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The Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best 4k cameras you can get for advanced video work. With uncropped 4k recording at up to 60 fps and a wide range of video formats and codecs, this is a great option for the price. 4k video is downsampled from the full 6.2k resolution of the sensor, resulting in excellent overall quality, with the option to record in 6.2k open gate, if needed. The stacked design of its sensor also keeps rolling shutter distortion to a minimum, which is great for action videos or anything with a lot of panning.
Beyond that, it comes with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a sturdy weather-sealed body, a CFexpress card slot, and a full-sized HDMI port to connect an external recorder. But with internal 10-bit recording in F-Log 2, you’ll get more dynamic range and plenty of leeway to color-grade your footage even without an external recorder. The camera even supports ProRes formats internally for lower-compression video files.
#2 Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II
If the Fujifilm X-H2S is out of your price range, the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is a great upper mid-range option and a good deal now that it’s been replaced by the Panasonic LUMIX GH6. It uses a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, so noise can be more apparent in low light. However, it has a fantastic five-axis IBIS system and supports a wide range of recording formats and resolutions. Those include UHD and DCI 4k and an anamorphic video mode for an even wider, more cinematic aspect ratio. If low-light performance is a big priority, don’t count out the Panasonic LUMIX S5 either. It’s one of the brand’s first full-frame cameras, and it has many of the same great video specs as the GH5 II but with a larger full-frame sensor. That said, it doesn’t offer quite as many recording formats, like All-Intra recording, and native L-mount lenses can be very expensive. Ultimately, the GH5 II is one of the most capable 4k video cameras for the price.
#3 Fujifilm X-S20
f the above cameras sound overkill, a mid-range camera like the Fujifilm X-S20 is a great middle-ground option with an amazing balance of performance, features, and price. You still get impressive features like internal 10-bit Log recording but fewer recording formats/codecs and a slightly simpler control layout. As the camera is aimed at intermediate users, there’s just a single SD card slot and a Micro HDMI port, but it’s a surprisingly capable video camera for the price. Like the Fujifilm X-H2S, the X-S20 can record 6.2k video, as well as 4k and FHD, with 4k recording at up to 60 fps, albeit with a slight crop. It has IBIS to help reduce camera shake and includes an excellent battery life. Its predecessor, the Fujifilm X-S10, is no slouch and is a great option if you want to save even more money. However, that model is limited to 8-bit internal recording and 30 fps in 4k. Go for the X-S20 if you need that extra bit of depth for flexibility with color-grading, but otherwise, the X-S10 is a steal among mid-range cameras.
#4 Sony ZV-E10
Most of our picks above have been more advanced models, but shooting high-quality 4k videos doesn’t mean spending a fortune. So, if you’re looking for a solid interchangeable-lens video option on a tighter budget, the Sony ZV-E10 will give you the most bang for your buck. While it’s aimed at vloggers, this small, lightweight APS-C camera is versatile enough for a range of video work and will leave more room in your budget to invest in accessories like a microphone and lighting equipment. Unlike the Fujifilm X-S20, you won’t find IBIS or a viewfinder here. However, the camera has a fully articulated screen and simple, accessible controls that are perfect for beginner shooters. It includes many customization options, a great battery life, and no recording time limit. Ultimately, if you want to shoot 4k videos or vlogs without breaking the bank, the ZV-E10 is the best choice.
#5 Sony ZV-1
If you’d prefer something smaller and easier to carry, the Sony ZV-1 is basically a point-and-shoot version of the Sony ZV-E10. It’s less versatile since it uses a fixed lens and has a smaller one-inch sensor, making it less suited to low-light shooting. If you’re looking for a compact video camera, it’s the best option. The similar Sony ZV-1 II features a wider-angle lens; however, it’s more expensive and lacks optical stabilization, so unless you need the wide angle for vlogs, the ZV-1 is an excellent choice.
It’s one of the rare point-and-shoot cameras with a fully articulated screen that lets you monitor yourself while recording. It has an excellent autofocus system, and it can record 4k video at up to 30 fps, though with a slight crop. The biggest trade-off here is battery life—a smaller camera means a smaller battery and worse battery performance. Therefore, it’s capped to a very short five-minute recording limit in 4k to prevent overheating (by default; you can change this in the settings if you wish). Though it’s prone to overheating if you record continuously, this is still a great option if you stick to shorter takes.