Video is a popular format in product photography. An increasing number of my clients are asking for video as well as still photography.
One of the advantages of video photography is that buyers engage with it more. Video is also versatile, you can post it on social media including YouTube. Using social media as a sales platform is popular and cost-effective. It is a great way of reaching a wider audience.
That would explain why the sales of the best mirrorless cameras are increasing. I know that many product manufacturers are trying their hand at creating their own product videos. Although hiring a product photographer is still a good idea, there is no reason why you should not invest in a mirrorless camera for video.
Let’s take a look at the best mirrorless cameras for video in 2023.
The Best Mirrorless Cameras for Video 2023
When it comes to choosing a mirrorless camera for video, you are spoiled for choice. Many manufacturers have caught on to the fact that video is now a popular marketing tool.
Further down on this page, I am giving you buying advice when it comes to choosing the best mirrorless camera for video.
First, let’s find the best mirrorless camera for video. Don’t worry, I am not going to get too technical. One buying tip I would give right from the start is to keep an eye on the budget.
Also, many of the best mirrorless cameras for video make excellent still photography cameras. It is a good mirrorless camera when you are embarking on a product photography career.
(Read more articles Best Lenses for Product Photography )
Panasonic Lumix GH55
What you can expect:
- Large detailed viewfinder
- Excellent advanced video options including vectorscopes and waveforms.
- 10-but 4:2:2 internal video capture with up to 30p
- High-quality video options including 4K video DCI and Ultra HD up to 60p
- Price starts at $1,099
Panasonic Lumix GH55 is one of my top choices when it comes to mirrorless cameras for video. If you are a product photographer and looking for a mirrorless camera for video, I would put this camera on my shopping list.
Although the camera handles still photography very well, its videography performance is what makes this camera excel. It has a staggering range of video shooting modes. You can shoot 4K video at 400Mps.
When it comes to autofocus, I have to say that I have not found a camera that has outperformedv the GH55. Having excellent autofocus is important when you do product videography and may be moving around your subject a lot. If you are working with live models a superior autofocus is also essential.
The camera easily lets you select autofocus points using the touchscreen. What makes the camera extra special is the ability to use its Focus Transition function. This allows for seamless smooth autofocus.
The camera also comes complete with an external microphone and headphone sockets. In many ways, you can say the DMC-GH44 is a traditional DSLR camera. But, its rugged looks are deceiving. When it comes to videography functions and capabilities, you simply can’t beat this camera. (Read more articles best cameras for product photography )
Canon EOS R6
What you can expect
- Affordable option
- Superb on-body stabilization
- Ergonomic and compact
- Excellent expandable ISO range
- Rapid burst speeds
- Cost $2,229.00
When it comes to the DLSR camera market, Nikon and Canon have aimed for the top spot for years now. Canon has been lagging a little bit behind, but it would seem it is finally making headway.
Sometimes, it can be hard to define the strengths of Canon cameras. Personally, I would say the greatest strength of Canon cameras is their choice of lenses. Canon manufactures a series of lenses for RF called the L Series. It proves that Canon is committed to mirrorless cameras.
The Canon EOS R6 is a sturdy and rather rugged camera. If you currently use a large DSL camera, adapting to this camera is not going to be a problem for you. The controls of the camera are situated in logical places when you use the rear screen.
Both autofocus and stabilization are excellent. Stabilization gives you 8 stops which are good. It is the autofocus that makes this camera special. It comes in at 1053 focus points and uses phase detection. Touch selection and tracking via the LCD screen are also included in the package.
Sony a6400
What you can expect
- Excellent image quality for APS-C
- Superb low-light performance
- Compact camera body
- No time limit for video recording
- Prices start from $799.00
I have to say that one of the most impressive features of this camera is its autofocus capability. Unless you are a professional photographer, I think that superior autofocus is one of the most important features of a mirrorless camera for video.
There is one con that I would like to point out when it comes to the Sony Alpha a6400 and that is the touchscreen. Although this is a good camera, the touchscreen is not fully articulated. The upside is that it is less likely to get damaged. At least is better than a camera that has a screen that tilts only.
It also has an external microphone socket which I think is a plus for the camera. What really makes this camera worth considering is its auto-focus capability. It is second to none.
A good choice of alternative camera lenses is available, but you can also opt for the dedicated Sony E lens.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85/GX80
What you can expect
- Custom face detection autofocus
- Intelligent 5-axis image stabilization
- Tracking via touchscreen
- Easy to customize on-screen buttons
- Excellent 4K video quality
- Cost $597.99
Panasonic has always produced high-quality cameras. This one is no exception.
When it comes to the cost of the camera, you will find it has an excellent range of features. Compared to many other cameras in the same range, the image stabilization is excellent.
The touchscreen is an important feature of this camera. It helps with focus racking which is an important part of shooting good-quality video. Another important feature you will like is the camera’s $k live cropping feature. This function lets you zoom in and pan out in one shoot without the camera moving or the focal length changing.
I also like that you can customize the on-screen buttons as you like. Thanks to this function, you don’t have to worry about taking your eyes off your screen. In my opinion, this camera offers excellent value for money.
What you can expect
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Focus peaking and zebra highlight warnings
- External microphone input
- 4 Stills mode
- High-quality 4K video and LCD resolution
- Prices start from $426.49
One of the top features of this camera is the external microphone port. I wish that more manufacturers would add microphone ports. After all, combining sound and video is important when you shoot product videos for clients and eye-catching videos.
There is not much that separates this camera from the previous one. The main difference is the body style. This is a smaller and more compact camera. If you shoot a lot of videos outside, you will find that this camera will work well for you.
The autofocus function is also very similar. You can use the rear screen for focus point selection. The autofocus is fast and responsive which is an important bonus when you are shooting video.
Choosing between this one and the GX85 is challenging. Perhaps it comes down to the “feel” of the camera.
Fujifilm X-T4
What you can expect
- Stylish looking camera
- Excellent frame rate at 15 frames per second
- Image stabilization 6.5 stops
- 4K video. Choice of DCI and Ultra HD up to 60 frames per second
- Fully articulated rear touchscreen
- 12 different film simulation modes
- Cost $1549.00
If you are looking for a well-made camera with a strong body, the Fujifilm X-T4 is a good choice. This camera is not only for product photographers and shooting videos. If you travel a lot, the X-T4 makes an excellent travel companion.
The autofocus has face tracking thanks to a 425 focus points system. It has a dedicated contrast and phase detection function which works well for video recording.
Before you buy this camera, you need to keep in mind the lens mount. Fujifilm, lens mount has a smaller range of OEM and there are fewer third-party lenses available. This is a reliable camera matched by its rugged feel.
Nikon Z611
What you can expect
- Good quality low light focusing
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Excellent low-light dynamic range
- Dual memory slots
- Cost $1,996
The Nikon looks and feels very much like a professional camera. You can’t deny that the Z6 is a well-made camera. When I first looked at the camera, I was surprised to find that the LCD touchscreen just tilts. To me as a professional photographer limits it its use.
When it comes to stabilization, the camera relies on a 5-axis body image system adding up to 5 stops. It works okay, but I would have expected more from Nikon
The best thing you can say about the autofocus function is that it is robust. It uses 273 focus points and incorporates Contrast Detect and Phase Detect. Face detection and tracking are part of the package.
The c has both headphone and microphone sockets. Overall, I would say that it is good for both video and still photography. If your needs are balanced between the two, you should not need another mirrorless camera for still photography.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
What you can expect
- High-quality optics for low-light shooting
- Dual in-body stabilization up to 6.5 stops
- Superb quality 6K video
- Great tools for video recording
- Cooling venting system which allows for longer shooting
- Cost $3,697.00
The Panasonic features 6K video. At first, I thought this was a bit of overkill, but 6K video is not far away when it comes to the Internet. You can also crop 6K video reducing it down to 4K. Having the flexibility of both is what makes the Lumix DC-S1H special.
Considering this is not the most expensive mirrorless camera you can buy, having a 6K video function is certainly impressive.
Autofocus on this camera is not always the best. However, it does offer touch focus selection which is a bonus. As part of the autofocus selection, you also get face detection and tracking which are both important for videography. The 255 focus points capability is impressive.
The camera looks good and feels good. All in all, you can say that it is a contender when it comes to the best mirrorless camera for video.
What goes against it is the price point. This is an expensive camera.
Important Features in the Best Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras as smaller than most DSL cameras. If you look at their design, you will realize they are better held in front of your body rather than against your face. This is what makes them better for videography use. It is how you create video if you are using a gimbal or stabilizer.
What Is The Best Sensor?
Let’s talk about sensors for a moment. When it comes to sensor size, there are three sensor sizes as far as the best mirrorless cameras go.
Full Frame
A full-frame camera is equivalent to 35mm film. Most photographers think that a full-frame camera produces the best picture quality.
The reason for this is simple. A full-frame camera fits in more pixels on its sensor. Photographers often say this gives the pixels more space to breathe.
APS – C
After full frame sensors, you have cameras with APS-C sensors. In many ways, this is the next best thing after full-frame cameras.
For most entry-level DSLR cameras, APS-C sensors are the norm. Nikon, Pentax, and Fujifilm alls use the 370mm2 APS-C format. Canon uses the slightly smaller version – 329mm2.
Micro Four Thirds
Panasonic and Olympus use the 225mm2 sensor. If you like, this is the same as the old 110 films. It is still capable of producing an impressive image and video quality. Don’t associate the quality with old-school 110 film quality. It is really a world away.
What Is the Best Style?
When it comes to choosing any photography equipment including lenses and studio lighting, I think it is very much a personal choice.
I think that body style is not such a big deal when it comes to choosing the best mirrorless camera for video. The image projected by the lens is shown in an electronic viewfinder.
The most important purchasing point to consider when you consider the best mirrorless cameras for video is that everything feels familiar and is where you expect it to be.
Not all manufacturers have gone down the traditional route. For instance, Panasonic has offset the electronic viewfinder. For some photographers, this takes some getting used to. What I like about the idea is that it frees up the touchscreen LCD.
What Lens Mount Should I Choose?
All of the cameras on this page have interchangeable lenses. Your mount of choice becomes a major consideration.
Perhaps the best thing to do is to let your current collection of lenses guide you. If you already have spent a small fortune on Nikon lenses, you don’t want to rush out and invest in Canon lenses.
Do You Need A Mirrorless Camera?
Okay, you may have shot good-quality video before using DSLR cameras. But, when it all comes down to it, video is not the main purpose of DSLR cameras.
I like mirrorless cameras for video as they work just as well for still photography.
If you like, mirrorless cameras offer the best of both worlds. You get more flexibility and a wider choice of camera features. Menus on mirrorless cameras are easy to work with.
Another benefit is the stabilization factor. If you are concerned about camera shake and stabilization you simply can’t beat mirrorless cameras.
Identify Your Needs and Budget
When buying any photographic equipment including ring cameras, ring lights, and light modifiers, keep your budget in mind.
I know that I talk about this a lot. Perhaps the budget does not matter so much if you only see photography as a hobby. Things change when you are trying to make a living from photography.
When you are financially limited, you can consider hiring some filming equipment as well.
It is then you really need to watch your budget and make sure you make a profit from your business. Yes, it is great to have the latest camera, but at the end of the day, you need to ask yourself if this is what makes you abetter product photographer.
Final Thoughts
The cameras featured on this page are in my opinion the best cameras for video. Perhaps you have a favorite manufacturer or brand. In that case, you should stick to what makes
you comfortable and the camera that fits in with your preferences.
FAQs
Mirrorless cameras are often favored by videographers for their compact size, lightweight, and high image quality. They also typically have advanced video features, such as high frame rates and 4K resolution, which can produce high-quality, professional-looking footage.
Some affordable mirrorless camera options for video include the Sony a6500, the Panasonic Lumix G7, and the Fujifilm X-T30.
Mirrorless cameras generally have smaller form factors, faster autofocus, and better video capabilities compared to DSLRs. However, some professional videographers may still prefer a DSLR for its larger image sensor and more robust build quality.
Some potential drawbacks of using a mirrorless camera for video include a smaller image sensor compared to a full-frame DSLR, limited battery life, and potentially lower-quality audio recording capabilities.
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