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, songs, and much more. If you want to establish yourself in this field of music production, you have to make sure you present yourself great in front of the camera. Because no one will like to watch a low-quality shaky video, even though your music is mesmerizing.
After my 15 years of experience as a cinematographer, I've gained enough knowledge about which camera suits best for music videos recording. Keeping in mind the latest features and technology, I've created this list for the best cameras for music videos. You will get to see the top brands like Canon, Sony, Nikon, and also GoPro cameras. Choose the one that suits your budget and needs. Let's begin with the list.
Table of Contents
- 10 BEST CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEOS REVIEW
- 1. SONY ALPHA A6000 - BEST MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA FOR MUSIC RECORDING
- 2. GOPRO HERO9 BLACK - WATERPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA
- 3. [EOS 90D] DSLR - BEST CANON CAMERA FOR RECORDING MUSIC VIDEOS
- 4. CANON EOS 5D MARK IV FULL FRAME DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
- 5. NIKON D5600 - BEST NIKON CAMERA FOR VIDEO
- 6. CANON REBEL XS 10.1 MP CAMERA
- 7. GOPRO HERO5 - BEST CHEAP CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEOS
- 8. CANON EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
- 9. SONY ALPHA A5000 MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA
- 10. CANON EOS M 18.0 MP COMPACT SYSTEMS CAMERA
- BUYER'S GUIDE FOR BEST CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEO
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
- CONCLUSION
![Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with 18-135 is USM Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi,...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51M8G-1P-hL._SL160_.jpg)
10 BEST CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEOS REVIEW
1. SONY ALPHA A6000 - BEST MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA FOR MUSIC RECORDING
" 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.
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, shooting of music videos is mostly done single-handed. So, you can opt for this camera as it provides a stronger grip making handheld shooting easier. It has also got 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 shooting 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. Lastly, this camera allows me to store my raw image files and adjust the image filters using the "Picture Styles mode."
Considering all the above mentioned points, Sony Alpha A6000 is our number 1 recommendations in the list of best camera for music videos recording.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
2. GOPRO HERO9 BLACK - WATERPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA
" Enjoy shake-free videos with the GoPro Hero9 action camera ".
FEATURES: The GoPro cameras have become a solid competitor to other DSLR cameras after releasing the Hero 9 model. With a minimum focus distance of 30 m, three internal microphones, and 5K video capture resolution, you are sure of achieving pro-level music videos. I know you're getting excited seeing the huge resolution the camera provides 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 6, and when this model arrived at my doorstep, I found it to own the same structure as that of the Hero 6 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.
Starting from GoPro Hero 5, we see waterproof models, and this Hero 9 is no exception. The camera is also waterproof up to 10 m. 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: There is a noticeable change here. Yes, for the first time the Company has included 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" 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 20 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.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
Also read, best mac for music production to get sorted with the audio gears as well.
3. [EOS 90D] DSLR - BEST CANON CAMERA FOR RECORDING MUSIC VIDEOS
" 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 shoots because the AF system captures high-quality videos in bright light.
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 that allows you 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.
PERFORMANCE: The 80D model featured a 24MP camera with a burst rate of 7FPS, which itself was a huge welcome by customers. You can expect greater 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.
Secondly, it has a huge ISO range (100 to 12800) for shooting videos and movies. It is expandable up to 51200. Wow! As ISO gets increased, the noise level decreases, and also the quality of the videos increases. So, you can use the camera for low-light conditions but don't expect a massive performance as that of Alpha 5000/Alpha 600 Sony cameras.
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. It's not compulsory that the camera retains 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.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
4. CANON EOS 5D MARK IV FULL FRAME DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
"Enjoy low-light videography 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).
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.
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 music videos!
The absence of a tiltable screen is a major missing while shooting in low-lights. However, you will not consider this emission a big flaw when seeing the sharp images and videos.
Lastly, the camera has a good battery life that will allow you to take around 900shots in a day with a single recharge.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
5. NIKON D5600 - BEST NIKON CAMERA FOR VIDEO
" 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!
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
6. CANON REBEL XS 10.1 MP CAMERA
" 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.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
7. GOPRO HERO5 - BEST CHEAP CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEOS
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 best camera for music videos provides stunning 4K video 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 of the best camera for music videos 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 best camera for music videos 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.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
8. CANON EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
Looking for the best 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.
With the help of the best camera for music videos improves the high-sensitivity optimization, it 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.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
9. SONY ALPHA A5000 MIRRORLESS DIGITAL CAMERA
Coming to the end of the best camera for music videos list, the Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera comes with a self-portrait-friendly zoom lever and 180-degrees-tilting screen that allows you to see the shots as you take them.
The 20.1MP APS-C sensor provides an excellent combination of high resolution, high sensitivity and beautiful, blurred backgrounds to give simple shots an artistic touch. Wi-Fi connectivity enables you to control your camera with your compatible smartphone or tablet and the Play Memories Camera Apps.
It also comes with NFC connectivity: Simply tap the camera to an NFC-enabled device, and you're ready to shoot and share without wires. You can capture HD Movies in your choice of standard 60i or cinematic 24p frames per second, all at Full HD 1920x1080 resolution. It also offers a built-in pop-up flash.
In the superior auto-mode, the camera recognizes the current shooting environment then adjusts settings for optimal results. The battery lasts up to 420 shots on a single charge.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
10. CANON EOS M 18.0 MP COMPACT SYSTEMS CAMERA
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 best camera for music videos moving subjects is optimized to minimize subject blur.
PRODUCT DETAILS:
Pros
Cons
WHY YOU NEED A DSLR FOR MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION?
DSLR and mirrorless cameras are one of the best camera for music videos. The market is flooded with cameras belonging to different ranges and camera brands. Though it is not an impossible task, a quality video camera can be bought easily by checking some essential requirements. Seamless shooting can be ensured through the skills of the creator, and you get the required results.
Any camera that can work in harmony with the Lavalier microphone, Wi-Fi, storage, mixers, voice control, GPS and various sensors according to the user's requirement by providing optimum quality and speed can be perfect for recordings.
Music videos have a wide range of viewers on various platforms across the world. Many creators and composers' release thousands of videos across platforms and earn in millions. You can be the next big thing if you select the correct sound equipment.
BUYER'S GUIDE FOR BEST CAMERA FOR MUSIC VIDEO
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 budget models like Hero5 black, Canon Rebel XS. Try purchasing them if you're on a tight budget.
2. TYPE OF CAMERA
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.
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.
PROFESSIONAL VIDEO CAMERAS:
If you have experience in the field of filmmaking or videography, 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Q: Are DSLRs a good choice for shooting music videos?
A: 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.
Q: Can I shoot a music video using my iPhone?
A: 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.
Q: What additional equipment do I need to shoot a music video other than a camera?
A: 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.
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.!
