Best Cameras for Music Videos

If you have ever wanted to shoot a music video, you may have started by collecting a mix of singers, actors, lighting and other items. That said, one of the most important choices that you will make is what kind of camera you use in your production.

Photography and videography are complex skills, yet there are several video cameras that can help you create a stunning music video in the easiest way possible. But which ones should you consider? What are the best cameras for music videos?

We have collected the ten best video cameras that you can rely on to shoot any type of music video. Whether you are a novice or professional, you can confidently use these cameras to get the job done.

Of course purchasing a camera can be a significant investment, so you may consider getting a pre-owned camera to save some money. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to try out different brands at a much lower price and find the best fit for your needs.

As always, the following list of music video cameras is not ranked based on preference. Instead, this list contains the music video cameras that we have found to be the most user-friendly and the most powerful.

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1. Best autofocus: Sony Alpha a6000
   Sony’s 4D Focus system allows capturing moving subjects with exceptional clarity. 

2. High frame rate: Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K
   This camera can shoot video at up to 300 frames per second.

3. Excellent noise reduction: Canon EOS Rebel T2i
   The camera lets you record low-noise videos at different recording sizes and frame rates.

#CommissionsEarned

The Nikon D5200 is a good HD-SLR camera that can shoot both photos and video. It has a bevy of features, including a 921,000-dot Vari-angle display that lets you shoot from many positions, build-in high-dynamic range (“HDR”) which allows you to shoot in both very dark and very bright areas, and D-movie mode that allows for visibly smoother sequences. Nikon prides itself on the quality of every video and photo that you shoot with the D5200, as its highly sensitive 24.1-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor will give you the crispest video possible.

The camera comes in three colors and is compatible with other accessories, including the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. By using this adapter, you can leverage Nikon D5200’s Wifi capability, which allows it to connect with your mobile device so that you can view your videos on your iPhone or Android device (or even upload them to YouTube).

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with low noise

• 39point AF system

• 1080p HDMI video

• Wifi & GPS supported

Cons:

• Low battery life

• No touchscreen

#CommissionsEarned

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i is a camera that allows you to create stunning music videos in high resolution. This Canon camera features HD video capture technologies (like manual exposure control) that enables you to capture stunning video while leveraging all the benefits of recording with an SLR. No matter the light, this camera will let you shoot your video without using flash – all while taking advantage of the camera’s improved noise-reduction technology. You can also use the camera’s Clear View LCD monitor that contains spectacular detail.

Pros:

• Full HD video recording

• Affordable

• Fast performance

Cons:

• Lack of quick control wheel

• No quick way to begin video recording

#CommissionsEarned

The Sony Alpha a6000 camera is a camera that, according to Sony, combines the strengths of both phase and contrast detection autofocus. Sony claims that the Alpha a600 has quicker autofocus than a DSLR camera. This camera leverages Sony’s 4D FOCUS, which allows you to obtain perfect focus, every time. In addition to this emphasis on focus, the camera contains approximately 24.3 megapixels, a versatile E-mount interchangeable lens system, and the ability to share your creation through Wifi and NFC one-touch. Sony also provides a wealth of support should you have any questions about using the camera.

Pros:

• Fast autofocus

• High ISO image quality

• 1080p60 video capture

• AF speed

Cons:

• No touchscreen

• No GPS tagging

• No analog mic input

#CommissionsEarned

While GoPro is known for releasing cameras for adventurers, the GoPro Hero 5 is a terrific camera to record live music videos. It offers a wealth of features to users, including voice controls, auto upload to GoPro Plus cloud accounts, advanced image stabilization (if you are shooting on the go), exposure control, and even 1080p time-lapse video. The Hero 5 battery is rechargeable and is rated at 1220 mAh, 4.40V. The GoPro community is also strong and is happy to solve any potential problems that you are having with the Hero 5.

Pros:

• Waterproof

• Effective electronic image stabilization

• Great image quality

Cons:

• Touchscreen responsiveness

• Reduced battery life

#CommissionsEarned

The Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K is a professional digital film camera that can deliver high-quality video for your music video. By using this camera, you can take advantage of features like a 4.6K HDR image sensor and high frame shooting (up to 300 frames per second). Because the camera has many controls on its side, you are able to adjust most settings while focusing on the action occurring in front of you. The camera is lightweight and small enough so that you can shoot on any location.

Pros:

• Great image quality

• Very light and simple to use

• Multiple choices of codecs

• 12G SDI

Cons:

• No LEMO connectors

• No built-in ND filter

#CommissionsEarned

The Fujifilm X-A5 camera is one of the most lightweight cameras on this list. That said, it contains many features that you can use for your music video. The X-A5 allows for simple touchscreen operation, a 24M APS-C sensor, and 4K movie capability so that you can shoot a high-quality music video. The camera is compact and stylish, which allows you to shoot video in even the most challenging circumstances. Along with this, the camera can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, so that you can immediately view and share your video.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality

• Compact 15-45mm kit lens

• Affordable

• Mic socket

Cons:

• Not very fast autofocus

• Limited ISO range when shooting raw

• Heavier than the rivals

#CommissionsEarned

The Olympus Pen E-PL9 is another lightweight camera that you can use to shoot music videos. Yes, you can shoot your video in 4K ultra high definition. However, the camera provides some other features like a TruePic VIII Image Processor, a 16 megapixel live MOS image sensor, and built-in connectivity via Wifi and Bluetooth. In addition to the camera itself, Olympus offers other lenses that you can purchase to ensure that you are getting the perfect shots for your video.

Pros:

• Fast autofocus

• 4K video

• 8,5fps

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Cons:

• No EVF or add-on option

#CommissionsEarned

The GY-HM250U Ultra 4K HD camera is an advanced handheld camera for a variety of uses, including the making of music videos. This camera is one of the more feature rich cameras on this list. It includes things like a newly-designed 1/3-inch 12-bit CMOS sensors, an image stabilizer, an autofocus zoom lens, a stellar color viewfinder, and the ability to support large file sizes. The camera also offers multiple encoding formats and wide media format capability.

Pros:

• 4:2:2 4K Video at 24/30p

• IP Control & Full HD Live Streaming

• 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor

• 12x Optical Zoom

Cons:

• Has only two levels of ND Filtering

#CommissionsEarned

This item is actually a professional camera support package that is compatible with the ARRI Alexa Mini camera. By combining both the Alexa Mini camera and the accessory kit, you are able to shoot a stunning music video. The camera itself is compact and can be used even in the toughest environments. The accessory kit includes several useful items to shoot your music video, including a form-fitting cage, a camera baseplate, a rotating top grip, and multiple mounting points for accessories. By combining both the camera and accessory kit, you will have all of the tools you need to shoot your video.

Pros:

• Integrated LCS system in Gimbal configuration

• Lightweight

• Anamorphic lenses

Cons:

• Not suitable for shooting with an ENG-style lens

#CommissionsEarned

The VIXIA HF G30 is the flagship item of Canon’s VIXIA series of consumer camcorders. The camcorder leverages the professional features in any Canon device, like the Genuine Canon 20x HD video lens and 8-Blade Circular Aperture. The camera lets you shoot your music videos without any blur and lets you leverage a tiltable electronic viewfinder and joystick when you are filming. Like many of the cameras above, the VIXIA HF G30 has built-in Wifi technology to let you wirelessly share your videos.

Pros:

• Dual shoes

• Full HD video

• Advanced dual SD functionality

• Wi-Fi and remote control

Cons:

• Expensive

• Not very compact

#CommissionsEarned

This camera is a very affordable option. Panasonic LX5 offers great quality of still images and good digital noise performance. Video quality could be better, but it’s still fine, compared to the LX3. Some of the features of the DMC-LX5 are high sensitivity 1/1.63-inch CCD, optional full manual operation, and HDMI output.

Pros:

• Image stabilization

• RAW shooting

• 1/4000s high shutter speed

• Manual focusing and exposure

Cons:

• No full HD video

• No touchscreen

• No wireless connection

Nikon

Nikon Corporation was founded in 1917 in Japan. The company manufactures cameras, photo lenses, flash photography, sports optics and software. Nikon products meet the needs of a wide range of consumers and are recognized worldwide for their high quality and innovative approach of the company, which is expressed in product design and their engineering solutions.

Canon

Canon is one of the most famous camera manufacturers. Established in 1937 in Japan, the company specializes in optical products such as cameras, camcorders, photocopiers, and more. It offers cameras of great quality for various needs and budgets.

Sony

Sony Corporation has existed for over 60 years. It was founded in 1946. Sony is not only a manufacturer of household and professional appliances, but it also has very active research work. The company's engineers are always researching technology, which lets Sony create more and more advanced devices. Often Sony designs devices that have no analogs at the time of creation.

GoPro

GoPro is an American company that produces action cameras and accessories for active sports and recreation. It was founded in 2002 by Nick Woodman. These cameras are compact and waterproof, which is perfect for both professionals and amateurs.

Blackmagic Design

The company is an Australian manufacturer of electronic equipment for broadcasting and video production, including video recording, video editing, and video processing.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm is a Japanese company, best known as a manufacturer of cameras and film. In all areas of its business, Fujifilm strives to contribute to the development of culture, science, technology, and industry, as well as to the improvement of health and environmental quality. Fujifilm's main goal is to improve the quality of life for people around the world.

Olympus

Olympus is a Japanese company specializing in the production of optics, photo techniques, and optical equipment for medical and biological research. It was established in 1919, initially specializing in microscopes and thermometers. In 1936, Olympus introduced its first camera.

JVC

JVC is a Japanese company, founded in 1927. It produces audio and video equipment, software and media products. It became known in the mid-1950s when it released the first mass television to the Japanese market. In the 1980s, JVC became one of the largest international corporations producing audio and video equipment, becoming a well-known manufacturer of video recorders, music centers, TVs, video and audio cassettes.

ARRI

Arri Group is a German company founded in 1917 and specializing in the production of film-making equipment. Recently, ARRI specialists have focused on improving analog technology, introducing digital technologies and developing methods to combine both technologies to achieve maximum image quality.

Panasonic

Panasonic is a major Japanese engineering corporation founded in 1918. It is one of the world's largest manufacturers of home appliances and electronic products.

To edit your music video, try Movavi Video Editor. With this app, creating music videos is easy! Trim and crop your footage, overlay videos, and edit audio tracks. Everything you need for a stunning video is here – add stylish transitions, apply beautiful filters, add titles and stickers. 

Let your creativity flow with special TV effects that include various titles, backgrounds, intro videos, and more.