The 12 Best Video Cameras for Capturing Life’s Memorable Moments

Modern video cameras come in many shapes and sizes, from action cams to drones, all-in-one vlogging rigs to cinema-ready solutions—even traditional-style camcorders are still available today and better than ever. So how do you determine the best video device for you?

We spoke to five video professionals, including directors, cinematographers, independent filmmakers and gear experts to get their takes on which models are most relevant for family videographers and budding moviemakers alike. These are the best cameras to fulfill your creative cinematic needs, whether you’re aiming to be the next Scorsese or simply want a capable and durable model to document special moments.

Rugged and capable

“GoPros are really fun and easy to use,” says Claire Buss, a New York City-based independent filmmaker and occasional “Sesame Street” episode director, of the palm-sized action camera line. The last few generations offer impressive high-resolution video capture, including 4K at up to 120 frames per second for a slow-motion effect, outstanding video stabilization, an extremely capable companion smartphone app, dual screens and waterproofing without a case. “Depending on what you want to do with the footage, you can get away with an older model that still shoots in 4K and looks great,” says Buss. With that in mind, she recommends the Hero11 Black over the more recent Hero12 Black for most users, as both offer a similar form factor and capture capabilities.

Jordan Drake, a Calgary-based filmmaker, director and co-host of PetaPixel’s popular camera gear-focused YouTube channel, agrees. “This year’s GoPro Hero12 Black was not a huge upgrade unless you plan to edit video in post. For most action enthusiasts, I’d recommend grabbing the older Hero11 Black before tearing it up.” That said, the Hero12 does have better battery life.

Easy 4K

Video cameras have a reputation for being complicated and fussy to use. But not the Sony ZV-E10, a 24-megapixel, 4K-capable interchangeable lens camera built with video content creators in mind. “It offers plenty of creative freedom, audio inputs and extremely reliable autofocus,” says Drake. “There is also an enormous catalog of compatible lenses.” Speaking of autofocus, you’ll have no trouble keeping subjects sharp and in focus, thanks to best-in-class face and eye detection.

For vloggers, the ZV-E10 features a fully articulating touchscreen to frame up selfies, a decent-quality onboard microphone, and plenty of customizable controls that are nice to have but not necessary to achieve great shots. The camera is also livestream-capable and can shoot in a vertical orientation, adding to its versatility.

Bird’s eye view

DJI is easily the most well-known name in drone photography and videography. And the brand’s latest ultra-light offering, the Mini 4 Pro, is a strong choice for both first-time-fliers and seasoned drone pilots alike. Kara Murphy, a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based FAA-certified drone pilot and videographer, recommends the Mini 4 Pro for its comprehensive accident avoidance system, best-in-class image stabilization and advanced cinema features. “It can detect and avoid obstacles in every possible direction, has a larger sensor on the camera [than the competition] and offers a variety of intelligent features found on more advanced DJI models, which help you easily create cinematic footage without being an expert remote pilot.” For beginners especially, Kassamali recommends the Mini because “the skills you learn flying translate over to the higher-end DJI models like the Inspire series.” Plus, a 34-minute maximum flight time, high-quality 4K capture and 12.4-mile range make the Mini 4 pro an incredible value for under $1,000.

Vloggers’ choice

Compact and easy to operate with seriously impressive 4K video, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is meant to be a go-anywhere, capture-anything vlogging solution—and it lives up to the task. It is a small, 3-axis gimbal-stabilized vlogging camera with a built-in handle and touchscreen. Murphy recently tested the Pocket 3 for a photography publication and appreciates its updated 1-inch sensor and the ability to quickly switch between horizontal and vertical shooting modes, “making it ideal for content creators and vloggers that use Instagram Reels and TikTok to share their footage.” Drake also recommends the Osmo Pocket 3 for its compact size and rock-solid image stabilization, especially “if you want to nearly eliminate camera shake”.

Filmmakers’ friend

So you want a video camera that’s actually been used to film movies and TV shows without having to refinance your home? You’re in luck. The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K from Blackmagic—a relatively young camera brand dedicated to feature-rich, cost-conscious cinema gear—is a modern-day filmmakers’ cult classic.

Capable of gorgeous 4K capture and jam-packed with the highest-end video tools to appease even the fussiest of cinematographers, the Pocket Cinema 4K is surprisingly straightforward to operate. “It’s super user-friendly, lightweight and it has a 5-inch big boy display which is nice for both video and stills,” advises Buss. Abdul Kassamali, a Seattle-based director and filmmaker also recommends the Pocket Cinema 4K for folks who want to “produce really good cinematic images,” on a shoestring budget. “They start out around $1,300, but you can get a used one for under $1000,” (lens not included) he says.

Multimedia machine

Sporting a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor and capable of excellent-quality 4K video capture at up to 60 frames per second, the Sony a7 IV is a mean stills and video shooting machine. “Not only does Sony have the best autofocus, but they also have the biggest selection of native and third-party mirrorless lenses,” notes Suzi Pratt, a Seattle-based videographer who co-hosts the popular gear-centric YouTube channel, Gemini Connect. “Personally, I use the Sony a7 IV for both my professional photo and video shoots.”

On the stills side, the a7 IV fires off 10 frame per second bursts with a huge buffer depth, making it a good choice for sports and action. On the video side, you’re also getting outstanding image stabilization and plenty of pro-level cinematography tools.

If the a7 IV is out of your price range, its predecessor, the a7 III remains a relevant and capable alternative. Murphy says its combination of a full-frame 24-megapixel sensor,4K/30p video and price tag under $2,000 make it “an ideal choice.”

Traditional camcorder

If you prefer the form factor of a more traditional-style camcorder, consider the Sony FDR-AX35. It boasts excellent 4K video capture, a versatile 20x optical zoom and solid autofocus performance. You also get a responsive three-inch touchscreen, a customizable lens ring and solid optical image stabilization.

While there are more capable cameras in this list, Buss especially appreciates the AX35 for its 2000s-era charm, “I’ve had some fun with the Sony AX53.” But ultimately, she recommends you go full-analog if you want that true camcorder experience. “My Canon GL2 with the skater handle and MiniDV is still my favorite camcorder. If you really want that vintage feel, you gotta go to eBay and join the cult of tape media.”

Full-circle footage

Shooting 360-degree video footage may seem daunting. But thanks to companies including Insta360, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to shoot and share high-quality, fully-immersive video. “The Insta360 X3 is the most popular 360-degree camera option with good reason,” says Drake, noting its rugged body and wide variety of accessories. “The most important thing is that Insta360’s mobile and desktop software is powerful, stable and intuitive, something I can’t say for the competition,” says Drake.

Pratt also speaks highly of the X3. “It’s pretty user-friendly for beginners.” This is thanks to a well-sized touchscreen built into the handle of the device. She does have some words of advice for first-time 360 users: “Just be aware that 360 cameras require some post-processing, so there’s more work on the editing side of things.” Beyond that, “It’s a camera you’ll always want to have with you when you travel or do a unique experience.”

Streamers’ choice

“The Sony ZV-1 II is my go-to recommendation for streaming,” says Drake, thanks to its simple plug-and-play USB interface, which works with video conferencing platforms, social media apps and more. Additionally, “it offers great autofocus and the ability to connect a better microphone.” With a built-in 18-50mm equivalent zoom lens, a selfie-friendly 3-inch touchscreen and excellent 4K capture, the ZV-1 II packs a punch for well under $1,000. It also offers some useful AI-based video features unique to Sony, according to Drake: “‘Product Showcase’ mode is fantastic if you want to present objects to the camera, as the ZV-1 II will swiftly switch focus from your face, to the object and back again.”

Pratt also recommends the ZV-1 series but suggests considering the original model if you’re looking to save some money. “A used Sony ZV-1 will get you 4K video and midrange zoom, and it has a fixed lens so you don’t have to worry about buying any extras for it.” He notes that the newer model does have some upgrades that can be worth the cost.

YouTube-ready

The hallmark of a decent YouTube-capable video camera is its ability to record for long periods without overheating or shutting down. Even today, overheating is an issue that plagues many consumer models. One of the best ways to combat it is to invest in a camera with a built-in cooling system, such as the Panasonic Lumix S5 II.

Not only is the S5 II well-suited for long periods of capture but it offers lots of high-end video features. “Waveforms and vector scopes make it easy to get your exposure and color perfect and the interface is designed for quick access to the most commonly used settings,” says Drake, who also likes its solid autofocus and overall performance. Buss also recommends investing in the S5 II if you’re a serious video creator. “It’s easy to use, looks super pro and the sensor does a lot of the work for you, so you can be flexible with your shooting space if you don’t have a studio (i.e. you don’t have pro lighting).”

For those who want to shoot photos too

For the best in video performance and features, you’ll want to look past the DSLR and consider a modern mirrorless body instead. But if you’re set on that classic shape, the mirrorless Canon EOS R6 II packs modern features into a DSLR-style package.

DSLRs simply don’t offer the quality of video you can get from a mirrorless camera, especially not in the same price range. “To get truly competitive video on a DSLR in 2023, you’ll need the professional Canon EOS 1DX III, but the video features will still be outclassed by the mirrorless Canon R6 II, at less than half the price,” says Drake. In addition to fantastic ergonomics thanks to the pronounced grip, the EOS R6 II offers 4K video at up to 60 frames per second from a 24-megapixel sensor, both headphone and microphone ports, effective image stabilization for hand-held shooting and a handy switch to quickly jump between still photography and videography settings.

8K capable

Few consumer cameras available today are capable of 8K video capture, let alone high-quality 8K. But if you want to futureproof your work or want the extra resolution for lots of video cropping, the Fujifilm X-H2 is a rare exception you should consider. Thanks to a high-resolution 40-megapixel sensor, the X-H2 “offers incredibly detailed video with lovely colors,” says Drake. It also boasts outstanding image stabilization, a huge selection of available lenses, 15 fps bursts in stills mode and a super-immersive, high-resolution electronic viewfinder.

One word of caution from Drake: “The slow readout of the sensor means slow-motion recording and quick pans will disappoint, but if you want bags of detail without breaking the bank, the X-H2 is where it’s at.”