viable option for amateur filmmakers who want to produce high-quality videos without spending a fortune on professional video gear. Advanced video features like internal 10-bit color depth and high frame rate options are now featured as a norm on most consumer stills and hybrid cameras—some even support high-quality Apple ProRes codecs and other features previously reserved for dedicated cinema cameras. Generally speaking, when looking for a filmmaking camera, you should consider the camera's video resolution and frame rate options, whether or not you need in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and design features like dual memory card slots and ports to attach peripherals like microphones or external recorders. Of course, budget and ergonomic preferences also play a big role in determining which camera is best for you.

We don't currently test cinema cameras, and because cinema cameras run the gamut from affordable prosumer models to astronomically expensive professional models, this article focuses primarily on consumer stills and hybrid cameras. Note also that your chosen lens will significantly affect your camera's performance, including its stabilization and autofocus performance.

We've bought and tested over 105 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our top camera recommendations for aspiring filmmakers and videographers. If you're looking for options that are more tailored to content creators, check out our recommendations for the best cameras for YouTube or the best cameras for vlogging. If you want to record sports videos, you can try the best video cameras for sports, too. Otherwise, check out our best cameras overall.

Best Camera For Video

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is the best video camera that we've tested. It's loaded with features that equal and even surpass more expensive options, making it one of the best bang-for-your-buck cameras if you're interested in videography. That includes 6k open gate recording, 4k at 60 fps (albeit with an APS-C crop), and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, with support for a wide range of codecs and recording formats. Video quality from its full-frame sensor is also excellent, and it has one of the best in-body image stabilization (IBIS) systems among full-frame models.

The S5 II is also the first LUMIX camera to feature phase-detection autofocus, giving it significantly improved subject tracking compared to its predecessor, particularly in video mode. It's worth noting that native L-mount lenses can be expensive, although you can get around that by going for third-party options or using a lens-mount adapter. Of course, if you want to save even more money, the original Panasonic LUMIX S5 is a steal, particularly if you buy used and don't need the more advanced autofocus of the S5 II.

Best Micro Four Thirds Camera For Video

If you already have a stable of Micro Four Thirds lenses, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is a no-brainer. This is one of the most capable Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market, and its video-centric design makes it one of the best cameras for filmmaking and advanced video work. Unlike the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II above, the GH6 supports features like external RAW video output and internal ProRes codecs out of the box (the S5 II can do those things too, but you need to buy an upgrade key at an additional cost). It also has built-in heat vents to prevent overheating and a unique screen that can both tilt and fully articulate, making it easier to shoot at various angles.

The biggest drawback here is that the GH6 uses Panasonic's older contrast-based autofocus system, which isn't as effective and can create pulsing artifacts in the background of your videos. Ultimately, if you're a solo operator who tends to shoot in less controlled lighting conditions and relies on autofocus, the full-frame S5 II will likely suit you better. On the flip side, if you're a more advanced videographer who needs RAW video output and doesn't mind pulling focus manually, you won't be disappointed by the GH6. With the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 on its way, you'll likely be able to pick up the GH6 for even cheaper soon, too.

Best Camera For Action Video

The Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best hybrid cameras in its price range for videographers who need high frame rates and speed. That's because of its 26-megapixel stacked sensor, which keeps rolling shutter to a minimum and makes it a great fit for fast-moving subjects and sweeping action videography. It also supports 6.2k open gate recording, 4k at up to 60 fps without a crop, and a slow-motion recording mode that can capture 4k at up to 120 fps.

Aside from its superb internal recording capabilities, the camera also has all the inputs you'll need for video peripherals, including a full-sized HDMI port, making it easy to connect to an external recorder or display. Like the Panasonic LUMIX GH6, it also supports RAW video output to a compatible external recorder. Even without an external recorder, the camera's internal codec support is fantastic, with Apple ProRes formats to capture higher-quality video with less compression. If, however, you'd prefer internal RAW video recording, the Nikon Z 6III is one of the only cameras we've tested to support it. It also offers a range of high-speed frame rate options for action videography, but it's significantly more expensive than the X-H2S.

Best Camera For Low-Light Video

The Sony ZV-E1 is one of the best low-light video cameras we've tested. It features a 12 MP full-frame sensor optimized for low-light shooting, with fantastic noise handling and plenty of dynamic range for great results in even the trickiest lighting conditions. It's the same sensor found in the pricier Sony α7S III and Sony FX3—though we haven't tested them, they're known to be some of the best videography cameras in their respective classes. The ZV-E1 is billed as a vlogging camera, so it's more accessible to newcomers and has a more compact body. It also includes Sony's ever-reliable autofocus, IBIS, and 4k recording at up to 60 fps. That said, it can overheat pretty quickly during longer recording sessions.

The Panasonic LUMIX GH5s is another great option for low-light videography that's less likely to overheat. Though it uses a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, the sensor's low resolution and dual-native ISO design optimize the camera for low light. The MFT system also features more compact lens options, and the camera has a more effective IBIS system, but its autofocus is much less reliable than the ZV-E1. That may not be a dealbreaker if you prefer to focus manually, so the GH5s is a good choice if you want to save some money.