The 6 Best 4k Cameras - Spring 2024 Reviews

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II is one of the best-value full-frame cameras on the market. It offers a fantastic range of video features at a relatively reasonable price, making it our top pick for most people. It has excellent ergonomics and build quality, with video tools that are typically absent on comparable models, like built-in vectorscope functionality to monitor your exposure. The video quality from its sensor is also 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 in-body image stabilization (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, the Sony α7 IV is 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.

The Fujifilm X-H2S is the best 4k video camera we've tested with an APS-C sensor. While a full-frame sensor can help if you tend to shoot in uncontrolled lighting, you'll still get excellent results from a high-end APS-C camera like this. It captures oversampled 4k video at up to 60 fps from the full 6.2k resolution of its sensor, resulting in excellent overall quality, and it also supports 6.2k open gate recording. The sensor's stacked design 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 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. However, its specs are also advanced enough for more experienced shooters. 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 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. 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, making it less suited to low-light shooting. Still, it's the best option if you're looking for a compact video camera. 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 field of view for vlogs, the ZV-1 is a better-value option.

It's 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.