Canon camcorders are second to none when it comes to personal and professional video production. However, professional-grade camcorders will cost you a lot of money, probably in thousands of dollars. You should go for a Canon camcorder if you can afford one. If not, the better, fastest, easiest, and cheapest alternative is to buy the best Canon camera for video. You can choose either from their DSLR or mirrorless lines of cameras for producing brilliant videos.
Which is Best for Video, DSLR or Mirrorless?
Making a choice between DSLR or Mirrorless cameras for videos is quite confusing. The time-tested DSLR cameras still offer a lot of benefits. But – the fact is that they have outdated Single Lens Reflex design which even predates the invention of digital lenses by years. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, use the camera sensor to capture the ‘live view’ which they further utilize to feed image to an electronic viewfinder image.
It is compelling to have a camera that has dispensed with both the optical viewfinder and the mirror. However, mirrorless cameras still haven’t achieved the zenith to replace older DSLRs. The end of the DSLR era will only begin once Canon or any other company releases an advanced and improved version of a mirrorless camera. Who knows how long that will take?
In the end, it is your own decision. If you want to avail yourself of the fancy features and qualities, you should choose a mirrorless camera for video. However, DSLR is the way to go if you cannot bid farewell to older DSLR camera systems as yet.
Best Canon Cameras for Video in 2022
Our experts believe the following are the best cameras to shoot high-quality videos in 2022.
| Image | Model Name | Sensor Type | Video Resolution | Check Price |
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 | Canon EOS R5 |
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 | Canon EOS-1DX Mark II |
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 | Canon EOS RP |
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 | Canon EOS 80D |
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 | Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III |
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 | Canon EOS 70D |
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 | Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II |
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 | Canon EOS C70 Cinema |
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 | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV |
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 | Canon EOS M50 |
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1. Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera: Best Canon Camera for Video
Arguable, Canon EOS R5 is the best camera ever by the industry giant. It borrows some of the best features from other famous models by Canon. For example, it has the design of EOS R, functions of EOS 5D, and brilliant autofocus of the EOS-ID X.
Canon EOS R5 is a thoroughly professional video camera. It is the best camera for video because of its countless yet outstanding features. To begin with, it is one of the very few cameras to offer 8K video which in this case is simply astounding. Similarly, it has a whopping 45 megapixel sensor to shoot captivating videos and images. The high frame rate of 12 fps also contributes to producing breathtaking stills and videos.
The full-frame camera also has the best autofocus on the market besides having the most advanced in-body image stabilization.
The only thing that goes against EOS R5 is its high price. Not many people, especially beginners, can splash around $4000 on a camera. The cost further increases when you factor in the price of the best Canon RF lenses as well. Therefore, it is more popular among professionals.
2. Canon EOS-1DX Mark II/Mark III: Best Canon DSLR Camera for Videos
Canon EOS-IDX Mark II is the preferred choice of many professional videographers despite being an aging camera. It is a full-frame DSLR camera with 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensors. Videographers love this camera for its features like great autofocus, optical viewfinder, grippable body, brilliant low light performance, and excellent battery life.
Canon EOS-IDX Mark II is an expensive option without any doubt. However, it is also the best sports or press camera available on the market. It has a fixed 3.2-inch LDC screen with 162 million dots. On top of that, it has a maximum burst speed of 14 frames per second. The camera can also shoot Empty List 4K video up to 50/60p. Rest assured the quality of the video is simply amazing.
The noticeable problem with the camera is the inefficient MJPEG video format.
The advanced version of IDX Mark II, the EOS-IDX Mark III offers even more improvements than its predecessor. It has highly advanced features in the likes of extremely chunky yet comfortable design, in-body image stabilization, and the ability to shoot 4K video at 60fps 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log internal recording. Similarly, the deep learning algorithm further improves the speed, accuracy, and overall performance of the autofocus.
3. Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: Best Canon Camera for Video for Beginners
If you are in search of an affordable camera with all the perks of the more flashing Canon EOS R5, you must go for Canon EOS RP Full-Frame camera. It has almost all the features and techs that you get in a more expensive R5.
The only exclusion is the 8K video. However, RP offers incredibly spectacular UHD 4K at 24fps video recording. Similarly, you can record full HD video at 60fps. Other noticeable features are advanced autofocus tech, LCD touchscreen, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The camera is available for less than $1000 which is an absolute bargain for a beginner or aspiring videographer. The 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor ensure that both videos and stills have amazing quality.
All in all, Canon EOS RP is a terrific camera for beginners. It offers all the features of more advanced cameras at a very affordable price.
4. Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera: Best Canon Camera for Vlogging
Made famous by American YouTuber Casey Neistat, Canon EOS 80D has the distinction of the best vlogging camera in the world. It was released way back in 2016 and its specs seem outdated. However, vloggers around the globe love this camera for its amazing features such as highly compact and capable imaging system.
The main highlight of the camera is full HD recording at 60 frames per second. Most comparable cameras allow you to shoot full HD at 30 fps. The extended ISO range of 100-25600 is also ideal for low light videography. The autofocus is always reliable, fast, and accurate while recording because of the Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus. The continuous shooting speed of 7fps is also more than enough for vlogging.
All these features are what you need for vlogging and YouTube. The camera does not have 4K but it will be an overkill for YouTube anyway.
5. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III: Best YouTube Camera for Livestreaming
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II was an exceptional camera, especially for videos. However, it had one big flaw as with most other Canon Cameras. They have the crop factor when shooting in 4K which is quite frustrating for many videographers. Thankfully, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III has ended that trend. It is almost identical to G7 X Mark II but it has a new sensor with no 4K crop.
G7 X Mark III is also the first camera of its kind to have a microphone input, necessary for livestreaming straight to Youtube. Besides, the microphone ensures clean and clear audio. As a result, you can create a simple yet quite effective livestream setup devoid of personal computers and expensive memory cards.
Moving on, G7X Mark III also allows vloggers to have a good view of themselves thanks to its flip-out screen. Similarly, it delivers great stills using the Digic 8 image processor and 20.1MP 1” CMOS sensor, providing you with very nice thumbnails for videos.
6. Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera: Best Budget Canon Camera for Video
Canon EOS 70D has many useful features for videographers and its a best canon camera for photography and video as well. The best thing about the camera is the Integrated Time Code feature that allows you to synchronize your videos with several cameras while shooting.
Professional photographers also like this camera for its sharp autofocus and Full HD Video recording at 30/25/24p. The lack of 4K is a major downside though. However, it is a fantastic camera for a beginner or someone not interested in 4K. It is also a truly universal device and compatible with both EF and EF-S lenses. Therefore, you can easily find suitable lenses for your camera.
Canon EOS 70D has a rotary LCD, providing you with more control of your videos and creative freedom. It also has exposure compensation in P-A-S that is necessary for shooting high-quality videos. The compression ALL-I (stream 87 megabits per second) is also impressive. The built-in flash with integrated hot shoes and Speedlite transmitter is also something you don’t find often these days.
7. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: Best Cheap Canon Camera for Video
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a small yet powerful Canon Camera for video. It is the smallest camera with a 1” CMOS sensor as well. You can easily put the camera in your pocket and take it anywhere with you. However, it is not all about its tiny size and beautiful design. G9 X Mark II offers excellent image and video quality besides being a very cheap camera.
The 20.1 Megapixel camera also has a very high ISO sensitivity. As a result, it excels in low light conditions. The best feature of the camera is the DIGIC 7 image processor that is rare at this price. The capacitive touchscreen is another useful feature that you don’t normally find in cheap cameras. All these features make it easier for you to shoot videos. Not to mention, the video quality is remarkably good for the price you pay.
PowerShot G9 X Mark II does have Bluetooth connectivity but it is useless, to say the least.
8. Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera: Best Canon for Filming
As the name suggests, Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera has especially been designed for filmmaking and videography. It is a combination of a powerful RF mount camera and C300 Mark III Cinema Camera, incorporating the features of both such as the RF mount, brilliant form factor, touch control, and the best autofocus on the market.
It also boasts integrates Dual Giant Output, Super 35mm sensor by Canon, and 16 stops of dynamic range. Moreover, you can record 2K and 4K at 180 fps and 120 fps respectively. The form factor is also more compact, something you only find in traditional still cameras.
The revolutionary touchscreen enables you to maintain focus while shooting videos. It also supports individual shooters utilizing its incredibly accurate autofocus and iTR AFX system borrowed from Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.
Keep in mind that it is the only cinema camera to use RF mount. Therefore, it opens doors to countless optical opportunities. However, you can also use EF lenses on this camera. To make matters even more exciting, EOS C 70 comes with a new Canon Speed Booster that helps you use EF lenses with a full-frame angle of view as well as an additional f-stop.
The major drawback of EOS C70 is the lack of Raw output and the inability to use PL lenses. However, it is still the best Canon camera for videos, especially for filmmaking.
9. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Best Canon Camera for Video and Photo Alike
If you are looking for a camera that delivers video performance similar to that of EOS-ID X Mark II but with a more affordable price tag, you should go for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. It is also a favorite among professional videographers. However, even the beginners can afford it for its low price point.
The camera can capture Full HD video at 60fps to an external HDMI recorder and DCI 4K video at 30fps to the internal memory card. It has proven its mettle time and again as an outstanding camera for shooting videos both indoors and outdoors thanks to the 30.4MP high-resolution sensor and DIGI 6 advanced image processor.
It also supports Canon Log Gamma mode but only if you get a paid update. Canon Log gets the best out of the sensor to enhance details in shadows and highlights besides delivering a more balanced image quality.
Other features which make EOS 5D Mark IV a great camera for videos are Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF. The touchscreen directly provides very smooth racking facilities as well. Similarly, the extended ISO range of 50-102,400 means low light performance is also excellent.
10. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera: Camera with Excellent Video Features
Canon EOS M50 is another affordable camera with excellent video capabilities. It is also among the top Canon cameras that shoot video. It is an updated version of EOS M5. Of course, M50 has some advanced features such as Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus and the ability to record in 4K. It also boasts impressive battery life, vital for filmmaking in the outdoors.
The camera comes with a very good APS-C sensor and image stabilization while shooting. The autofocus is fast and accurate. It is the first ever mirrorless camera by Canon to have 4K recording. It offers a variety of connectivity options as well including NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
How to Choose the Best Canon Camera for Video?
Buying the right video camera can be quite cumbersome. You need to keep many factors in mind. We are going to discuss the most important of them below.
Cinema 4K Video Quality versus 4K UHD Quality
People are usually wrong when they refer to the video quality as 4K. It is actually less than 4000k or 3840 x 2160 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio to be precise. On the other hand, the DCI 4K or Cinema 4K has a resolution of 4092 x 2160 pixels with a 17:9 aspect ratio.
Fixed or Interchangeable Lenses
This is an important consideration for professional videographers as it affects their performance in the long run. You can achieve a better aspect ratio as well as superior video quality using the interchangeable camera as it allows you to use a wide range of lenses. The fixed camera, on the other hand, is an inexpensive option because you always work with a single lens.
Remember that camera bodies are constantly evolving and changing. However, lenses tend to last longer and each of them has a specialized role in terms of professional video production.
Cine Lenses
Normal lenses can do their job quite well when used for video production. However, cine lenses can considerably enhance video quality because of the certain adaptations they have. They ensure smooth and silent aperture exposure using the ‘de-clicked aperture/iris rings and t-stops instead off-stops.
Video Quality
You also need to have control over the video quality and settings as well as the work environment. The best canon camera for video will always have the options to customize tones, control framerate, adjust autofocus, and many others. Similarly, they can also shoot in 8K besides having many other formidable features for videographers.
Autofocus
Most cameras nowadays have contrast detection and fast hybrid phase autofocus. Though, some cameras still use contrast-detection autofocus while shooting and in live view. Whatever camera you fancy, make sure that it has a fast, accurate, and reliable autofocus system such as Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus.
Zoom
A good zoom camera or lens enables you to zoom in or out your videos with little to zero distortion. A camera with a good zoom ratio also helps you adjust the zoom for desired or appropriate video quality.
Camera Sensor
Different camera sensors affect the video quality differently. For example, large sensors capture more details even in low light conditions. As a result, the overall image quality is much better and consistent compared to smaller sensors. Most professional videographers use a variety of sensors in the likes of Micro Four Thirds, full-frame, Super 35mm, and APS-C while recording videos.
You can also choose from two main types of sensors – CCD and CMOS. CCD sensors are more sensitive to light. They are also produce crisper, clearer, and more detailed videos even in dim light. CMOS sensors, on the other hand, are less expensive and considerably consume less power. Therefore, they are also the most common types of sensors in use today.
Microphone Input
The best canon for video cameras often has a microphone input which is much better than the internal microphone. Internal microphones don’t have directional sensitivity for videos. Similarly, their voice quality is very poor. External microphones resolve both these problems, delivering excellent quality for videos.
Live View
Mirrorless cameras have an edge over DSLRs due to their live view that is available both in the electronic viewfinder and rear screen. DSLRs have live view only on the rear screen.
Final Thoughts
Concluding our guide to the best canon camera for video, we can safely declare Canon EOS R5 as the best camera to shoot and record videos. However, all other cameras on our list offer exceptional video recording abilities. The choice of the video cameras depends on your budget and requirements. Every camera is the best camera if it manages to fulfill your videography needs.