Best Sony 4K Video Cameras And Camcorders
You don’t have to be a pro videographer to know that Sony makes some of the best video cameras on the market. Sony video cameras always use the finest, most cutting-edge technologies, so when you’re investing in one, you don’t have to worry about it being out of date in relation to market standards. In fact, Sony sets the standards!
Aside from shooting high-resolution video, Sony cameras are also very versatile. They can be paired with a lot of third-party lenses and their mirrorless cameras are world famous. You can also shoot some great timelapse footage using Sony cams.
Now, you might be wondering, that’s all well and good, but how do I choose from the top Sony cameras on the market? After all, there are a lot, and it can be difficult to pick out the perfect camera when there’s a bewildering array of options. Well, that’s where I can help. I’ve put together a list of some of the best Sony cameras for videography out there. Read on, and you’ll soon know which shiny new camera to buy for your photography kit!
CHOOSE THE CAMERA THAT SUITS YOU REQUIREMENT
REVIEWS OF BEST SONY VIDEO CAMERA
1. SONY ALPHA A6400 - BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR TRAVEL
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
The a6400 is the best Sony mirrorless camera for video, as it has a robust autofocus system. Your images will be high quality as it has a 24.2MP CMOS sensor. The APS-C sensor has great light sensitivity so you assured very vibrant footage even in dimly-lit situations. ISO is wide-ranging, and you get low-noise footage even when shooting at higher ISO ranges. You can also shoot in FHD at 120fps, and expect detailed, beautiful video footage.
If you love shooting slow-motion video, you can shoot at up to 5x as well, that too in HD! Coming to the AF system, it’s an intelligent system with 425 phase and contrast detection so you can easily track subjects on the move. It’s got great accuracy and is lightning-fast.
If you’re a fan of shooting action sports or soccer matches, then this AF system will impress you. The AF system also uses ‘Real-Time eye’ features to better track subjects, as well as ‘Real-Time tracking’ to use details like color, depth, and brightness to track more precisely.
DESIGN:
This is a small camera that’s great for vlogging, and it’s the best Sony camera for mid-range consumers looking for a versatile and powerful video cam. The a6400 has a front-end LSI image processor along with a BIONZ X processing engine, so you can shoot some quality photos at high frame rates.
The camera also has a ‘braking feature’ so you can shoot continuously at speeds up to 11fps. You can shoot in both JPEG and RAW. The camera body also has several function buttons so you can easily access controls while shooting. This includes buttons to speed up AF accuracy as well as a touchpad function.
The 180° LCD is tiltable and high-resolution, and particularly effective for vlogging. If you’re looking to start a Youtube or Instagram career, definitely look into this camera!
Performance:
This is a great cam that really can do a lot. You can shoot some brilliant timelapses and slow-motion footage. Even regular shoots that depend on accuracy and detailed rendering will also be very successful. It’s easy to hook up the camera to accessories thanks to Sony’s MI Shoe; the camera has mic and XLR compatibility, as well as HDMI output.
The camera doesn’t have a built-in IS system, but since you can use interchangeable lenses with this cam, try to pick a lens with some optical stabilization to balance that out. All in all, this is a great lens and a good entry-level choice for new videographers.
What I liked about this CAMERA:
2. SONY A7 III
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FEATURES:
If a premium, high-end camera is what you’re looking for, this is surely in the running for the best Sony camera for video. With an evolved, high-quality Exmor R CMOS sensor and a cutting-edge BIONZ X image processor, you can shoot 24.2MP footage with great results. The sensor is back-illuminated, so there should be plenty of detail and light in your footage, and the a7III’s AF system has a 693 phase-detection feature for tracking subjects easily and accurately.
The 5-axis image stabilization system is great for smoothing out your footage and has a very strong system of sensors to cover every kind of camera shake.
If you have already used a Canon EOS R camera, you already know its power. And guess what, this Sony a7iii has more features than a Canon EOS R.
NOTE: Check my article on Canon EOS R vs. a Sony A7III to know the differences between both these camera giants. Also, get to know the differences between a Sony A7III and a Sony A7RIII so that you can make the purchase based on some solid points.
DESIGN:
This is a very ergonomic camera and is a true delight to shoot with. It’s very easy to grip as well. It comes with a 28-70mm lens, but you can always change out the lens. You can shoot in both JPEG and RAW at continuous bursts, and you can also shoot silently even at high fps.
With a 3.0” tiltable LCD, framing your shots becomes simple. The fast electronic OLED display also has great color and contrast, and you can activate AF with a single button on the camera body. You can also shoot over a large ISO range, and even at the higher end of the scale, you’ll get some amazing shots. A large number of controls make it easy to customize your shooting experience.
Performance:
If you’re looking for some good Sony cameras, and you’ve got the budget for this SONY A7 III, you should definitely think about purchasing it. The AF system is amazing and very accurate, and the camera has a large battery so you don’t have to worry about constantly recharging it.
It records bright footage very well in low light, and you’ll be impressed by the photo and video quality you get. It also has a super detailed menu, so you can customize a ton of functions and shoot as per your specific preferences. You have a good variety of lenses for the Sony A7III mirrorless camera, so finding a lens for it isn't a tedious task.
What I liked about this CAMERa:
Do you know:
Sony released the first video camera in 1983. It was called the Betamovie BMC-100P.
SO LOOKING TO PURCHASE A VINTAGE CAMCORDER FROM SONY?
Then check my article on the best vintage video cameras.
3. SONY FDR-AX43 - BEST 4K HANDYCAM CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
This FDR-AX43 Handycam is a perfect vlogging companion and is one of Sony's latest camcorders in the market. It has a sensor that captures 4K footage while also maintaining a beautiful low-light performance, so shooting in irregular lighting scenarios is no problem. The sensor also captures larger pixels and low-noise shots, while the BIONZ X processor is great for rendering smooth, quick, and bright footage. You can also shoot in XAVC-S if you’re aiming for higher bit rates.
If you’re worried about keeping the camcorder steady, the gimbal mechanism that operates Sony’s Optical SteadyShot is here to help you. Whether you’re shooting at the higher end of the zoom range or shooting from an unsteady place, or even dealing with shivering hands, the image stabilization system will even everything out. Combine that with a quick AF system that has amazing accuracy, and you’ve got yourself a true winner of a camera.
DESIGN:
With the 1/2.5” Exmor R CMOS sensor, you can shoot in 4K (at 24p and 30p) and in FHD (at 60p and 30p). The ZEISS zoom lens gives you some truly stunning results and is specifically designed to work well with the 4K Sony recording camera. You can crank up the zoom to 30x when shooting in 4K1, and 40x when shooting in HD2.
This is ideal for travel vlogging or shooting sports or wildlife photography and video from a distance. The zoom lens also has ED elements to give you the best resolution and color. Additionally, the Sony AX43 has a three-mic capsule design, so you can get clear audio with minimal background noise. You can also tap into advanced sound features to customize your audio recording. The camcorder has a 3.0” LCD too, and it’s great for selfies, for putting together shots, and also framing shots at different angles.
Performance:
The SONY FDR-AX43 is a good Sony camera. It’s a compact powerhouse and gives you access to a ton of manual controls so you can fully customize your shooting experience. If you’re an experienced videographer, you’ll love all the options. You can shoot in several formats, from MP4 to AVCHD and XAVC-S.
You can also create some high-quality timelapses and use Sony’s Highlight Movie Maker for smooth in-camera editing. Also, you have built-in Wifi connectivity with this model, so you can back up photos, share your footage to socials, and use your phone to frame up shots. This is a great all-in-one package for a mid-range Sony camcorder!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
4. SONY FDRAX53/B 4K HD VIDEO RECORDING CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
This is a great mid-range handycam, great for both professionals and amateurs. It incorporates some of the latest tech to give you a peerless shooting experience. The new Exmor R CMOS sensor for 4K, shoots in larger pixels and is great for filming videos with low noise and a lot of light.
Sony’s Optical SteadyShot makes it easy to shoot anything without worrying about camera shake, and the AF system is super efficient, with a solid lens drive and accurate range prediction features. This is one of the best Sony production cameras out there if you’re considering getting into film-making.
DESIGN:
The AX53 shoots at a 26.8mm (ZEISS lens) wide-angle with a 20x zoom. But you can always adjust the zoom and shoot at 30x with Clear Image Zoom as well. The mic is designed to capture sound from five directions and is meant to give you full, well-rounded audio. The manual ring around the lens allows you to easily adjust controls, and you also have an assignable button. The electronic viewfinder is pretty useful for making shooting adjustments, and the LCD touch panel is great for trimming and framing shots.
Performance:
If you’re considering embarking on a professional film-making career, this is a great Sony camera for video. It’s well-priced, has a great zoom range, a solid built-in mic, and intelligent 5-axis image stabilization as well as a brilliant AF system. You can shoot at higher bit rates in XAVC-S format, and it’s easy to capture quick movements or action shots with this camcorder.
Timelapses and slow-motion footage can be captured in 4K, and you can also tap into the camera’s advanced editing features.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
5. SONY FDR-AX700
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The SONY FDR-AX700 is one of Sony's newest camcorder. This is a premium Sony handycam that’s great for all shooting situations. With a large, powerful sensor that has a DRAM chip for speedy performance, along with a BIONZ X processing engine, you’ll be astonished by the footage you get from this small camcorder. The Sony AX700 also has a solid AF system with Phase and Contrast Detection features for better tracking. It’s easy to focus on subjects while shooting sports or fast-paced action.
Other features like 4K face detection and object tracking contribute to a dynamic and robust AF system. You also have the option to shoot in HDR2 (full HDR signal), while the 29mm lens is perfect for wide angles. You can also get in close (with a zoom that you can crank up to 24x using Clear Image) and still retain a smooth, vivid picture. Sony’s MI Shoe enables you to add on accessories or connections, and you can shoot in XAVC-S, AVCHD, and MP4 formats.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
6. SONY HXR-NX100
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FEATURES:
The NX100 is one of the top Sony cameras, and is also one of the best cameras for videography in general. The large, highly sensitive sensor offers you stunning resolution, and you’ll be more than satisfied with the vivid, bright footage you can capture using the NX100.
While you have a 12x optical zoom that you can take up to 24x, you can also use a digital extender and crank up zoom to 48x. Scared whether you'll get grains when zoomed to this extent? You don't have to, as your images and video will remain sharp because the cam is equipped with cutting-edge Pixel Super Resolution tech.
With Sony’s Optical SteadyShot, any issues of camera shake or blur are corrected in an instant.
DESIGN:
Put your tripod away, because you’ll be tempted to shoot handheld on this constantly. The NX100 is very ergonomic and very light, so shooting handheld is a breeze. You can control zoom, focus, and iris via three different manual rings, and adjust other settings via buttons on the camera body.
All the manual controls are accessible and easy to reach when shooting. You can shoot in several formats, so don’t just stop at MP4. High-quality footage can be obtained through shooting in XAVC-S and AVCHD formats as well. The NX100 also has a dual memory card system, so backups are quick and easy.
Performance:
You might expect a camera like this to be priced out of your budget, but it’s actually a great mid-range camcorder. When it comes to putting together an amazing professional video camera Sony knows every trick in the book. You also have ND filters, so you don’t have to carry around as much tech. The flexibility when it comes to manual controls is a huge plus, and all the controls are very easy to access and use. All in all, this is a great all-in-one camera for professionals.
Check the Sony HXR NX100 review to get a detailed information regarding this Sony camcorder.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
7. SONY HDRFX1000
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
Starting from Sony HDR-HC1, which is Sony's first camcorder model in the High definition series, the Company has been consistent in upgrading the features in their camcorder models. And this HDR FX1000 is no exception.
The FX1000 is part of the G-lens series, with a 29.5-590mm lens, so nothing is too challenging to capture. This is another best Sony production camera, with patented CinemaTone technology to make colors richer and enhance highlights, giving your footage an incredibly cinematic quality.
DESIGN:
The ClearVid sensors in the FX1000 are placed at 45° angles and are enhanced by strong image processing technology to give you clear, sharp images. The high-res LCD is great for composing shots, and assignable buttons make the shooting process much more convenient. Neutral Density filters are also a good addition.
Performance:
If you’re a solo filmmaker, this might just be the best Sony camera for you. The picture quality is amazing; the Exmor sensors are highly sensitive to light and less prone to noise. With the focus assist feature, your footage will also be ultra-sharp.
The image stabilization system works effectively, making it very easy to shoot handheld with this camera. You also have access to HDMI connections. So go ahead and invest in this best sony camera for filmmaking; you won’t regret it.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
8. SONY HXR-MC88
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
If you’re a professional looking for the best Sony camera for video, the MC88 needs to be on your list. It’s a versatile camera that’s ideal for all kinds of shooting scenarios, whether you’re vlogging, shooting presentations, or filming a creative project. The large sensor ensures that you can capture low-noise footage that looks stunning and has a lot of light, and you also get some brilliant bokeh effects.
You can expect sharp images even when tapping into the higher end of the zoom range, and shooting in dimmer conditions is no problem because your footage will still be tack-sharp and blur-free. The MC88’s AF system is particularly robust and is packed with features to make your video shoots much easier.
The camera uses phase, face detection as well as lock-on AF features to easily track objects and their movement efficiently. You can activate image stabilization whenever you like as well.
DESIGN:
When it comes to seeking out cameras for videography, a lot of them can be heavy and difficult to lug around. But the Sony MC88 is light, compact, and small enough to carry around easily. The large 1.0” CMOS sensor delivers superb image quality, and you can extend the zoom range to 24x (with Clear Image Zoom). Want more! Well, crank it up to 48x with a digital extender.
Shooting from a distance is very simple, and you’ll still get high-quality footage thanks to the brilliant sensor and the latest image processing technologies. You can use the lens ring to adjust focus or zoom, and manually adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO using the dial on the camera body.
The OLED viewfinder and the 3.5” LCD are also very handy, allowing you to track and put the shots together in a jiffy. The MC88 also comes with Neutral Density filters, which saves you from buying additional filters when shooting.
Performance:
This is a super versatile and dynamic camera, it's a great idea to invest in this pro-Sony video camera as it's ideal for so many shooting situations. While this camera isn't costly, it's perfect for videographers on a budget. You can get so much use out of its features.
With Sony's Multi-Interface Shoe, you can connect to tons of accessories as well. You needn't spend on purchasing audio gears for this video cam as it comes with a built-in mic and dual XLR outputs.
Overall, this camera has everything a pro could need and more.
NOTE: Take a look at the Sony HCR-MC88 review to get to know more about this fantastic camcorder.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
9. SONY PXW-X70
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This PXW-X70 Sony camcorder is one of the most expensive cameras on this list, but if you want a top-class camera for videography, it’s worth every cent. With a 1.0” CMOS sensor, you can shoot high-resolution footage even in low lighting, as well as record in 4K. The ZEISS lens allows you to zoom in up to 24x (with Clear Image Zoom), but with a digital extender, you can take advantage of the entire zoom range and go all the way up to 48x.
The seven-blade aperture also gives you some beautiful bokeh. With a wide zoom range and stunning image quality, you can shoot practically anything using this camera.
The OLED viewfinder and LCD panel are great for focusing and viewing shots, and you can access both. You can also add on accessories thanks to Sony’s MI-Shoe system, and tap into Wifi/NFC functions to shoot remotely. This is a great Sony filming camera, packed with every feature a pro could need.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
10. SONY PXW-Z280
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Finally, this is the most high-end camera I’ve listed, and it’s the best Sony video camera for professionals, particularly if you’re keen on shooting in HDR. The PXW-Z280 has a sharp, high-tech sensor that delivers a deep depth of field and detailed images with low noise.
Three control rings allow you to easily adjust zoom, focus, and iris settings, while the in-built lens with a zoom range of 30.3-515mm allows you to capture almost anything. When shooting in HDR, you can either use the S-Log3 workflow or Instant HDR (one is for capturing as much content as possible, while the other is great at speed). You won’t have focusing issues even when shooting in HDR, thanks to a great AF system with robust Face Detection features.
This is also the best Sony camera for video live streaming; just set up a Wifi connection or connect to your smartphone, and you can stream on Facebook, YouTube, or any other platform. The built-in omnidirectional microphone is outstanding as well. This camera is the complete package!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
BUYING GUIDE
Sony uses some of the most cutting-edge tech on the market, and the back-illuminated Exmor CMOS sensor is particularly popular. Its best cameras often make use of this sensor, which consumes very little power, is highly sensitive, lets in a lot of light, and is amazing at taking noise-free footage. Sony also uses Exmor R CMOS sensors, which are also quite popular and equally effective. If you’re shopping based on sensor size, the larger the better, since larger sensors let in more light and capture a more dynamic range of detail.
When it comes to frame rate, common frame rates for Sony cam video are 24fps and 30fps. Going much lower might result in uneven footage, and if you want to shoot crystal clear video, 60fps is a good ballpark figure. Of course, the larger the frame rate per second, the larger the file size will be.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels you’re capturing. The higher the number is, the better. That means a sharper, cleaner shot. FHD and 4K resolutions are safe to stick with and yield the best results in today’s competitive market.
When it comes to shooting on a Sony camera for video, it’s important to consider the video features.
When choosing the best Sony camera, a built-in microphone is a good bonus if you’re vlogging or don’t want to carry around an external mic. With Sony’s MI-Shoe system, you can add on external mics. Some cameras won’t have the option to add on accessories though (although most of the latest Sony cameras do), so in that case, a built-in mic is preferred.
A built-in microphone with high-quality, stable audio recording is a good bet. Keep an eye out for some additional audio features that deal with background noise and give you a strong, clean audio output.
Long battery life is the key to getting a great performance out of your camera. You might have an amazing video camera, but if it runs out of juice halfway through your shoot, that’s no good at all. The cameras in the Sony Alpha series have a particularly robust battery life (and I’ve included the Alpha series Sony a7III on this list).
The size of your camera can be a huge concern if you often shoot handheld. While I've listed several handheld Sony cam video recorders, some are certainly heavier than others and require a tripod. If you prefer traveling light and carrying very little with you, it's best to get a camera that has a fairly versatile lens setup and a long zoom range, along with ND filters. This cuts down on what you have to carry with you.
If you're a professional who doesn't mind lugging one around with heavy equipment, then size really shouldn't matter to you. It's always good to have a lighter camera, but considering the advanced features Sony video cameras pack on these days, you can expect some to be on the heavier side.
FAQ
It depends entirely on your needs and what you want to shoot. If you have the money to spend, the PXW-Z280 is brilliant. But more budget-friendly cameras like the Sony a7III and the a6400 are great as well.
Sony has been making cameras since the 1980s, and since then, they’ve led the charge when it comes to making new developments in camera tech. Their cameras are versatile, well-built, and accessory-friendly, so if you’ve never owned a Sony camera before, go for it!
Sony Handycam records videos in AVCHD video format (Advanced Video Codec High Definition format). This AVCHD video recording format is also common in Panasonic video cameras.
CONCLUSION
So now that you’ve taken a good look at some of the best Sony cameras 2021 is offering up on the market, you should have a good idea of your next investment. Whether you’re an amateur, a hobbyist, or a pro, trying out some good Sony cameras is a great first step to taking your craft to the next level.
There’s a reason Sony has endured so long as a brand: it never fails to produce amazing tech. And whether you’re interested in getting hold of a great Sony mirrorless camera for video or you’re looking for the best Sony 4K video camera, I’ve got a wide selection here, from budget to high-end. So go ahead and get shopping!
