4
A superb all-rounder for a balanced diet of video and stills.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Resolution: 26.1MP
- Lens: MicroFuji X
- Viewfinder: EVF, 3.69 million dots
- Monitor: 3-inch articulating, 1,620K dots
- Maximum Continuous shooting speed: 15fps/30fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: Intermediate/Expert
The Fujifilm X-T4 is the perfect product for those who want a dependable camera that ensures stability as a priority.
From the five-axis In Body Image Stabilizer and four-axis Digital Image Stabilizer, everything has been taken into account to create professional images at any time and any place.
When you’re shooting, achieving perfection – every time – is paramount. Fujifilm’s X-Series of cameras are renowned as the small and compact action photography tool that can go anywhere.
Because it performs well in a wide variety of conditions with remarkable speed and accuracy; no matter how fast or difficult the shoot might be.
With some available lenses to choose from provide plenty of photographic options for pros.
Whether professional photographers want zoom lens versatility for their clientele, or videographers deserve smooth and perfect shots without interruption; this one of the best cameras will not disappoint.
When capturing the perfect moment, it’s important to be able to capture it from every angle. The Fujifilm X-T4 has an impressive 1.62 million dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor that is capable of being moved around the body or flipped behind for a more inconspicuous shot.
This not only allows you to frame with a high-quality screen but also provides quick access to powerful features while shooting.
6. Canon EOS R5
An 8K hybrid with outstanding specs & some limitations.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 45MP
- Lens: RF mount
- Viewfinder: OLED EVF
- Monitor: 3.15-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 21,00K dots
- Maximum Continuous shooting speed: 20fps
- Movies: 8K
- User level: Intermediate/expert
The new Canon EOS R5 is the next-generation VR flagship camera. Boasting a 45.4Mp full-frame CMOS sensor, the Canon takes all of your photographic endeavours to new levels with its razor-sharp image and video quality.
The high-speed continuous shooting up to 12fps with mechanical shutter and 20 fps electronic (silent) shutter guarantees stunning shots in any environment.
Incorporating Dual Pixel CMOS AF for the world’s fastest phase-detect autofocus sensors enables amazing low light performance in a wide range of situations.
From fast-action sports to nighttime portraits at reduced digital noise with excellent colour reproduction thanks to DIGIC X Image Processor and ISO speeds up to 51200 expandable up 102400×1.
Related article: 15 pro tips on how best to vlog on your phone
7. Sony Alpha 6400
Excellent autofocus makes this a brilliant accessible option.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: APS-C
- Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 921k dots
- Lens: Sony E mount
- Viewfinder: EVF
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Maximum Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: Beginner/intermediate
The Sony Alpha 6400 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that can zoom into subjects without having to increase size.
With an impressive 24-70mm f1.8-2.8 lens, this camera is ready for any type of photo or video project you throw at it with an ISO range of up to 25600 and a continuous shooting speed of 11 FPS at full resolution (24 MP).
The display on the back has a tiltable screen which gives you multiple ways to use your experience- time-lapse, vlogging, portrait mode or even as a filmmaker!
Our team will gladly answer questions about the new Sony Alpha 6400 so please feel free to contact us anytime if there’s something we didn’t cover in the product description. To be sincere this is one of the best camera under $1000 feel free read the guide
8. Sony A7C
Not exactly adventurous, but a really competent 4k camera.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Lens: Sony E mount
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2,359K dots
- Monitor: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 921K dots
- Maximum Continuous shooting speed: 10fps, 115 raw, 223 JPEG
- Movies: 4K 30p
- User level: Enthusiast
Have you been wanting to start shooting on film but don’t want the hassle of carrying around a bulky and heavy camera, constant film development delays, and low-quality digital photography?
Sony has recently released one of the most talked-about full-frame mirrorless cameras. The A7C is designed with your needs in mind.
The Sony A7C is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera available, but don’t let this lightweight design fool you.
With 24.2 MP and a wide 15-stop dynamic range, it captures every beautiful detail in stunning clarity with stunning colour depth and sensitivity to rich skin textures in HDR environments even when shooting from a distance.
Take clearer 4K video w/ no pixel binning or crop unlike other cameras on the market, capture amazing lowlight images thanks to 693 phase-detection AF points for 93% of image coverage. Advanced features like uncompressed RAW files are just icing on the cake!
9. Nikon Z6 II
It’s an evolutionary upgrade of the original Z6, but still worthwhile.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Full-frame CMOS
- Resolution: 24.5MP
- Viewfinder: EVF, 3,690K dots, 100% coverage
- Monitor: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2100K dots
- Maximum Continuous shooting speed: 14fps
- Movies: 4K UHD at 30p (60p via update)
- User level: Enthusiast/Professional
The best of Nikon’s interchangeable-lens cameras is the Nikon Z6 II. 24.5 MP BSI resolution captures and communicates every detail to you in vivid.
Rich colour and depth throughout all ISO range from 100 to 51200 which makes for astonishing low light performance as well as lightning-quick action photos with an impressive 14 FPS shooting speed for a camera this size.
It features 4K UHD Video performance at its best with stunning quality video recording, including 60p at full pixel readout without pixel binning providing that cinematic experience.
The full-frame super 35mm size sensor delivers incredible image quality, while Sonys’s groundbreaking in-camera sensor noise reduction & effective restoration system puts other cameras to shame.
Your search for the perfect camera is finally over. When you shoot professionally, your needs are different from those of a hobbyist.
You need to have confidence that the camera you rely on will be as reliable and dependable as your skill.
The Nikon Z6 II with dual card slots (CFexpress/XQD + UHS-II SD) give you the flexibility and peace of mind when shooting important moments or on assignments, such as wedding and event photography.
Comfortable in your hands? Definitely! It’s sturdy but lightweight – so it stays comfortable even after hours of continuous use while providing rugged construction and durability to take all sorts of punishment without batting an eye.
Is the Nikon F mount ready? Sure! Fully compatible with various bodies
10. Sigma fp
The newer fp L has 61MP, but that just makes the fp cheaper to buy.
Specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor Size: Full-frame
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Lens: Sony FE
- Standard ISO range: 100-51,200
- Memory cards: 1x Memory Stick Duo/SD (UHS-I), 1x SD (UHS-II)
- Movies: 4K
- User level: Expert
- Reasons to buy: Size & Weight, Functional design, Best at video but good at stills
- Reasons to ignore: Just one SD card slot, Fixed LCD, No EVF, unreliable AF
This is a camera that was designed to go where regular DSLRs can’t. It’s the size and weight of most compact cameras, but packs in all the features you would want on a professional camera documentary shoot.
The Sigma Fp is a lightweight, rugged camera with an innovative back-illuminated full-frame 35mm sensor.
Backlit sensors deliver nearly double the light captured by traditional front illuminated sensors and allow photographers to work in low light conditions without sacrificing image quality.
The H35mm F1.8 DC DN Contemporary lens offers a very bright f/1.8 aperture for sharp foreground and background separation in complicated compositions or when working in lower contrast scenes.
Great for landscape photography, portraits, street photography or documentary looking captures of fleeting moments.
For those who prefer to shoot handheld up to 18 fps (frames per second), this new choice of a camera from Sigma has your needs covered thanks on top of its all-metal body that can withstand tough shooting situations.
Buying Guide For the Best 4K Cameras in 2021
Now here will walk you through every crucial knowledge you need to know when shopping for a 4K camera
Why you should invest in a 4K camera
4K cameras have become more and more popular due to the increased demand for video footage that is high quality.
With televisions getting bigger and better, advertising companies are trying to catch up with their competitors by creating spots richer in detail than those of other similar brands.
Most TV ads nowadays are made using 4K (Ultra HD) cameras since it has been proven that people remember images from TV adverts rather than what is said by the narrator.
The reason why this happens is that when we see something large on-screen [such as items under the magnifying lens], our brain immediately adapts and begins to compare things we see in our daily lives to the magnified view.
This type of attention-grabbing is what advertising companies are trying to achieve with their commercials and it is definitely something that 4K cameras can deliver.
People who want higher quality footage often go for 4K or UHDTV as bigger televisions require a greater resolution to display them properly.
Other advantages of using 4K include better video editing, more pay-off from investment since it has a long life span and more clarity when showing faraway objects making scenery shots look much less pixelated.
A 4K camera would be perfect for students who have projects to complete; outdoor enthusiasts could record some great scenic shots without having to worry about visual distortions; housewives could create high-quality home videos and much more.
In the photography world, 4K will be the perfect alternative to DSLRs for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
It is smaller than a standard DSLR which makes it easier to run with and photograph in a more natural, less forced way.
Those who are into sports could also benefit from this new technology since if they find themselves in an exciting situation where there is too much motion, they can slow down the video footage so that they can admire their own skills after the fact.
The content is endless when it comes to what you could do with a 4K camera as consumers’ needs have risen while cameras’ capabilities have expanded but cost-effective competition has eliminated some of its former advantages.
If you want a better quality of the video, you could invest in a 4K camera but if your budget is not that high or you want something smaller, then there are plenty of HD alternatives out there.
Things to Consider Before Buying A 4K camera
4K cameras are gaining plenty of popularity. For those who don’t know, 4K (Ultra HD) is a video resolution with a horizontal resolution of 3840 pixels and a vertical resolution of 2160 lines. It is also known as UHDTV or Ultra-high-definition television.
Used by professionals, 4K is an advanced technology that creates clear images even when zoomed in.
Being a comparatively newer technology, it has many features that make it better than its predecessors; however, the prices have not decreased yet despite this improvement in quality.
We will explain why you should invest in one, what to look for and what to consider before purchase.
Hopefully, this article will help you understand what makes a good 4K camera and how to get one for yourself, either as a beginner or an advanced photo enthusiast.
How you have to choose a 4K camera when you are buying a camera choosing the right one for your needs should be kept in my mind first. We already told you what factors you have to keep in mind while choosing a good 4K camera.
FRAME RATES: High frame rates are basics for shooting smooth videos and only the best 4K cameras can record high-resolution footage at 6fps. The camera frame rate per second determines that how smooth your video is going to be. The higher the frames the smoother the video will be. Your camera’s FPS should matter more if you are buying a camera for professional use.
PROCESSOR: Good leading 4K cameras also feature the fastest processors for incredible quick results, large sensors, built-in stabilization helps in sharpening the steady footage for those who don’t have a gimbal or a stabilizer and shoot handheld and in low light.
IMAGE STABILIZATION: Image stabilization should not be ignored if you are serious about your quality and content. Image stabilization your camera gives you a sharp and smooth crisp without any bumps and shakes.
CONTROLS: The more you are allowed to adjust your camera settings the better you can do with your footage. The more control we have the better we can do.
New 4K cameras also support some Picture Profiles like Log Profiles and Cine Profiles, which you need to colour grade after shooting because these require colour corrections in post-production. Most of the Hollywood movies are shoot in these picture profiles.
Either you are a beginner filmmaker who is serious about shooting movies or a professional who wants to elevate a little more, keep some more things in mind. So, you should consider which accessories are supported by a specific 4K camera and not to forget the ports which allow you to attach external stuff like microphones or headphones.
The world of video and cameras are pretty diverse. So, I really hope this guide will describe and help you out really well to find you and let you pick the best one for you.
We will concentrate on the rapidly growing list of hybrid cameras that can handle all types of videos you want to make.
The thing is the magic happened when the mirrorless cameras started to take place the giant expensive cinema cameras in the market which are much more affordable and less complex.
4K video is a new trend nowadays. People now even demand their wedding photography or videos should be in 4K.
Because 4K footage makes sure video quality looks much better than the 720p or 1080p and has more detail in it.
When a client demands a 4K video the abilities of your cameras cannot be ignored anymore you should have to upgrade your camera if it’s not capable of shooting in 4K.
In this generation, video quality has become the first and primary priority of new photographers.
Over the last few years, the once-revolutionary HD Video Standard has completely swept aside since the new high-resolution cameras capable of producing 4K footage are introduced.
So here we are having what we believe are the best 4K cameras on the market as per our test and findings.
But before getting started I wanted to mention the thing that we’ve ignored the professional leading cameras like Canon Cinema EOS & Sony FS series in this list.
We focused on those filmmakers or photographers who are being asked to shoot more video footage.
Our Suggestion:
Our personal favourite 4K cameras are the Sony a7 series, these full-frame mirrorless cameras with brilliant low-light footage, fully touchscreen is capable to shoot in 4K with up to 120fps.
But it doesn’t mean it’s the only perfect option either you want cheaper or smaller list given below is definitely going to guide you very well.
Our Conclusion On the Best 4K Camera
A lot of people think that a 4K camera will automatically be the best possible choice for their needs, but there are so many options out there and it can be difficult to know where to start.
If you’re looking for an easier way to decide what your next purchase should be, we suggest considering these four things before making your decision:
- What is my budget?
- How much do I plan on using my new camera?
- Where will I use this camera most often?
- Which features am I looking for in particular?
By asking yourself these questions first, you may find that the answer becomes clearer more quickly than if you were just picking a random option. Have any of our readers found themselves trying
