Key Points
- The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a top choice for music videos, offering high-resolution filming capabilities and compatibility with professional video editing software.
- The Sony A7S III is a great mirrorless camera for music videos, with excellent auto-focus and the ability to shoot 4K video at 120fps.
- The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a reliable DSLR camera option for music videos, with a smooth auto-focus and compatibility with Canon lenses.
- The Fujifilm X-T4 is a more affordable mirrorless camera option for music videos, offering 4K video shooting and in-body image stabilization.
- The Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera is a high-end choice for music videos, with cinematic resolution and advanced auto-focus features.
- When choosing a camera for music videos, consider the type of camera, resolution, lens compatibility, price, and extras that meet your specific needs.
Not all cameras are the same when it comes to making music videos. High-end cinematic cameras can blow the budget of any music video, even if you are just renting it. Standard cameras won’t give you the cinematic look and can have issues shooting high-end video in low-light conditions, which are often found in music videos. The best cameras for music videos are a hybrid of the two, giving you great cinema-type quality with affordability.
So, after looking at dozens of options, our ranking for the best cameras for music videos in 2023 are:
History Computer’s Top Picks for Cameras For Music Videos
$2,535.00Buy Now- Super 35 high-resolution HDR Sensor
- Shoots 6K up to 50fps
- 4K DCI up to 60fps
- Full HD 1080p up to 120fps
- Dual native ISO: 400 and 3200
- 1 x HDMI output up to 1080p60
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11/26/2023 03:21 am GMT
$3,806.00Buy Now- Shoots 4K video at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps
- 12.1MP Exmor R sensor that is optimized for 4K
- 15+ stops dynamic range
- 3x reduction in rolling shutter
- Low-light images up to ISO 409,600
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11/26/2023 03:46 am GMT
$2,699.00Buy on Amazon- 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor at 30/24p
- Multiple video options (Full HD and HD)
- LCD monitor with a touchscreen interface
- Up to 7fps shooting speed
- Excellent image quality
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11/26/2023 03:50 am GMT
$1,699.00Buy Now- 6.5 stops of image stabilization with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
- Subject tracking in low-light conditions down to -6EV and expanded ISO to 51200
- Mechanical shutter can take images at 15 frames per second
- Effective still resolution is 26.1 MP
- Capable of recording DCl 4K/60p
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11/26/2023 03:56 am GMT
$5,998.00Buy Now- Shoots 4K up to 120fps
- 1080p HD up to 240fps
- ISO 800/12800
- 10.2MP
- 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor
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11/26/2023 06:56 am GMT
#1 Best Overall Cameras for Music Videos: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
- Super 35 high-resolution HDR Sensor
- Shoots 6K up to 50fps
- 4K DCI up to 60fps
- Full HD 1080p up to 120fps
- Dual native ISO: 400 and 3200
- 1 x HDMI output up to 1080p60
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro combines the lightness of a mirrorless camera with the resolution quality of a cinema camera, making it our #1 Best Overall Camera for Music Videos. It also shoots well in low light, which works for a lot of music videos.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro has a Super 35 high-resolution HDR Sensor. It shoots 6K resolution up to 50fps, giving it cinema-quality filming capabilities. It shoots 4K DCI up to 60fps and Full HD 1080p up to 120fps as well.
This camera also comes with Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Studio, which rivals names like Adobe Premiere and Apple’s Final Cut Pro when it comes to video editing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro has cinematic resolution. | It has a shorter battery life than other cameras — only 60 minutes if you are shooting at the max 6K resolution. |
| It comes with DaVinci Resolve editing software. | Most settings are manual, which can be difficult for beginners. |
Best Mirrorless Camera for Music Videos: Sony A7S III
- Shoots 4K video at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps
- 12.1MP Exmor R sensor that is optimized for 4K
- 15+ stops dynamic range
- 3x reduction in rolling shutter
- Low-light images up to ISO 409,600
The Sony A7S III camera was designed specifically for shooting video, making it our Best Mirrorless Camera for Music Videos. It also has great features for beginners, like one of the best auto-focuses on the market and easy feature setup. Its rolling shutter performance makes it easy to capture motion and flashing lights, two staples in music videos.
It has the capacity to shoot 4K video at 120fps, much faster than other mirrorless cameras around the same price. It also shoots 1080p at 240fps. The A7S III has a wide ISO sensitivity range of 80-102,400, expandable to up to 409,600, making it great for shooting darker videos.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a stellar rolling shutter for shooting motion and flashing lights. | The Sony A7S III is more expensive than other mirrorless cameras. |
| It has one of the best auto-focus features on the market, which is great for beginners. | It’s made for video, so still pictures can have a lower resolution. |
| It shoots 4K at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps. |
Best DSLR Camera for Music Videos: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor at 30/24p
- Multiple video options (Full HD and HD)
- LCD monitor with a touchscreen interface
- Up to 7fps shooting speed
- Excellent image quality
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV makes a DSLR camera look like a mirrorless camera, making it our Best DSLR Camera for Music Videos. Mirrorless cameras are the choice of most cinematographers these days, but there are a few DSLR cameras that are still worth a look, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
The EOS is equipped with a 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor that allows you to shoot 4K, although only up to 30fps. However, you can shoot Full HD up to 60fps, and HD up to 120fps. It’s compatible with all Canon lenses, which is convenient for photographers who already have Canon accessories. It also comes with 61-point high-density reticular auto-focus, which helps it stand out from the crowd.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Canon EOS is great for beginners, with a smooth auto-focus. | It can only shoot 4K at 30fps. |
| The camera shoots Full HD up to 60fps and HD up to 120fps. | The Canon is heavier than mirrorless cameras. |
| It comes with a digital touchscreen monitor. |
Best-Priced Camera for Music Videos: Fujifilm X-T4
- 6.5 stops of image stabilization with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
- Subject tracking in low-light conditions down to -6EV and expanded ISO to 51200
- Mechanical shutter can take images at 15 frames per second
- Effective still resolution is 26.1 MP
- Capable of recording DCl 4K/60p
The Fujifilm X-T4 has all the features you need at a lower price, making it our Best-Priced Camera for Music Videos. Cameras are not cheap, and a good mirrorless camera body can cost you over $2,000. That’s where the Fujifilm X-T4 shines. Its body (without lenses) comes in well under $2,000 and still gives you great-quality video with a lot of needed options.
The Fujifilm comes with a smaller body than other cameras in this range. The body is weather-proof and can stand the bumps and bruises of filming. It can shoot 4K at up to 60fps and 1080p at lightning-fast 240fps, making slow motion easier. It also comes with in-body image stabilization and a 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 Sensor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Fujifilm X-T4 is less expensive than most other mirrorless cameras. | Shooting in low light can be difficult since the ISO only goes to 12800. |
| It comes with a rugged, weather-proof casing. | Its auto-focus is not the best in the business. |
| The camera shoots 4K at up to 60fps and 1080p at 240fps. |
Best Cinema Camera for Music Videos: Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera
- Shoots 4K up to 120fps
- 1080p HD up to 240fps
- ISO 800/12800
- 10.2MP
- 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor
The Sony FX6 gives you cinematic quality with all the bells and whistles a trained cinematographer needs, making it our Best Cinema Camera for Music Videos. If you are willing to spend the money on a cinema camera for your music video, the Sony FX6 is the best choice.
The Sony FX6 comes with everything you would expect a cinematic camera to have. It has a 4K Full-Frame 10.2MP CMOS Exmor R Sensor for cinematic resolution, as well as face tracking auto-focus for beginner videographers. It captures 4K at 120fps and 1080p Full HD at 240fps.
It offers two SD card slots to help you continue to shoot while you download footage. It also offers Cinetone, which brightens colors and evens out skin tone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Sony FX6 is cheaper than other cinema cameras. | It has a very hefty price tag. |
| The camera can shoot 4K at 120fps and 1080p Full HD at 240fps. | It’s also heavier than many mirrorless cameras. |
| It has sharp auto-focus detection with a wide coverage. |
How to Pick the Best Cameras for Music Videos: Step by Step
When choosing a camera for music videos there are four main considerations for most buyers.
- Type of Camera
- Resolution
- Lens Compatibility
- Price
- Extras
Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.
Type of Camera
Cameras come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure you do your research before buying one. Video cameras are generally split up into three categories:
- DSLR: These old-school cameras use older technology featuring mirrors to capture images and video. While these cameras don’t give you the versatility of a mirrorless camera, they are often less expensive and easier to use.
- Mirrorless: Mirrorless cameras are the most popular hybrid cameras that shoot both photos and videos.
- Cinema: Cinema cameras only shoot video, and often do it at very high resolution. This is also why cinema cameras tend to be the most expensive. They have the best picture quality, but can also be complicated to operate. Cinema cameras are generally best for experienced cinematographers.
©Yekatseryna Netuk/Shutterstock.com
Resolution
The resolution is the quality of video the camera records. Cameras can shoot anywhere from 240p to 12K resolution. The most common resolution for online videos is 1080p, with most films and TV shows shooting in 4K resolution. Quality music videos can be anywhere from 1080p to 6K resolution.
Lens Compatibility
Not all lenses are compatible with all cameras. If you currently own Canon lenses, and a camera is only compatible with Nikon lenses, you won’t be able to use your lenses with your new camera. Before buying a camera, make sure the lenses you own (or the ones you want to use for your video) are compatible with the camera.
Many cameras from the main camera companies, such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony, offer adapters if you have Canon lenses but a Nikon body. These will allow you to use the off-brand lenses, but it can limit things like auto-focus capabilities.
Price
You don’t need a $40,000 cinema camera to make a good music video. You can shoot a solid music video with the newest iPhone, which is less than $1,000. If you want a good-quality music video, a mirrorless camera will run you between $1,500 and $5,000. More expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Look for the resolution and extras that you need for your video and find the camera that meets those criteria.
Extras
Does your camera film in low-light environments? Does it have auto-focus? Does it have easy backup capabilities? Your choice of camera can weigh heavily towards the extras that you need. If you want a lot of shallow-focus shots in your video, you will need a camera that is compatible with low f-stop lenses. If you are going to be shooting 12-hour days, a longer battery life might be a good plus to have. Figuring out your needs before purchasing a camera can help you look for those extras that will make the shoot easier.
What to Know Before Buying the Best Cameras for Music Videos
Before you buy a camera, here are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t get hung up on price, just look for the camera that most closely fits your needs. Once you buy a camera, you can set it up for your specific shooting environment. Most cameras come with standard selections already made, so you can point and shoot, which can be helpful.
Most high-end cameras don’t come with lenses, so make sure you have the lenses you need. For a music shoot, you can get away with an adjustable lens like a 24mm-70mm, but a better bet is to get three prime lenses: a 24mm or 35mm, a 50mm, and an 80mm. Prime lenses generally have lower f-stops, offering a shallow depth of field that allows you to focus on your subjects.
Using the Best Cameras for Music Videos: What It’s Like
The best cameras will let you shoot video with ease. Mirrorless cameras can be set up to just point and shoot, making filming a much easier process. Cinema cameras take a little more know-how to operate, so should be reserved for expert cinematographers.
Most cameras have a menu of options you can customize before using. You can choose whether you want to use auto-focus or manual-focus, or if you want to shoot in black and white or color. Going through these options to set up beforehand will make the shooting process easier.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©New Africa/Shutterstock.com.
