Music videos are one of the most exciting and creative aspects of the music industry.
Music videos tell a story and add an extra layer to the music.
They can portray depth and emotion or even just be fun and packed with entertainment value.
In addition, music videos can also showcase a performer’s personality or shed a different light on them.
Therefore, capturing the perfect visuals to complement an artist’s creativity is paramount.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or professional videographer, the perfect video camera can bring your vision to life.
If you’re in the market for a camera for music videos, you may have some burning questions.
Which cameras are the go-to choices for professional music videos?
Can DSLR cameras truly meet the demanding needs of music video production?
What camera truly excels in delivering high video quality?
If you are eager to uncover the answers to these questions, then keep reading.
If you’re in the market for the best camera for music videos, we are here to help you out.
Recently, I tested a variety of different cameras on the market in the hunt for the best camera for music videos.
Not only did I find a stand out camera, I found multiple great contenders for the title of ‘Best camera for music videos’.
After so much research, it would be rude of me not to share my knowledge so I have reviewed five of the best cameras for music videos currently on the market.
Not only have I outlined the technical aspects of each camera, I have also shared my personal opinions to help you choose your perfect camera.
Plus, I have also included a guide on how to buy the best camera for music videos.
This will help you select a camera that aligns with both your artistic aspirations and technical requirements.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision and take your music video productions to new heights.
So if you’re ready to enhance your creative output, make sure to keep on reading.
Best Camera For Music Videos – Reviews
With the continuing advancement of 21st century technology, cameras are better than ever and constantly improving.
The market currently has an incredible number of contenders vying for the top spot.
After all my research, I found a remarkable number of cameras that could be considered the best camera for music videos.
However, after careful consideration, the following five cameras stood out as the most impressive for music videos.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Best Camera For Music Videos Overall
Renowned for its superior capabilities, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is an invaluable asset when it comes to capturing stunning music videos.
This camera upholds the quality of its predecessors but also manages to surpass expectations with its outstanding video capabilities.
Equipped with the ability to shoot high-quality 4K videos, the EOS 5D Mark IV ensures your videos have clarity and vibrancy.
One of the standout features of the EOS 5D Mark IV is its Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus, which revolutionizes the way you capture moving subjects.
This advanced autofocus system has precise and rapid focusing, ensuring that your shots are sharp and well-defined, even in challenging conditions.
Plus, with the inclusion of an interactive LCD touch panel, you can enjoy seamless navigation and effortless control over your shooting settings.
It also has a great battery life ensuring minimal disruption to your shooting.
The only downside to this camera was the lack of built-in image stabilization.
However, it is compatible with Canon lenses that feature image stabilization.
I already had a selection of Canon lenses to use that did not have this feature.
Because of this, the lack of image stabilization really made a difference to me.
If you already have image stabilization lenses or are new to the Canon brand and starting your lens collection from scratch, this will not be an issue for you.
4K Resolution
Captures stunning 4K video. This 4K resolution on this camera captures every detail resulting in crisp, clear video that conveys a plotline.
Slow Motion
Only shoots 4K up to 30 fps but captures Full HD video (1080p) up to 60 fps and HD (720p) up to 120 fps.
Time Lapse
Features a time lapse movie mode in the camera settings. I loved this dedicated time lapse mode as it captured great quality time lapse footage even as lighting conditions change.
Low Light Performance
This camera has exceptional low light performance and handles challenging lighting conditions beautifully. This camera has a maximum ISO of 32000 which I found had minimal image noise at high ISO. It also features auto exposure bracketing that changes shutter speed and aperture automatically for optimal performance.
Auto Focus
Features Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Canon’s most advanced auto focus technology yet. Quickly and accurately focuses to ensure you footage is clear and detailed with no blur. Plus, you can just tap the points you wish to focus on the screen to define select areas of the shot.
Video Stabilization
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV does not feature in-body image stabilization but is compatible with Canon’s impressive lens range, many of which feature image stabilization.
Battery Life
Great battery life that lasts for just shy of 4 hours continuous recording on a single charge.
As a result of these impressive features and exceptional quality, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV earns our coveted spot as the overall top choice for shooting music videos.
Its ability to capture intricate details combined with a flexible shooting experience makes it a great tool for any music video creator.
This camera continues to impress me, no matter how I use it.
“When it came to shooting music videos, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV was the clear winner for the best camera for music videos.”
Panasonic LUMIX GH5S – Best Camera for Music Videos for Low Light Performance
The Panasonic Lumix GH5S is a game-changer in the world of music video production.
Offering ultimate reliability, this camera is great for shooting night and day.
The low light performance is ridiculously impressive and I was stunned at how well image quality held up in tricky lighting.
Whether you’re shooting on a dark evening or under bright daylight, every shot is crystal clear and visually striking no matter what the lighting condition.
Working beautifully to enhance the low light performance, its advanced autofocus system is quick and helps capture flawless footage when focused.
However, I did find the auto focus to be a little temperamental.
At times, I found it lost focus at random moments.
Whilst this happened once in a blue moon, it meant I felt I couldn’t rely on this camera’s autofocus capabilities.
On the plus side, the 4K resolution on this mirrorless camera is exceptional.
4K Resolution
Sets the bar for video standards with outstanding 4K resolution. The quality of the footage I captured seemed to exceed 4K and I was truly stunned by the quality.
Slow Motion
The GH5S has a dedicated slow motion setting to help capture your slo-mo shots. It captures slow motion up to 240 fps in crisp detail.
Time Lapse
Also has a dedicated time lapse mode. With the camera’s outstanding low light performance, this is undoubtedly the best camera for capturing time lapses of changing lighting conditions. Great for capturing sunrise, sunset and night to day footage.
Low Light Performance
Best low light performance I have ever encountered on any camera. Dual Native ISO Technology works wonders and performs exceptionally at both lighting extremes. The great auto focus system only enhances the low light performance. I cannot sing this camera’s praises enough when it comes to low light performance.
Auto Focus
Great auto focus with face and eye detection that tracks the faces of subjects you are shooting. However, I did find it to be a bit temperamental and would occasionally blur after focusing.
Video Stabilization
This camera does not have in-body image stabilization but Panasonic offers a range of 34 interchangeable lenses compatible with this camera that feature Image Stabilization.
Battery Life
Great battery life allowing you to capture hours of footage without the need to swap out batteries.
With the Panasonic Lumix GH5S, everything just flows seamlessly.
It delivers outstanding results that enhance the quality and depth of your music videos, no matter how dark or bright your shoot location.
This camera unlocks new creative possibilities, enabling you to elevate your music videos to new heights.
“I found the shooting experience to be nothing but smooth and hassle-free. In my opinion, the Panasonic Lumix GH5S is also a low-light autofocus powerhouse.”
Canon EOS R7 – Best Camera for Music Videos for Affordability
The Canon EOS R7 is a great camera that excels in delivering exceptional performance.
With its cutting-edge EOS R technology, it effortlessly captures stunning video, making it an ideal choice for shooting music videos.
The camera’s high-resolution 32.5-megapixel sensor and 4K video capabilities create outstanding image quality and smooth video footage.
The 5-axis in-body image stabilizer and advanced autofocus system provide added precision and stability. However, the limited battery life may require additional preparations for extended shoots.
4K Resolution
Great 4K resolution for optimal video quality.
Slow Motion
Shoots 4K up to 60 fps to capture the best quality slow motion footage. Also captures in Full HD up to 120 fps.
Time Lapse
Dedicated time lapse mode to ensure the best quality.
Low Light Performance
Maximum ISO of 32,000 which is expandable to ISO 51,200. The camera performs well in low light and is supported by the great auto focus and image stabilization.
Auto Focus
Dual pixel auto focus with AI feature that is constantly learning ensures that every point of the frame is in perfect focus. It also has four auto focus modes for different results.
Video Stabilization
This camera has 5-axis in-body image stabilizer which makes capturing blur-free pictures videos easy. I also loved that this feature gave me more options for lenses.
Battery Life
Decent battery life but not the best. Whilst you can record Full HD continuously for approx 4 hours, I found when shooting in 4K the battery life is almost halved.
Overall, the Canon EOS R7 is a reliable and impressive tool for photographers and videographers alike.
It’s great that this camera has in-body image stabilization as this gives you greater flexibility over your lens choices.
Plus, the image quality is outstanding for the price point.
“If you’re looking for the best camera for music videos on a budget, the Canon EOS R7 is the best in terms of affordability.”
Sony Alpha 7S III – Best Camera for Music Videos for Beginners
The Sony Alpha 7S III is a game-changer for amateur videographers.
If you are new to shooting music videos, there is no doubt this is the camera for you.
Offering the exceptional quality and features of the most advanced cameras, the Alpha 7S III is also a great option for beginners.
This camera is easy to use and easy to understand making it a great introductory camera for shooting music videos.
The Alpha 7S III has great auto focus and image stabilization technology that does the work for you making it a great camera for beginners.
The improved autofocus system is particularly impressive with real-time tracking providing great accuracy and crisp detail.
The Alpha 7S III excels in video capabilities, offering 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second.
However, the major let down of this camera is the battery life.
Unlike the other cameras which can record continuously for up to 4 hours, this camera can only shoot for up to 90 minutes.
You would need to be prepared with spare batteries if choosing this camera.
4K Resolution
Captures stunning video up to 4K.
Slow Motion
The best option for slow motion capturing 4K up to 120 fps.
Time Lapse
Creates good time lapse videos but the battery life puts limitations on this.
Low Light Performance
Another great low light performer that works well in even the darkest of environments. The camera’s impressive expanded ISO range of up to 409,600 ensures minimal noise and maximum detail retention. Image quality is barely impacted up to ISO 3200.
Auto Focus
Outstanding auto focus capabilities that outshines the rest. This camera offers 425 contrast-based AF points along with 693 phase-detection AF points. The Alpha 7S III is unrivaled in terms of focus ability. This is really beneficial for beginners allowing you to concentrate on the framing rather than the focusing.
Video Stabilization
Features in-build 5-axis image stabilization which is great for shooting handheld and particularly advantageous for shooting in low light.
Battery Life
Poorest battery life of all five cameras capturing up to 90 minutes of continuous video.
This camera does the hard work for you making it a great camera for beginners.
Shooting music videos is made easy with this camera’s great 4K quality, outstanding auto focus and 5-axis image stabilization.
You can concentrate on the subject and rely on the camera to capture it the way you want.
“For beginners just starting out in the world of music videos, the Sony Alpha 7S III is the best option.”
Nikon D850 – Best Camera for Music Videos for Versatility
The Nikon D850 is an incredible choice for shooting music videos.
With its incredible collection of features and exceptional video capabilities, it offers filmmakers and videographers a powerful tool for capturing stunning visuals.
The camera’s 4K recording combined with its impressive dynamic range and low light performance delivers video of crisp clarity and detail.
The advanced auto focus system has great tracking capabilities which are really beneficial for shooting music videos.
Plus, with its phenomenal selection of features, professionals in the music video industry will love this camera’s versatility.
4K Resolution
Shoots stunning 4K but only up to 30 fps.
Slow Motion
Captures slow motion in full frame 1080p up to 60 fps.
Time Lapse
Great at capturing time lapses particularly sunset and sunrise with its great low light capabilities.
Low Light Performance
Impressive ISO range of 64-25,600 with the lowest minimum ISO of any DSLR or mirrorless camera. Also has exposure compensation of +/-4. Both these features help to make the Nikon D850 one of the best cameras on the market for low light performance.
Auto Focus
Great auto focus system ensures crisp, clear imagery with 153 focus points.
Video Stabilization
The camera does not have in-body image stabilization. However, Nikon does have a range of interchangeable lenses that do have image stabilization.
Battery Life
Decent battery life that can shoot up to 2 hours continuously.
With its great range of features, this camera is arguably the most versatile on the market.
This is a great all-rounder when you need to use the camera in multiple ways.
In the music video industry, no two music videos are the same and videographers are constantly shooting in different ways.
This camera enhances the creative possibilities and is an exceptional camera for shooting music videos.
“The Sony Alpha 7S III is the smart choice for a videographer as it provides a special 4x slow motion feature for videos. Also, it’s very portable.”
How to Buy the Best Camera for Music Videos
Now you have read the reviews, it is time to find your best camera for music videos.
Every individual has unique wants and needs in a camera so no camera is one size fits all.
Consider the following factors and make sure to prioritize what is most important to you before making your final decision.
4K Resolution
4K resolution is crucial for shooting music videos.
Each video has a plotline and to successfully convey the story, every detail is crucial.
4K resolution captures crisp, clear and detailed imagery at exceptional quality.
It allows for more immersive and visually captivating music videos, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
With so many incredible 4K cameras on the market at affordable price tags, I would not look at cameras that do not have 4K recording.
Slow Motion and Time Lapse
Slow motion and time lapse are two recording techniques that can really enhance a music video.
They can convey depth, emotion and even add atmosphere to your music video.
Whilst these two features are not essential for shooting music videos, they are certainly beneficial to have.
The option for slow motion and time lapse increases your options to diversify your music videos.
Low Light Performance
Outstanding low light performance is critical for shooting music videos.
Shoot locations can vary dramatically and you never know which lighting cards you are going to be dealt.
Cameras with great low light performance ensure that you can always capture breathtaking shots, no matter how tricky the lighting conditions.
All five of the cameras reviewed have great low light performance.
However, the real highlights are the Panasonic LUMIX GH5S and the Nikon D850.
Both of these cameras perform sensationally in low light.
Auto Focus
When looking for the best camera for music videos, great performing auto focus is very important.
You want to ensure that your subject is always in focus to help you create high quality music videos.
With incredible 21st century technology, most cameras have great auto focus.
However, it is important to assure your camera’s auto focus performs well.
Some auto focus systems can be temperamental and it is crucial to confirm that it performs fast and accurately.
Video Stabilization
If you want your videos to be smooth and steady, image stabilization is essential.
Image stabilization ensures there is minimal camera shake and that any movement is more streamlined.
Some cameras have in-body image stabilization which is great.
However, if a camera does not have IBIS, there is no need to write it off.
Many DSLR and mirrorless cameras are compatible with a range of lenses that feature image stabilization.
These perform the same job meaning that IBIS is not as important.
However, if you already have a range of lenses that do not have image stabilization and are just in the market for a new body, you may want to look for one with IBIS.
Battery Life
When creating music videos, shoot days can be long.
Therefore, battery life is very important.
Needing to swap batteries because your camera has died can really disrupt your shoot.
A great battery life will make your shooting experience smoother.
Recording Format
Recording formats refer to how your content gets saved in the camera. The two most common formats are MP4 and MPEG.
The main difference between both is that MP4 saves subtitles, still images, and other specific information along with the video.
However,
MPEG is limited to videos only and supports no other data.
To create amazing videos streamed on computers and smartphones etc., MP4 is used.
But,
The usage of MPEG is limited to DVDs and standard digital television broadcasting.
The problem with MP4 is that the file information is during each compression. While in MPEG, the quality of the video is not that good.
Sound
When purchasing a camera for a music video project, it is equally important to check the audio features of the camera.
Various mics are available in the market, but the three decent choices are lavalier or lav for the shot, handheld, and shotgun.
They can be mono ( records only one channel) or stereo ( records two tracks).
The stereo microphone captures the audio from a broad pattern in front of the camera.
A shotgun is considered a telephoto mic that records the audio in front of the mic.
Lavalier is the close-up or macro form of mics as they are designed in such a way so that they can be clipped to the person’s shirt to get clear audio of him.
Things to Ignore
For a music video camera, you may ignore the stabilization feature. But if you aren’t using a tripod or a gimbal, it is something you must consider.
Also,
You don’t have to go for a camera with a decent mic in most cases. Since the music videos are going to have the voice-over after all. You should consider attaching an external mic in case you’re shooting a concert.
Best Camera for Music Videos – My Verdict
Any of the five cameras I have reviewed are an impressive choice for shooting music videos.
However, the one that impressed me most and stood out above the rest was the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
It was hard to find any negatives with this camera.
Not only does it shoot in stunning 4K it also has a range of impressive features.
With advanced autofocus and a great battery life, this camera is a real winner.
However, if you are a beginner, the Sony Alpha 7S III may be more suited as it is incredibly user-friendly.
If affordability is important, the Canon EOS R7 is an excellent choice.
This camera comes at a great price tag without compromising on video quality and end results.
The one which is perfect for you depends on your personal preferences and technical needs.
Regardless, any of these five cameras will achieve impressive results and create captivating music videos.
