In this article, we are going to review the best camera for cooking videos besides a few other fantastic models for food photos and videography.
Short recipes or cooking videos have become a very popular trend on social media. They offer visual guidance to creating some of the most delicious dishes from around the globe. Foodies who want to try different recipes at home take a special interest in these videos. Some of the people who make food videos have turned into internet sensations.
You can start your own YouTube food channel and start creating viral recipe videos provided you know the proper techniques and have the right gear including the camera. Smartphones can help you get going in food videography but you need to have a proper camera if you want to take your videos to the next level.
Best Recipe and Food Cameras
The following are the best cameras for cooking videos according to our experts. They would help you record excellent food videos to impress your viewers.
We have chosen these cameras based on various factors such as video and audio quality, video resolution, frame rates, megapixels, image stabilization, autofocus, closing distance, and others.
| Image | Camera Name | Sensor | Highest Resolution | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Canon EOS R5 |
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| Check Price |
 | Sony Alpha a6400 |
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| Check Price |
 | Sony a7 III |
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| Check Price |
 | Panasonic Lumix G100 |
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| Check Price |
 | Nikon D3500 |
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| Check Price |
 | Canon EOS 800D |
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| Check Price |
 | GoPro Max |
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| Check Price |
 | Sony ZV-1 |
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| Check Price |
 | Canon EOS R6 |
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| Check Price |
 | Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema |
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| Check Price |
1. Canon EOS R5: Best Camera for Cooking Videos
Canon EOS R5 is one of the most powerful and feature-rich cameras in the world.
Features
It makes making food videos a breeze through a whopping 45 megapixels sensor, DIGIC X image processor, 8K/30p video resolution, and 20fps continuous shooting speed with the electronic shutter.
You can also create beautiful slow-motion videos of foods thanks to the 4K/120fps recording option. 8K and 4K video shooting are also possible in 10-bit 4:2:2 bit, offering rich and accurate colors.
The 5-axis image stabilization ensures smooth handheld shots. Similarly, the 1053-point lightning-fast autofocus easily and accurately tracks subjects. The Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus and internal recording are available in all video modes, enabling you to record food videos with outstanding clarity.
The 45 megapixels and DIGIC X image process combine to produce stellar food images as well. The wireless connectivity is also convenient because of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options.
Drawbacks
The main issue with Canon EOS R5 is the high price tag. Similarly, it also heats up in 8k mode.
Our Verdict
It is the best camera for food videos and everything else if you can afford it.
User Reviews
The size of the view finder and the live screen are so much larger than on my Canon 6D Mark ii.
Definitely a great camera to upgrade to.
2. Sony Alpha a6400: Best Camera for Food Vlogging
Sony Alpha a6400 is a midrange mirrorless option for food videos. It is a very popular camera both for stills and videos because of its superb feature and functions.
Features
One of Sony’s bestselling cameras is particularly great for videos. The 20.1 megapixels backlit Exmore CMOS sensor captures a lot of details while the world’s fastest Autofocus with 4D Focus keeps everything in focus with the utmost ease. The real-time AF tracking and advanced real-time Eye autofocus give a new perspective to your videos.
The maximum video resolution of the camera is 4K/30fps but it also has Full HD at 120fps for super-slow-motion clips. Similarly, the camera has several other professional video features. The videos in general have exceptional depth and details.
It is also a very fast camera with 11fps continuous shooting speed if you want to capture stills as well. The 3-inch 180° tilting touchscreen is customizable for vlogging and makes it very easy to use the camera with a tripod.
Drawbacks
The in-body image stabilization is not the best but it is better than nothing.
Our Verdict
Sony Alpha a6400 helps you highlight the true colors and tastes of your recipes. It falls on the lower end of the price spectrum but has excellent video features.
User Reviews
Bought to have as a backup to my other A6400. With a touch of configurations, works just fine for my needs and is ready to go.
3. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Camera: Best Camera for Food Bloggers
Sony a7 III Full-Frame is yet another fantastic mirrorless camera for food vlogging. You must consider this camera if you don’t want to compromise on the quality of your videos.
Features
It allows you to record stunning recipe videos in 4K. Similarly, the Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) technology results in fantastic color contrast and spectacular video quality.
The backlit 24.2 megapixels sensor and BIONZ X image processor also create highly detailed and sharp images. The 5-axis image stabilization removes the camera shakes and keeps the footage steady. It is especially useful while swapping between tripods and handheld videos without missing anything.
The superfast 639-point phase-detection and 425-point contrast-detection considerably improve the focus and tracking of the subjects.
The continuous shooting speed of 10fps is quite impressive for taking quick images without missing any action.
Drawbacks
Available for around $2000, Sony a7 III is quite an expensive camera. Not many people, especially new vloggers can afford it.
Our Verdict
You can create fabulos food vlogs with this camera if you can afford it of course.
User Reviews
I haven’t used it for making any videos yet but the image quality is excellent. Get a good lense to match.
4. Panasonic Lumix G100: Best Micro Four Thirds Camera for Cooking Videos
Panasonic Lumix G100 is the everyday mirrorless camera that you can also use for cooking videos. The lightweight and portable Micro Four Thirds camera allow you to take stunning close-ups of recipes. Similarly, it is compatible with a wide range of native lenses including several macro lenses.
Features
It is easy to compose food videos from strange angles due to the fully articulating touchscreen. The camera may not have high autofocus points but they are spread across the frame. Furthermore, an array of manual focusing options help you improve the focusing.
G100 also has features like Peak Focusing and Focus Magnifier. The 20.3 megapixels sensor is quite capable to produce sharp and detailed images.
Just like other Panasonic cameras, it allows you to record in 4K but also extracts 4K photos from the videos.
The camera seamlessly integrates with smartphones and share files with them without any hassle.
Drawbacks
The camera does not have many focus points and thus, its autofocus is not as great as you would like it to be.
Our Verdict
All in all, Panasonic Lumix G100 is a very good option to record cooking videos both for novices and professionals alike.
User Reviews
I bought the lumix as a lower cost replacement for my Sony zv-1 that met with an untimely demise. I love that it’s mirrorless and offers the option to change lenses. The onboard mics are good and it has audio tracking so the audio follows you around.
5. Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera: Best Budget Camera for Cooking Videos
So far, we have mostly discussed high-end cameras for cooking videos. Nikon D3500 is the first real budget camera on our list.
Features
Despite being cheap, it features a 24.2 megapixels sensor for sharper and clear images and videos. Similarly, the image quality is far greater than a typical smartphone. Nikon D3500 offers you a good chance to use an interchangeable lens camera without costing a fortune.
You would mostly use the viewfinder to shoot videos since it is a DSLR camera. However, you can use a tripod if you activate the Live View shooting. It is also works with a wide range of DSLR lenses, including some terrific macro lenses.
D3500 records only Full HD videos at 60P but it is more than enough for newbies. It comes with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, making it a great option for videos as well.
Drawbacks
The 5fps continuous shooting speed is still decent but only 11 focus points are way too low. It can make some shots awkward to compose.
Our Verdict
It is the best camera for cooking videos if you are just starting and don’t have the budget for expensive cameras.
User Reviews
I had a D50 DSLR for years and this is the replacement to that camera. Excellent night and low light features (aquarium no flash pictures were excellent). Very pleased.
6. Canon EOS 800D/Rebel T7i DSLR Camera: Best Cheap DSLR camera for Food Vloggers
Canon EOS 800D is the best DSLR camera for food photography and videos if the price is your main concern.
Features
800D features a powerful 24.2 megapixels CMOS sensor and a very capable DIGIC 7 image processor. Both the sensor and the processor combine to deliver extremely sharp and detailed shots.
The 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen is ideal for vlogging. Similarly, the camera records in Full HD 1080P at 60fps, making it a great choice for new food vloggers. You can also create Time-Lapse and HDR movies with this camera.
The 5-axis image stabilization minimizes camera shakes and creates steady handheld videos and images.
The Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus with 45-point all Cross-Type phase-detection ensures quick and accurate tracking of the subjects. The 6fps continuous shooting speed is not that bad either.
The connectivity options include both Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth.
Drawbacks
Only Full HD 1080P video resolution is not good for any kind of videos nowadays.
Our Verdict
Canon EOS 800D/Rebel T7i is the best camera for cooking videos if you are looking for an affordable DSLR to record them.
User Reviews
I purchased this camera for my daughter on her birthday. She loves it. She has learned how to use most of the functions. Now we constantly have a camera in our face.
7. GoPro Max Traditional Camera: Best GoPro for Cooking Videos
GoPro Max is a perfect choice if you want to add some creativity to your videos.
Features
It provides different shooting options including traditional GoPro Hero style shooting. It is, in fact, three cameras in one, allowing you to give vent to your creativity.
The most outstanding feature of the GoPro Max is 360 videos in 6K4. The front-facing screen and the shotgun-mic performance also make it a great camera for vlogging.
The Max HyperSmooth image stabilization technology delivers the smoothest and steadiest videos even from a GoPro. Similarly, the revolutionary Horizon Leveling technique keeps the camera steady when you move it from side to side.
Another nice feature is live streaming. You can now live stream your cooking recipes in HERO mode to the whole world even when Max HyperSmooth is active. It is also possible to create unbreakable and mesmerizing motion time-lapse videos in both HERO and 360 modes. The 6-mic sound system delivers stereo sound quality as well.
GoPro Max also has four lenses to choose from including Narrow, Linear, Wide, and the widest of all, the Max SuperView. You can also take 270° panoramic views with one click.
The camera has 12 voice commands as well, allowing you to control it through your voice when your hands are busy.
Drawbacks
The only main problem with the camera is that it heats up while recording videos.
Our Verdict
GoPro Max helps you create outstanding content including cooking videos and photos. On top of that, it offers all of the above features for just $499.
User Reviews
Worth to pay, if you have doubt about this model, just order it you won’t regret High stabilization, such a crazy 360. Everyone should have one at least))
8. Sony ZV-1 Compact Camera: Specially Designed for Content Creators
Sony ZV-1 is the best compact camera in the world at the moment, even better than Canon PowerShot G7X III. It is also quite an affordable camera but still offers impeccable image quality besides some great features for cooking videos.
Features
The superfast autofocus with 315 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points tracks the subject in less than 0.3 seconds. Similarly, the closing focusing distance of only 5cm helps you take splendid close-ups of the recipe ingredients.
The built-in image stabilization suppresses camera shakes even if you are recording handheld videos while walking.
The camera has especially been designed for content creators including vloggers. The ‘Product Showcase’ mode, in particular, allows you to create excellent product review videos. The shots are also easier to compose thanks to the side flip-out tiltable LCD.
You can start recording in 4K if you don’t have any prior experience. The simple camera setup for cooking videos or any other videos lets you get going right away.
Sony ZV-1 also has a built-in microphone that delivers good audio quality. However, you can also use an external microphone to further improve the audio.
The lightweight and compact camera is easy to carry and hold.
Drawbacks
The camera has limited controls and therefore, a bit difficult to operate. However, you can customize buttons according to your preference.
Our Verdict
It is quite an affordable camera but still offers impeccable image quality besides some great features for cooking videos.
User Reviews
Wish it came with more things like my G7 like an extra battery, Charging deck and a USB. Love the quality and the stabilization. The auto focus is great.
9. Canon EOS R6: Best Camera for Food Photography
Canon EOS R6 is the latest mirrorless camera from Canon. It has much lower resolution than EOS R5 but it is a much cheaper camera as well.
Features
The main highlight of the camera is 6072 autofocus points available across the entire frame. The full-frame camera also has other focusing features such as Focus Peaking and Focus Magnifier.
The 3.1-inch fully articulating touchscreen is extremely useful for video making. You can also customize it for vlogging and record videos from awkward angles.
The 20.1 megapixels sensor coupled with the DIGIC X image processor creates food images of the highest quality. The ISO range of 100-102400, expandable to 204800, is also impressive but not necessary for food photography and videos. It is a very fast camera with 12fps and 20fps speeds with a mechanical and electronic shutter respectively.
Unlike R5, the EOS R6 has 4K video capability only. It is also compatible with some RF macro lenses for close-ups of the recipes. Similarly, you can choose from numerous Canon DSLR lenses and use them through an adapter.
Drawbacks
EOS R6 offers only 20 megapixels sensor which is too low for a $3000 camera.
Our Verdict
All in all, Canon EOS R6 is a good all-rounder. You can use it for all kinds of tasks including for food photography.
User Reviews
Been using this camera for months and so far, I’m very impressed. Low light capabilities are great. I’ve done pictures at parties and a wedding and the lighting was very dim.
10. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema: One of the Best Cameras for Cooking Videos
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema is the ultimate camera for cooking videos. It has all the features and functions to help you create extremely detailed and beautiful videos.
Features
The camera records videos of the highest quality courtesy 4K DKI resolution. Similarly, the videos are detailed and sharper because it records at 60 frames per second.
Pocket Cinema is perhaps the best camera for Youtube cooking videos because of its tremendous audio quality made possible by 4 built-in microphones. Therefore, you don’t need to buy expensive external microphones as well.
The touchscreen interface is also the easiest and the best you can ask for. The 5-inch touch display makes recording vlogs and videos a delight and truly elevates the viewing experience. The camera also has an active Micro Four Thirds lens for captivating close-ups.
Other important features of the camera include carbon fiber reinforced construction, Blackmagic ProRes option and Raw shooting.
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback is that the touchscreen is not articulating. Similarly, battery life is too short for my liking.
Our Verdict
All in all, Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema is a terrific camera for cooking videos and food vlogging. The quality of videos offered by this camera is simply second to none.
User Review
If you’re buying this camera, surely you’ve seen the 10 bazillion reviews and don’t need mine. But what the heck. It’s a great camera.
Difference between Food Photos and Food Videos
Food photos and videos apparently seem similar but they are totally different from each other. Both require different gear, skills, techniques, and setup. For example, the best camera for food photography may not offer similar results for food videos.
You must be wondering how food photos are different from food videos. First and foremost, food photography has been popular for decades now. It has a huge market where people buy these photographs. Food or cooking videos, on the other hand, have garnered immense popularity but only in recent years.
A lot of people want to learn recipes online, giving massive boast to the popularity food videos. They cannot simply learn everything from a photo.
You also need different photography equipment in each case. A basic lighting setup and a good camera with relatively high megapixels are all you need for food photos. However, you need more advanced equipment, a better lighting source, tripods, advanced editing skills, at least 4K resolution, and much more for videos.
It is pertinent to mention that videos offer better results and conversion than photos. More and more people are learning recipes online. The demand for cooking tutorials is at an all-time high. Most of these videos are extremely simple to follow, revolutionizing the concept of cooking. Needless to say, they are easily accessible and practical as well.
How to Buy the Best Camera for Cooking videos (Buying Guide)?
The camera to record cooking videos should have the following features.
Resolution
You need to have a high-resolution sensor as well as at least 4K video resolution to make your food videos and images truly leave an impact. High megapixels and frame rates will also show more details, depth, and sharpness.
Screen
A fully articulating screen enables you to record recipes from different and difficult angles. Similarly, you must also look for a high-resolution screen if you want to use lower ISOs as well. Some cameras come with screens that you can also customize for vlogging.
Manual Focusing Options
Manual focusing helps you precisely focus on smaller details. Go for cameras that have some sort of manual focusing option. For example, Focusing magnification, focusing peaking, and easy manual adjustments can go a long way in creating beautiful food vlogs.
AF Points
High AF points scattered across the frame allow you to easily track and focus objects on the far edge of the frame. Similarly, a camera with fast and accurate autofocus is also necessary.
Food Modes
A lot of modern cameras have dedicated food modes. You don’t necessarily need them but it is always nice to have a food mode if you regularly record and take food videos and images.
Close-Focusing
A dedicated micro lens would help you get very close to the food for finely detailed shots. Your camera should be compatible with macro lenses. Similarly, it should offer a very close focusing distance.
Remote Control Possibilities
It is always nice to have a camera with remote control access. It is very helpful to be able to remotely press the shutter. Most cameras nowadays come with a smartphone app to provide remote control.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you set up a camera for cooking videos?
Using a tripod is the best way to set up your camera for food videos. The tripod should allow both horizontal and vertical shooting. It will help you get a perfect angle to record overhead videos. Needless to mention, the tripod must also offer excellent balance and stability.
2. What do you need to film a cooking video?
First of all, you need all the ingredients of the recipe in one place. Secondly, you need a good camera and tripod to record the video. Make sure you focus on each ingredient and step involved in making the recipe. Try to get as close to the action as possible.
3. How many cameras do you need for a cooking show?
You need at least two cameras or even more if you want to take more dynamic shots with zooming, panning, and different fields of focus. You should also have an assistant to operate the second camera while the third camera will be mounted on a tripod. It ensures you don’t miss any key moment or action.
4. Is Nikon or Canon better for food photography?
Canon cameras are more popular among food vloggers and photographers than Nikon. Canon generally has more resources and features to cater to the needs of cooking videos.
Final Thoughts
Concluding our guide to the best camera for cooking videos, we must say that you can also start a successful food vlog. All you need to have are the right gear, a kitchen, and of course, knowledge about lots of lots unique recipes and proper techniques to make them.
Not that it’s the best video camera, but based on the criteria that you judged upon, I’m surprised the Fujifilm XT4 isn’t on here if not even a clear winner for the price.
Yes, it is a good camera. May be we would add it in the list when we update it.