Best 4k Camcorder For Youtube

Best 4K camera 2021: the 12 top cameras for shooting 4K movies

Included in this guide:

(Image credit: Future)

Want to know what the best 4K camera 2021 is? Whether it's movies you want to make or high-resolution video content you're keen to create, the ideal 4K camera for you is sure to be found in our list.

The best 4K cameras cover a broad spectrum. You've got a choice of different sizes, specs and price brackets to consider. With 4K being a very common spec now, you'll find models all the way from beginner-friendly and highly portable mirrorless models all the way up to professional-level models that have been certified as good enough enough for Netflix.

If all of that sounds a little bit much to get to grips with, don't worry, we've tested all of the top 4K cameras in 2021 to help you discover which is best for both of your budget and your needs.

And if budget is your primary concern, then you might want to consider holding off on any purchases until Amazon Prime Day 2021. We're expecting lots of lovely discounts from a range of manufacturers, including those with a penchant for 4K video.

Choosing the best 4K camera isn't always an easy task. You need to be aware of a number of factors. Although this is a roundup of 4K cameras, 4K itself is no longer the class-leading spec it once was. We're now seeing an increasing number of models capable of shooting footage at up to 8K. The average person may not need that kind of resolution, but it depends on the kind of work you're doing. Most enthusiast videographers will likely find aspects other than resolution to be more important.

One such factor is high frame rates, which you'll need to create smooth video. The best 4K cameras can record at 60fps or faster, with many giving you the option to also drop resolution to shoot at 120fps for slow-motion footage.

Other factors to consider may come down to your skill level, and how you shoot your videos. Image stabilisation is a must if you're trying to capture b-roll handheld, but is less of an issue if you're already using a gimbal. Tracking autofocus comes in handy for enthusiasts who are upgrading, but anybody who is used to dealing with manual tracking may find it less beneficial.

A large sensor is great for those who like to video in low light conditions, while the physical controls of the camera are worth taking into consideration as well. Easy to access controls, a tilting touchscreen and an ergonomic handgrip are all useful tools.

Let's not forget about accessories too. Particularly important for videographers, most of the best 4K cameras include ports for attaching external microphones and headphones, but those requiring specific peripherals, such as a battery grip, or hot-shoe attachment should make sure to check compatibility before you buy.

Almost all of the top 4K cameras support log profiles, such as V-Log, giving leading videographers the opportunity to adjust color grading in post-production. The top-of-the-line models can also record 10-bit video internally, resulting in a greater depth of color, but with the trade off of larger file sizes.

Our list below contains everything every amateur videographer or experienced enthusiast might be looking for. There's something here for every skill level and expectation, so you'll almost certainly find the right one here for you.

We've chosen the Sony A7S II as our current pick for the best 4K camera of the moment. This full-frame model offers fantastic low-light capability, a fully-articulating touchscreen and 4K recording at up to 120fps. We've also been very impressed by the recent announcement of the Panasonic GH5 II, along with the development announcement of the Panasonic GH6. A long-favoured brand with video creators, these could be the cameras to reinvigorate the Micro Four Thirds market.

However, there are plenty of other models out there that might suit you better. Whether that's because they're smaller, cheaper or more powerful - the list below contains the best 4K cameras from video stalwarts Panasonic and Sony, as well as very convincing alternatives from the likes of Nikon, Fujifilm and the niche brand Blackmagic.

Best 4K cameras 2021 at a glance:

Sony A7S III
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Panasonic Lumix S1H
Panasonic Lumix GH5S
Panasonic Lumix GH5
Panasonic Lumix S5
Fujifilm X-T4
Canon EOS R5
Sony A6400
Panasonic Lumix G9
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Best 4K cameras in 2021:

1. Sony A7S III

A superb camera that's primed for 4K shooting

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless

Sensor Size: Full Frame

Resolution: 12.1MP

Lens: Sony E

Viewfinder: 9.44MP EVF

Monitor: 1.44m-dot articulating screen

Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps

Movies: 4K at 120fps

User level: Intermediate / expert

Reasons to buy

+Fantastic low light capability +Fully articulating touchscreen +Good battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Pricey -Less well-suited for stills

The Sony A7S III is almost definitely the best hybrid camera you can currently buy. It keeps resolution low and caps the output at 4K (as opposed to the 6K/8K capabilities of some other models), with the ambition to be the best 4K camera you can buy.

As well as stunning output, up to 120fps shooting for super-smooth recording, there's a host of other highlights on offer here too. There's the ability to capture 16-bit raw over HDMI (plus a full-sized HDMI port), a stunningly high-resolution viewfinder, and a fully-articulating screen with an improved touch-interface.

Videographers will also enjoy other ports such as a headphone and microphone socket, compatibility with the XLR-K3M hot-shoe accessory from Sony, for up to four audio inputs.

This is a pricey camera, make no mistake, but if you want something that does the job extremely well - we don't think you can get better than this.

Read our in-depth Sony A7S III review