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9+ Best Cameras For Music Videos | Unrivaled Guide 2022

Steve Brodsky | Last Updated

Music Videos have seen a resurgence in interest in recent years, which has led to their appearance on the Internet. If you are planning to produce your music videos, you might be looking for the Best Cameras For Music Videos to make it a reality.

But what are the characteristics to take into account for a camera to be able to make music videos? Video quality, frame rate, and cost should be considered if you’re looking for the Best Cameras For Music Videos. In this article, we’ll take a look at our ten favorite picks for cameras, as well as our top picks. We’ll also answer some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Best Cameras For Music Videos that create music clips.

Best Cameras For Music Videos 2022

A music video usually consists of footage of a performance by a band or other artist.

The video is often made to accompany a song, but it may also be made for advertising or as a short film.

The type of camera used to shoot a music video depends on a variety of factors, including budget, location, and lighting conditions.

Shooting outdoors in low light requires a different setup than shooting indoors in natural light; you may not need a RED!

What makes a music video different?

Any camera that can shoot video can technically be used to shoot a music video; an iPhone, camera, DSLR, or camcorder can be used to shoot a single song-length video.

However, music videos are unique.

  • They are usually short (no need to shoot continuously for long periods of time)
  • It can be a visual spectacle
  • Bring a sense of rhythm and ease of movement
  • With this in mind, let’s quickly consider what makes a good camera for shooting music videos.

First, since we want to be flexible in creating scenes shot in a variety of styles, a camera with interchangeable lenses is recommended.

For example, you may want to shoot a rock band live from a distance and leave some camera shake with the headbanging audience. For this, you will need a zoom lens. Or you might want to use a lens with a soft-focus effect to create a romantic cinematic effect.

In short, the more lenses you can use, the more possibilities you have.

Second, videos are often shot by hand, with the cameraman moving around. It is rare to find a music video where the camera is always fixed and only the subject is moving. Therefore, it is ideal to use a camera with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) instead of relying on in-lens image stabilization (IBIS). Many lenses have optical image stabilization, but many do not.

Finally, since video is short, you will not need a camera that can shoot continuously for long periods of time. Professional video cameras can usually record continuously for 12 hours or more, but we don’t need that, so we have a little leeway in that regard.

Best Cameras For Music Videos | Comparison Table 2022

5-Stars Pick | Great Prices | High Quality

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Cameras For Music Videos | Reviews 2022

1. Sony Alpha a6400:  Best Cameras For Music Videos

  • Next Gen speed: experience the world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking
  • Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
  • Fast and accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24. 2MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
  • Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
  • Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film
  • In the box: rechargeable battery (NP-FW50) AC adaptor (ac-uud12), shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, micro USB cable.Metering Range: -2 to 20 EV
  • Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video & Flip Up Touchscreen - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400/B Body
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2. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Cameras For Music Videos

  • New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO).
  • 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.
  • Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or live view shooting; LCD monitor has a full touchscreen interface, including selection of AF area.
  • Excellent performance - up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed with high-performance DIGIC 6 plus Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.
  • Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
  • Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
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3. Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro

  • URSA Mini Pro 4.6K 2nd Generation Digital Cinema Camera - Turret Dust Cap - Interchangeable Lens Mount with EF Mount - Power Supply - DaVinci Resolve Full-Version License - Original Box
  • Digital film camera with 15 stops of dynamic range
  • Super 35mm 4.6K sensor with Blackmagic Design Generation 4 Color Science
  • Supports project frame rates up to 60 fps and off-speed slow motion recording up to 120 fps in 4.6K, 150 fps in 4K DCI and 300 fps in HD Blackmagic RAW
  • Interchangeable lens mount with EF mount included as standard. Optional PL, B4 and F lens mounts available separately
  • 4.6K G2 Camcorder, Memory Card, CFast 2.0, SD, 10.2 cm (4in), LCD, Manual Camcorder, Black
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4. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 4K Digital Camera

  • KIT INCLUDES: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS200 Digital Camera, Black (DC-ZS200K) | Battery | AC Adapter | USB Cable | Hand Strap | Downloadable PHOTOfunSTUDIO & SILKYPIX Software | Camera Case | SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO SD Card, UHS-I Class 10 U3 V30 | Corel PC Photo Video ART Software Kit | Slinger Digital Memory Card Wallet - Holds 12 Cards | ProOPTIC Cleaning Kit | Green Extreme USB 2.0 Multi Card Reader
  • KEY FEATURES: 20.1 Megapixel 1-inch High-sensitivity MOS Sensor | Superb 15X LEICA DC Vario-Elmar Lens (24-360mm, 35mm camera equivalent) | 4K UHD 30p Video | 4K Photo | 4K Live Crop | Venus Engine Image Processer | High Speed Video 100fps in FHD | 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S. + (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus) | ISO 80-25600 | Ultra High-Speed Focusing | Intelligent Zoom 30x | 0.21 Live View Finder (EVF) 2,330k-dots | 3-inch Touchscreen Display (1240k dots) | JPEG, RAW and MP4 Video
  • The LUMIX ZS200 includes a 24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens offers a powerful 15X optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 24-360mm) and 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus) to provide a versatile angle of view while suppressing hand-shake in both photo and video recording. It also integrates a new L.Monochrome mode in Photo Style, to create an impressive monochrome image with rich gradation like that of black-and-white film.
  • The Venus Engine enables the high-quality image capture and high-speed signal processing required for 4K video recording. Enjoy superior noise reduction and high ISO while shooting at max. ISO12800 / Extended ISO25600 with dramatically improved sensitivity, gradation performance, resolution and color reproduction. Excellent viewing clarity even in bright light comes from a 0.21-inch 2,330K-dot equiv Live View Finder.
  • WARRANTY: Panasonic Authorized Reseller. Includes a Panasonic 1 Year USA Warranty, Extendable up to 3 Years
  • DC-ZS200K, 15X Leica DC Vario-Elmar Lens, DC-ZS200K Black, Bundle with Case, 32GB SD Card, Corel PC Software, SD Card Case, Cleaning Kit, Card Reader
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5.Canon EOS 60D

  • 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • 5.3 frames per second continuous shooting
  • 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
  • 3.0 inch articulated Clear View LCD with 1,040,000 dots
  • 9-point AF system (all cross-type)
  • Wireless flash control
  • CMOS Digital SLR Camera Body Only
  • 18-135mm Lens
  • CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth.
  • The EOS 60D DSLRs new 3:2 multiple aspect ratio, in-camera RAW image processing, creative filters, image resizing and provided S2 and S3 image-recording quality are all possible thanks to the DIGIC 4 Image Processor
  • Low Angles or High, a Big Vari-angle LCD Captures the Details
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6. Nikon D3300 24.2 MP Digital SLR Camera

  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
  • 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor; 5 frames per second continuous shooting; 11 AF points with 3D tracking
  • ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600); 1080P (60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps) HD video (MPEG-4/H.264/MOV); 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dots
  • Expeed 4 processing; Wi-Fi enabled with optional WU-1a Wireless Adapter and compatible smartphone or tablet (not included)
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC memory. Expeed 4 processing and Easy panorama mode and beginner-friendly Guide mode
  • tack-sharp details, vibrant colors and softly blurred backgrounds. With its included zoom lens, the new ultra-compact AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
  • The D3300 is a small and light HDSLR and easy to use, too. Like sharing photos
  • The D3300 photos can appear instantly on your compatible smartphone or tablet for easy sharing with the optional WU-1a Wireless Adapter
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7. Canon VIXIA HF G20 Camcorder

  • 10x HD video lens (5mm equivalent: 30.4mm – 304mm) with 8-Blade Iris, 3.5 inch touch LCD
  • Canon HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor (1/3-inch, 1920 x 1080 image sensor) with 20% improved low-light performance
  • Up to 12 hours of HD Recording to 32GB internal memory (2 additional card slots available)
  • Dynamic super range Optical image stabilization and intelligent is automatically; cinema-look filter with 9 built-in filters
  • 10x HD Video Lens (30.4mm-304mm), 3.5 Touchscreen LCD, HD CMOS Pro and 32GB Internal Flash Memory (Renewed)
  • It delivers unsurpassed image quality, the versatility of a wide angle of view and smooth and professional-looking background images thanks to a sophisticated 8-blade iris
  • professional touch of a dedicated manual focus ring allows accurate and precise control
  • VIXIA HF G20 not only captures images in Full HD, but records and outputs at 1920 x 1080 as well, so you get Full HD from lens to screen
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8. JVC GY-HM250 UHD 4K Streaming Camcorder

  • Bundle Includes: 1 x JVC GY-HM250 UHD 4K Streaming Camcorder | 1 x 64 GB SD Memory Card C10 | 1 x Large Padded Carrying Case | 1 x Professional LED 160 Video Light | 1 x Micro HDMI to HDMI High Performance Cable 6ft | 1 x High Quality Dust Cleaner Blower | 1 x Deluxe Cleaning Kit | 1 x SD Card USB Reader | 1 x Memory Card Wallet | 1 x Microfiber Cloth
  • 1 x 1/2.3 CMOS Sensor | Records UHD 4K 24/30p at 70/150 Mb/s
  • IP Control & Full HD Live Streaming | 4:2:2 4K Video at 24/30p
  • Lower Third & Titling System in HD | Zeroconf, 1-Button LAN Configuration
  • 3G-SDI & HDMI Out, Live HDMI UHD 4K Out | 12x Optical Zoom Lens
  • W/ 64GB Memory Card, HDMI Cable, Case, LED Light, Cleaning Kit and More. Professional Bundle
  • 1/2.3 CMOS Sensor, 12x Optical Zoom
  • Records UHD 4K 24/30p at 70/150 Mb/s
  • IP Control & Full HD Live Streaming
  • It features a 1/2.3 sensor and captures UHD 4K
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9. Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera

  • Bundle Includes: 1 x Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), 1 x SanDisk SecureDigital 64GB Extreme PRO Memory Card, 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, 1 x Corel Photo Software With PhotoMirage, AfterShot, Painter Essentials, PaintShop Pro, and Video Studio, 1 x Large Padded Case, 1 x NP-FZ100 charger, 1 x Memory Card Reader, 1 x Micro HDMI Cable, 1 x Deluxe Cleaning Set, 1 x 12 Inch Flexible Tripod, 1 x Memory Card Wallet
  • Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony Alpha a7S III raises the bar for what a full-frame mirrorless camera is capable of. A revised 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ XR image processor offer faster performance, improved noise reduction, and a wider dynamic range, along with UHD 4K 120p video recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling.
  • Video is the primary application of the a7S III, and improvements to the sensor and processor enable faster readout speeds and greatly reduced rolling shutter, along with high-bitrate internal recording, 16-bit raw output via the full-size HDMI port, and flexible control over motion with variable frame rate selection. The a7S III also does away with recording time limits and incorporates HLG for direct HDR production as well as S-Log2/S-Log3 gamma profiles for advanced HDR production.
  • The updated sensor design also brings improved autofocus performance via 759 phase-detection points, which offer intelligent subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF to ensure critical focus on moving subjects in all recording modes. The sensor and BIONZ XR processor also facilitate impressive sensitivity, with an expanded range from ISO 40-409600, as well as fast 10 fps continuous shooting for up to 1000 consecutive raw frames.
  • Key Features: 12MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor - UHD 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit 4:2:2 Internal - 16-Bit Raw Output, HLG & S-Log3 Gammas - 759-Point Fast Hybrid AF - 9.44m-Dot QXGA OLED EVF - 3.0 1.44m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen - 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization - Extended ISO 40-409600, 10 fps Shooting - Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots.
  • (Body Only) (ILCE7SM3/B) + 64GB Memory Card + NP-FZ100 Battery + Corel Photo Software + Case + External Charger + Card Reader + HDMI Cable + More (Renewed)
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Why should I buy a video camera instead of using my phone?

In truth, not everyone needs a dedicated video camera anymore; our phones have excellent cameras which are good enough most of the time. However, there are a few main reasons why you might want a standalone camera.

Zoom

Your phone may have two (or five) lenses built-in, but if you need the versatility or the reach of a long zoom, a camcorder is your best bet. Not only does this give you the ability to shoot subjects further away, the camcorders also use powered lens motors which provide a very smooth zoom action.
Alternatively, interchangeable lens cameras offer additional creative control, even if their lenses don’t zoom as far or as easily.

Battery life and record time

If you need to film a long event – ​​from a small league game to a wedding ceremony – you probably don’t want to risk draining your phone’s battery. Especially with mid-range and high-end camcorders, video cameras often offer several different battery sizes, with high capacity options designed for such situations. Mirrorless cameras, like the GH5 above, have optional battery grips that can be attached to extend battery life, while cinema cameras can be powered by large external batteries.

Image quality

If you want to achieve a cinematic look, you can do so relatively affordably with any DSLR or mirrorless camera. The combination of a large imaging sensor and interchangeable lenses offers much more creative control over the look and feel of your video, allowing you to shoot with shallow depth of field and dramatically improve performance in low light on your phone.

Audio quality

Let’s face it: your phone kinda sucks at recording audio, especially in a noisy environment. A camera with a dedicated video camera will not only have better built-in microphones, but it will also allow you to connect an external mic to get the best results in any given situation, from a wireless lapel mic for recording dialogue, to a mic shotgun to cut through ambient noise, to a stereo mic to record music.

What are the main characteristics of a video camera?

Video cameras can be divided into four categories, each with unique advantages.

Action cameras

They are small, lightweight, and mountable cameras designed for “set it and forget it” applications. Strap one to your chest, tape it to your helmet, or mount it to your bike frame and just hit record. Typically, these cameras are waterproof and rugged and can survive a beating.

Camcorders

Although not as popular as they once were (you can thank smartphones for that), camcorders are still useful when you need a compact all-in-one solution for recording video. They feature a zoom lens built into the camera body. Entry-level models are usually quite compact and can be operated with one hand, while higher-end models are larger and often include professional audio inputs and more controls.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras

These are cameras that can shoot video – and some models are very good at it. The advantages are a large sensor and interchangeable lenses, which improve video quality and creative versatility compared to camcorders and action cameras. Due to the larger sensors, you won’t find extremely long zoom lenses as you get on camcorders, but you can choose from a wide selection of lenses that will give you very different looks.

Cinema cameras

These cameras, like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera that took the top spot on this list, share a lot in common with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. They have relatively large sensors and interchangeable lenses. What separates them is the user interface, video-specific features, and higher-quality file types. While most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras record highly compressed video, film cameras often offer uncompressed RAW files or lightly compressed file types like Apple ProRes. The higher quality file type means more flexibility in post-production.

Can video cameras take photos or vice versa?

Yes. Most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras today are “mirrorless” cameras, which means they work well for stills and video, although they’re more photography-oriented. Camcorders and film cameras can also take photos, but generally lack the resolution of a dedicated camera. While a mirrorless camera will easily have 20 megapixels or more, a camcorder or cinema camera usually only has the amount needed for video – for 4K resolution, it’s around 8 MP.

What is a professional video camera?

While professional cameras tend to have better sensors and, likewise, better image quality, what really sets them apart from consumer models are the user interfaces and connectivity features. A professional video camera will have more direct access control – physical buttons and dials on the camera body – as well as a wealth of input and output options for audio and video. In the case of film cameras, these actually have fewer practical features than consumer cameras – autofocus and auto exposure may be limited or non-existent, for example.

Do I need a microphone input and a headphone output?

Not necessarily. Certainly, a headphone output allows you to monitor in real-time what you record and a microphone input allows you to improve the sound with an external microphone, but these are not essential.

First, because having a microphone input is good, the integrated pre-amp and other components must be of good quality. Then, you always have the option of using an external recorder which will certainly have better components, a jack and/or XLR microphone input, and a headphone output. This solution is also preferred by many videographers.

The only drawback, it will then be necessary to synchronize the sound and the image in post-production, not ideal for the most in a hurry or the beginners.

What stabilization system?

Stabilization is also very important in the video, to overcome tremors when shooting handheld for example. The best in this area are the hybrids because some have double stabilization, one at the sensor level and another at the lens level.

The other option is often found in electronic image stabilization, but while some systems are effective, this is not worth mechanical stabilization in our opinion. Finally, do not panic there either if your case is not very good in this area, there are external stabilization systems like Gimbals which will often be better than integrated systems. The only problem is those good models are expensive.

Music Video Camera FAQs

1. What is the best 4k camera for music videos?

If you want a specific 4k camcorder, then the Panasonic HC-X1 4K UHD Camcorder is your best choice. This camera supports 4K, HD, UHD, FHD, and a variety of other options. It’s larger than most of the cameras and camcorders listed here, but it’s built specifically for this kind of work. You can also record two different memory cards simultaneously; it has 2 audio XLRs and several other ports for optimal audiovisual recording.

2. What equipment is needed for a music video?

If you’re looking to put together a kit so you can make a great music video, you want to make sure you have the right gear. Here is a quick list.

  • The right camera(s)
  • Camera Tripods
  • A lightweight camera
  • three-way lighting (minimum; you can also use multiple lighting configurations)
  • Micros canon
  • Installation of a microphone with boom and shock absorber
  • Audio cables and recorder(s)
  • XLR cables (audio cables)
  • Headphones (so you can adjust sound levels more precisely)
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and other gear, so your gear doesn’t ‘die’ while you’re filming.

You may also need other hardware if you work in a particular environment. Sit down with your team and figure out what is essential and what you may not need in terms of gear.

3. What is the best lens for shooting music videos?

The Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM lens is one of the best lenses on the market for making music videos. It has an UltraSonic motor, a focal length of 135mm, and a focusing distance of 3 feet. You can also get it with a polarizer or UV protection filter.

The speed and versatility of this lens let you get great video, and it works with most of the camera models we’ve covered in this article.

4. How long does it take to make a music video?

It depends on what exactly you are doing in the video. Most of the time, artists have some sort of idea of ​​what their main concept in the video will be, and who they want to work with. Otherwise, the record company will take care of these things. In general, it depends on the song recorded and the budget used.

On average, it takes about two weeks to get everything registered and up and running; organization and scheduling can take longer upstream and downstream.

The Best Camcorders for Music Video – A Brief Description

As with any camcorder purchase, there are several things to consider carefully when choosing a camcorder for shooting music videos.

Here are some key points to consider.

  1. The type of project you are responsible for.
  2. Your specific budget (yours and yours alone).
  3. The goal you already have.
  4. This last question is very important. You may want to integrate a new camera with your existing lenses. This is always the cheapest option.

However, with so many mounts available for all kinds of cameras, lenses and situations, combining a camera with a non-original lens has never been easier.

As proof of this, many people use Canon EF lenses on Sony cameras.

We hope this article on the best cameras for shooting music videos helps you choose the best camera for you and your project. We wish you success with your music video or whatever you shoot with your camera.

Have we forgotten your favorite camera for your music video project? Let us know what you use in the comments section below.

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