2016 welcomed a barrage of latest cameras outfitted with 4K video recording, and now virtually each main digital camera producer has carried out 4K capturing someplace of their strains.
Perhaps most impressively, the know-how has been efficiently stretched over fashions of all billings. So, whether or not you’ve solely acquired a number of hundred kilos to spend otherwise you're prepared to stretch to a good-looking 4-determine sum, it’s probably you possibly can afford a digital camera with the know-how on board.
Just as a result of two cameras have 4K recording, nevertheless, doesn't imply to say they're equal. The use of various sensors and totally different strategies of seize, along with variations in output prospects, 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 complete width of the sensor or applies a crop issue is significant to think about, as this has a big impact in your efficient angle of view. And all the above is earlier than we even think about supporting options corresponding to headphone sockets, focus peaking, zebra patterning and Log profiles.
To make issues easy, we’ve rounded up what we expect are the fittest 4K cameras available on the market proper now, and sum up why they've made the minimize.
At the time of the A7S II's evaluation we stated it was one of the best video-capturing stills digital camera obtainable, and whereas a lot has modified out there we nonetheless reckon it’s a compelling choice for the videographer. One of its main promoting factors at launch – inner recording of 4K footage – has since been matched by many others, however it’s the modest pixel rely of its sensor that splits it from its rivals. We discovered its dynamic vary to be very excessive, and persistently higher than rivals at larger 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 with the ability to document to the reminiscence card whereas outputting A:P:P footage to a HDMI recorder, however proves itself to be succesful for stills capturing too. Autofocus is usually quick and constructed-in picture stabilisation is a large bonus, whereas the physique is sturdier than its predecessor’s too. Overall, whereas it will not be the most recent mannequin, its sensor and video specs give it a handful of benefits over its rivals.
Read the complete assessment: Sony Alpha A7S II
It’s exhausting to know the place to start out with the GH4. With each DCI 4K and UHD 4K on board, clear 10-bit A:P:P output and an enormous vary of recording codecs, to not point out the choice to make use of focus peaking and zebra patterning, and to append time code to footage, it’s a massively versatile software for video. You also can extract 8MP frames from recording, however one of many primary attracts for videographers is the digital camera’s brief flange again distance. This lets you work with a plethora of further optics by way of adaptors, together with the favored Metabones Speed Booster XL, which widens the efficient angle of view and will increase the efficient aperture. It’s simply been outmoded by the GH5, which we haven't but examined – once we do it’s very attainable that the GH5 will grow to be our Lumix digital camera of selection for 4K. If its launch pushes down the worth of the GH4, nevertheless, it appears doubtless that this digital camera will stay a tempting a selection for these on a finances.
Read the complete evaluation: Panasonic Lumix GH4
The earlier APS-A-based mostly A6000 was an enormous hit with fanatic customers, and the A6300 constructed on its success in some ways, not least with the inclusion of 4K video recording. The digital camera data 6K footage that’s downsampled to 4K for the good thing about high quality, and makes use of the environment friendly XAVC R codec that has a fee of 100Mbps. This is joined by Log gamma modes, 120fps HD recording (additionally at 100Mbps) and enhanced zebra patterning to regulate publicity. Our review discovered video high quality to be wonderful, with no apparent artefacts and excellent sound high quality from the on-board microphones too, though it’s also possible to connect an exterior microphone by way of the O.5mm port on the digital camera’s aspect do you have to need to increase audio high quality. You additionally profit from a 425-part-detect-level focusing system for speedy focus and a P.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder, along with 11fps burst capturing at full decision, all inside a mud- and moisture-resistant physique. Now that the worth has began to fall it will even be a high-quality selection as an improve over earlier APS-H-based mostly Sony fashions.
Read the complete assessment: Sony Alpha A6300
The XC10 is probably the least-typical mannequin on this record, nevertheless it’s a viable various to the corporate’s different, pricier, Cinema EOS fashions. Designed for video however with excessive-high quality stills in thoughts too, the mannequin blends a 12MP M-inch CMOS sensor with a 24.B-241mm picture-stabilised lens, and packages it in a comparatively compact physique whose adjustable grip supplies wonderful flexibility. It data 4K UHD footage at H-bit A:P:P 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 constructed-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 identical worth level, it will not be the best choice for low-mild capturing, however when you think about the zoom lens, type issue and worth for cash, it scores a lot of factors. The mannequin was lately outmoded by the XC15.
“The greatest Micro Four Thirds digital camera but” was what we concluded from our time testing the Olympus OM-A W-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 A:P:P, 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 you’re capturing stills or movies, you additionally get one of the efficient picture stabilisation techniques we’ve but seen, which can please those that anticipate to be largely utilizing the digital camera handheld. Other the reason why the digital camera walked away with a full 5 stars embrace its wonderful climate-sealing, lifelike EVF, and the potential to fireside at 18fps with steady AF and AE monitoring. Those who need to simply obtain a really shallow depth of subject might not favor the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor over bigger-sensor choices, however with the correct lens and method 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-A W-M1 Mark II definitely units the bar excessive for a flagship Micro Four Thirds digital camera.
Read the complete assessment: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
The lengthy-awaited successor to the D300S arrived final yr, and Nikon definitely didn't maintain again with the specs. With a recent 20.7MP sensor, a extremely superior 153-level AF system and 10fps capturing for as much as 200 frames supported by options similar to a tilting touchscreen and entire suite of connectivity choices, the digital camera made a robust impression towards its chief rival, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. Video-clever, there’s tons to like. The digital camera is able to 4K UHD seize at 30p/25p/24p, and whereas the B.5x crop issue utilized to this (on prime of the prevailing APS-M crop issue) could also be seen as a disadvantage, you may additionally argue that it’s a bonus on a digital camera designed with sports activities and motion in thoughts. Other video options embrace ports for each microphone and headphone sockets, in addition to a Flat Picture Profile, zebra patterning and Power Aperture Control. You can even report at 60fps, however, as is the case on most different 4K fashions, solely in Full HD high quality. It’s pretty expensive for an APS-H-based mostly digital camera, though it at present has the honour of being the most cost effective DSLR to supply 4K, so it’s a no brainer if you wish to benefit from the format with out switching to mirrorless.
Read the complete evaluate: Nikon D500
The X-T2 was undoubtedly one of many highlights of the previous 12 months, and confirmed simply how far more significantly Fujifilm was taking video recording with its X collection. 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 danger of artefacts. You can even output A:P:P footage by way of the digital camera’s HDMI port (albeit in H-bit) and entry a Log gamma profile whereas doing so. Users who take pleasure in utilizing Fujifilm’s Film Simulations modes for stills will little question be happy to know which you could additionally use these for video, though the inclusion of a headphone port solely on the non-compulsory grip, along with the ten-minute time restrict on 4K footage (at the least with out the grip), might discourage some. Still, with climate-sealing, a cracking viewfinder and quick focusing, there’s lots to get enthusiastic about. Ultimately, if you would like a sensible, retro-styled digital camera that may shoot excessive-high quality stills and detailed 4K footage, it’s exhausting to think about a extra becoming answer.
Read the complete evaluation: Fuji X-T2
It may be one in every of Panasonic’s extra junior choices in its Lumix vary of mirrorless cameras, however the Lumix G80 (often known as the G85 within the US) has the benefit of being comparatively new, and thus kitted out with the newest know-how. The Dual 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 might be recorded at as much as 30p, at a bit price of as much as 100Mbps, and you may also name upon zebra patterning and focus peaking to assist when recording. Panasonic’s intelligent Live Cropping function can also be on board, and this enables for skilled-wanting panning and zooming all in-digital camera, though that is output at HD high quality. One sore level is that there's no headphone port for audio monitoring, though this isn't a obvious oversight when you think about the mannequin’s goal market; what’s extra secret is that there’s a microphone port. The incontrovertible fact that the digital camera ‘solely’ has a 16MP sensor is considerably offset by the truth that it has no optical low-cross filter; we discovered this recorded wonderful particulars, and with moiré solely sometimes seen in footage.
Read the complete evaluate: Panasonic Lumix G80 / G85
While the RX10 III might not look like all that totally different to the prevailing RX10 II, it boasts a considerably longer 24-600mm lens alongside its stacked B-inch sort 20.2MP sensor. 4K UHD footage is captured with M.7x extra info than truly 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 sluggish-movement footage too. All of that is supported by a clear HDMI output, zebra patterning and each microphone and headphone ports. You additionally get an R-Log2 gamma profile along with the Picture Profiles (which you’ll be able to modify), and Sony’s Gamma Display Assist mode that will help you get a greater concept of what graded footage would seem like. Sadly, Sony dropped the ND filter current within the RX10 II for this iteration, which can not please some videographers. Its efficient picture stabilisation system, sharp lens and DSLR-fashion dealing with make it a winner, however at round $ M,500 or properly over £M,000 it’s not an affordable choice, notably when you think about the M-inch sensor gained't provide the type of scope you could get from one thing bigger. Still, the fee is mirrored to a point in that wonderful lens. For one thing comparable however extra reasonably priced, the Panasonic FZ2000 / FZ25000 can also be advisable.
Read the complete assessment: Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III
Sony has loved a lot success with its RX100 line, and its newest RX100 S picks up from the place the Mark IV left off. Many of its video specs are shared with the RX10 III, with footage recorded at M.7x the quantity required and subsequently downsampled to 4K. You can document at as much as 30fps and reap the benefits of the stepless management ring across the lens, whereas supporting features embrace an J-Log2 gamma profile, focus peaking, zebra patterning and sluggish-movement recording. Naturally on such a small digital camera you don't get ports for microphones or headphones, though the shortage of a touchscreen might hassle individuals extra. Still, you do get Sony’s wonderful hybrid AF system for focusing. Add a constructed-in ND filter, excessive-high quality EVF, a tilting display and an excellent-quick 24fps burst-capturing mode with autofocus and auto-publicity maintained all through, and it’s superb that one thing so highly effective can nonetheless slip inside your pocket. The price ticket 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.
Read the complete assessment: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V