Beginner’s guide to buying a camera for shooting videos

What’s the best camera for video? This question has become more common in recent years as content creation or vlogging has become a genuine career option. The question once asked only by aspiring photographers is becoming so common that cameras are now being introduced particularly geared towards those looking to record videos.

It still holds that the best camera for photos and videos is the one in our pocket. As a result, a smartphone becomes the best starting place when looking for a camera for video. However, when you want to improve the quality of video and add more flair to your content, a dedicated camera becomes a must-have and choosing the right one is a different challenge altogether.

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There are so many terms that you need to know while choosing the best camera for video. In this article, we will look at key technologies and features you should look for while buying one. Here’s your beginner’s guide to buying a video camera.

Key points to remember while buying a camera for shooting videos

A video camera is specifically aimed at videographers and is designed to help you shoot quality videos. While that meant a camcorder or a cinema camera not too long ago, there are hybrid systems now that excel at both stills as well as videos. However, before you go and buy a new camera for videography, here are the key features to know.

1. Resolution

This is the most advertised feature of any camera and usually refers to the output resolution for videos. The resolution for videos is typically 1080p/Full HD, 4K or even 8K on the latest high-end cameras. With most TVs now being capable of playing back 4K videos and high-speed broadband becoming accessible, 4K resolution would be an apt choice.

It also helps that 4K gives you flexibility with the editing process and you can downscale the final output to 1080p. Modern cameras capture greater-than-4K resolution and downscale to give 4K output but there are also cameras that have to sub-sample or crop and use a small area of their sensor, which reduces the quality.

2. Frame rate

Frame rate is the number of frames captured by your camera per second, and most videos are usually shot at either 24 frames per second or 30fps. However, you can find cameras that support 60fps at their highest possible resolution, which can be used to capture bursts of action. While not many cameras support fast frame rates at their highest resolution, 1080p capture at 120fps is not uncommon.

3. Recording limit

This is a critical metric to consider. The higher resolution will not only eat the memory but also drain the battery faster. There is a possibility that your next video camera will be limited to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of capture at 4K resolution since high-resolution video capture generates a lot of heat. So look for that number.

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4. Audio

A great video is incomplete without excellent audio to accompany it. While your camera’s internal microphone might be a place to start, it is also prone to grabbing unwanted noise. With a dedicated microphone input socket, you can get the best audio by connecting an external microphone.

5. Autofocus

Gone are the days when you needed to turn the dial on your camera to nail that focus. Modern cameras have become extremely reliable with their autofocus while capturing video. A reliable camera will not only be able to track subjects accurately but even allow you to re-focus if needed. The key thing to know here is this metric is not just dependent on your camera or the number of autofocus points advertised by the manufacturer but also the quality of lens.

While these are some of the important features to know before choosing your next camera for video, there are other features such as focus peaking and zebras, high dynamic range, image stabilisation, and log capture that will only help you elevate your video capabilities.

Vlogging cameras: Should you consider them?

While a digital SLR camera or a mirrorless camera will be a great fit for your video needs, they may not be the one for every kind of user out there. If you are looking for a video camera primarily for vlogging, the requisite cameras tend to take into account every aspect of vlogging to deliver a compact and yet powerful camera that can do the job efficiently.

With a vlogging camera, you should look for a vari-angle touchscreen display that can twist, tilt up or down, and even rotate. Since vlogging is usually a one-person activity, a vari-angle display makes it easier to frame yourself and check exposure and focus. It is also important to have image stabilisation to make your on-the-go footage less shaky and an external microphone is a must to record crisp audio. It is needless to say that resolution is equally important.

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While GoPro Hero12 and DJI Pocket 2 have cemented their place as go-to vlogging cameras, other options such as the Nikon Z30 can claim to be the best beginner vlogging camera. 2023 was a big year for vlogging and the trend is only likely to continue. We can expect more vlogging cameras or upgrades to existing models going ahead. If you are planning to become a vlogger then a vlogging camera might be better suited than a professional video camera.