Best Camera For Music Videos Recording
Hey, are you looking for a perfect camera for shooting high-quality music videos? Great! You've landed in the right place. We very well know how YouTube is flooding with so many music albums and songs. If you want to establish yourself in this field of music production, you have to make sure you present yourself greatly in front of the camera. I'm stressing on this because no one will like to watch a low-quality shaky music video album, however mesmerizing the tune be.
As you know, be it rock, jazz, melody, everything is shot in low-light in most cases. In that case, the camera you're going to work with, must have that ability to give you stunning results in dimly-lit backgrounds as well. And it is even more beneficial if the camera has HDR technology and a tiltable LCD screen.
I'm Nicolas Gilli; after my 15 years of experience as a cinematographer, I've gained enough knowledge about which camera suits best for a particular purpose. Keeping in mind the latest features and technology, I've created this list of the top music video recording cameras. You will get to see the top brands like Canon, Sony, Nikon, and GoPro cameras.
Most of the cameras listed below are trusted and used by professional music artists, so you'll never go wrong purchasing any of these cameras. Giving you that guarantee, let me take you through my best picks.
In a hurry?! Here are my top picks
REVIEWS OF THE BEST CAMERAS FOR MUSIC VIDEOS
1. SONY ALPHA A6000 - BEST MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA FOR MUSIC RECORDING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
" Improved version of Sony NEX-6 and Sony NEX-7 with the fastest AF performance".
FEATURES:
Videographers love this Sony Alpha A6000 because of its hybrid AF system and 92% frame coverage. And guess what? This 24 MP camera comes with the famous BIONZ X image processor, so you needn't worry about any noise interference during your shooting. With this camera in your hand, you can take even HD music videos with perfect clarity and sound quality.
DESIGN:
"Small and sleek." It comes with standard 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 and 55-210mm power zoom lenses. The provision of two interchangeable lenses is a bonus as you can choose between the two depending on your needs.
Okay, moving further, if you're a beginner, then you would probably shoot your music albums single-handedly. So, you can opt for this camera as it provides a firmer grip making handheld shooting easier. It also has two quick-access dials: one for controlling the shooting mode and the other for adjusting the aperture settings. The OLED Electronic Viewfinder features a new optical system with four double aspherical lenses that deliver 100% frame coverage.
PERFORMANCE:
For recording music videos, one of the significant features of looking in a camera is its image stabilization. This may not be the foremost criteria for shooting still photographs because it hardly takes one second to take a snap. But shooting videos take a while, and the video must remain stable throughout its duration. To ensure this, there is a 3-axis, Optical steady shot image stabilization feature included. Aids in low-light conditions as well!
Apart from the image stabilization, the APS-C sensor combined with the BIONZ X image processor also gives a hand during my low-light video recordings. And remember, this is a music album recording which means you will need to shoot in various lowly-lit environments, especially while shooting a rock song or jazz. So to get the best in those types of scenarios, go for this Sony camera; it will do wonders in low-light.
Lastly, this camera allows me to store my raw image files and adjust the image filters using the "Picture Styles mode." The 3-inch tilting LCD is a bonus for taking shots of the performer from different angles. You must take into account this feature; it's very useful!
Considering all the points mentioned above, Sony Alpha A6000 is my number 1 recommendation for the best camera to shoot music videos.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
2. GOPRO HERO 10 BLACK - BEST MUSIC RECORDER FOR BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES
PRODUCT DETAILS:
" Enjoy shake-free videos with the GoPro Hero10 action camera ".
FEATURES:
The GoPro cameras have become a solid competitor to other DSLR cameras after releasing the Hero 9 model. And this Hero 10, released in September 2021, has stunned the entire world with its fantastic performance. Now let's see how the camera is helpful for musicians who love to shoot videos of their music albums.
With 5K video capture resolution, 23MP sensor, a minimum focus distance of 30 m, three internal microphones, you are sure of achieving pro-level music videos. I know you're getting excited seeing the camera's huge resolution, but make sure you purchase a larger SD card as the 32 GB memory card that comes in the package will not be sufficient for storage.
DESIGN:
I already possess a Hero 9, and when this model arrived at my doorstep, I found it to own the same structure as that of the Hero 9 model. Yes, it features the same metal framing with a rubberized coating over its rectangular-shaped body. You also get the built-in mounting clips as found in Hero 8. And the best part is it is even lighter than a GoPro 9.
The lack of the plastic casing is a bonus because it improves the audio quality and eliminates noise interference. You get three user-friendly controls: A power button, a record button, and a side button for changing the modes.
Speaking about the front look: It has a 1.4" front-facing color LCD screen. The purpose of the screen is to give a preview of the shots taken and correct the frame when needed. Along with this you will also find the 2.27" touchscreen at the back as found in its previous models. Very useful for changing settings like resolution and frame rates!
PERFORMANCE:
You can shoot high-quality videos with the 23 MP wide-angle sensor. Like the Sony A6000, this also comes with an electronic image stabilization that can work at up to 5k 30fps. So you needn't worry about the vibration issues that occur while you shoot handheld videos.
If you wish to shoot stills while recording videos, you can do that as the camera allows photos in video mode. It was mentioned in the manual that this camera has a digital zoom feature that can zoom up to 8X times in slow motion. Well, that's right, I tested the same, and that's why I'm in love with this small machine.
Overall, my suggestion for you is to try using this camera at higher frame rates with 5k resolution for shooting music videos because it gives a more pleasant viewing experience and clarity.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
Also read, best mac for music production to get sorted with the audio gears as well.
3. CANON EOS 90D DSLR - BEST 4K CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEOS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
" Enjoy the high-resolution video capture with the Canon EOS 90D camera"
FEATURES:
You get top-notch features such as 4K video capture resolution and a Dual Pixel AF system when used in Live view. You might have heard about the Canon M6 Mark II; this 90D is the mirrorless version of it. The camera excels at day and low-light shoots because the AF system captures high-quality videos in both scenarios.
Secondly, it has a vast ISO range (100-25600) which is simply the best for music video production. It is expandable up to 51200. Wow! As ISO increases, the noise level decreases, and the quality of the videos increases.
DESIGN:
The camera is slightly bulky but feels very smooth and provides good traction with your fingers. Its body is primarily made of magnesium alloy and is weather sealed. When speaking about the controls, you get two multi-controllable buttons at the back of the camera to play with the settings while looking through the Viewfinder. In addition to this, there are also dials present for changing the camera modes.
You can connect an HDMI cable, Micro USB, and headphones in the ports provided at the side of the camera. Now coming to the design features that will prove that this DSLR Canon camera is best for filming music videos. Well, it is equipped with a 32.5MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and a 3" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD to capture the best shots of your music artists from varied angles.
I understand that for a music album, both audio and video quality are essential. From the above features, you must have been convinced of the video quality but still thinking about its audio performance. Don't worry; if you don't want to rely on the camera's in-built mic, the camera simply has an in-built microphone jack. Just plug in your favorite condenser mic with it, and you're sorted.
PERFORMANCE:
The 80D model featured a 24MP camera with a burst rate of 10 fps at 32.5 MP, which itself was a huge welcome by customers. You can expect more excellent performance from this camera as it uses a 32.5MP sensor and has a burst rate of 10FPS. The camera comes with an 18-35mm Image Stabilization USM lens, which gives a decent range of focal lengths to shoot your videos. However, you can upgrade the lens to any EF-S lens if you feel this focal length is not enough.
Battery life: Though the camera is given a CIPA rating of 1300 shots, I found the battery level to stay a bit longer while shooting videos. It lasted for almost two days with a single charge. The camera doesn't need to retain the same battery life for your use. Suppose you're using the camera with the LiveView feature and 4K resolution turned on an entire day; the battery will drain soon. So, always carry some extra batteries with you.
To sum up, this [EOS 90D] DSLR is a great music video recorder you can opt to buy!
What I liked about this CAMERA:
4. CANON EOS 5D MARK IV - BEST DSLR FOR MUSIC VIDEOS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
"Enjoy the dynamic HDR technology with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera."
FEATURES:
Be ready to enjoy the impressive video quality, AF performance, and 4k resolution with this 30.4 MP camera. Canon has revamped the AF design by equipping a 61-point AF system and a Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quick and smooth autofocus for both video and Live View shooting.
What makes this a perfect choice for low-light conditions is this highly sensitive AF system and an ISO range of 100–32000 (expandable to 50–102400).
This model is one of the most sought-after cameras by professional music artists because of its in-built HDR facility. This means you can capture two shots of the performer with different exposure settings and then blend them into the perfect shot you need.
DESIGN:
The design includes a 3.2-inches display with touchscreen functionality. Though most Canon cameras offer tilting the screen, this 5D Mark iv camera does not ensure the same. The camera will work well for handheld shooting as it provides a good hand grip and is comparably lighter to Mark III.
There is a customizable button on the body that allows you to set the ISO number and also adjust the camera's sensitivity. The camera is weather-sealed, enabling you to work in different climatic conditions. So, if you will be making music videos outdoors, then it is probably a good buying choice for you.
PERFORMANCE:
Canon's DIGIC 6+ Image Processor provides continuous shooting at up to 7.0 frames per second. It can record 30.4 effective Megapixels at normal ISOs of up to 32000. It can also capture incredible still and 4K video clips suitable for significant post-processing, retouching, and cropping. It is much needed while shooting home and outdoor music videos!
The only drawback I find with this camera model is the lack of a tilt able screen. In terms of battery capacity, the camera has a good battery life that will allow you to take around 900shots in a day with a single recharge.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
5. NIKON D5600 - BEST NIKON CAMERA TO SHOOT MUSIC VIDEOS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
" Updated version of D5500 with Live View and Auto ISO features."
FEATURES:
This camera is for those who don't mind peddling with the menu settings every time you change the shot. Its highly sensitive 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS image sensor records videos with vibrant colors and razor-sharp details. Adding to it, the 1,036,800 dots Vari-angle display allows you to shoot from just about any position.
DESIGN:
If you are someone who likes using the dial interface, I'm sorry you will not find them here. As said earlier, you need to play around with the menu settings for changing the arm's focal length and other functions.
You get a dedicated drive mode button on the top and a built-in stereo microphone that can be controlled both automatically and manually. The camera holds some of the design structures from D7000, such as a 39-point (9 cross-type) dynamic area AF system with 3D tracking.
PERFORMANCE:
This camera will best suit your professional video recording sessions because the D-Movie mode feature helps to record Full HD videos at up to 1080p 60FPS smoothly.
You will not miss the 4k shooting experience because the Full HD resolution of 1080p be adequate for your shooting needs. The best part is that you can also control the sound with an in-built mic. Like how the Sony a6000 used its famous BIONZ X image processor, the Nikon D5600 uses its EXPEED 4-processor for faster image processing and improved color accuracy.
I was looking for a feature that could transfer my music videos to a smartphone/tablet easily. Well, I'm glad that this camera has it. Yes, install the Nikon SnapBridge app on your smartphone or pc and enjoy wireless file transfer.
Overall, I find this camera apt for shooting music albums. Grab one if you liked its features!
What I liked about this CAMERA:
6. CANON REBEL XS 10.1 MP CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
" Identical twin of the Rebel XSi great for beginner-level Youtubers and videographers."
FEATURES: The Rebel XS DSLR from Canon is affordable and comes with several powerful features for both photography and videography. It comes with a 10.1 MP CMOS sensor to capture high-quality videos. Unfortunately, the camera lacks in-camera mechanical stabilization as found in its superior models. But it does have an Optical Image Stabilizer technology, so you don't have to worry about camera shakes.
DESIGN: Even though it is lightweight and compact, it does not leave out controls and displays one would expect from an EOS Digital camera. When it comes to comfort, I'm sorry to say that this camera will not provide a superior grip to other DSLRs. I'm sure the Company has included a regular plastic covering with a rubberized covering to reduce the cost of the camera.
But the camera is very user-friendly. You can change all the camera settings in one place. Yes, there is a MyMenu option that lets you do this easily. There is also a dial with buttons with which you can play over the different settings.
The Live View Function allows you to see your subjects directly on the 2.5-inch LCD monitor. The dust that settles on the surface of the sensor is removed using ultrasonic vibration. This Self Cleaning Sensor Unit routine automatically does its job whenever the camera is powered on or off.
PERFORMANCE: Unlike the GoPro Hero6, where it cannot excel in low-lights, this camera is very useful in tricky lighting conditions. Yes, I was surprised when I came to know that it's got an Auto Lighting Optimizer that can lighten the dark areas of the scene and ensure that bright spots maintain their tonal detail. Great right!
Secondly, digital noise is visibly reduced, and color reproduction is superior. You can use this camera for shooting your music albums/videos because it comes with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens which is sufficient to shoot videos. Adding to it, there is a DIGIC III image processor for fast and accurate color production.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
7. GOPRO HERO5 - BEST CHEAP CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEOS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The HERO5 Black by GoPro provides a perfect balance between performance and convenience. It can send your footage directly to your phone where the app transforms it into an edited video - automatically. This 4K camera for music videos provides stunning videos and 12MP photos in single, burst and time-lapse modes.
It has a durable design and is waterproof. The 2-inch touch display allows you to preview and playback your shots, change settings, and trim your footage. You can also enjoy hands-free control using simple voice commands.
The package includes Hero5 Black Camera, a frame (Hero5 Black), a rechargeable battery (Hero5 Black), a curved adhesive mount, a flat adhesive mount, a mounting buckle, and a USB-C cable.
The camera comes with a broad range of ISO settings, expandable up to 6400 in the Auto Setting, and 12800 with Custom function. You can set the audio input level to Auto or Manual, up to 64 levels. A wind filter minimizes unwanted background noise.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
8. CANON EOS 60D - TOP VIDEO DSLR CAMERA TO SHOOT MUSIC VIDEOS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Looking for a top camera for music videos with excellent features? Then check out the EOS 60D 18 MP camera by Canon which is a powerful tool that fosters the creativity of a photo enthusiast. The APS-C sized 18.0 MP CMOS sensor for beautiful images, a new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for greater detail and excellent color reproduction.
It was improved by ISO capabilities from 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) provide uncompromising shooting even in the dimmest situations. The CMOS sensor is a major factor in reducing noise. It also provides a Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (1,040,000 dots) monitor for easy low- or high-angle viewing.
It comes with 14-bit signal processing for excellent image gradation, enhanced Face Detection Live mode, and Full HD video recording. It has a broad range of ISO settings, expandable up to 6400 in the Auto Setting, and 12800 with Custom function.
The camera's high-sensitivity optimization, can capture the subjects clearly at high shutter speeds without a flash, and with minimized blur and noise. You can set the audio input level to Auto or Manual, up to 64 levels. Also, a Movie Crop function is included: An SD-quality video (640 x 480) can be resized to the equivalent of 7x magnification of regular shooting.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
9. PANASONIC LUMIX ZS60K - BEST COMPACT CAMERA FOR FILMING MUSIC VIDEOS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
If I have to suggest one among the various point-and-shoot cameras for recording music videos, then that could be this Panasonic ZS60k.
For a price of $400 U.S, it is loaded with great features and shows an outstanding performance. It has a 3" front-flip display screen that is rotatable up to 18-degrees. This will help you take better shots and give you the space to try taking the shots of your music performer from different angles.
That too, you can shoot at 4K with a 30x optical zooming facility; what more do you need in a compact camera like this. You can station your music band even from a distance and still get highly sharp videos as the lens is zoomable up to 720mm.
One of the unique features of this camera is '4K live cropping' mode which will help you shoot videos in 4k with the results getting as 1080p clips.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
10. CANON EOS M 18.0 MP COMPACT SYSTEMS CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Finally in my list comes the EOS M 18.0 MP camera by Canon perfect for those looking to capture superb Full HD quality videos. It offers a large 18 MP APS-C sized sensor, due to which the camera can deliver shallow depth-of-field. It can achieve impressive cine-style results and can capture clean, high-quality video, even under very low-light conditions.
It is compatible with Canon's extensive family of EF lenses for boundless creativity. It is capable of shooting in several recording sizes and frame rates. It allows simple manual control of focus and exposure. Also, it automatically splits all files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended recording without interruption.
Its Movie Servo AF allows continuous autofocus tracking of moving subjects while recording video. The Handheld Night Scene mode allows you to capture nightscapes with bright highlights and detailed dark areas and delivers results previously impossible without the use of a tripod.
The camera's HDR Backlight Control mode ensures that backlit subjects are not recorded too dark. It also has a smart Multi Shot Noise Reduction tool that reduces noise even further. This camera for music videos moving subjects is optimized to minimize subject blur.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
BUYER'S GUIDE FOR CHOOSING A GOOD MUSIC VIDEO CAMERA
You just can't use a regular camera to create a great music video clip. If you are new to this, you can always start with the photography basics. To achieve this, you therefore need know high-quality camera. Here are few things you need to consider when buying the best camera to record music videos.
1. BUDGET
I agree with the fact that video cameras are expensive. But remember, without the right camera, it's not possible to shoot high-quality videos. These cameras might initially cost you more money, but they are one-time investments. Have a clear idea about the specs you need and purchase the camera that best suits your purpose.
I wouldn't recommend buying cheap cameras because you don't want to compromise on high-end features at any cost. In this list, I had included some affordable models like Hero5 black, Canon Rebel XS. Try purchasing them if you're on a tight budget.
2. TYPE OF CAMERA
a. DSLR or MIRRORLESS CAMERAS:
If you're willing to shoot videos single-handedly, you can opt for mirrorless cameras because they are less in weight, making handheld shooting easier. If your main attraction is low-light videography, you can go for DSLR cameras because they excel in low-light performance.
Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer high-quality videos, mostly at 4k resolution, and both use interchangeable lenses.
The only disadvantage with these cameras is that you need to invest in a separate audio recorder and mic because the in-built microphone quality is not supreme for professional use.
b. CAMCORDERS:
Camcorders are an excellent option for handheld shootings, and their video quality is also ultimate. If you want to shoot pro-like videos, go for their high-end models because they have superior quality microphones and good image stabilization.
You can choose a standard camcorder if you are an amateur as you will know how to work in the complex settings.
c. PROFESSIONAL VIDEO CAMERAS:
If you have experience in filming music videos, you can go for professional video cameras. The main reason why these types of cameras are using for recording music videos is that they allow 4k resolution along with the high-quality built-in stereo.
d. POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERAS:
If you want to keep things simple and carry only a small camera while you shoot outdoor music albums, then point-and-shoot or compact digital cameras are the best.
They also deliver good video quality and can deliver video content 4k, so compact cameras from the top brands are also a good recommendation for music video cameras.
FAQ
1. Are DSLRs a good choice for shooting music videos?
We all know that DSLRs are supreme for still photography, but they are equally great for shooting Ultra-High Definition videos. Most DSLRs allow a 4K resolution, and the presence of larger lenses enables a wide range of focal lengths. It is this 'lens factor' that makes filmmakers and other videographers opt for DSLRs to shoot music albums and related stuff.
They also have an Image stabilizing feature along with an electronic viewfinder and sophisticated AF system, making them great for low-light conditions.
2. Can I shoot a music video using my iPhone?
Yes, it's possible to shoot high-quality music videos using an iPhone. The iPhone cameras also allow 4k resolution and high pixel rate as that of high-end digital cameras. You get the provision of optical zooming, image stabilization, and also Global Tone mapping features in an iPhone. The only con is you have to invest in additional audio gears if you want the audio to be more dynamic.
3. What additional equipment do I need to shoot a music video other than a camera?
For studio-quality music video production, you will need tools such as speakers, external microphones, video editing software, a lighting kit, and an external audio recorder. Note that you needn't invest in all this equipment at the beginning of your music/filmmaking career itself.
If you're a beginner, a nice camera with an external microphone is more than enough to record music videos.
4. What kind of camera is used to shoot music videos?
It is not that only a professional video camera can record music footage. You just need to purchase any digital camera be it fixed lens cameras or interchangeable lens cameras with a good video resolution and ISO capability. That’s it.
CONCLUSION
These are some of the best cameras for music videos available in the market today. Apart from the sound quality, I have also emphasized other features of these cameras, like picture quality, ease of use, image processing, etc. Because visuals are an essential element of music videos.
I hope you've found what you were looking for. Happy recording.!
