10 Best DSLRs for Video to Buy in 2023

Efficient DSLR video cameras at a friendly price tag.

Today you can buy the best DSLR for video on the market and start filming breathtaking and high-resolution videos. The best video camera provides first-class recording, is capable of shooting in low light, comprises external microphone input as well as still-frame mode.

This type of cameras has long battery life, as the DSLR body is usually bigger, but it contains larger batteries and the optical viewfinder does not use power. Such cameras provide phase detection which makes autofocus and tracking work better.

4K video recording and Dual Pixel autofocus characterizes substantial advancements comparable to the previous model. Currently, users have an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the whole package – you can shoot either stills or videos. 5D Mark IV records a first-rate video. I counted on this exclusive model because it produces top-notch moving images.

Moreover, the refocus is precise and smooth. HDMI-out is restricted to 1080p, though, with a help of Dual Pixel AF and the sensitive touchscreen, I get accurate, smooth and high-class focus racking that makes filming easier. It goes without saying that this DSLR video camera is highly recommended to all professional photographers and YouTube bloggers.

Having tested D850, I found out the most essential feature for me, the 4K and 8K time-lapse mechanism. As soon as I selected the interval for recording, I was able to see the quantity of space this function would take up on the SD card, along with a specified length of time after completion. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that when I am going to generate an 8K interval, it is necessary to shoot via the Raw option, as well as run the files using a different program. Unfortunately, recording first-class time-lapse videos runs a battery down.

View my review of the best DSLR cameras at an affordable price, if you are going to take high-quality photographs in the studio or in low light.

Canon EOS 80D is capable of shooting videos of pretty good quality which are pleasant to the eye. This model offers Dual Pixel autofocus that is very accurate, allowing you to capture the most essential moments while travelling. A prime stereo microphone is integrated into the camera’s body. It’s one of the best camera for video that features a headphone port which makes the exploitation very convenient.

Video quality has considerably increased compared to the previous models. However, if we draw a parallel between other models in 1080p, the shooting material lacks some details, and it may seem a bit soft. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend this device as the best video DSLR camera. The amateurs and those who have an intention to shoot great videos will surely appreciate it.

If you are going to record professional videos for your YouTube account, I recommend you read about the best vlogging cameras that are user-friendly and show amazing results.

If you are a fun of extreme photography and travel videos, I recommend reading about the cheapest 4k cameras for beautiful landscape photos and videos.

When I took the pictures with Canon EOS 1D X Mk II, I was impressed by the quality seen on the cam screen. Imagine my astonishment when I saw the images on my computer screen. The pictures were stunning with accurate autofocus, which greatly amazed me.

When it comes to video filming, the main advantage is 4K video support. The capacity to record 4K/60p video is exceptional. Moreover, the final shots practically do not require any image editing to look decent. Besides, you may be in full control of a rolling shutter. In terms of quality, the camera is one of the best in its class. You can easily keep your object in focus thanks to brilliant Dual-pixel AF. It does not have a great variety of video functions, but as for me, I consider it to be the best DSLR for filmmaking and photography.

Read more bout the best Canon for video and lenses you may use to record videos about your trip or behind the scenes photoshoots.

The video material I receive with the outstanding Canon EOS 6D Mark II is soft. The stabilization delivers extremely smooth recording, and Dual Pixel AF provides great AF speed. I was impressed by using the in-focus footage, especially when I saw the video on the big screen.

Furthermore, this good video recording camera provides a 4K time-lapse film mode which lets the shutter operate regularly at set intervals over a certain period of time. This device is better for everyday use than for professional shooting. If you want to film the highest-resolution videos, it is better to choose another model. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of brilliant options, which makes this camera great for amateurs.

Read my full overview of the cheapest 4k cameras you can use for travel videos. If you want to record videos at night, I recommend you read about the best low light cameras to avoid low-quality results.

New is not always well forgotten old. Sometimes this is the result of a deliberate improvement that provides the user with technological advances of recent times. Nikon D7500 impressed me with the recording of 4K videos and rather detailed video shooting. This model offers advanced Multi-CAM 3500 II autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, and 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors and 1 sensor supporting f/8 aperture).

It shoots from 3840 x 2160-pixel area and creates a 1.5-fold crop in the field of view. That is a benefit when it comes to the wildlife or sports recording, but it is a downside when I am planning to shoot a wide-angle view. In D7200, I remind you, there was no support for 4K at all, and 1.3-fold cropping is activated in Full HD. As you can see, the new model efficiently combines the features of both amateur and semi-professional cameras. Support for working with professional pulsed light, extensive flash control capabilities, both built-in and external, shooting video in 4K, and fine autofocus settings make D7500 the best DSLR camera for video for beginners.

This is definitely the best DSLR for video that is the most expensive in my list. Leica Pro CMOS sensor is 30 × 45 mm with 37.5 million pixels. A layer of micro lenses in the matrix provides smooth brightness over the entire image area. Light sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 6400. The Maestro II processor provides high performance. The camera is capable of continuous shooting at a speed up to 3.5 frames per second, as well as recording ultra-high-resolution video in 4K MOV file format (up to 4096 × 2160 pixels).

The camera has an improved autofocus system. To ensure optimal sharpness and accurate tracking of moving objects, Leica S (Type 007) has an intelligent autofocus mode: the device records the movement of the subject and determines the distance. This DSLR camera has a 3-inch display, slots for SD and CF memory cards, a GPS satellite navigation receiver, and a Wi-Fi wireless adapter.

The A99 II is the perfect choice for professionals. It has many video-centric specifications. Users can record videos in 4K and can also try other resolutions and frame rates, for example, Full HD shooting mode. These and other characteristics make this gadget the best DSLR for video recording, according to many expert reviews. Shooting in S-Log and S-Gamut are the undoubted advantages of this device, which will be helpful in the process of video editing.

Most users admire a clean HDMI output. Moreover, this DSLR has many other options, such as gamma assistance and zebra mode to please videographers. If needed, you can easily switch between the full-frame capture and APS-C (Super 35) modes. Using APS-C, image quality becomes significantly higher with a smaller amount of digital noise. If you are looking for a high-quality device, consider this good video recording camera. Its advanced characteristics make it one of the leaders on the modern digital cameras market.

Using this camera, the videographer has full control over the shutter speed, manual exposure, ISO, and aperture. Still, you can’t select the desired autofocus mode after the start of video recording (tracking, face detection, point mode, and several autofocus points). The only option here is focusing on the center. However, this camera has several advantages that are worth considering when choosing the best DSLR for video shooting. Headphone and microphone inputs help improve the quality of sound recordings and the entire video.

The modern Movie SR sensor reduces “shaking” while shooting, making your videos more professional. The video quality will please even the most demanding customers. In addition, this camera has a rather affordable price.

This DSLR video camera can work at a frame rate of up to 60p (59.94) but only at a resolution of 720. Full HD video shooting requires a frame rate of 1080 / 29.97p or slower. The advantage of this DSLR is the possibility to work in manual mode. The image quality is pretty good, but you may have some problems with autofocus and light control.

The 7.560-pixel RGB and IR sensor did not positively affect the autofocus system. Compared to competitors, this DSLR camera has several shortfalls. This is especially noticeable when using a facial recognition function. Although this camera body cannot be called the best DSLR for video recording, it has some great features which can be admired.

It may seem that choosing the best DSLR for video is a very simple task because there are many high-quality gadgets today. All of them have wonderful characteristics (high build quality, reliability, ideal technical features, stylish design, etc.). However, sometimes it is difficult to find the one option that is suitable for your specific purposes. Specify the most important aspects for you and do not forget about them when searching for the best DSLR video camera.

If you are looking for an affordable camera for beginners, you should focus on devices with an APS-C sized sensor. It has a chip size of 23.6 x 15.7 mm (or 22.2 x 14.8 mm in the best DSLR for video shooting). Professional cameras are likely to have a larger sensor (36 x 24 mm), which is equal to the frame size of a 35 mm film (so-called "full frame" cameras). The main difference of such a sensor is 2.5 large surface area, compared with APS-C. This makes it possible to “absorb” more light, which directly affects the quality of the image (especially when shooting video with increased sensitivity).

It sounds trite, but image quality is a decisive factor when choosing the best DSLR for video shooting. 1080p is a standard feature of most video devices today. This value is suitable for many videographers. However, if you want to deliver the highest quality material, you should consider devices with 4K recording capability. However, not everyone can notice the significant difference between 4K and 1080p. Therefore, think carefully about whether you should spend more money on a camera with the support of this format. When choosing the best DSLR for film shooting, remember that you can always use video editing software that can significantly improve image quality.

Megapixels are used to measure video resolution. One megapixel consists of a million pixels. The number of megapixels, of course, affects the image quality, but this is not the most important factor when choosing the best DSLR camera for video recording. Many modern mobile phones have cameras with a large number of megapixels, but this does not guarantee excellent shooting quality.

Aperture range, ISO, and shutter speed are the main components of the exposure. As a rule, professionals use manual DSLR video settings. However, if you are just starting to work in this field, you should pay attention to devices with automatic settings, which will greatly simplify the video recording process.

The processor is the heart of your gadget. Therefore, it is the most important parameter when searching for the best DSLR camera for video. It is impossible to compare different processors according to a single list of characteristics since different gadgets are created for different purposes and have certain advantages and disadvantages. As mentioned earlier, you need to decide what you want to get as a result of the video recording process and take it into account when choosing the best camera for video.

Although these features do not affect the quality of the video, most modern users prefer cameras with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Wireless technologies allow you to transfer videos to your computer or network instantly. However, note that these functions can significantly increase the price of a DSLR video camera.

Many gadgets have a good lens included in the kit. If you are a beginner, it will suit you perfectly. However, if you want to work at a professional level, you should choose a good additional lens. Pay attention to its technical characteristics. Most videographers prefer DSLR video lenses with prices ranging from $100 to $200.

Imagine that you have already found the best camera for video recording. Now you need to learn how to use it as effectively as possible. Experienced videographers know many useful tricks. Read some simple tips and learn how to work like a professional.