With 4K embedding itself as the standard for high-quality videos, having a camera with 4K capability is a must for any videographer. TVs and computer monitors that support 4K are also becoming more commonplace. Thus, shooting videos to match ensures they have longevity and look as professional as can be.

With four times as many pixels as FullHD, detail is sharper, and images are more vivid. You also maintain high-quality details in the editing process when zooming in and cropping. You can go higher if needs must, though 4K is generally enough for the regular user.

Here are the best cameras with 4K video available today.

Premium pick

1. Canon EOS R5

9.40 / 10
Read Reviews

If you are a hybrid shooter with deep pockets, you won’t need to look any further than the Canon EOS R5. It’s a premium mirrorless camera with a 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor and the option of shooting in astonishing 8K DCI. With this camera, you can capture incredible details and clarity, perfect for high-end productions.

Although shooting in 8K may cause the camera to heat up quickly, shooting in 4K at 30fps won't cause any issues. So, you can record videos for as long as your battery and storage allow. And even at 60fps, you'll still get a solid 35 to 40 minutes of shooting time before you need to give the camera a rest.

One of the best things about the Canon EOS R5 is its Dual-Pixel CMOS AF II autofocus technology, which works seamlessly in any video mode. It's fast and accurate and makes capturing sharp and detailed footage easy. Plus, the camera's subject tracking automatically focuses on people, animals, and vehicles, and the 5-axis IBIS ensures you can shoot handheld at any time without needing a gimbal.

Finally, the Frame Grab feature allows you to extract high-quality still images from your videos. All things considered, it's hard to find a camera that offers better video quality than the Canon EOS R5. Although it does come with a premium price tag, if you're a hybrid shooter with a passion for top-notch video, it's worth the investment.

Key Features
  • CFexpress and SD card slots
  • Up to 8-stop Image Stabilizer (with certain IS lenses)
  • 20fps electronic shutter
  • Touchscreen
  • sRGB and Adobe RGB color space
Specifications
  • Brand: Canon
  • Sensor Size: 36 × 24mm CMOS
  • Video Resolution: 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps
  • Photo Resolution: 45MP
  • Battery: 490 CIPA
  • Size: 5.4 x 3.8 x 3.5 inches
  • Weight: 26oz
  • Water Resistance: Yes
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • ISO 100-51,200
  • 5940 autofocus positions
  • Weather sealed
  • Durable build
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Limited battery life shooting 8K video
Buy This Product
Canon EOS R5

For filmmakers and videographers looking for a compact and portable camera, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema has a native 4K resolution and offers high-quality videos. It’s a professional-grade camera specifically designed for video. However, its Still Capture feature lets you pick out top-notch photos from your videos.

With its full-size Micro Four Thirds sensor and native 4K resolution, Blackmagic claims this camera will provide “Hollywood-quality digital film images.” Indeed, with its 13-stop dynamic range and dual-native ISO, the video quality is outstanding, all the while remaining pretty affordable.

With four integrated microphones and a 60-minute battery life, it’s a good choice for vloggers. Not only that, but the camera features a flagship menu system that is so user-friendly that even the biggest technophobes can operate it without any worries. Plus, with its large 5-inch touchscreen, everything is displayed beautifully. While it's worth noting that the camera doesn't have a flip-out screen and autofocus, you'll still be able to create high-quality vlogs with ease and confidence.

Key Features
  • 410Mbps bitrate
  • Still Capture feature
  • Native 4K resolution
  • 13-stop dynamic range
  • Dual-native ISO
Specifications
  • Brand: Blackmagic Design
  • Sensor Size: 18.96mm x 10mm (Four Thirds)
  • Video Resolution: 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps
  • Photo Resolution: 8.8MP (extracted from videos)
  • Battery: Approximately 60 minutes
  • Size: 7 x 3.4 x 3.8 inches
  • Weight: 24.5oz
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • Compatible with a wide range of affordable and quality lenses
  • Good value
  • Large selection of ports
  • Free access to Davinci Resolve video editing software
  • Lightweight carbon fibre body
Cons
  • No AF or IBIS
Buy This Product
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema 4K Camera
Best value

3. GoPro Hero 11

8.80 / 10
Read Reviews

With its new 1/1.9-inch sensor, GoPro has somehow managed to improve on the Hero 10. It’s quite simply the best action camera on the market today. It not only shoots incredible video in 5.3K at 60fps, but you can get an outstanding 240fps at 2.7K or 120fps at 4K. Creating remarkable slow-motion captures on the GoPro looks as professional as ever.

Plus, the HyperSmooth image stabilizer now has an Emmy Award under its belt, and HyperLock 5.0 keeps everything steady even when doing 360-degree rotations. If that’s not enough, the AutoBoost feature ensures it’s virtually impossible to take shaky recordings. You can even convert the new sensor’s 8:7 aspect ratio to 16:9 for cinematic effect.

Skiers and boarders will love the included Enduro Battery, which provides improved cold-weather performance. And for lovers of water-based activities, the Hero 11 Black is waterproof up to 10 meters. It also has numerous time-lapse modes perfect for budding astrophotographers. Whatever activity or high-octane sport you are into, you can stream it live on social media and amaze your friends with your energy, skill, and professional videos.

Key Features
  • HyperSmooth image stabilizer
  • HyperLock 5.0 horizon lock
  • Enduro Battery
  • Rear touchscreen and front-facing display
  • Voice command support
Specifications
  • Brand: GoPro
  • Sensor Size: 1/1.9 inch
  • Video Resolution: 5.3k at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, 2.7K at 240fps
  • Photo Resolution: 27MP
  • Battery: 137 minutes at lowest resolution
  • Size: 2.6 x 1.3 x 1.85 inches
  • Weight: 16oz
  • Water Resistance: Up to 33ft
  • Lens: 12mm
Pros
  • Excellent slow-motion captures at 4K and 2.7K
  • Waterproof up to 10 meters
  • Takes stills or you can pick out any from your videos in 27MP quality
  • Tough and durable
  • Light, compact, and perfect for traveling
Cons
  • Overheating issues at 5.3K
  • Battery drains quickly at 5.3K
Buy This Product
GoPro Hero 11

The Sony Alpha 7 IV is a top-performing full-frame mirrorless camera with exceptional 4K video capabilities that will exceed your expectations. It boasts a brand new 33MP BSI-CMOS sensor and a powerful BIONZ XR processor that handles high-resolution video recording with ease. Its SteadyShot In-body image stabilization system is also top-notch; it has a 5.5EV rating and aids you in capturing detailed videos even in low light.

The camera records 4K videos at an impressive 60fps with a 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth, using full pixel readout for maximum detail. The S-Cinetone color profile is the perfect cherry on top, delivering natural and cinematic colors to your footage. It even offers 7K oversampling, full-frame 4K at 30fps videos with no pixel binning, resulting in exceptional 4K detail and clarity.

The autofocus is no slouch, either. Its 759-phase and 425-contrast detection make it exceptionally fast and accurate. It’s ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects and recognizes humans, animals, and birds. There's even the option of live-streaming in Full HD at 60fps, although 4K streaming is only at 15fps.

The Sony Alpha 7 IV is an ideal choice for most types of videography. Although, if you’re into fast-action video, you may want higher frame rates like the GoPro Hero 11 Black offers.

Key Features
  • 33MP full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor
  • Next-gen BIONZ XR image processing engine
  • S-Cinetone color profile
  • 5.5EV SteadyShot IBIS
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Sensor Size: Full frame (35.9 × 23.9mm)
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Photo Resolution: 33MP
  • Battery: 580 CIPA
  • Size: 9.6 x 6.5 x 6.7 inches
  • Weight: 22.4oz
  • Water Resistance: Yes
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • Superior image quality
  • 4K 60p 4:2:2 video
  • Easy to use
  • Top-of-the-range autofocus
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Slow shooting speeds for stills
Buy This Product
Sony A7 IV

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk IV is an excellent entry-level choice in the world of photography and videography. It’s an SLR-style mirrorless camera with a 20MP Live CMOS sensor which is also light and compact making it the perfect choice for travelers. without a doubt, this is a marked upgrade on 4K video smartphones without costing an arm and a leg.

Although it shoots 4K at 30 frames per second, this rate is still a good choice for beginners. You can also shoot in Full HD at 60fps. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk IV sports an excellent 5-axis in-body image stabilizer and a responsive, fast autofocus. However, the tracking is a little sluggish, and it sometimes struggles to keep up with fast-moving objects.

Transferring videos to your smartphone for social media uploads is effortless, and novice vloggers will particularly like the flip-down monitor. While this camera doesn't have an external microphone port, it does have a high-quality in-built stereo mic, perfect for keeping backpack weight down.

Key Features
  • 121-point AF system with contrast detection
  • Flip-down touchscreen
  • 5-axis in-body stabilization
  • 20MP Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor
Specifications
  • Brand: Olympus
  • Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds (17.4 x 13mm)
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Photo Resolution: 20MP
  • Battery: 360 CIPA
  • Size: 4.8 x 3.3 x 1.9 inches
  • Weight: 13.44oz
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Great for beginners
  • Affordable
  • Easy uploads to social media
Cons
  • Middling AF tracking
Buy This Product
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II X is a mirrorless camera perfect for capturing high-quality footage with its various video enhancements. It’s ideal for professionals and serious enthusiasts looking for top-of-the-line features. This camera provides stunningly detailed video footage with excellent color and contrast in 6K at 30fps or 4K at 60fps. Additionally, it supports DCI 4K and ALL-Intra and ProRes recording for even more video quality options.

The 779-point phase hybrid autofocus is speedy and accurate, while the 5-axis IBIS and 2-axis lens-based OIS provide premium stabilization. Additionally, the Active IS feature adjusts settings based on the level and type of camera shake. Therefore, it’s easier to record stable videos than shaky ones!

You can also record all your videos directly onto an external SSD, making it easy to store lots of footage. File sizes can be as large as your storage permits when shooting in 4K, too, because there are no overheating issues, although they do appear when you turn it up to 6K. You also get more post-production flexibility with 4-channel audio and RAW video output.

Key Features
  • 24MP BSI CMOS sensor
  • Dual SD UHS-II card slots
  • Flip-out screen
  • Dual native ISO sensitivity at 100 and 51,200
  • External mic support
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
  • Video Resolution: 6K at 30fps or 4K at 60fps
  • Photo Resolution: 24.2MP
  • Battery: 370 CIPA
  • Size: 3.55 x 5.3 x 4 inches
  • Weight: 25.6oz
  • Water Resistance: Splash and dust resistant
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • L-Mount Alliance
  • 4K at 60fps videos in 10-bit 4:2:2
  • Good autofocus
  • Enhanced video performance
  • Real-time streaming
Cons
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX

With simple controls suitable for novices, the Fujifilm X-S10 is another high-quality mirrorless camera with excellent 4K video capability. It features a 26MP APS-C sensor and records 4K video at 30fps in 4:2:0 8-bit quality. If you need even better, you can upgrade to 4:2:2 10-bit using an external recording device. Additionally, it offers oversampled DCI in a 17:9 aspect ratio at 24fps, 4K in 16:9 at 30fps, and Full HD footage at up to 240fps for awesome slow-motion captures.

Video quality is enhanced by the Eterna recording profile, which produces natural cinematic color, and the camera also supports flat F-log for post-production versatility.

While it may not be the best option for sports or action videos, the Fujifilm X-S10 offers fast, reliable autofocus and effective AF tracking. In video mode, it has face and eye detection, and you can easily switch between faces using the joystick feature.

The 5-axis 6-stop IBIS allows you to shoot detailed videos even in low light, and if you need even further shake reduction, you can add the electronic IS (although this will give a 1.1x crop). Battery life is decent, and the camera offers around 30 minutes of 4K video recording. It also has a swing-out touchscreen that vloggers will appreciate, and it's lightweight and compact, making it perfect for traveling videographers.

Key Features
  • High bitrate of up to 200Mbps
  • Microphone input jack
  • 5-axis IBIS
  • 26MP APS-C sensor
  • Eterna recording profile
Specifications
  • Brand: Fujifilm
  • Sensor Size: APS-C (25.1 x 16.7mm)
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Photo Resolution: 26MP
  • Battery: 325 CIPA
  • Size: 5 x 3.3 x 2.5mm
  • Weight: 16oz
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • Supports H.265/HEVC compression
  • Easy to use interface
  • Good slow-motion captures
  • Ergonomic handgrip
Cons
  • Not suitable for action videos
Buy This Product
Fujifilm X-S10

FAQ

Q: How Many Megapixels Is Needed for 4K?

It is more important to consider the camera’s 4K video recording capability than its megapixel count.

Consider how high a frame rate you need for your video requirements. You should also consider the color accuracy, dynamic range, and everything else in between that affects video image quality.

These are all far more important as the megapixel count is not directly related to video quality.

Q: What Are the Disadvantages of a 4K Camera?

While 4K offers considerable advantages, such as high-quality shoots and future-proofing your videos, there are a few disadvantages.

For one, recording and processing need more power, and your laptop may not be up to it. Files are also a lot bigger, so you need to consider storage.

Some 4K cameras offer limited frame rates, which may not be suitable if you are into producing action videos and the like.

Batteries also drain quicker when shooting in 4K, and these cameras also tend to cost a bit more.