As the demands of content creators and filmmakers have evolved, so have the tools. And I should know – I have first-hand experience using the best video cameras from down the years, completing product reviews and professional assignments. And it's this experience that has taught me what attributes really count.
The Panasonic Lumix S1 II is a prime example of a versatile video camera in 2025. It excelled in my in-depth, month-long test, producing high-quality open gate 6K video using its full-frame sensor, ably supported by class-leading in-body image stabilization. Also, Panasonic's phase detection autofocus performance has caught up with the competition now, so it's hard to find fault with the latest Lumix models. Pricey it may be, I think the Lumix S1 II stands out as one of the best all-rounders for handheld filmmaking.
The fact is, though, you'll be hard pressed to find a digital camera that doesn't shoot video these days. And because videography has many genres and styles, condensing my top picks into a concise guide is no mean task. Still, my guide covers video cameras for every type of creator and budget – from cinema cameras to compact vlogging tools – and my recommendations are based on hours of real-world testing. To give you the full picture, I’ve also included some alternatives to consider, which didn’t quite make the cut for my main shortlist.
I'm TechRadar's Cameras Editor, with over 15 years experience in the photo and video industry. Through my work in tech journalism and freelance videography, I've tested the best video cameras and relied on them for professional assignments. The best tools should record high quality video, but just as importantly be dependable and easy to use. That said, your use case could be more casual – there's options for every budding and pro filmmaker in this guide.
Why you can trust my judgement
Every video camera in this guide has been extensively tested by me or one of TechRadar’s expert reviewers. Since 2008, our experienced team has tested video cameras of every kind, from leading brands such as Panasonic, Sony and Blackmagic. That know-how helps us identify what makes a winning camera.
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
We test each and every camera in real-world conditions that videographers might shoot in to get a genuine impression of its video and audio capabilities. Naturally, we look at the quality of footage at different resolutions and frame rates, paying attention to detail, dynamic range, color depth and control over rolling shutter distortion.
But we also consider usability and practicality, including how a camera handles, autofocus performance, how well it manages heat, the effectiveness of any image stabilization and options for external audio sources (recording audio in-camera and with external mics where possible).
Our recommendations are all based on first-hand feedback. We also compare each camera against its competitors in the same price bracket, to help you find the most capable video tool for your needs and budget. Whether you’re a new content creator or a seasoned filmmaker, the models in this guide have all earned their place.
Meet the team
Our team of reviewers has a wealth of experience when it comes to testing and understanding video cameras. Since 2008, our experts have reviewed all of the latest and greatest tools for filmmaking. Each person has a genuine practical appreciation of what elements make a great video camera.
Rod is an independent photographer, videographer and photography journalist with more than 30 years' experience. He's previously worked as Head of Testing for Future’s photography magazines, including Digital Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Professional Photography, Photography Week and Practical Photoshop, and as Reviews Editor on Digital Camera World.
Mark is TechRadar's Senior news editor and has been a technology journalist since 2004. Formerly Trusted Reviews and TechRadar's Cameras Editor, Mark has tested cameras over many years from all of the leading brands.
James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, video, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech.
Sam has been writing about tech and digital culture for over 20 years, starting off in video games journalism before branching out into the wonderful worlds of consumer electronics and photography. Over the years he has written for Wired, Stuff, GQ, T3, Trusted Reviews and PC Zone, and now lives on the Kent coast in the UK – the ideal place for a camera reviewer and drone pilot to ply their trade.
The best video cameras in 2025
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best video camera picks in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best value video camera overall
Panasonic Lumix S1 II sample video
✅ You want excellent dynamic range: The S1 II has an incredible choice of video codecs but also a dynamic range boost mode that packs a particularly wide range of tones.
✅ You work handheld a lot: Superb image stabilization, phase-detection autofocus, a lightweight a durable body, the S1 II suits run-and-gun filming.
❌ You want a camera that can go all day: Battery life is middling, so for long shoots you'll need to pack extra batteries or have an option for on-the-go USB-C charging.
❌ You want a low cost video camera: The S1 II is Panasonic's best mirrorless camera for video yet, but also pretty priecy, especially when compared to the Lumix S5 II which is also a superb video camera.
The Lumix S1 II is a sizable upgrade of the Lumix S5 II from 2023, which was the previous top entry in this guide. It's also much pricier though – so which Lumix is best for you depends on your budget and needs. I reckon both make a compelling case for switching to Panasonic, especially for video-first users, but it's the Lumix S1 II that really impressed me and is the most capable Lumix ever.
Like the Nikon Z6 III, the Lumix S1 II has a partially stacked 24MP full-frame sensor, but it's also possible to shoot open gate and the sensor-based in-body image stabilization is next level – meaning you can shoot smooth handheld 6K video up 60fps, with a huge choice of video codecs. Panasonic also offers a dynamic range boost mode which delivers probably the best-looking video I've seen at this price point – there's plenty of detail in highlights and shadows that is lacking in rivals, without sacrificing a natural look.
I'm a fan of the camera's design – the dual-axis. vari-angle touchscreen is super versatile, the upgraded 5.76m-dot EVF bright, while there's full-size HDMI for an external monitor. Photo users are well catered for, too, with 70fps burst shooting and Panasonic's best autofocus yet. All that said, battery life is only OK, while the S2 II feels uncharacteristically pricey Lumix. And since the Nikon ZR launch, the S1 II's screen feels small. However, the Lumix S1 II is no.1 for a reason – it's a true video powerhouse.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S1 II review
Top alternatives...
- Nikon Z6 III – Nikon has taken Panasonic's affordable mantle with its aggressive pricing. The Z6 III feels much the same camera as the Lumix S1 II, but it costs less. Overall though, I rate the Panasonic model as the better of the two for video. Another cheaper alternative is the Nikon ZR which is well worth checking out.
- Panasonic Lumix S5 II – if you like the sound of the Lumix S1 II but it sounds a little overkill, then the Lumix S5 II gives you most of the features and capabilities, for much, much less.
The best budget video camera
Fujifilm X-M5 sample video
✅ You want 6K video for less: You won't find more bang for your buck than the X-M5 – 6K open gate video is the tip of the iceberg in this sub $1,000 / £1,000 stunner.
✅ You'd like to travel light: The X-M5 is one of the smallest cameras in this guide plus it packs the retro charm – making it ideal for every day photography too.
❌ You shoot a lot of run-and-gun footage: New cameras this cheap don't typcially include in-body image stabilization. If you're likely to shoot shaky footage, you'll need to activate the camera's less effective electronic stabilization, or use a gimbal.
❌ You need a robust camera: The X-M5 is an entry-level camera not built to withstand the rigors of heavy use in tough conditions.
The X-M5 is Fujifilm's entry-level, video-focused mirrorless camera for beginner creators and filmmakers who will be spoiled by its powerful video features, all packed into a dinky, retro body. Offering unbeatable value, the X-M5 shoots 6K 10-bit video from the full height and width of the camera's sensor (otherwise known as open gate), which is a 26MP Super 35 (APS-C) CMOS with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Open gate means you don't waste any pixels when you're shooting video in a narrower perspective than the traditional 16:9, say for social, and indeed the X-M5 features a 9:16 vlogging mode with Full HD resolution.
Most rival brands simply aren't making mirrorless cameras at this cheap price point, and so the X-M5 should deservedly be very popular with filmmaking newbies, plus it doubles up nicely as an every day photography camera, with a wide range of excellent X-mount lenses to choose from. Serious pros will be put off by the basic build quality that comes in this price bracket, while the lack of in-body image stabilization is far from ideal for those that shoot run-and-run and need their shaky footage smoothed out. However, we found in testing that electronic stabilization does a decent job of that, while the direct access to Fujifilm's lovely Film Simulations through the retro dial is a nice touch. The design is well thought out too, with ports out of the way of the vari-angle touchscreen. If you're a video-first creator on a shoestring, the X-M5 is our favorite camera from 2024.
Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-M5 review
Top alternatives...
- Canon EOS R50V – Canon reimagined the design of its existing EOS R50 mirrorless camera for video users with the 'V' – there's much shared tech but with vlog-friendly features such as tally lamps, additional mounting points and large record buttons. The EOS R50V is cheaper, too, however its video recording maxes out at 4K.
- Sony ZV-E10 II – another compact vlogging-style camera, the ZV-E10 II shoots 4K 60p video with 10-bit color depth and creative color profiles. Like the X-M5, it has a 26MP APS-C sensor, but with Sony's superb autofocus.
The best professional 8K video camera for sports
✅ You need a dependable camera for most situations: Built like a tank and good for lengthy record times, the Z9 offers the kind of reliability demanded by video pros.
✅ You want excellent 8K: Following a firmware update, the Z9 boasts 8K/60p with internal RAW – that's a first for a mirrorless camera.
❌ You want a lightweight tool: Compared to almost every other camera in this guide, the Nikon Z9 is both heavy and bulky.
❌ You only shoot video: The Nikon Z9 could be overkill if you only shoot video and don't need the high-end build quality and performance.
Nikon’s full-frame flagship is a landmark model: it’s the first pro camera to ship with no mechanical shutter. And while its bulky, rugged DSLR styling felt comfortably familiar, our testing confirmed that the Z9 is a truly modern machine. One of a select few cameras that can record 8K/30p footage, the Z9 also offers filmmakers a candy store of capabilities. Besides 4K slow-mo at 120fps, it serves up sharp oversampled 4K video, together with lengthy 125-minute recording times and reliable Eye AF tracking. We found that image quality from the 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor was superlative, with huge cropping potential, aided by superb image stabilization.
And it’s only going to get better: a firmware upgrade is set to unlock a host of recording skills later this year, including the option to shoot raw 8K/60p video internally – a first for any mirrorless camera. Its abilities might be overkill for many, but with rapid performance, a two-way tilting touchscreen and video enhancements already inbound, we think the Z9 is a seriously impressive, competitively priced tool for professional videographers. That said, if you don't need the long video record times and battery life of the Z9, the Nikon Z8 offers the same video quality in a smaller body that costs a lot less.
Read our in-depth Nikon Z9 review
Top alternatives...
- Canon EOS R1 – like the Z9, the EOS R1 has rugged build and built-in battery grip for long record sessions, plus a stacked full-frame sensor with fast read out speeds, which makes it an excellent pro video camera for action. There's 6K 60p video recording, possibly the smartest autofocus system available for sports, too. Don't mind a smaller body? The EOS R5 Mark II is an 8K alternative to the EOS R1, with much shared tech.
- Sony A9 III – Most people think of Sony's unique A9 III as a high-speed photography camera, but its a capable video camera too, with a global shutter for unbeatable speed, incredible autofocus and in-body image stabilization performance, plus oversampled 4K 60p (from 6K).
The best stabilized pocket camera for vlogging
✅ You shoot handheld solo vlogs: The three-axis gimbal offers unmatched stabilization, while ActiveTrack works like a virtual cameraman.
✅ You switch between vertical and horizontal video: The neat LCD screen swivels to instantly switch between video formats.
❌ You shoot a lot of photos, too: The Pocket 3 shoot OK photos, but you're getting it for video really.
❌ You’re happy with your smartphone: If you prefer shooting with your phone, a gimbal mount like the DJI OM 5 might make more sense.
The Pocket 2 was one of my favorite tools for vlogging solo, however the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 upgrades the whole shooting experience and has gone on to be one of the most popular cameras since its 2023 release. A larger 1-inch sensor and battery make it heavier than before, but I actually thinks this gives it a sturdier feel in the hand, and the Pocket 3 remains truly, ahem, pocketable. That 1-inch sensor generally produced great dynamic range and color in my testing, as well as better results in low light. Meanwhile, the improved battery means the Pocket 3 can record 4K video for a solid two hours.
Its overall design remains the same, with a gimbal-stabilized lens sitting atop a pocket-friendly body. One of my favorite features in testing was the new 2-inch OLED display. It’s still on the small side, but felt like a great improvement over the Pocket 2 and much more accessible. That screen can be rotated 90 degrees to switch between horizontal and vertical filming, while the camera can switch from front to selfie recording at the push of a button – this truly is vlogging on the move made easy. Together with decent slow-mo options and live-streaming support, I think the Pocket 3 a fantastic choice for content creators filming alone, and it's decent value too.
Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review
Top alternatives...
- Canon PowerShot V1 – coming in at twice the price, the PowerShot V1 compact is a different kind of vlogging camera, with larger 1.4-inch sensor, 3x optical zoom lens with super wide coverage, built-in ND, plus Canon's best-ever autofocus performance for a compact PowerShot model. There are limits though – there's no image stabilization for 4K 60p video.
- Sony ZV-1 – it's an olide but a goodie, the ZV-1 can be had for a similar price to the Pocket 3 and also features a 1-inch sensor, 4K video skills and smart autofocus. It has been updated by the pricier ZV-1 II, but I don't think that model does enough to justify the extra cost.
The best video camera for filmmaking
✅ You want superb cinema footage from a handheld: Blackmagic’s excellent 12-bit codec and workflow are perfect for serious filmmakers who demand impeccable raw video quality.
✅ You’re operating on a tight budget: For the video spec you get, and the cheap L-Mount lenses available, you're getting excellent bang for buck.
❌ You want a video-first hybrid camera: The Cinema Camera 6K is practically useless for still photography.
❌ You're into run-and-gun filming: The Cinema Camera 6K lacks user-friendly features like tracking autofocus and in-body stabilization.
Lacking many of the niceties most users would expect, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K requires a high degree of video knowledge. But the pay-off for this barrier to entry is an impressive set of capabilities: in our review, we found it produces superb raw video quality at 6K resolution. Its big sensor and dual native ISO also allow the Cinema Camera 6K to capture clean footage in dark conditions, while Blackmagic’s proprietary 12-bit codec offers the potential for endless tweaking in post.
Factor in L-mount lenses and ND filters and it quickly becomes a chunky camera. It’s not cheap, either, and you don’t get user friendly features such as tracking autofocus or in-body image stabilization. That said, the price is relatively low for the pro-grade video spec, plus you get the mammoth 5-inch screen which pretty much does away with the need for an external monitor. You need to know how to color grade to unlock its best, but serious filmmakers will appreciate the flexibility. If you want sublime 6K from a handheld camera and you have the requisite editing skills, the Cinema Camera 6K is a serious contender.
Read our in-depth Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K review
Top alternatives...
- Canon EOS C50 – Launched in the September 2025, the EOS C50 is Canon's smallest cinema camera equipped with open gate 7K video recording and a wealth of pro-friendly features; a bundled top handle, top spec connectivity and mod-friendly design.
- Blackmagic Pyxis 6K – Pyxis 6K takes the proven HDR full-frame sensor from the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K and putting it in a box-style camera that can be configured to suit virtually any production.
The best YouTube camera for most people
Panasonic Lumix GH7 sample video
✅ You want feature-packed YouTube camera: The GH7 delivers 5.7K video with natural dynamic range boost, 240fps slow motion recording and 32-bit float audio (via an adaptor).
✅ You shoot handheld a lot: Panasonic boasts the best in-body image stabilization for video, and that much is true of the GH7, which can capture smooth and steady handheld shots.
❌ You want a portable YouTube camera: The GH7 is well-designed with direct-access controls, but it's not the most compact Micro Four Thirds camera.
❌ High-end video features are overkill: If you only need a simple starter YouTube camera, the GH7 will be too much camera.
It might be physically identical to its predecessor – with a robust build and accessible controls – but the Lumix GH7 irons out the kinks and is an incredibly competent YouTube camera. The arsenal of video modes includes 5.7K ProRes RAW internal recording, slow motion up to 240fps and support for real-time LUTs, which in my opinion beat Fujifilm's film simulations.
Yes, battery life is average and the Micro Four Thirds sensor just half the size of full-frame, meaning low light clips could be comparitively noisy, but the format unleashes features that many full-frame cameras wish they had. Image stabilization performance is unrivalled, while And Panasonic's phase-detection system brings the series up to date with autofocus performance that we found “deadly accurate” in our review. Fan cooling delivers unlimited recording times – which is useful for long-form YouTube content, while pro connectivity and audio options, including 32-bit float via an adaptor, make the GH7 an incredible all-rounder.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH7 review
Top alternatives...
- Sony ZV-E1 – if you can stretch a little further, then the portable ZV-E1 is well worth a look. It borrows the 12MP full-frame sensor of the A7S III, which is a low light champion, albeit limited to 4K 120fps video. And then there are the genuinely useful AI tools; framing assist to give the impressive of an A and B cam from the same shot, plus smart tracking autofocus and stabilization. It's actually decent value for Sony, too.
The best action camera for video
GoPro Hero 13 Black sample video
✅ Your video content is mostly action-based: Portable action cameras like the Hero 13 Black can go places you wouldn't dream of taking other cameras, like underwater and attached to your body.
✅ You want cinematic action videos: New lens mods, including an anamorphic mod, combined with cinematic color profiles and slow-mo modes, can deliver action clips with a unique look.
❌ You don’t need to swap lenses: My favorite upgrade from the Hero 12 Black is the new auto-detected lens mods. If you're likely to stick with the camera's built-in lens, though, then you could save money by buying the Hero 13 Black's predecessor.
❌ You shoot a lot in low light: If you’re often recording in low light, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro delivers better results.
In many ways, little has changed with GoPro's flagship action camera since 2022's Hero 11 Black, while 2025 was the first year in a decade with no new model. We get the same 8:7 sensor, 5.3K video resolution, class-leading HyperSmooth stabilization and waterproofing as the Hero 12 Black – and the Hero 11 Black before it. The fact that the Hero 13 Black is still my top action camera pick despite capable DJI and Insta360 rivals speaks volumes, then.
My favorite upgrade in the latest model is its ability to automatically detect a range of new Lens Mods and ND filters, and adjust settings accordingly. The anamorphic Lens Mod, for example, unlocks creative shooting styles and a unique look to action videos. GoPro finally added magnetic mounting, too, making quick changes to your setup a breeze. Battery life and heat dissipation and improved too, while Burst Slo-Mo mode handles better. These improvements add up to make the Hero 13 Black the most complete GoProa to date, and my top action camera for video pick.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Black review
Top alternatives...
- DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro – I reckon pros will feel most at home with the Action 5 Pro action cam, thanks to its excellent build quality, waterproofing, impressive battery life, audio features and bright screens. It's the most capable in a range of lighting conditions too.
- Insta360 Ace Pro 2 – this is the only action camera in this guide that shoots highly detailed 8K video, plus it features a large rear screen that flips up 180 degrees for selfies, where the other cameras feature twin screens instead.
The best 360 degree camera for video
Insta360 X5 sample video
✅ You want the best 360-degree camera overall: Smooth 8K 360-degree footage, rugged design, replaceable lenses and decent audio recording options make the the X5 the complete package.
✅ You want to shoot in low light: With larger sensors for quality 8K in all conditions, the X5 is a true all-rounder.
❌ You already own an Insta360 X4: Insta360 updates products regularly. As such the now much cheaper predecessor offers most of the same features – the X5 might not be worth an upgrade or the extra outlay.
❌ You don't need 360-degree perspectives: The X5 can souble up as a straight up (single lens) action camera, but if that's all you want, then the Hero 13 Black is a better value alternative.
The best 360 camera makers have made shooting 360-degree video easier than ever, and the Insta360 X5 is a classic example. In my reivew, I found it refines a winning X4 formula, with the notable performance improvement being image quality – its larger 1/1.28-inch sensors deliver sharper, cleaner video, particularly in low light. Combined with Insta360’s refined AI-powered image processing, the results are consistently impressive.
There are other practical upgrades, too, especially regarding design. Waterproofing is now up to 15m (49ft), while the introduction of user-replaceable lenses gave me the peace of mind when shooting action clips – bulbous 360 lenses are prone to damage, after all. Insta360's replacement lenses are a fraction of the cost of buying a replacement camera, and the process is pretty easy.
For me, it's the app which makes the X5 even more appealing – there are plenty of automatic tools for quick edits, even if the app and files can demand much from your phone. There's probably not enough to justify an upgrade for existing X4 owners, but for everyone else, the X5 is the best 360 degree camera I’ve tested.
Read our in-depth Insta360 X5 review
Top alternatives...
- DJI Osmo 360 – the Osmo 360 runs the X5 close and is much cheaper too, so could be your best pick. The square design feels more compact, even if it lacks the ability to replace lenses. Still, 8K video from larger twin sensors deliver superb image quality, and DJI already has a wide range of accessories and decent app support.
- GoPro Max 2 – six years in the making, the Max 2 has the best quality 8K 360-degree footage when the lighting conditions are favorable. In low light situations it’s less impressive, while the tool-free replaceable lenses can be prone to condensation. However, it's a rugged daytime 360 shooter with the best built-in mounting options and a huge supporting ecosystem of accessories.
Also consider
I've already included specific alternatives for each entry in this guide, but there are still plenty of superb video cameras I'm yet to mention, and other use cases. Here's my round up of the best of the rest:
Best entry-level cinema camera – Nikon ZR: After its acquisition of RED, Nikon wasted no time in delivering its first cinema camera, the ZR. Design-wise, it's entry-level by cinema camera standards, but its features are next level; 6K internal RAW with RED's famed codecs, 32-bit float audio skills, and a generous 4-inch screen are standout features.
Best drone – DJI Mavic 4 Pro: The professional Mavic 4 Pro features a gimbal-stabilized triple camera unit with a huge range of motion, covering dynamic movements, plus wide and telephoto perspectives. There's simply no other drone that comes close, for the money.
Best Canon – Canon EOS R5 Mark II: Our 2024 camera of the year packs seriously powerful video features, including 8K video recording with no rolling shutter thanks to its stacked 45MP full-frame sensor. Autofocus performance is exemplary, as is its in-body image stabilization.
Upcoming video cameras
Video is a key focus for many camera makers in 2025. From drones to action cameras, there are plenty of new releases coming soon. TechRadar tracks all of the major launches, as well as leaks, rumors and speculation circulating online. We cover every new video camera when it launches and update this guide as soon as we’ve tested the latest releases.
Upcoming cameras we know about include the Antigravity A1 – the world's first 360 drone, set for launch this year. It could be the game-changing, non-DJI model that the industry needs.
Talk of the Sony A7 V has been swirling for several months. Touted as a replacement for the capable A7 IV, online sources suggest it will be a hybrid all-rounder with AI-powered video features. We’d expect to see refinements to Sony’s already excellent autofocus and stabilization systems, which could make the A7 V a compelling choice for creators. That said, there’s no firm word on a release date.
Reports also suggest that Nikon is working on a major release – the Nikon Z9 II, an update to its flagship full-frame body. The Z9 already makes the list above on the basis of its peerless video skills. Its successor would likely refine the formula to remain at the front in the pro video space. The Z9 II is rumored to launch late in 2025.
How to choose the best video camera for you
As you’ll find in our list above, the best video cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes. This guide covers everything from full-frame flagships to compact vlogging cameras, as well as smaller mirrorless models for shooting on the move.
Which model is right for you will depend primarily on what and where you plan to film, as well as your production budget. That said, there are some universal features that are worth considering:
Video resolution
There are an increasing number of cameras exceeding 4K video now. However, given most people will view video content at 4K resolution or lower, the question is do you need an 8K or 6K video camera and those large video files filling up your hard drives? That depends – one advantage is that you can make use of extra resolution to crop into the frame, which brings all kinds of benefits such as the impression of a second camera.
Frame rates
Most cameras will be able to shoot video in full quality up to 30fps. However, you might want to look out for higher frames to unleash slow motion recording. Typically there will be some sort of image quality compromise for slow motion recording
Codecs
Video codecs can make for confusing reading, accounting for video formats, LUT profiles, bit-rates and color depth. Some useful things to know; 10-bit color depth has 13x the number of colors as 8-bit, RAW format video gives greater flexibility for editing, while flat 'Log' color profiles hold detail better for editing later.
Stabilization
In-body image stabilization can smooth out the shake caused when shooting handheld on the move, and is typically found in pricey cameras only. You could attach the camera to a gimbal for even smoother footage.
Focusing
You may wish to focus manually in situations like interviews, to avoid potential focus hunting, making use of focus magnification to ensure you're on the money. However, for fast moving action, decent autofocus performance is a key consideration. Most of the best video cameras (pro cinema cameras aside) are likely to offer subject detection tracking autofocus.
Displays
Many hybrid cameras features a screen and a viewfinder, however for video you'll rely on the screen. Size and brightness matters for easy viewing, as does the range of movement. Vari-angle screens can be flipped out to the side and rotated – ideal for low angles and selfies. Most screens in hybrid cameras are 3-inches, but some go bigger – like the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K with its 5-inch display.
Connectivity
Pro-quality video needs pro-quality audio. The camera should be able to connect to external mics, whether wirelessly or through an audio jack. You''ll want the ability to monitor audio through headphones, too. Also, if you are likely to attach an external monitor, you might want to look for a full-size HDMI port – micro HDMI ports and cables are more prone to damage.
Battery life
Shooting video drains battery pretty quickly, so it's well-worth noting how much footage you can shoot from a full-charge, and if you can charge on-the-go via USB-C. You might need to factor in the cost of additional batteries for long shoots.
Record times and Overheating
Serious video cameras can dissipate heat effectively, and might feature built-in fans to do so. That'll make all the difference for record times. The Nikon Z9, for example, can shoot video longer than the Z8, which does not dissipate heat as effectively.