Best 4K Cameras for Video Projects This 2021

Fujifilm X-T4 is one of the fewest cameras on the market that prioritizes video very well by chucking everything you need in a single body.

According to Summers, it is a new camera by Fujifilm so there is really a lot to expect from it. But anyone would be surprised at how much the brand has taken the job seriously to fashion its video features.

“Far from your regular cameras that can shoot 4K at 30 fps, it will allow up to 60 frames per second. This means that is more than capable to catch the scenes moment by moment and it will give you enough creative freedom over slow-mo effects.”

Summers also mentioned how it can display up to billions of colors due to its 10-bit internal recording. According to her, the color resolution is even bumped up when you use an external recorder to get the 4:2:2 video recording.

And to better aid in your videography needs, Fujifilm added its new 6.5-stop in-body stabilization to achieve clean shots. It is very effective in fixing small movements from the camera that cause blur. To boost its ability in shooting videos, Fujifilm also improved its face and eye detection and tracking. It is very effective and useful for specific types of shooting, though the absence of generic subject tracking might disappoint some.

While others are designed to achieve a balance between stills and videos, Sony A7S III is fashioned to focus on the latter category. It is really not the best choice for photographers due to its 12 MP resolution, but for videographers… it is an absolute masterpiece.

“Though it can’t compete with the high-resolution category of stills, its video capabilities and features are one big, fat package,” said Summers. “It can shoot 4K videos in 120p just like the other leading camera models, but where it excels the most is the uncropped 4K 60p full frame videos.”

Summers said that it is impressive what A7S III can do, as if it doesn’t have a limitation. Aside from being able to utilize all the special AF options of the cam even at 240fps in HD, the bit depth and color sampling are pleasing due to its 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording. Most of all, you can enjoy the 4K capability of the A7S III since it has no limit in terms of recording time. You can even name your videos now for fast and easy file customization.

As for its AF system in video, you get effective autofocus even at low-light conditions. The AF can be adjusted to give you the control you need. Further, with just a tap on the screen, the camera will start tracking with the aid of activated face or eye detection. You won’t be disappointed in its performance since it is capable enough to follow subjects even if they are facing away from the camera. Yet, it isn’t as smart as other AF system like Canon’s; however, given the other video capabilities of A7S III, it is one great 4K camera.

It is undeniable that it is a giant due to its powerful Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system. Canon brought this to a whole new level when it made the extra powerful technology available both in stills and videos. Not just that: you can also enjoy it in ALL video resolutions and ALL frame rates. What’s even better is that R5 is capable of applying the AF even on animal subjects on the move! With just the right simple settings, you are ready to track even the wildest and shyest deer in the forest.

According to Summers, the system is known for its very aggressive tracking and focusing skills that remain unbeatable on the market.

“The performance is unbeatable that finding your subjects (regardless of the movements) will bring you to tears. The way the AF locks and stays with the subject is really overwhelming; be it face, head, or eye-tracking.

“Once the camera has recognized the human subject, the focus stays where it should be even if the bride is wearing a veil or momentarily gets her face blocked with a bouquet or hands and whatsoever,” Summers said.

Sony A1 beats Canon EOS R5 in terms of video capabilities. Unlike R5, Sony made the perfect tweaks in A1 to create an effective passive heat dissipation system. With this, besides 4K, it can deliver 8K videos without heaving up fast. The best thing about it is that its 4K videos can take up to 120 frames per second, making it very powerful than any other options out there. This, of course, also widens your options for your video projects.

“It comes with a 50.1 MP full-frame EXMOR RS CMOS back-illuminated sensor which will assure you that you have great quality stills and videos,” said Summers. “Though it isn’t the best in low-light situations, you can still capture a decent amount of detail for night shoots.”

The AF system of A1 also hits the subject with a bull’s eye precision. Thanks to the 759-point phased detect AF that covers at least 92% of the frame, it can comfortably track subjects. Compared to Canon EOS R5, however, A1 has specific settings you must set to prioritize your specific subject. This includes the ‘Bird’ and ‘Human’ options. Hence, with the right settings between the human, animal, and bird eye-detection, it will automatically follow the moving subject on the frame.

Panasonic AF system for stills and videos can’t really compete with what Canon offers; however, in the category of videos, Lumix S5 has a lot of other things to boast. This includes the 4K/60fps 10-Bit 4:2:0 videos and the powerful 6.5-stop image stabilization using its compatible lenses. It can also deliver 10-bit 4:2:2 UHD 4K full-frame video at up to 30p. With all this, you can be certain that you’ll get decent footage every single moment.

“You can also rely on its quality due to pixels that are approximately 5.93 microns, thanks to its 24.2 MP spec,” said Summers. “This also results in S5’s ability to handle low-light conditions while keeping the noise controlled at a relatively impressive level. As for the dynamic range, it comes with 14-stops which can challenge the famous EOS R5. It can gather enough details and the colors seem very natural.”

The 10-bit video option can only handle a maximum 30-minute recording but this is not a problem at all. Starting the new video can’t be instant and as for other modes, the time limit is not applicable.

With all this, it is true that Lumix S5 is not as grand as other cameras on the market such as Sony A1, EOS R5, or X-T4. Yet, for a relatively lower price, you have a dependable 4K camera with all the brilliant specs - especially when it comes to dynamic range. It even includes the video features of the pricey S1H. So, would it be a worthy consideration for you? Definitely.