Once reserved primarily for professional cameras, 4k recording capability has become the baseline for what modern still cameras can do in video. While dedicated cinema cameras are still king for videography 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. For that reason, most of our picks are hybrid photo/video cameras. These days, even more affordable entry-level models come with video 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 110 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our top 4k camera recommendations. If you're looking more specifically for a vlogging camera, you can also check out our picks for the best cameras for vlogging. Or, if you want something light enough to keep up with fast action, you can try the best video camera for sports.
The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 isn't just the best 4k video camera we've tested, it's one of the best video cameras we've tested, period. While it has advanced features like internal 6k RAW recording, those working in a 4k timeline will get oversampled 4k recording at up to 120 fps—with autofocus and no crop. The camera is also aimed squarely at videographers, with a tilting/fully articulating screen, full-sized HDMI port, CFexpress card slot, class-leading in-body image stabilization, and a built-in fan with heat vents to prevent overheating. Though its Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor doesn't have the best noise handling, the camera's DR Boost function allows for excellent dynamic range, and rolling shutter is very manageable. All in all, it's a fantastic choice for high-level 4k video work.
If the price, however, is a little steep, the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is a cheaper camera body that offers a ton of value for its price. Its full-frame sensor is well-suited to low-light situations, and it can record in 4k at up to 60 fps and supports a wide range of recording formats and codecs. However, it doesn't offer RAW video output or higher-quality ProRes formats out of the box, like the GH7 does.
If you tend to record a lot of high-speed action video, the Fujifilm X-H2S is one of the best options. It's well-suited to anything requiring sweeping panning shots thanks to its stacked APS-C sensor, which keeps rolling shutter distortion to a minimum. On top of that, it can record 4k video at up to 60 fps without a crop and up to 120 fps in its slow-motion recording mode. Its 4k video is oversampled from the full 6.2k resolution of its sensor, resulting in excellent overall quality, and if you need it, it also supports 6.2k open gate recording.
Beyond that, it comes with 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 less compressed, higher-quality video files. All in all, this is a remarkably capable camera for 4k video work.
The Sony α6700 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, so you can capture high-quality slow-mo footage with ease. It also features IBIS, 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 the α6700, it has features like IBIS and internal 10-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 AF on the α6700, and it has fewer frame rate options in 4k, maxing out at 60 fps.
The Canon EOS R10 is the best entry-level camera we've tested for 4k video. This APS-C model is highly accessible and beginner-friendly, with an intuitive menu system and controls. With 4k recording at up to 60 fps (with a crop), 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 a bit more flexibility in post, although it lacks any kind of Log format. 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. It has fewer frame rate options and slightly more limited internal recording capability than the Canon.
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 any built-in stabilization here, and its vlogging-centric design means there's no viewfinder. However, the camera has a fully articulated screen and simple, accessible controls that are perfect for beginner shooters. Plus, it has 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.
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 1-inch type sensor, but it's the best option if you're looking for a compact video camera. The newer 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 field of view for vlogs, the ZV-1 is a better-value option.
This is one of the rare point-and-shoot cameras with a fully articulated screen, so you can monitor yourself while recording. It has an excellent autofocus system, too, 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.
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is an excellent full-frame enthusiast camera, with 4k recording at up to 60 fps without a crop. However, the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 offers more recording format and frame rate options, as well as having better ergonomics for video.
See our reviewThe Nikon Z 6III is one of the best full-frame options for video. Like the Panasonic LUMIX GH7, it can record RAW video internally and records 4k at 120 fps (though with a heavy crop). That said, the Panasonic is a bit cheaper, with better ergonomics for video, and uses more portable MFT lenses.
See our reviewThe Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is a great upper mid-range choice with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. It's a little more advanced, with more recording format options than the Sony α6700 and videography features like a full-sized HDMI port. However, its autofocus isn't nearly as reliable.
See our reviewThe Sony α7 IV is another great hybrid full-frame camera, with excellent 4k video features, including 4k at 60 fps (with a crop) and seamless autofocus. However, the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 is more videography-oriented, with more advanced recording format and codec options.
See our reviewThe Sony ZV-E1 is an excellent full-frame option with a sensor that's particularly well-suited to low light. However, its vlogging-centric design makes it less versatile for hybrid shooters than cameras like the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 or Panasonic LUMIX S5 II.
See our reviewOct 02, 2024: We replaced the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 with the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II as the top pick because of its more advanced video features and moved the Sony α7 IV to the Notable Mentions. We also removed the Fujifilm X-T4 from the Notable Mentions and added the Nikon Z 6III.
Jul 05, 2024: We renamed the Fujifilm X-H2S from the 'Best APS-C 4k Camera' to the 'Best 4k Camera For Fast Action' to better represent its value for users.
May 07, 2024: We switched around the Panasonic LUMIX S5 II and the Fujifilm X-H2S, making the Panasonic the top pick and the Fujifilm our APS-C pick.
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.'
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.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best 4k 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 find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for 4k-capable cameras. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.