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Once reserved primarily for professionalcameras, 4k recording capability has become the baseline for what modern still cameras can do in video. While dedicated cinema cameras are still king forvideography and filmmaking, they can also be very expensive, and you can still get excellent 4k video performance out of more affordable mirrorless or DSLR cameras. Most of our picks are hybrid photo/video cameras, but you'll be surprised by the quality ofresults you can get with these cameras. These days, even more affordable entry-level models come withvideo features that feel advanced compared to cameras from five to ten years ago, making it easier than ever to pick up a camera and start recording.
We've bought and tested over 100cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best cameras with 4k video capability. If you're looking more specifically for a vlogging camera, you can also check out our picks for thebest cameras for vlogging. Or, if you want something light enough to keep up with fast action, you can try thebest video camera for sports.
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Best 4k Camera
Fujifilm X-H2S 10
Travel Photography
8.0
Landscape Photography
8.0
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.5
Raw Photo Performance
7.8
Vlogging
7.3
Studio Video
8.7
Action Video
6.8
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Fujifilm X-H2S is the best 4k video camera we've tested for most people. With uncropped 4k recording at up to 60 fps and a wide range of video formats and codecs, this can be a powerful tool in any videographer's toolbelt. It captures oversampled 4k video from the full 6.2k resolution of the sensor, resulting in excellent overall quality, and it alsosupports 6.2k open gate recording. The stacked design of its sensor also keeps rolling shutter distortion to a minimum, which is great for action videos or any video that requires sweeping panning shots.
Beyond that, it comes with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a sturdy weather-sealed body, a CFexpress card slot, and a full-sized HDMI port to connect an external recorder. But with internal 10-bit recording in F-Log 2, you'll get more dynamic range and plenty of leeway to color-grade your footage even without an external recorder. The camera even supports ProRes formats internally for lower-compression video files. All in all, this is a remarkably capable camera for 4k video work.
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Best Full-Frame 4k Camera
Panasonic LUMIX S5 II 15
Travel Photography
8.0
Landscape Photography
8.7
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.7
Raw Photo Performance
8.9
Vlogging
7.7
Studio Video
9.4
Action Video
5.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
Full FrameSee all our test results
If you do a lot of recording in uncontrolled lighting conditions, getting a full-frame camera can help: their bigger sensors generally give you more flexibility in low light. The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is one of the best-value full-frame cameras on the market, offering a fantastic range of video features at a relatively reasonable price. It has excellent ergonomics and build quality and records 4k video at up to 60 fps, albeit with an APS-C crop and 6k open gate. The video quality from its sensor is fantastic, even in darker conditions.
Beyond that, the camera supports 10-bit 4:2:2 recording internally, with a wide range of recording formats and codecs. It also has a highly effective IBIS system. That said, L-mount lenses can be quite pricy, though you can always use cheaper or vintage lenses with a lens mount adapter. Otherwise, theSony α7 IVis another great option for 4k video, with a very wide range of lens options, including more affordable third-party lenses. It also has a more reliable autofocus system than the S5 II. However, it's pricier and doesn't support higher-resolution open gate recording.
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Best Mid-Range 4k Camera
Sony α6700 17
Travel Photography
8.3
Landscape Photography
8.2
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.3
Raw Photo Performance
7.9
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
7.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Sonyα6700 is an impressive hybrid camera from Sony's APS-C lineup. It has some of the most advanced 4k video features of any camera in its class, with 4k recording at up to 120 fps, though with a notable crop. Still, that means you can capture high-quality slow-mo footage with ease. It also featuresIBIS, a sturdy weather-sealed construction, and one of the best autofocus systems on the market, not to mention internal 10-bit recording and Log format support for more advanced video shooters.
Another excellent choice at this price point is the Fujifilm X-S20. Like theα6700, it has features like IBIS and internal10-bit Log recording, along with the option to record in 6.2k open gate, giving you more leeway to crop into different aspect ratios. However, its autofocus system isn't as reliable or accurate as the Sony camera's, and it has fewer frame rate options in 4k, maxing out at 60 fps.
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Best Entry-Level 4k Camera
Travel Photography
7.8
Landscape Photography
7.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.4
Raw Photo Performance
7.5
Vlogging
7.6
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS R10 is the best entry-level camera we've tested for 4k video, offeringa ton of value for its price. This APS-C model is highly accessible and beginner-friendly, with an intuitive menu system and controls. However, its specs are also advanced enough for more experienced shooters. With 4k recording at up to 60 fps (cropped), it's one of the more versatile cameras at this price point. On top of that, it supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording in its HDR PQ mode for those who need a bit more flexibility in post. It also has one of the better autofocus systems on the market.
The Fujifilm X-S10 is another great choice at this price point, and its film simulation modes are great for people who prefer a more hands-off approach, allowing you to change up the look of your footage in-camera. It also offers a more established lens ecosystem and is one of the few options at this price to include IBIS for smoother handheld footage. That said, it has fewer frame rate options and slightly more limited internal recording capability than the Canon.
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Best Budget 4k Camera
Sony ZV-E10 9
Travel Photography
8.2
Landscape Photography
8.1
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.3
Raw Photo Performance
8.0
Vlogging
8.6
Studio Video
7.9
Action Video
4.8
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
Most of our picks above are more advanced models, but you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to shoot high-quality 4k video. The Sony ZV-E10 is the best 4k video camera for those on a tighter budget. While it's aimed at vloggers, this small, lightweight APS-C camera is versatile enough for a range of video work and will leave more room in your budget to invest in accessories like a microphone and lighting equipment.
Unlike higher-end models, you won't find IBIS here, and its vlogging-centric design means there's noviewfinder. However, the camera has a fully articulated screen and simple, accessible controls that are perfect for beginner shooters. It includes a ton of customization options, a great battery life, and no recording time limit. Ultimately, if you want to shoot 4k videos or vlogs without breaking the bank, the ZV-E10 is the best choice.
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Best Compact 4k Camera
Sony ZV-1 5
Travel Photography
7.4
Landscape Photography
7.1
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.3
Raw Photo Performance
6.5
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
6.8
Action Video
5.2
Body Type
Point and ShootMirrorless
YesSensor Size
1-inchSee all our test results
If you'd prefer something smaller and easier to carry, the Sony ZV-1 is basically a point-and-shoot version of the Sony ZV-E10. It's less versatile since it uses a fixed lens and has a smaller one-inch sensor, making it less suited to low-light shooting. If you're looking for a compact video camera, it's the best option. The similar Sony ZV-1 II features a wider-angle lens; however, it's more expensive and lacks optical stabilization, so unless you need a wide angle for vlogs, the ZV-1 is an excellent choice.
It's one of the rare point-and-shoot cameras with a fully articulated screen that lets you monitor yourself while recording. It has an excellent autofocus system, and it can record 4k video at up to 30 fps, though with a slight crop. The biggest trade-off here is battery life—a smaller camera means a smaller battery and worse battery performance. Therefore, it's capped to a very short five-minute recording limit in 4k to prevent overheating (by default; you can change this in the settings if you wish). Though it's prone to overheating if you record continuously, this is still a great option if you stick to shorter takes.
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Recent Updates
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Mar 15, 2024: We've replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Canon EOS R10 because it has slightly better video specs and renamed it to 'Best Entry-Level 4k Camera.' We've also shifted the Sony α6700 from 'Best Upper Mid-Range 4k Camera' to 'Best Mid-Range 4k Camera.'
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Jan 18, 2024: Moved the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II into its own category as the 'Best Full-Frame 4k Camera' and added the Sony ZV-E1 to Notable Mentions.
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Nov 16, 2023: Moved the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II to Notable Mentions and replaced it with the Sony α6700 as the upper mid-range option since it has better autofocus and is more accessible to general users. Also, replaced the Fujifilm X-S20 with the Fujifilm X-S10 as the mid-range pick, added the Canon EOS R6 Mark II to Notable Mentions, and removed the Nikon Z 6II from Notable Mentions.
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Sep 22, 2023: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S10 with the Fujifilm X-S20.
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Jul 27, 2023: Replaced the Canon EOS R6 Mark II with the Fujifilm X-H2S as the 'Best 4k Camera'.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best 4k-capable cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our reviews for 4k-capable cameras. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
