By Tati Taylor 4 days ago, Cameras & Lenses
The best 4k video cameras for breathtaking video quality at a decent price.
Do you want to shoot videos in 4K and are searching for the best 4K camera? In this article we will tell you what to take into consideration while choosing such cameras and how to find the best one. The FixThePhoto team has tested different 4K video cameras and created the list of the top 10 models to choose in 2023.
You can find a lot of 4K cameras today, so it’s quite difficult to understand which one is the best. Except for resolution, there are many other aspects that you need to pay attention to in order to record top-quality footage.
Type: camcorder | Sensor size: 1/3-type | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 MP | Lens: 25x Sony g 28.8mm | Viewfinder: electronic | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 60 fps
⊕ Raw shooting at up to 60 fps
⊕ Great stabilization
⊕ Nice design
⊕ Offers good features for its price
⊖ Not in the affordable group
⊖ Full Auto isn't complete
Sony PXW-Z190 4K 3-CMOS 1/3" Sensor XDCAM Camcorder is the latest in the XDCAM series of cameras. This is one of the best 4K cameras as it can shoot 4K videos at up to 60fps, has three 1/3" Exmor R sensors, which guarantee enhanced low-light performance in comparison with standard sensors.
This camera has a 25x optical Sony G zoom lens and an electronic variable ND filter. The lens can zoom from 28.8mm to 720mm (35mm equivalent). The 1/3-inch lens has three autonomous control rings that let you manually set focus, zoom, and iris. You can enlarge the image in HD mode up to 50x zoom equivalent while keeping Full HD resolution due to digital extender.
Type: compact | Sensor size: 13.20mm x 8.80mm | Resolution: 20 MP | Lens: Zeiss Vario-Sonnar | Viewfinder: EVF | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20 fps
⊕ Shoot at very high speed
⊕ Fast autofocus
⊕ Stunning zoom range
⊕ A nice choice for vloggers
⊖ Inconvenient EVF
⊖ Slippery coating
Sony offers the best 4K video camera that will satisfy all the needs of professional photographers, videographers and vloggers. You will be pleased with the large 1.0-type image sensor with a 20.1MP resolution.
With low noise and high levels of perceived resolution, you get impressive quality pictures with natural-looking textures. The creators of the camera used the latest 1" sensor. Familiar 24-200mm lens (similar to F2.8-4.5) is complemented by a more powerful but simple-to-use AF system.
All these pluses are perfectly combined with the capabilities that we have already noted in the Mark VI. This video shooting camera supports 4K resolution and boasts fast continuous shooting. You can connect an external microphone through a special socket for better sound recording.
Type: mirrorless camera | Sensor size: 60 mm | Resolution: 16 MP | Lens: interchangeable | Viewfinder: electronic | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 9 fps
⊕ Reasonable price
⊕ Built-in optical stabilization
⊕ Swiveling display
⊕ Face detection focusing
⊖ Poor battery allows 330 pics
⊖ Bad performance in low light
This 16.0MP 4K camera is also known as Lumix DMC-G80 in some countries. Sometime later, the company released the G95 instead of the G85.
The Panasonic mirrorless camera contains a Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor. Rugged housing includes a 3” 1.04M-dot LCD display. You can swivel the screen at any angle for maximum comfort.
An OLED electronic viewfinder features a 0.74x magnification and a 2.360K-dot resolution. As a result, you will get incredibly clear and vibrant pictures. Perhaps, this is the best camera for 4K video in terms of usability. It has an ergonomic grip that allows you to easily hold the equipment. It's so convenient and easy that you can shoot with the camera in one hand.
Type: mirrorless camera | Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm | Resolution: 26.1 MP | Lens: wide-aperture | Viewfinder: Electronic | Screen type: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20 fps
⊕ Long-lasting design
⊕ Good value for money
⊕ Many customization options
⊕ Great 4K video quality
⊖ 0.62x EVF magnification
⊖ The grip is not convenient for larger lenses
FUJIFILM X-T30 is a modern mirrorless 4K resolution camera with next-gen image-creation technology, which can satisfy the constantly growing requirements of content creators, no matter what skill level they have.
FUJIFILM X-T30 boasts the X Series' Fourth Generation X Trans CMOS 4 Sensor. With a resolution of 26.1MP, the sensor uses the X-Trans color filter set to minimize moire and false tones. This camera has a firm body, great AF performance, excellent quality of the image right after shooting, and outputs amazing 4K videos. It’s a perfect offer for this price.
Type: compact video camera | Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds | Resolution: 20 MP | Lens: Telephoto | Viewfinder: electronic | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30 fps
⊕ Portable, weather-sealed
⊕ Stabilized image sensor
⊕ Has an external flash
⊕ Raw shooting at up to 30fps
⊖ Reaches the peak at 5.3fps when tracking
⊖ Cumbersome lenses
OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a small, lightweight, and convenient camera. It’s one of the best 4K cameras on the market you can use to take images everywhere, from the largest cities to the smallest villages and the most remote spots of the planet.
It offers many Pro technologies such as 30fps sequential shooting, 121-point all cross-type Phase & contrast detection AF, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and 50MP high-res mode. This camera can take amazing images on the go and is very convenient to take with you while traveling. It’s a 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera suitable for professional photographers, however, it can be also a good option for beginners, who want a powerful camera. It boasts the same sensor, AF system, and 4K video quality as the flagship E-M1 II and E-M1 X, but in the smaller and lighter shell.
Type: camcorder | Sensor size: 1/2.5 | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD) MP | Lens: 35mm | Viewfinder: electronic 1, 555K-dot | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 120 fps
⊕ Wi-Fi
⊕ Can record 4K at 60p
⊕ Has wide-angle zoom
⊕ Great stabilization
⊖ High price
Panasonic X1500 is a compact and lightweight 4K camera. It’s portable, which is very important for professional video makers and provides qualitative 4K 60p recording. Due to remarkable specification optical performance and a wide-angle 25mm*2 lens, its AF guarantees a fast speed and precise focus for both 4K and Full-HD videos.
Panasonic X1500 offers a lot of advanced features like Two Manual Rings, an ND Filter, a Built-in LED Video Light, and 24-bit High-Res Linear PCM Audio Recording.
This camera is small and convenient for a director or on-set BTS. It can record UHD 4K at broadcast-compatible frame rates, which makes it an appealing model for many. This camera has a 1/2.5" 8.29M MOS sensor, the Venus processing engine, which scans the 4K image for Full HD, and an HDMI output. It records audio in up to 24-bit PCM through the embedded mic.
Type: mirrorless digital camera | Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm | Resolution: 26.1 MP | Lens: FUJIFILM X | Viewfinder: Electronic (OLED) | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 240 fps
⊕ Dust- and waterproof
⊕ Articulating LCD
⊕ Enhanced battery
⊕ Amazing in-camera film looks
⊖ Flip-out screen
⊖ Lacks a standard headphone jack
FUJIFILM X-T4 is a hybrid camera, which uses advanced technology to capture amazing stills and action shots. It has the fourth-generation X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, X-Processor 4, the newly developed, compact in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system, the latest ETERNA Bleach Bypass Film Simulation mode, etc. With this 4K recording camera, you can turn your creative ideas into life with ease. Besides the sensor and processor, this FUJIFILM camera also has an improved design for better handling and operation.
It has a big, colorful 3.69m-dot electronic viewfinder, which you can set to a 100fps refresh rate for amazing smoothness while panning or tracking subjects. Besides, the rear 3.0" 1.62m-dot touchscreen LCD can be adjusted in many directions, which is convenient for shooting from high, low, and front-facing angles. Also, it can be closed against the body if you are working with the EVF.
Type: Large SLR | Sensor size: full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) | Resolution: 21 MP | Lens: E-type | Viewfinder: Optical (pentaprism) | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 60 fps
⊕ Wireless (Wi-Fi) connection
⊕ Optical Viewfinder is included
⊕ Environmental protection
⊕ 2 slots for memory cards
⊖ High price
⊖ Lack of image stabilization
This one of the best Nikon's 4K cameras that is renowned for its powerful AF, impressive speed, excellent image quality, durability and great low light performance. It works great in a variety of conditions, whether you are shooting in the studio or outdoors.
This camera has an excellent focus for action and sports shots. It boasts stable and fast 4fps continuous shooting and incredible image quality even in low light. Plus, you can take advantage of remote long exposures.
Unlike its predecessor in this series, D6 has two XQD / CFExpress card slots. You can set a max exposure time of 30 minutes. This 4K camera includes several connectivity options via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and also has a built-in GPS.
Type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Sensor size: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) | Resolution: 32.5 MP | Lens: EF-M | Viewfinder: Electronic (2,360,000) | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 120 fps
⊕ Good handling
⊕ Great AF
⊕ Fast shooting
⊕ Detailed images and accurate colors
⊖ 4K is worse than in similar cameras
⊖ EOS-M lenses aren’t really sharp
Canon EOS M6 Mark II is one of the best 4K cameras that has top-quality optics and compact, mirrorless design. Also, it boasts a 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, high shooting speeds, and other features, which allow producing sharp and beautiful images and videos regardless of the time and the place you shoot. Also, this camera comes with a high-res 32.5MP sensor, Dual Pixel autofocus, and can record 4K/30p videos from the full width of the sensor. It has a convenient grip and a compact design.
If you want to have an electronic viewfinder in a camera, this device comes with it and will provide you with a colorful, contrast images. Right now, the Canon EF-M lens line is a little limiting, however, with an adapter, you will be able to use their extensive EF-lens line for anything you wish to shoot. The system offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Type: mirrorless lens camera | Sensor size: full frame (35mm) | Resolution: 61 MP | Lens: interchangeable | Viewfinder: electronic (5. 76 million dot UXGA OLED) | Screen type: LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10 fps
⊕ 60.2MP full-frame shots
⊕ Raw shooting at 10fps
⊕ Real-time tracking AF
⊕ Provides 5-axis image stabilizer
⊖ More suitable for filming
⊖ Price
Sony Alpha a7R IV is a 4K camera that amazes with its super high resolution. It’s a very powerful full-frame camera, which allows taking amazing stills and recording detailed videos. The developers added an updated 61MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor to this version of a camera and improved its BIONZ X image processor. This camera also offers a 15-stop dynamic range and fast speed. Even though it’s a high-resolution camera, it can shoot at up to 10 fps with full autofocus and record 4K videos either from the full width of the sensor or an APS-C/Super 35 crop. The camera also offers a 16-shot high-resolution mode, which you can use to take 240MP images of static scenes.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Sony PXWZ190
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Sony RX100 VII
Compact |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
PANASONIC LUMIX G85
Mirrorless |
CHECK PRICE → |
If you are looking for the best 4K camera for video, there are several important things to consider before making a final decision. Manufacturers offer a variety of options from inexpensive amateur cameras for sports to professional-grade equipment.
They differ in price, quality and capabilities, so you should know what purposes you need a camera for and what you want to get. Pay attention to the dimensions of the camera. If you plan to travel a lot, then you shouldn't buy heavy and bulky models.
Resolution means the number of pixels in the image. If you want to see a detailed and clear picture, you need to have more pixels.
A few years ago, people were choosing between standard definition and high definition. These days, we're talking about high definition and 4K. Video cameras for sports that shoot 4K create an image with one side up to 4 thousand pixels. This is four times better than the HD picture.
Typically, an HD camcorder has a 1080p resolution. You may even find 720p options. 4K digital camera will provide you with the footage of higher quality than HD. To enjoy 4K images to the fullest, you should watch them on a 4K monitor or screen.
Monitors and TVs that support 4K resolution are becoming more and more popular these days. Moreover, you can find 4K videos on YouTube. However, you must remember that you cannot get 4K on a regular screen. Videos captured with a 4K movie camera will look like HD if your TV is not compatible with 4K resolution.
Actually, you don't need to invest huge money in a 4K camcorder. It all depends on what functions you want to have at your disposal. As a rule, more expensive options contain more capabilities and advanced features but they are not necessary for an ordinary user. Therefore, consider whether it is worth spending a fortune on something you don't need.
However, you should not be too economical as a cheap 4K camera may be unable to give you what you expect. Moreover, good modern smartphones can replace your entry-level camcorder.
If you want a good 4K video camera to provide you with top-quality images, you should be ready to spend $500 or more. Of course, options with more modest features will cost less. Think carefully and remember that an expensive model will not improve your photography skills.
Personally, I think that the advent of cameras with 4K video support is great news for photographers and videographers. For example, Sony is showing off Log picture profiles that can be customized for HDR workflows. In turn, Canon also has something to supply in the HDR field.
Perhaps, you’d like to get a camera system with a larger sensor or an improved camcorder. Or are you interested in an easy-to-use run-and-gun option for your full-frame setup or Super 35? Give your ideas in the comments.
Any 4K recording camera is worth your money if you need better color grading and advanced green screen performance for further image editing. According to Linus, the resulting 4K enhancement is worth the rendering time and the increased file size.
Higher resolution cameras don't offer many benefits. First of all, both videos and still pictures shot with such devices take up more memory due to their large file size. Typically, a video file consists of 1K, 2K, 4K, or more frames. This means that you need a lot of storage space for these files.
4K UHD videos are vastly superior to 1080P HD video files in resolution. If your clip is 4K, then it features a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. 1080P videos have only 1920 x 1080 pixels. This means that by shooting video with a 4K resolution camera, you get a better picture quality than 1080P can provide.
Yes, the terms Ultra HD and 4K are the same. They stand for a TV resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. If we compare 4K with a full HD TV, then the first one is four times more pixel-packed than its opponent. An image with a higher pixel density looks clearer and sharper.
