2016 welcomed a barrage of recent cameras outfitted with 4K video recording, and now nearly each main digital camera producer has carried out 4K capturing someplace of their strains.
Maybe most impressively, the know-how has been efficiently stretched over fashions of all billings. So, whether or not you’ve solely bought a couple of hundred kilos to spend otherwise you’re keen to stretch to a good-looking four-figure sum, it’s doubtless you’ll be able to afford a digital camera with the know-how on board.
Simply because two cameras have 4K recording, nevertheless, does not imply to say they’re equal. Using totally different sensors and totally different strategies of seize, along with variations in output potentialities, imply two 4K cameras can behave fairly in another way.
Even one thing so simple as whether or not the digital camera makes use of the total width of the sensor or applies a crop issue is important to think about, as this has a big impact in your efficient angle of view. And the entire above is earlier than we even contemplate supporting options reminiscent of headphone sockets, focus peaking, zebra patterning and Log profiles.
To make issues easy, we’ve rounded up what we predict are the fittest 4K cameras in the marketplace proper now, and sum up why they’ve made the minimize.
1. Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Lumix GH5 is a feature-laden 4K workhorse
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor measurement: Micro 4 Thirds | Decision: 20.3MP | Lens: Micro 4 Thirds | Viewfinder: EVF | Monitor: Three.2-inch vari-angle show, 1,620,000 dots | Most steady capturing velocity: 12fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Knowledgeable
DCI 4K and UHD 4K
Nice totally articulating display
Restricted ISO vary
Cumbersome for a mirrorless digital camera
It’s laborious to know the place to start out with the GH5. Slightly than utilizing a cropped space of the sensor when capturing 4K as was the case with the GH4, the GH5 makes use of the complete width of the chip after which down-samples the footage in-camera. This additionally signifies that framing gained’t be cropped, and also you’ll have the ability to use your lenses as if you happen to’re capturing stills. At the moment the Lumix GH5 lets you shoot Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) at 60p with a bit price of 150Mbps, whereas Full HD video is clearly additionally doable, as much as a really spectacular 180p. That is not all, because the GH5 presents coloration subsampling at Four:2:2 and a coloration depth of 10-bit, delivering better coloration data and richer graduations. The GH5 additionally presents stay output to exterior recorders reminiscent of Apple ProRes by way of HDMI, in addition to simultaneous inside recording. That is actually a complete video spec, however Panasonic can also be planning to introduce various firmware updates over the approaching months to bolster the GH5’s recording capabilities even additional.
Need much more? Panasonic’s simply introduced the Lumix GH5S – Panasonic has ditched the 20.3MP sensor discovered within the GH5 and changed it with an all-new 10.2MP sensor, which additionally sees the GH5S able to capturing 4K 60/50p footage in Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160). Full evaluation coming very quickly.
Learn our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH5 review
2. Sony Alpha A7S II
Glorious footage, big dynamic vary and a compact measurement – what’s to not like?
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor measurement: Full-frame CMOS | Decision: 12.2MP | Lens: Sony E mount | Monitor: Three.Zero-inch tilting show, 1,228,800 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Most steady capturing velocity: 5fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Knowledgeable
Excellent dynamic vary and low noise
Helpful Log choices included
Solely 4K UHD (no 4K DCI)
Eight-bit relatively than 10 or 12-bit video
On the time of the A7S II’s evaluation we mentioned it was the most effective video-shooting stills digital camera accessible, and whereas a lot has modified available in the market we nonetheless reckon it’s a compelling choice for the videographer. One among its main promoting factors at launch – inside recording of 4K footage – has since been matched by many others, but it surely’s the modest pixel depend of its sensor that splits it from its rivals. We discovered its dynamic vary to be very excessive, and constantly higher than rivals at greater sensitivities, whereas noise was additionally proven to be decrease than cameras with extra populated chips. It additionally has the benefit of utilizing the entire sensor width for recording video, and of having the ability to report to the reminiscence card whereas outputting Four:2:2 footage to a HDMI recorder, however proves itself to be succesful for stills capturing too. Autofocus is mostly quick and built-in picture stabilisation is a large bonus, whereas the physique is sturdier than its predecessor’s too. General, whereas it will not be the latest mannequin, its sensor and video specs give it a handful of benefits over its rivals.
Learn our in-depth Sony Alpha A7S II review
Three. Sony Alpha A6500
Sony’s 4K-enabled APS-C mannequin is a smasher
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor measurement: APS-C | Decision: 24.2MP | Lens: Sony E mount | Monitor: Three-inch tilting touchscreen, 921ok dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Most steady capturing velocity: 11fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Intermediate
S-Log gamma settings included
Excellent autofocusing system
Touchscreen a bit gradual
No headphone jack
The earlier APS-C-based Alpha A6300 was an enormous hit with fanatic customers, and the Alpha A6500 builds on its success in some ways. The digital camera information 6K footage that’s downsampled to 4K for the advantage of high quality, and makes use of the environment friendly XAVC S codec that has a price of 100Mbps. That is joined by Log gamma modes, 120fps HD recording (additionally at 100Mbps) and enhanced zebra patterning to regulate publicity. You additionally profit from a 425-phase-detect-point focusing system for speedy focus and a 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder, along with 11fps burst capturing at full decision, all inside a dust- and moisture-resistant physique. That is to not point out the welcome addition of Sony’s 5-axis in-body picture stabilization system. Now that the value has began to fall it could even be a tremendous alternative as an improve over earlier APS-C-based Sony fashions.
Learn our in-depth Sony Alpha A6500 review
Four. Canon XC10
And now for one thing utterly totally different…
Sort: Hybrid | Sensor measurement: 1-inch CMOS | Decision: 12MP | Lens: 24.1-241mm | Monitor: Three-inch touchscreen, 1.03million dots | Viewfinder: None (loupe offered) | Most steady capturing velocity: Three.8fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Knowledgeable
Constructed-in ND filter
Usefully broad 24.1-241mm lens
No built-in viewfinder
Small sensor for worth
The XC10 is maybe the least-conventional mannequin on this record, but it surely’s a viable different to the corporate’s different, pricier, Cinema EOS fashions. Designed for video however with high-quality stills in thoughts too, the mannequin blends a 12MP 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 24.1-241mm image-stabilised lens, and packages it in a comparatively compact physique whose adjustable grip gives glorious flexibility. It information 4K UHD footage at Eight-bit Four:2:2 footage internally, and you may name upon the Canon Log choice to seize as much as 12EV stops of dynamic vary. You additionally get a built-in ND filter, clear HDMI output and focus peaking, and Canon even throws in a loupe as a way to use the rear LCD touchscreen very similar to an digital viewfinder. With a smaller sensor than extra conventional choices, and at an analogous worth level, it will not be the most suitable choice for low-light capturing, however when you think about the zoom lens, type issue and worth for cash, it scores a number of factors. The mannequin was not too long ago outmoded by the XC15.
5. Nikon D850
Excessive decision meets excessive velocity
Sort: DSLR | Sensor measurement: Full-frame CMOS | Decision: 45.4MP | Lens: Nikon F | Display screen sort: Three.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen, 2,359,000 dots | Viewfinder: Optical | Most steady capturing velocity: 7fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Knowledgeable
Excellent AF system
No crop-factor at 4K
SnapBridge clunky to make use of
Reside View focusing velocity
The long-awaited successor to the D810 arrived earlier this 12 months, and Nikon actually did not maintain again with the specs. With a contemporary 45.4MP full-frame sensor, a extremely superior 153-point AF system and 7fps capturing, supported by options reminiscent of a tilting touchscreen and entire suite of connectivity choices, the the D850 is probably the most superior DSLR we have seen. Video-wise, there’s heaps to like. The digital camera is able to 4K UHD seize at 30p/25p/24p, and that is utilizing all of the sensor – no undesirable cropping right here, permitting you to take full benefit of your lenses. Different video options embrace ports for each microphone and headphone sockets, in addition to a Flat Image Profile, zebra patterning and Energy Aperture Management. You can even report at 120fps in Full HD high quality. An excellent DSLR that is nice at capturing video too.
Learn our in-depth Nikon D850 review
6. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Prime-end OM-D mannequin impresses throughout stills and video alike
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor measurement: Micro 4 Thirds | Decision: 20.4MP | Lens: Micro 4 Thirds | Monitor: Three.Zero-inch free-angle show, 1,037,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Most steady capturing velocity: 60fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Knowledgeable
Each DCI 4K and UHD 4K seize
Wonderful picture stabilisation system
Dense menus
Costly
“The perfect Micro 4 Thirds digital camera but” was what we concluded from our time testing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and video is one space the place Olympus has made vital enhancements over earlier fashions. Not solely do you get 4K seize in each DCI and UHD flavours, you additionally get clear output over HDMI at Four:2:2, a headphone port for audio monitoring and the advantages of Olympus’s quick Hybrid AF system, which works along side the touchscreen for even simpler topic choice. Whether or not you’re capturing stills or movies, you additionally get one of the crucial efficient picture stabilisation methods we’ve but seen, which is able to please those that count on to be largely utilizing the digital camera handheld. Different the explanation why the digital camera walked away with a full 5 stars embrace its glorious weather-sealing, lifelike EVF, and the aptitude to fireside at 18fps with steady AF and AE monitoring. Those that need to simply obtain a really shallow depth of discipline might not choose the smaller Micro 4 Thirds sensor over larger-sensor choices, however with the precise lens and approach you’ll be able to nonetheless isolate topics from their environment on such a digital camera with out hassle. In any case, whereas Panasonic might have had a head begin with video, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II actually units the bar excessive for a flagship Micro 4 Thirds digital camera.
Learn our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II review
7. Fujifilm X-T2
The retro X sequence welcomes its first 4K-enabled member
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor measurement: APS-C | Decision: 24.3MP | Lens: Fuji X | Monitor: Three.Zero-inch tilt-angle show, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Most steady capturing velocity: 8fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Intermediate/Knowledgeable
Climate-sealed
Oversampling
Separate grip beneficial
No touchscreen
The X-T2 was undoubtedly one of many highlights of the previous 12 months, and confirmed simply how far more critically Fujifilm was taking video recording with its X sequence. Its 4K UHD footage is created by oversampling – i.e. capturing extra element than required – so the output footage finally ends up with higher readability and fewer threat of artefacts. You can even output Four:2:2 footage by the digital camera’s HDMI port (albeit in Eight-bit) and entry a Log gamma profile whereas doing so. Customers who take pleasure in utilizing Fujifilm’s Movie Simulations modes for stills will little doubt be happy to know that you may additionally use these for video, though the inclusion of a headphone port solely on the optionally available grip, along with the 10-minute time restrict on 4K footage (not less than with out the grip), might discourage some. Nonetheless, with weather-sealing, a cracking viewfinder and quick focusing, there’s loads to get enthusiastic about. Finally, if you’d like a wise, retro-styled digital camera that may shoot high-quality stills and detailed 4K footage, it’s laborious to think about a extra becoming resolution.
Learn our in-depth Fujifilm X-T2 review
Eight. Panasonic Lumix G85
With a superb IS system on board, the G85 is match for handheld capturing
Sort: Mirrorless | Sensor measurement: Micro 4 Thirds | Decision: 16MP | Lens: Micro 4 Thirds | Monitor: Three.Zero-inch show, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Most steady capturing velocity: 9fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Newbie/intermediate
Twin IS Mark II could be very efficient
Sensor produces nice outcomes
No headphone port
Noise discount just a little harsh
It is perhaps considered one of Panasonic’s extra junior choices in its Lumix vary of mirrorless cameras, however the Lumix G85 has the benefit of being comparatively new, and thus kitted out with the most recent know-how. The Twin IS Mark II system means you profit from each physique and lens picture stabilisation, and the previous additionally works to regular unstabilised optics. Footage itself may be recorded at as much as 30p, at a bit price of as much as 100Mbps, and you too can name upon zebra patterning and focus peaking to assist when recording. Panasonic’s intelligent Reside Cropping characteristic can also be on board, and this enables for professional-looking panning and zooming all in-camera, though that is output at HD high quality. One sore level is that there isn’t any headphone port for audio monitoring, though this is not a obtrusive oversight when you think about the mannequin’s goal market; what’s extra key’s that there’s a microphone port. The truth that the digital camera ‘solely’ has a 16MP sensor is considerably offset by the truth that it has no optical low-pass filter; we discovered this recorded glorious particulars, and with moiré solely sometimes seen in footage.
Learn our in-depth Panasonic Lumix G85 review
9. Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV
A cracking journey digital camera with glorious video – but it surely comes at a worth
Sort: Compact | Sensor measurement: 1-inch CMOS | Decision: 20.2MP | Lens: 24-600mm, f/2.Four-Four | Monitor: Three-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.44 million dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Most steady capturing velocity: 24fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Intermediate/Knowledgeable
Glorious lens
Large alternative of body charges
No built-in ND filter
Costly
Should you’re searching for a robust all-in-one digital camera, you then’re not going to go far incorrect with Sony’s sensible RX10 IV. With an extended and quick 24-600mm f/2.Four-Four zoom lens partnered with a stacked 1-inch sort 20.2MP sensor and quick 315-point phase-detect AF system, it is an extremely versatile digital camera. It does not disappoint on the subject of video both, with 4K UHD footage captured with 1.7x extra data than really required with none pixel binning, earlier than being downsampled to 4K for the sake of high quality. This occurs at a 100Mbps most bit price, and you may increase the digital camera as much as 960fps for slow-motion footage too. All of that is supported by a clear HDMI output, zebra patterning and each microphone and headphone ports. You additionally get an S-Log2 gamma profile along with the Image Profiles (which you’ll regulate), and Sony’s Gamma Show Help mode that will help you get a greater concept of what graded footage would appear like. It’s not low cost, however there’s nothing fairly prefer it.
Learn our in-depth Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review
10. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V
You gained’t get a lot change from 4 figures, however there’s no doubting its capabilities
Sort: Compact | Sensor measurement: 1-inch CMOS | Decision: 20.1MP | Lens: 24-70mm f/1.Eight-2.Eight | Monitor: Three-inch tilting, 1.23 million dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Most steady capturing velocity: 24fps | Films: 4K | Person degree: Intermediate
Excellent 4K footage
24fps with AF/AE
5-minute restrict on 4K footage
Dear for a compact
Sony has loved a lot success with its RX100 line, and its newest RX100 V picks up from the place the Mark IV left off. A lot of its video specs are shared with the RX10 III, with footage recorded at 1.7x the quantity required and subsequently downsampled to 4K. You’ll be able to report at as much as 30fps and make the most of the stepless management ring across the lens, whereas supporting features embrace an S-Log2 gamma profile, focus peaking, zebra patterning and slow-motion recording. Naturally on such a small digital camera you do not get ports for microphones or headphones, though the shortage of a touchscreen might hassle folks extra. Nonetheless, you do get Sony’s glorious hybrid AF system for focusing. Add a built-in ND filter, high-quality EVF, a tilting display and a super-fast 24fps burst-shooting mode with autofocus and auto-exposure maintained all through, and it’s superb that one thing so highly effective can nonetheless slip inside your pocket. The value tag is critical, but when it’s past your finances there’s nonetheless the RX100 IV, which manages to supply 4K capturing and loads of shared know-how at a keener worth level.
Learn the total evaluation: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V
Must you purchase a DSLR or a mirrorless digital camera? Watch our information video beneath.