Best Cameras For Music Videos in 2023

Choosing the best cameras for music videos, creating professional music videos, and conveying the emotion and meaning behind the song in minutes.

The expectation of today’s viewers for high-quality videos unites all, whether for a lighthearted tune or something far darker. In the industry, respected videographers are known for their high-quality recordings, and choosing the correct camera may make all the difference.

Music videos can be made using any camera that can record video. You can record a movie with an iPhone, a point-and-shoot, a DSLR, or a camcorder that will eventually be as long as a track.

But music videos have particular qualities that set them apart from other media:

Usually brief (no need for long continuous shots);
Be a spectacle to behold;
Keep a sense of momentum and rhythm;

This gives us the perfect opportunity to consider what constitutes a decent camera for filming music videos.

First, a camera that supports interchangeable lenses is advised since we want the freedom to produce scenes in various ways.

For instance, we might wish to record a rock band with a headbanging audience while filming a live show from a distance and add a camera shake. A zoom lens would be needed for it. A lens that creates a soft-focus look could also be used to create a romantic, cinematic impression. The idea is that having access to several lenses creates additional opportunities.

Second, shooting videos handed as the cameraperson moves around is standard practice. Rarely do you witness music videos where the camera is always still, and the only movement is from the subject. Because we don’t want to rely on the lens’s stabilization, we prefer cameras with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) (in-lens stabilization). Optically stabilized lenses are available on many, although not all of them.

Finally, since the recordings are so brief, we don’t need cameras that can capture continuous video hours. Professional camcorders often record continuously for 12+ hours, but we don’t require that, so we have some wiggle room in this area.

Table of Contents

Which are the best cameras for music videos?

Here we discuss 12 full camera details to help you choose the best camera for music videos:

1. Sony Alpha A6500

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The Sony A6500 is all about quality, pricing, and portability! With just 2.6 x 4.7 x 2.1′′ (HWD), a pound without a lens, and a stylish, black-painted magnesium-alloy body that guarantees better rigidity and uses a weather-sealing as an added protection, you will be able to capture your movies in almost any environment!

Additionally, this device has a thick, textured grip that gives you a good grasp on the camera and significantly increases your comfort level. As a result, shooting will be easy, and you won’t feel tired after a long day. Shooting videos with a camera that feels natural to you is essential since making videos is not the easiest thing in the world.

Because Sony structured all the buttons exceptionally effectively, the Sony A6500’s control arrangement is straightforward. In particular, the top plate has a hot shoe in the middle, while the right side has a Mode dial, Control dial, two programmable C1 and C2 buttons, and a shutter release button that rests where your finger will naturally rest on the top of the grip.

Since the camera is so tiny, it is logical that nearly all of the buttons on the rear are arranged in an instead squeezed manner across the top and right sides of the device. In either case, I don’t anticipate you running into issues.

One of the greatest cameras with such a strong viewfinder is this one since it has a big, OLED electronic viewfinder in the top-left corner with a magnification rate of 0.70x, up to 2,359,2596 dots, and 100% coverage.

You can tilt the 3′′, 921k-dot touchscreen positioned on a hinge beneath the viewfinder up and down, which is great because it allows you to shoot from different angles and be more creative. However, remember that you cannot move the touchscreen forward to take selfies. Aside from the fact that it is incredibly sharp and bright enough to provide you with a fantastic view throughout your shooting sessions, I would also want to point out that my only criticism of the screen is how responsive the touch screen is. At times, it is a little sluggish.

Now that you’ve decided to transfer your content, the Sony A6500 features a variety of connectivity choices that make everything simple. The physical ports include a single USB connector, a mini HDMI port, a 3.5mm microphone input, and a memory card slot. In contrast, the built-in connectivity options include WiFi and NFC, which I adore!

The Sony A6500 has a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor, a 425-phase detection AF point autofocus system, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, a continuous shooting speed of 11 fps, an ISO range of 100-25,600 that can be expanded to 51,200, and a BIONZ X image processor that guarantees excellent results in both situations, whether you record videos or take pictures!

Although I’ll concentrate more on this camera’s video performance, let me provide some details on its photo-taking capabilities.

JPG photographs produce pretty good results; at ISO 100 and 1600, images are apparent and packed with vivid colors, while noise is completely absent! The camera manages noise reasonably well up to ISO 12,800, but at the highest settings, noise becomes noticeable, and the only thing you can do is to avoid them as much as you can. At ISO 3200, you might see a little bit of noise.

In terms of video, this model can shoot 4K films at 30 or 24 frames per second and 1080p videos at 60, 60i, 50, 50, or 24 frames per second. Honestly, I adore the video footage because it is almost faultless!
However, remember that if you want to capture 4K films at 30 frames per second, you might notice that the frame is a little bit cropped around the edges and that the wide-angle lenses’ optimum field of view may not be present. But at 24 frames per second, this doesn’t occur.

You might suffer the infamous “jelly-like motion effect” if you move quickly left or right or use the camera’s 4K capacity to catch a fast-moving subject.

In either case, the overall video quality is outstanding, and the A6500 can help you be even more creative by enabling you to record slow-motion videos and pushing the frame rates up to 120 fps!

Overall, the Sony A6500 is worth considering because it is small and capable, which unquestionably makes it ideal for filming music videos!

Pros

Excellent autofocusing;
LCD touch screen that tilts;
Video in 4K;

Cons

Without a headphone jack;
Dense menu structure;

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best camera to shoot music videos — Nikon D500

2. Nikon D500

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The Nikon D500 is a contemporary, professional-grade DX-Format DSLR camera that is quite hefty, measuring 4.5 x 5.8 x 3.2′′ (HWD) and weighing approximately 1.9 pounds without a lens. It may not be the most compact and lightweight camera, but given that its entire body is made of magnesium alloy and is further protected by weather sealing, this should be seen as nothing out of the ordinary!

I think the design is attractive, especially given the camera’s prominent red accent that extends below the grip and the black-finished body that gives the device a more contemporary and professional appearance.

Even better, the D500’s control structure is cleverly planned so you can use each button and customize the image exactly how you’d like. Despite not being the lightest camera in the world, the D500 is easy to manage.

More specifically, the D500’s grip has a textured covering that will ensure that it rests steadily in your hands and that you can shoot comfortably for however long you choose.

On the other hand, the layout of the buttons is dispersed throughout the entire body. However, don’t be alarmed; the way the buttons are set out will ensure that you never run into problems.

A dedicated control cluster with four buttons, including the White Balance, Exposure Mode, Metering mode, and a button that changes the image format/quality, can be found on the top left side. A PV button, a customizable Fn1 control, a flash sync socket, and a proprietary 10-pin connector are on the front. The top-right side of the camera has a shutter release button with an On/Off switch, three buttons for video recording, ISO, and exposure value (EV), and an information LCD screen that displays information about the modes that are now being used.

If you turn the camera over, the rear portion features several controls dispersed around the left and right sides of the device, with the LCD screen and viewfinder located in the top and middle.

The viewfinder has an optical pentaprism design that covers up to 100% of the field. You can entirely rely on it if you prefer a casual photo shoot because nothing will detract from your view once you gaze through it.

The D500’s huge, 3.2-inch touchscreen has 2,359k dots, and although it doesn’t have an actual vari-angle design, the fact that it can tilt up and down means that you won’t feel constrained when shooting. In all honesty, I appreciate it because it produces images with the utmost clarity.

Speaking of connection ports, the D500 has two memory card slots that support QPD media and SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, one remote port, a micro USB 3.0 port, headphone, and microphone jacks, and, as I mentioned earlier, a PC sync socket that is useful for studio lighting. It also has a single remote control port.

Besides that, the D500 includes built-in Bluetooth, NFC, and WiFi support, which is fantastic because it will make transferring your films to compatible devices a breeze!

The Nikon D500 has an impressive EXPEED 5 image processor, a 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS sensor, a Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system with 99 cross-type points, a native ISO range of 100-51,200, and, let’s not forget it, a burst shooting speed of 10 fps. What’s also cool is that up to 5 expansion settings may let you reach up to ISO 1,640,000! I must say that Nikon did a fantastic job here!

The D500 is excellent for videos, given the sturdy components and the camera’s outstanding capabilities! It is undeniable that the D500 is frequently a choice for hundreds of professionals given its capability to record 4K UHD videos at 24/25/30 fps for up to 30 minutes, the fact that this camera lets you create 4K UHD time-lapse movies in-camera, and the included electronic vibration reduction which plays a huge role especially once you’re shooting videos while having this camera in your hands!

In addition to recording 4K films, you can also get great results with 1080p videos. These can be captured at 24/25/30/50/60 frames per second with an H.264 compression and saved on the internal memory card, or you can enjoy the advantages of having uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 footage over HDMI!

Last but not least, I’d like to add that both the 1080p and the 4K footage are amazing, but the 4K will take your breath away because each frame has 8 megapixels on one side and an APS-C sensor built in to give you great control over the scene you’re filming!

In conclusion, the D500 is worth your consideration since it is incredibly versatile and built like a tank. If you ever decide to get it, you won’t be disappointed because this device works equally well for taking professional images and music videos!

Pros

The sufficient margin for prolonged shooting;
Fantastic stills, excellent 4K quality;
ISO 1,640,000 at its maximum;

Cons

Snapbridge’s wireless transfer requires improvement;
Video AF has to be more skillful;

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cameras for recording music videos — Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

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The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV falls under the “most recognizable and highly praised” cameras in the modern era. The reason for this is that it is designed to meet the needs of both enthusiasts and professionals who are eager to invest in a dependable camera that shines with a luxurious look and numerous features that make this unit a perfect, versatile option that can elevate your user experience to a whole new level!

Speaking of design, the EOS 5D Mark IV has a reasonably sized body that measures 4.6 x 5.9 x 3.9″ (HWD), weighs 1.8 pounds, and is made of a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate material. It is strengthened by a dust and moisture-sealing mechanism similar to the recently reviewed models. In light of this, this camera can be utilized in various situations and weather conditions!

In addition to being a reliable camera, the EOS 5D Mark IV is convenient because of its integrated, larger vertical shooting grip, which enables users to have a natural grip on the camera, which is crucial whether you’re taking pictures or movies.

Additionally, the top plate has a great layout. On the left is a single Mode dial with an On/Off switch, a hot shoe in the top center, and an Information LCD panel surrounded by four specialized WB/Drive*AF/ISO and Light Bulb buttons. Pressing the last button turns on the screen’s backlight. Above them, a shutter release button is located at the grip and has a dedicated, programmable M-Fn button.

From behind, you can see several buttons, including a Menu and Info button, on the left side, which extends from top to bottom. On the right are several buttons, but the most prominent is the circular button with “SET” in the middle, which you can use to switch between menus.

An optical viewfinder with a 0.71x magnification ratio and 100% field coverage can be found on the top rear of the device. This device is designed to provide you with the clearest possible vision to take pictures.

You will always have a great vision while using this camera to record since it has a vast 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1.62 million dots in the middle, located below the viewfinder. Since the screen is fixed, even if you find it convenient, the lack of flexibility may prevent you from seeing the camera’s full potential. Sadly, I would have preferred the screen more if it had some articulating or tilting capabilities.

This camera offers many connection options, including a remote control port, HDMI-mini, micro USB 3.0 port, microphone, headphone jacks, and a memory card slot that can accommodate one CompactFlash and one Secure Digital card, as well as a PC sync. However, Nikon didn’t stop there; they also used built-in WiFi and GPS support, so I’m thrilled with this camera for the time being.

The EOS 5D Mark IV’s performance features a 30.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor, a native ISO range of 100-32,000 that is expandable up to 50-102,400, a burst shooting speed of 7 fps, an impressive 61-point AF system with 41 cross-points, and a DIGIC 6+ image processor, which will ensure you a flexible performance and excellent results whether you intend to record music videos or give your best effort when shooting!

Since I will concentrate more on the video aspect, I want to let you know that up to ISO 12,800, the camera does an excellent job of controlling noise because the images are very usable. However, at ISO 25,600 and higher, noise increases proportionately to the ISO range level, so I wouldn’t advise going all the way up to the highest ISO sensitivity range.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV can produce beautiful video output and allows you to record 4K films at 24 or 30 frames per second, 1080p videos at 60 frames per second, and even a special 120 frames-per-second mode if you ever decide to shoot 720p footage!

The 4K video is available in a 1:9:1 aspect ratio, translating to 8.9MP per frame for the 4K videos compressed in a Motion JPG!

Additionally, remember that the built-in microphone tends to pick up the background noise. To combat this, I would suggest using an external microphone.

Another point that needs to be mentioned is that the rolling shutter effect may be present at 4K, but it isn’t as overtly noticeable. You may also lessen its visibility by recording 1080p films at faster frame rates, and you’ll be set to go!

As a result, if you decide to make a purchase, I’m more than confident that you will adore this camera. After all, you already know what this camera is capable of, and you may be aware that the EOS 5D Mark IV is unquestionably an excellent contender for making music videos. Because of this, the EOS 5D Mark IV should be at the top of your list of priorities and viewed as a necessity—especially if you’re eager to spend money on a dependable, adaptable camera constructed like a tank!

Pros

Full-frame camera;
Dual Pixel AF has transformed the video industry;
superior high ISO performance;
Touchscreens are helpful;
WiFi;

Cons

ITR topic tracking is less accurate and reliable than some of its competitors;
Adjusting AF settings optimally requires practice;
Only 1080p is supported through HDMI;

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4. Sony A7S III

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Sony has been killing it in the mirrorless camera department, and the traditional camera giants Canon and Nikon are playing catch up. The Sony Alpha 7 series has been massively successful, and their ‘S’ line is focused on videomaking for professionals. It took Sony over four years to give the A7 III the S treatment, but it’s been worth the wait. In our opinion, it’s the best music video camera on the market right now.

The back-illuminated 33 MP full-frame sensor with its Bionz XR processor can capture 4K video at up to 120fps with full readout, meaning all light is read without crops, bins, or line skips. With dual-ISO technology, its low-light performance is among the best on the market, which can make a big difference because darker settings are often employed in music videos.

It also has a phenomenal rolling shutter performance, making it incredibly resistant to extreme motion and flashing lights, which are crucial for scenes in dance and EDM videos that employ strobe lights. And for smooth handheld shots, you can take advantage of its 5.5Ev in-body stabilization, which is almost as effective as a separate gimbal if hands are kept relatively steady. Sony has also ensured no overheating issues during heavy use, a real problem in many mirrorless video cameras.

Now it’s worth noting that this is specifically designed for video production. Its relatively low-resolution 12.1MP sensor means photos lack the resolution you would expect for a camera at its price. The standard Sony A7 IV is a little cheaper and a good choice for those that need a photo and video camera, but be warned, it’s significantly less capable in the video department because the A7III has been engineered for video shooting.

Pros

4K 10-bit 120fps video;
Performs in uncontrolled environments;
Category-leading autofocus;
Fully articulating touchscreen;

Cons

Price;
Relatively low sensor resolution;

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camera for shooting music videos — Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H

5. Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H

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Panasonic is another brand that got a head start in the mirrorless market and did exceptionally well with its compact micro four-thirds (MFT) cameras. But they’re doing incredibly well with their full-frame range now, and the Panasonic S1H is a perfect video camera that is well worth considering alongside the Sony A7S III.

Whereas the Sony A7 III is significant in virtually every harsh environment and acts as a tremendous run-and-gun camera, the Lumix S1H instead has a larger sensor capable of recording stunning 6K footage at its best. The Panasonic also has some video-focused wins over the Sony A7S III, like arguably superior IBIS and nifty features like the ability to control the shutter angle.

Overall, the Sony A7S III performs slightly better than this camera in several areas, such as rolling shutter performance, low-light performance, and lens selection (where Panasonic’s L Mount alliance is lagging). However, for less money, you’re getting a more balanced hybrid stills/video camera that can create seriously high-quality music videos with some effort. After all, it’s even been approved by Netflix for its original productions, so you can’t go wrong with it.

Pros

6K video;
High-resolution viewfinder;
V-Log, LUTs, and comprehensive video tools;

Cons

Unpredictable video AF;
Big and heavy;

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camera for music videos — Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

6. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

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Cinema cameras are made for the highest quality professional videos. Their ability to create more dramatic lens effects than camcorders (used for TV shows or sporting events) makes them especially popular among crews taking music videos.

While DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, by having interchangeable lenses, will also give your music videos these effects, unlike camcorders, they aren’t entirely as purpose-built as cine cameras. They don’t always have all the ‘pro’ features a professional camera crew expects, such as built-in ND, audio outputs, long battery life, and rugged body construction. Features a professional music video production team will rely on.

Blackmagic Design is hugely popular for its cinema cameras, and the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Pro 6K Pro has the potential to create some of the best-looking music videos out there. It can take 6K and 4K videos in 12-bit B-RAW and 10-bit ProRes. The resulting massive file sizes mean it will quickly eat through gigabytes of data, but we’re not shooting a documentary here.

The camera doesn’t use a full-frame sensor but opts for the smaller Super 35 sensor, which is common in the film industry. The camera also comes with an active Canon EF lens mount which means you can use it with hundreds of lenses from Sigma, Zeiss, Canon, and others to capture videos with the exact aesthetic you want.

However, this camera isn’t for everybody, primarily because it demands a high level of operator skill. With no continuous autofocus or image stabilization, you won’t get much assistance from the Pocket Cinema. You will probably need to invest in other accessories before you’re ready for a full-fledged production.

Pros

Affordable cinema camera;
Built-in ND filters;
Blackmagic Raw and ProRes;

Cons

Manual everything;
Tilt-only screen;
Big and heavy;

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video camera for music videos — Sony FDR-AX43

7. Sony FDR-AX43

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The Sony FDR-AX43 is a ‘prosumer,’ ‘dad-cam’ style camcorder designed for non-professionals who want a quick and effective way of taking videos. They aren’t that popular anymore but have a place in the market.

It’s one of our favorite video cameras for taking to sports competitions. While not as well-suited as a music video camera, it’s an excellent choice for those who want to record music videos without the hassle.

The FDR-AX43 is compact and packed with features. 10x optical zoom, 4K shooting, and a low noise Exmor R CMOS sensor mean you can take it out of your bag and hit the record button to produce video footage that is a cut above amateur music videos. It’s a pretty impressive built-in multichannel 5.1 microphone, though that doesn’t mean much for music videos.

The best part about the FDR-AX43 is how accessible it is for newcomers. Because it has a fixed, adjustable zoom lens, you won’t have to think about using different lenses. That’s especially valuable if you’re an indie band or dance group that wants to produce videos to upload to YouTube and other social media.

It’s not without shortcomings, though, as its relatively small sensor means it struggles in low-light situations. A lack of an interchangeable lens also means you are limited in creative direction since you can’t get any interesting shallow depth-of-field lens effects. Note that this camcorder wouldn’t be recommended for paid freelancing gigs, as clients usually have certain expectations about the type of equipment used.

Pros

Turn on and record;
20x optical zoom;
Record with one hand;

Cons

Fixed lens;
Struggles in low light;

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best video camera for music videos — Canon EOS R6

8. Canon EOS R6

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Canon is the most widely used camera brand in professional applications. Though it took them a while to switch to mirrorless technology, they’ve already proved themselves as the one to beat. The Canon R6 is an excellent hybrid shooter for photography and videography.

Its 20MP dual-pix CMOS sensor, UHD 4K shooting up to 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording in either C-Log or HDR PQ, and class-leading in-body stabilization (rated up to 8EV of correction), there R6 has all the bases covered.

Unlike the Sony A7S III and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H, which are engineered for video specifically, the Canon R6 is a more standard hybrid shooter. As a result, it’s a lot more affordable, and its video capabilities will still be enough for the enthusiast level. The only problem is that it tends to run hot when recording 4K video for more extended periods (30-40 minutes). This shouldn’t be a significant obstacle for music video production, but it will depend on individual use cases.

This market segment is especially tough, with the Sony A7 IV being priced similarly and having advantages in certain aspects. However, we prefer the Canon R6 because of its better ergonomics, more robust AF performance, and IBIS, which can work harmoniously with in-lens optical image stabilization.

Pros

Great all-rounder;
Excellent autofocusing;
8 stop IBIS;
Twin UHS-II SD card slots;

Cons

Overheating issues;

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best music video camera — Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II

9. Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II

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As a hybrid still and 4K video camera, the original GH5 launched in 2017 received much praise for its video-focused features. The new Panasonic Lumix GH5 II gets a few upgrades that help it maintain its position as the best entry-level mirrorless camera for amateur filmmaking.

One of the most impressive aspects of the GH5 II is how many recording options you get for a camera of its price. It can handle up to 60 frames per second in 10-bit internal 4K, with 4:2:2 subsampling that takes advantage of the camera’s excellent dynamic range. It also has many quality-of-life features like a full-sized HDMI port for connecting to an external recorder, microphone input, and a headphone jack.

Its 20.3 MP sensor is considered one of the best micro four-thirds sensors available. Image quality is excellent, but as a smaller sensor, the only area it’s lacking in is low-light performance. If shooting in uncontrolled lighting is on the cards, paying extra for the full-frame Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 is worth considering.

Overall, if you’re serious about the music industry and want to venture into recording with your first interchangeable lens camera, the Lumix GH5 II is your go-to camera. Note that its predecessor, the GH5, remains a perfect video camera for this day, and you may be able to pick up a used one at a reduced price.

Pros

10-bit 4K60 internal recording;
6.5 stop image stabilization;
Good build quality and ergonomics;
Live to stream;

Cons

ISO range could be wider;
Fairly minor improvements over its predecessor;

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10. Fujifilm XT-4

Key-Specifications:
Brand: Fujifilm | Model Name: Fujifilm | Form Factor: Mirrorless | Effective Still Resolution: 26.1 MP | Special Feature: X-Processor 4 Image Processor; 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization; Film Simulation Modes | Color: Black | Connectivity Technology: USB 3.0, HDMI, 3.5mm audio, 2.5mm audio | Screen Size: 3 Inches | Photo Sensor Size: APS-C | Product Dimensions: 3.65 x 5.3 x 2.51 inches | Item Weight: 1.34 pounds | Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) | Manufacturer: FUJIFILM | Country of Origin: Switzerland |

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Fujifilm and Olympus might not be as popular as Canon or Nikon, but their niche lies in APS-C mirrorless cameras revered for their smaller bodies and classic designs. The Fujifilm XT-4 is the best APS-C camera you can get for video right now, and it’s evident that Fujifilm has paid particular attention to making sure it’s an excellent option for video specifically.

Besides its beautiful weather-resistant body with retro dials and a fully-articulating touchscreen, the camera can shoot 10-bit footage in 4K at 60 fps and an insane 240 fps at 1080p. That means 10x slow-motion Full HD video, which remains the maximum resolution for most music videos uploaded to YouTube.

It also gains in-body image stabilization from its predecessor, a genuinely transformative addition that means you can produce professional results without needing a gimbal.

It’s worth noting that there’s more competition than ever at this price point. The Sony A7 IV and Nikon Z6 are full-frame cameras with superior low-light performance, and the Panasonic GH5 and GH5 II have smaller MFT sensors but more video tools and features. Yet the XT-4 manages to sway photographers and videographers away from those offerings because it’s the kind of camera you want to own, with its retro aesthetic, nice ergonomics, and high-quality lens options.

Pros

Pro-grade, rugged body;
6.5-stop in-body stabilization;
Classic controls;
10-bit 4K video at 60fps;

Cons

Hit or miss AF performance depending on lens and subject;

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good camera for music videos — Sony A6400

11. Sony A6400

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Interchangeable lens cameras aren’t cheap for a reason. They assume the user will at least have two or more lenses at some point, and there’s no point committing to a lens ecosystem if the camera body is replaced in a couple of years. But the Sony α6400 APS-C camera is capable of under $1000 camera for filmmaking, and that should leave enough money on the table to buy extra lenses.

Image quality is impressive and can be taken at 4K at 30fps or 24fps. There is a slight crop to 4K30p, but with the right handling, you can effectively capture everything in the scene. It can also shoot up to 120fps in 1080p resolution, which can translate to slow-motion scenes, which have a place in specific music videos.

Obviously, at this price, there are some compromises to be made. Most notably, the camera lacks IBIS, which you get in the more expensive Sony A6600. But before you consider paying an extra $500 for the A6600, consider buying an actual mirrorless camera gimbal instead. Furthermore, if you’re only using native Sony lenses featuring Sony’s Optical SteadyShot stabilization, the IBIS on the A6600 becomes redundant, so it might not be worth the extra money.

Overall the Sony A6400 is the best entry point for video shooters on tighter budgets, and its excellent image quality, compact sizing, and versatility make it a very compelling package.

Pros

Compact and lightweight;
Affordable;
Excellent, fast AF;

Cons

Tilting LCD (doesn’t articulate);
No IBIS;

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best camera for music video — Nikon D780

12. Nikon D780

Key-Specifications:
Brand: NikonModel Name: D780 Body | Form Factor: DSLR | Effective Still Resolution: 24.5 MP | Special Feature: EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine; Multi-CAM 3500 II 51-Point AF System; Scene Recognition System | Color: Black | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, HDMI | Screen Size: 3.2 Inches | Photo Sensor Size: Full Frame (35mm) | Shooting Modes: Auto, Program, Shutter, Aperture, Manual, Effect, User 1, User 2 | Product Dimensions: 5.65 x 2.99 x 4.55 inches | Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) | Manufacturer: Nikon |

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DSLRs aren’t ideal for video, but the Nikon D780 performs remarkably well for filmmaking. As we previously mentioned, a physical limitation of DSLRs is their use of more basic contrast-based autofocus systems.

For the D780, Nikon borrowed the same autofocus system from the mirrorless Nikon Z6. This hybrid system allows you to get better AF coverage extending to the frame’s edges if you’re not shooting through the optical viewfinder.

The Nikon D780 produces beautiful 4K video quality, capturing oversampled 4K video at up to 30 fps and 1080p full HD video at 120 fps. Log recording is supported, and it can directly output 10-bit video to an external recorder via HDMI so that you have more to work with when color-grading.

Overall, the D780 makes a lot of sense if you already have F-mount lenses or prefer a DSLR feel, especially for photo shooting. It’s important to note, though, that if you want a Nikon, then the mirrorless Nikon Z6 or Z6 II are better cameras for video and don’t cost any more.

Pros

Great image quality;
AF system is better than other DSLRs;
Log recording;

Cons

Big and bulky;
No IBIS;

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FAQ about Best Cameras For Music Videos

Question: How do I go about creating my first music video?
Answer: If you’re a beginner, you must learn the camera basics and familiarise yourself with shooting scenes.

The camera is one thing but a tiny part of a much bigger operation. Apart from any involved musicians, you’d expect someone on the camera, a director, lighting assistants, video editors, and actors. Of course, you can take on many of these roles, but there are many more important things than the camera itself.

If you’re a beginner, starting to learn video shooting techniques and the production process with whatever you’ve got before investing in anything fancy is better. If you’re short on time and need something done, hire a professional. This is especially the case if you’re going to shoot something where you don’t get many chances, e.g., a live performance or at a location you’ve rented out for the day.

Question: Full-frame, APS-C, or MFT?
Answer: These are the most common image sensor sizes in photo cameras in descending order of size. The bigger the sensor, the more information is captured and the more expensive. Smaller sensors have the advantage of costing less and being smaller (including their accompanying lenses). The size is a big reason why MFT and APS-C are popular as travel cameras (in fact, smaller 1-inch sensors are probably the most popular for travel).

But when recording video, you see an even greater range of sensor sizes. The Super 35mm is the standard for motion pictures, but it’s smaller than full-frame and much closer to APS-C. However, even bigger sensors than full-frame exist, such as the Standard 65mm.

You can make a great music video with any of these sensor sizes (the iPhone has a tiny sensor by comparison but still produces impressive footage). But the most significant consideration is that switching between them takes some time to get used to because the crop factor and field of view are different.

Question: Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Panasonic?
Answer: These are famous camera makers and the most talked-about manufacturers on YouTube and Reddit. They all have potent offerings, so any decision should come down to the model and lens options instead of the brand.

Several other brands make good video cameras. We included cameras from Blackmagic and Fujifilm in our list, and other manufacturers are worth considering.

Question: How about a simple point-and-shoot camera?
Answer: Point-and-shoot digital cameras are easy to use, but they’re struggling against similar phone cameras or often better in video quality.

If you want the convenience of a smartphone but better quality, the Sony FDR-AX43 camcorder is a fantastic choice.

Of course, that camcorder isn’t cheap, and a point-and-shoot camera is much more affordable. So if you don’t want to use your phone and need a cheap alternative, check out our under-$300 and under-$500 point-and-shoot camera recommendations.

Which are the best cameras for music videos?

FAQ about Best Cameras For Music Videos

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