The best Canon cameras for video are known for their user-friendly interface and intuitive controls. This makes them perfect for beginners who are just starting out in the world of video production. You won't be overwhelmed with complicated settings and menus, allowing you to focus more on your creativity and storytelling.
Most cameras by Canon offer excellent image quality, thanks to their high-resolution sensors and powerful processors. This means that your videos will have crisp details, vibrant colors, and smooth gradations. You won't have to worry about your footage looking grainy or lacking in visual appeal.
You can choose among mirrorless or DSLR Canon cameras for video. Don’t get confused with a variety of bodies, as there is a standard set of parameters that influence image quality. They are usability, image stabilizer, manual settings, sensor dimensions, recording quality, speed, format, and compatibility with lenses. Taking all these factors into account, you still need to consider your personal needs and budget.
Video Resolution: 1080p | Continuous Shooting Speed: 6.5fps | Screen Size: 3 in | ISO: Up to 102400
Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a sensor with a full-frame CMOS that allows capturing amazing pictures with bright colors. In addition, it is perfectly adapted for shooting in low light, since it’s considered to be a great low night photography camera. You can transfer video to a computer or other devices using Wi-Fi.
This model of the best Canon for video supports a wide ISO sensitivity range of 100-40000 that can be expanded to ISO 50-102400 and a continuous shooting speed of 6.5 fps. Video resolution is 1080p at 60 frames per second.
You can also use the compression feature which gives you excellent results, so that it is recommended as a good camera for beginners and professionals alike.
Having had the opportunity to work extensively with different Canon cameras and particularly EOS 6D Mark II and its predecessor (Canon EOS 6D), I can confidently assert that the Mark II Canon camera for filmmaking stands out as the superior choice for video shooting.
Features | Canon EOS 6D Mark II | Canon EOS 6D (my old camera) |
---|---|---|
Autofocus Points |
45 |
11 |
Resolution |
26.2MP |
20.2MP |
Battery Life |
1200 shots |
1090 shots |
ISO |
2862 |
2340 |
Low Light Performance |
✔️ |
❌ |
Tilting Screen |
✔️ |
❌ |
Stereo Microphone |
✔️ |
❌ |
Advanced autofocus system. The 45-point, all-cross-type AF system, especially when utilizing Servo (continuous) AF, provides unparalleled precision when shooting through the viewfinder. The Dual Pixel AF technology ensures smooth and reliable autofocus during video recording, a feature that has become indispensable for achieving professional-looking focus transitions in cinematic projects.
Articulating Touchscreen. One of the notable upgrades in the 6D Mark II is the addition of a fully articulating 3" touchscreen LCD. It is extremely convenient for me, as it offers flexibility in composing shots from various angles and simplifying menu navigation.
4K video recording. This feature expands creative possibilities in post-production (such as time lapse which I shoot very often), allowing for cropping and stabilization without compromising video quality that is really important for me as a professional. It sets the 6D Mark II apart from the competition, including the Nikon D5600, which is limited to Full HD recording.
While the Canon EOS 6D Mark II maintains the robust build quality and weather sealing of its predecessor, it introduces significant improvements tailored to my creative needs.
Video Resolution: 2160p | Continuous Shooting Speed: 120fps | Screen Size: 3 in | ISO: Auto, 100-25600
Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a light and quite mobile model which will enable you to utilize it for producing videos at low angles without purchasing a video tripod for this camera for photography and filming.
Although it is not big, this best Canon camera for filmmaking is equipped with an external mic port. It is stabilized and features an STM (stepping motor) focusing parameters to prevent any unwished sounds being recorded.
The three key benefits of this cheapest 4K camera include an advanced face and eye tracking autozoom, vertical shooting, which is a perfect match for apps like TikTok, where you can enjoy 4K resolution facility; and it is also possible to livestream the content to YouTube.
Video Resolution: 2160p | Continuous Shooting Speed: 7fps | Screen Size: 3.2 in | ISO: Up to 32000
If your key demands for the best Canon cameras for video are versatility and durability, have a look at Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. You can use it to record video in 4K, though there are some limitations. The first one relates to the sensor, as it doesn’t work in the full width. Thus, you need to use 1.74x cropping.
The second important issue is connected with Canon Log Gamma mode, which is claimed to be supported by the this DSLR camera. In fact, you can enjoy this function only if you get a paid update. The most disappointing thing is that you can only save 4K internally. The external HDMI recorder will only work for Full HD videos.
However, despite several minor disadvantages, it’s a great vlogging camera. You can use it in low-light situations, which allows you to implement a variety of night photography ideas. This Canon for video supports an unprecedented autofocus speed during streaming even in darkened rooms.
Video Resolution: 5.5K | Continuous Shooting Speed: 20fps | Screen Size: 3 in | ISO: Up to 102400
One of the standout features of Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is its ability to capture up to 20 fps using Servo AF with a whopping 3,869 focusing points in Live View. This makes it a dream for sports and wildlife videographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects with precision, that is why it is not a budget video camera.
This Canon camera for filmmaking can record DCI 4K internally in 12-bit CRM and uncropped 5.5K RAW at 60 fps. This level of quality and flexibility allows for greater control of exposure in post-production, thanks to features like Movie Digital IS and Canon Log gamma.
In terms of tracking moving subjects, this 4K camera excels with its new 191-point viewfinder AF system. This system utilizes deep learning to better recognize and track subjects, whether you're shooting in live view or recording video.
Combined with the camera's burst shooting capabilities and speedy DIGIC X processing, it truly shines when it comes to capturing fast-moving action. So that it is not a cheap camera.
Video Resolution: 4K at 30p, Full HD at 120fps | Continuous Shooting Speed: 30fps | Screen Size: 3 in | ISO: Up to 32000
Canon EOS R7 is among the best Canon cameras for video first of all due to the autofocus system. It's super effective at tracking moving subjects, which is a big plus for sports or wildlife shooting. The camera also has a clean HDMI output and offers a variety of 4K and 1080p video options, making it a great model for those who want a hybrid still/video camera.
In terms of image quality, the R7's 32.5 megapixel sensor delivers exceptional results. It can handle low light conditions with its maximum sensitivity of ISO 32,000 (expandable to 51,200), allowing you to capture clear shots even in challenging lighting situations.
One standout feature of the R7 is its in-body image stabilization system (IBIS). This, combined with the optical image stabilization in most Canon lenses, offers up to 7 stops of shake correction.
Video Resolution: 1080 Full HD | Continuous Shooting Speed: 60fps | Screen Size: 3 in | ISO: Up to 25600
One of the standout features of Canon EOS R100 is its excellent image quality. Even for those upgrading from smartphones, this Canon mirrorless camera for video delivers impressive results. The menu system is user-friendly, and there's even a built-in guide mode to help beginners understand the camera's features.
The electronic viewfinder is another positive aspect of this mirrorless camera for video. With its 0.39-inch OLED display and 2.36 million dots, it provides a clear and immersive viewing experience. The EOS R100 boasts a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a Digic 8 processor, ensuring great image quality and fast autofocus performance.
Low-light performance is a major selling point of this camera. Even at higher shutter speeds, it manages to capture sharp and detailed images without much noise or blur. The optical zoom capabilities are also impressive, allowing you to zoom in on subjects without sacrificing image quality, but the body doesn’t have an in-built stabilization so you’ll need to use video stabilization software to fix your footage.
Video Resolution: Up to 8K-60P | Continuous Shooting Speed: 60fps | Screen Size: 3.2 in | ISO: Up to 51200
Canon EOS R5 C is in the list of the best Canon cameras for video allows to easily record high-resolution video. It combines cinema-grade video formats and features with Canon's renowned stills imaging capabilities. With internal RAW recording and Cinema RAW Light, HDMI output for compatible recorders, and high dynamic range capture in Canon Log 3 or HLG, you can capture incredible detail.
The R5 C Canon camera for video is also powered by the next-generation RF mount system, which provides exceptional imaging and fast, intuitive autofocus. And despite its powerful video capabilities, it's surprisingly compact and lightweight.
One of the main characteristics that sets this full frame camera apart from other EOS cameras is its dedicated video mode and movie crop shooting option. When switched to video mode, the camera behaves more like a video camera, with different menus and controls. It even features a dedicated hotshoe for attaching accessories like XLR adapters.
Image stabilization (OIS). This feature helps reduce camera shake and ensures that your footage is clear and smooth, even when shooting handheld (especially when you use a time lapse camera). It's especially useful in situations where using a tripod is not practical.
Sensor. CMOS sensor is a popular choice for the best Canon mirrorless cameras for video as well as DSLRs. It delivers high-quality footage with minimal noise and artifacts, even in low-light conditions.
This means you can capture breathtaking footage in any environment, whether it's natural or indoors. A CMOS sensor also supports various frame rates and allows for fast readout speeds, making it versatile for different applications.
Sound. You should pay attention to the quality of the built-in microphone. Besides, you will need a headphone jack if you want to listen to the sound while shooting. Look for the ability to use another microphone. To work with professional microphones, you should choose a model with three-pin XLR inputs.
Recording format - MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI - most popular. If you work with a specific editing program, you should find out if the chosen Canon DSLR for video can record videos in suitable formats.
Lens - 30-25mm. Find out how the Canon for video can zoom in and zoom out. It is important to have a wide-angle setting because it lets you get closer and it is more convenient if you intend to use a camera in handheld mode. The simplest way is to compare equivalents with the 35mm lens. Less than 30-25mm is good. Another important thing to check is an optical zoom range.
Manual control. It may not seem very important at the beginning when you choose between the best Canon cameras for video, but when you start serious filmmaking, it will be necessary to have the ability to control some settings of the best Canon for video manually.
Ease of use. Are the controls user-friendly? Is it comfortable to hold the camera? Can you customize the most often used settings with switches or buttons or you must only use the menu? How well does the touchscreen work if there is any? Is there an additional shoe for installing a light or microphone? If you find answers to these questions, you can decide which camera suits you most.