Are you looking for the best camera for filmmaking? Whether you’re shooting for YouTube or recording a feature film, the best video cameras will upgrade any production. When looking for a filmmaking camera, on top of your budget and ergonomic preferences, you should consider the camera’s resolution and frame rate options, whether or not it has in-body stabilization (IBIS), and design features like memory card slots and ports to attach all your videography peripherals.

We’ve designed this guide to help you choose your ideal video camera. Whether you’re a beginner filmmaker or a seasoned cinematographer, you’ll find video cameras to suit a spectrum of skill levels, budgets, and preferences

The 5 Best Video Cameras Available in Kenya – 2022

1. Sony A7S III Mirrorless Camera:

 

Imagination in Motion: The Best Premium Video Camera

Sony A7S III Mirrorless Camera capture beautiful-looking videos in conditions that would thwart most of its competitors, raising the bar for movie makers. This camera feature a full-frame movie performance including high sensitivity (expanded ISO up to 409600), 15-stop wide dynamic range, 4K 120p², fast and dependable autofocusing, and extra-strong image stabilization that delivers sensitivity, speed, and superior images and movie. It also takes full advantage of the large pixels and BSI copper wiring structure to double the sensitivity and readout speed2. This camera also features a  new BIONZ XR processing engine that delivers 8x more processing power than previous models.

Specifications:

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor Size: Full Frame
• Resolution: 1MP
• Lens: Sony E
• Viewfinder: 44MP EVF
• Monitor: 44m-dot articulating screen
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps
• Movies: 4K at 120fps
• User level: Intermediate/expert

FOR:

• Superb low-light performance
• 4K full-pixel readouts without binning and 10-bit depth 4:2:2 color available in all recording formats
• Fully articulated touchscreen
• Vari-angle touchscreen and class-leading electronic viewfinder
• No overheating problems

AGAINST:

• 2Mp seems low resolution for stills
• It uses a new memory card format (CFexpress Type A) that’s interchangeable with SD

 

2. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

The New Generation Handheld Digital Film Camera: A Professional Workhorse

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is an advanced technology, handheld 6K digital film camera with a 6144 x 3456 Super 35 high-resolution HDR sensor, dual native ISO, EF lens mount, and direct recording to USB‑C disks that allow filmmakers to create the same “look” as Hollywood feature films. The combination of high dynamic range, excellent low light performance, and Blackmagic RAW gives you feature film images with precise skin tones and gorgeous organic colors ideal for films, documentaries, and television programming. This powerful model also adds an adjustable HDR touchscreen, built-in ND filters, and a larger battery for a longer run.

Specifications:

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor Size: APS-C
• Resolution: 2MP
• Lens: Canon EF
• Viewfinder: 68m dots
• Monitor: Full HD tilt screen
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: n/a
• Movies: 6K at 60fps
• User level: Expert

For

• Affordability: Cheap for a professional cinema camera
• Built-in ND filters
• Body: Lightweight build

AGAINST

• Not having AF, Eye-Tracking, or IBIS
• Battery life: You get about 45 minutes per battery, which might not be enough

 

3. Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera

Generation Refinement in Image Quality, Performance, and Reliability

Whether you shoot photos, videos, or a mixture of both, the EOS R5’s uncompromising performance will revolutionize your creativity. This camera features a newly developed 45MP CMOS sensor, which offers 8K raw video recording, and 12 fps continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter. It is the first EOS camera to feature 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization. Beyond just resolution, the sensor also pairs with the refined DIGIC X image processor to usher in a new generation of Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quick, smooth, and intelligent focusing performance using 1053 selectable points that cover the entire field of view. This camera is perfect for an extensive range of photographic and cinematographic environments, from weddings, portraits, sports, journalism, landscape, and cinematography.

Specifications

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor Size: Full Frame
• Resolution: 45MP
• Lens: RF mount
• Viewfinder: 76m dots
• Monitor: 1m-dot articulating screen
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20fps
• Movies: 8K at 30fps
• User level: Intermediate / Expert

FOR

• Fantastic AF
• Effective IBIS
• Stellar stills performance

AGAINST

• Recording limits due to overheating
• Pricing: It costs an arm and leg

 

4. Nikon Z6 II

A More of Everything: True Multimedia Powerhouse

The Nikon Z6 II builds on the Z mirrorless platform’s extreme versatility and has everything a hybrid still and video mirrorless camera is meant to be: excellent speed, image quality, and video performance. This camera features high-speed shooting with a buffer capacity to match, 4K Ultra HD video at 60p, a 273-point Hybrid AF system with more options, and outstanding low-light capabilities. Beyond these, the camera features dual processors, dual card slots, and wireless connectivity with smartphones and laptops.

Specifications

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor Size: Full Frame
• Resolution: 5MP
• Lens: Z mount
• Viewfinder: 69m dots
• Monitor: 1m-dot tilting screen
• Maximum continuous shooting speed: 14fps
• Movies: 4K at 60fps
• User level: Intermediate

FOR

• Best-in-class build quality
• Excellent image quality
• 5-axis IBIS

AGAINST

• The screen is tilted only
• No internal 10-bit recording

5. GoPro Hero 11 Black

Get the Best of Everything: All in One Creative Powerhouse

GoPro Hero 11 is an all-in-one content-capturing powerhouse that makes vlogging, filmmaking, and live streaming easier. This camera has everything you need to create a masterpiece: Excellent image quality, super-versatile hand grip with all-day charge, tons of mounting options, and excellent light, and sound. It also features pro-quality 5.3K video, HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization, Horizon Lock built-in, enhanced audio, powerful LED lighting, and 4 hours of 4K recording per charge, ensuring the smoothest and most stunning shots.

Specifications

• Sensor: 1/1.9in CMOS, 27MP
• Monitor: 27-inch rear touchscreen, 1.4-inch front screen
• Continuous shooting: 30fps
• Movies: 3K/60fps
• User level: Beginner

Highlights

• 3K60 + 4K120 video
• HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization
• Extended battery life
• Enhanced audio capture
• LED lighting
• Cloud Connected

FOR

• The versatile aspect ratio for cropping
• 10-bit mode useful for color grading

AGAINST

• Not great in low lighting
• Action Cam Offshoots

Available at Snapshot Kenya