Best Camera For Music Videos – Top 8 Picks (NEW Guide)

Last updated on June 1st, 2021 at 06:03 am

Let’s face it: a poorly designed music video may be the sole reason for many artists’ lack of success. Unfortunately, we pay more importance to the music video than the melody, giving filmmakers the additional pressure of portraying their thoughts well on camera. They require proper filmmaking gear, especially a professional camera for the ultra high definition video that fans crave for.  

Our list of the best cameras for music videos consists of several products within each price range. We have products from reputable brands, including Canon, Panasonic, and Nikon, for an incredible shooting experience. These brands have redefined the parameters of the video cameras market with their remarkable ergonomics and dynamics. Moreover, we included a buying guide and a FAQ section to answer some of the most asked questions. 

Best Camera For Music Videos

Sony a7S II	Blackmagic Design URSA	Canon EOS 5D Mark
BEST OVERALL UHD 4k Video Quality Extreme Low light performance	PREMIUM CHOICE High-resolution viewfinder Superior image quality	GREAT VALUE Pretty responsive touch screen Advanced AF system
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Cameras Reviews

1. Sony a7S II E-mount Camera with Full-Frame Sensor

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It’s a champ from Sony, remarkable low light performance with wide dynamic range, and absolutely stunning camera for shooting music videos, in short, all the features passionate photographers/videographers die for. When it comes to filming, the Sony a7s ii will do its job beyond excellence.

Features:

Now UHD 4k recording is possible with this model. It can deliver 4k recording at 30fps and Full HD 1080p recording at 120fps.

Sony has also increased Autofocus points in its new model. In A7s, they’ve delivered it with 25 focus points, but in A7s ii, you will get 169 focus points, and it’s a huge development. For film lovers, Sony has featured this camera with a 2x faster AF response in video mode.

Design:

Sony has designed this model, keeping in mind people who like to shoot at night or places where there is not sufficient light. In such situations, Sony’s a7s ii performance is phenomenal; you can get cinematic footage without grains with this machine.

It feels quite solid in hands and is built well just like other Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera models. It’s tougher than Sony’s A7s original version built quality-wise.

The only one thing which Sony can reconsider about its design is to place the recording button at an ideal place instead of placing it at the corner of the thumb grip. It becomes irritating, but luckily there are customization options included so one can set it to another button. Overall it’s absolutely good to go in all means.

Performance:

It’s not wrong to say that Sony has delivered A7s ii as one of the best cameras out in the market for filmmakers/cinematographers and for professional video makers.

It delivers extra-fine details in video mode, all thanks to BIONZ X™ image processing engine. In addition to S-Log2, Sony has also provided more recording features like -Log3 Gamma and S-Gamut3; these help cinematographers to further enhance the video quality and moderate it more in the post-production phase.

The 5-axis steady shot image stabilization is really helpful while shooting videos handled. It minimizes the camera shakes really well, and when we use this camera body with a gimbal, it delivers smooth cinematic footage and camera movements like dolly shots.

As discussed earlier, in tough lighting conditions, you do not need to worry about grainy or low-quality footage as its sensors handle such conditions really well. Sony has specially designed this camera body to use in low light conditions, so one can do well in natural street lights, or inside a room also. It won’t be wrong to think of it as a low light monster. If you want to achieve a professional level film quality, then this one is the right shot to take.

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2. Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K Digital Cinema Camera

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Features:

Cameras are expensive, while each model doesn’t cater to your individual shooting needs. We set out to purchase a camera to shoot our music video.

Once we took a survey of the market, we realized that most of the customers opted for the affordable Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6k Raw cinema camera. At first, we couldn’t figure out the exact reasons for its hype due to the compact size. However, after using it, we understood why.  

Design

If there is one word to define this camera, it’s versatile. Not only can you easily configure it for single-operator use, but you can also build it up for usage in a large crew setting. For people shooting a music video, this quality proves ideal. The top handle allows users to shoot handheld videos while the comfortable yet supportive base makes it great for shooting from the shoulder too.  

URSA offers us a RAW, 16-bit and 4608-pixel wide impression: enough to make us fall in love with it. It comprises of a Super35 sized sensor that allows you to capture around 15 stops of dynamic range: pretty good for such an affordable camera.  

Even though it’s larger and heavier than most of the cameras in the market, it allows you to unscrew the viewfinder and side grip to make portability easier while the quick set up minimizes hassle. Moreover, it consists of a large flip-out LCD with an easy to navigate menu system. There are three buttons for start/stop, auto exposure and autofocus on the side grip with two other function buttons, to control shutter, WB, ISO, toggle color bars, and a LUT display, on the outside of the LCD screen.  

Performance  

While purchasing a camera, you need to focus on several features to determine it’s overall performance, with the most significant element being its speed. You can record 120fps at 1080p and 60fps at 4.6K while opting for either a PL or Canon EF mount. The CinemaDNG RAW recording produces a 16-bit image while the other formats, including ProRes 444 XQ, 444, 422 HQ, 422 LT, and Proxy, offer a 12-bit image.  

The other feature everyone fell for is the resolution and dynamic range. While capturing 4608 x 2592 pixels in a single frame compared to the average 4k pixels in most cameras, the manufacturers promise to make your music video look incredible.  

The ”Film mode”

Since we had to use the camera specifically for shooting our high-quality music video, this mode came in handy. It offers a log image, flat and low contrast look to make the most use of the dynamic range.

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3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body

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Features:

If there is one camera company every one must definitely have heard of, it’s Canon. Their technical experience ranging over several decades, ensures that each product consists of outstanding features to meet your individual filmmaking needs. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the latest successor of the Mark series with major tweaks and additions for a fulfilling shooting experience.  

Design

Mark IV utilizes Canons flagship AF system but with an enhanced coverage area. It has a 150000-pixel RGB-IR metering sensor for incredible subject identification and tracking along with better metering and flicker detection.  

Since we bought this camera specifically for shooting music videos, the 4K video capture allows you to record in either 24 or 30p with a 1.64x crop. Moreover, the 4K frame grab offers 30 fps still shooting as well. Canon features a 30.4 CMOS sensor with a Digic 6+ processor. The Af system, similar to 1D X Mark II, consists of 61 AF points with 24% expanded vertical coverage. Moreover, the One Shot (AF-S) mode has a center point sensitive to -3EV while it’s sensitive to -4EV in the Live View mode.  

Another upgraded feature of the Canons Mark series is the mirror mechanism. The previous model had a spring driver mirror, which would impact the top plate and caused vibrations. However, this version consists of an electronic motor driver mirror, which slows it down at the end of the shooting process to reduce vibrations.  

Performance

Canon solely blessed this model by making it their first full framer; it maintains a continuous focus throughout the Live View mode while capturing stills. With a technical advantage of Dual Pixel AF, it offers a precise focus even while using a fast lens. Another issue that most cameras face is that the focus often shifts, however, thanks to Canons ”Face Detect+Tracking mode,” it remains on the original subject.  

Furthermore, Canon offers the filmmakers a relatively unique feature, Dual Pixel Raw, which gives it an edge over the other renowned cameras. Most people may not realize the importance of enhancing the shooting experience at specific scenarios. Basically, it records two 30MP images, one from each of the two photodiodes at each pixel. The older models would combine the two signals, however, the EOS 5D Mark IV keeps it separate, allowing minor adjustments and ghosting reduction. Moreover, it makes a huge difference while editing your pictures through Canons Photo professional software.  

Fine Detail Picture Style

This unique feature of Canons’ latest camera offers enhanced sharpness with individual control over the strength, fineness, and threshold parameters. The parameters are somewhat similar to those of Adobe photoshop and Canons DPP software, while the other settings allow you to fine-tune the images subtly.

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4. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Features:

Who hasn’t heard of Sony and its amazing range of electronic accessories? The Sony Alpha A6000 is perfect for your professional shooting needs.  

Design

The pronounced grip of A6000 makes it pretty easy to hold even if you’re operating the camera single-handedly. Moreover, the smooth textured exterior offers a strong grip with a pleasing aesthetic touch. There are two dials closely placed together to adjust the shooting modes. Even though this takes on additional space, shooting becomes much easier with minimal risk of making the wrong adjustments. The second dial is within your thumbs reach. Therefore, you can make quick tweaks while shooting.  

Furthermore, there is a small custom button on the top, which allows you to access your favorite setting without any unnecessary hassle. On the other hand, the Sonys menu is easier to navigate due to the sensible arrangement of different settings, including camera, custom, and playback.  

Performance

Alpha A6000, similar to Sonys other well-performing cameras, does a wonderful job of shooting videos and capturing stills. The images produced demonstrate wonderfully saturated and, at times, over vibrant images for a pleasing effect.  

Moreover, the filters of the image can be adjusted through the mode ”Picture Styles”: there are several presets including landscape, monochrome, and clear. However, most photographers adjust the contrast manually. Another great feature is its ability to store the Raw image in case you’re not satisfied with the edited version. A6000 consists of a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens with a wide range of focal lengths while attaining a great shallow depth of field effects.  

The modern 24 megapixel ‘Exmor APS HD’ CMOS sensor features an on-chip phase detection while covering a larger frame area: there are 179 phase-detect points with 92% coverage. When you combine this feature with the new Bionx X processor, you get continuous shots at 11fps along with subject tracking.

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5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 10.1 MP Digital Camera

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Features:

The most important filmmaking equipment for shooting a professional music video is a good camera. Its resolution and dynamics may either make or break your game. Therefore, it’s necessary to spend some time to reach your final decision. We are all aware of Panasonic: a leading manufacturer of electronic accessories ranging from kitchen appliances to compact cameras. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is an upgraded version of the Lumix LX3 and a wonderful replacement for your DSLR camera.  

Design

When a product gets it’s predecessor; it’s not uncommon to compare them with each other in terms of design and performance. LX5 is relatively compact and pocketable: ideal for those filmmakers who strive to shoot candid and spontaneous moments. Moreover, it has a sturdy metal body, which makes it durable enough to withstand wear and tear. LX3 made use of a joystick controller to adjust the settings of the camera. However, LX5 consists of a clickable control wheel. While this element gives an edge over the other models, it also consists of a slider to adjust the aspect ratio along with a simple movie record button. The latter allows you to shoot 720p HD video in AVCHD or Motion JPEG format with ease.  

Furthermore, it has a 10.1-megapixel sensor and an incredible ISO range of 80-12,800 with an f/2 maximum aperture, 24-90mm equivalent lens.  

Performance

It’s safe to say that we immediately fell in love with the wide dynamic range of the lens. It brings the depth of the field right in while the image stabilization system enhances the zoom function. Talking about the exposure, Panasonic’s intelligent auto function does a great job of judging the exposure than most other models.  

Moving on, Panasonic assures to maximize your satisfaction by offering a superior sensor and image processor performance. The photos produced are not garish but quite warm and vibrant, while the edges appear quite natural. As long as your ISO is under 800, there would be minimal noise production. However, a higher ISO may negatively affect the overall colors and details.  

We purchased LX5 to shoot a music video, and we were pretty impressed by what it had to offer, considering its specifications. The 720p lens performs pretty well with great autofocus and reliable movement tracking. You may activate the recording mode by pressing the button on top while choosing between the various shooting modes. There is a Program AE mode, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed, and Manual to make full use of your creativity.

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6. GoPro Hero5 Black Digital Action Camera

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Features:

If you haven’t heard of GoPro yet, did you even scan the market properly? No, we aren’t exaggerating when we say that GoPro is on everyone’s mind, especially after releasing GoPro Hero5 Black. It’s a must-have accessory of sports enthusiasts who love to record their adrenaline rush due to the unmatched high-quality footage. If you want to start your YouTube channel or shoot a music video for your next audio release, this is an ideal option.  

Design

Let’s talk a bit about its ergonomic design: there is a two-inch bright touchscreen on the back with a smaller screen at the front. The latter is present to provide information about the modes, SD card space, and battery. We fell in love with its ability to highlight the available storage: we often end up sacrificing footage because we weren’t aware of the lack of space. Moving on, there’s a red button on the top, also known as the One-button control. By pressing it, the camera immediately powers on and begins to record. This feature is ideal for recording on-the-moment scenarios.  

Unlike its predecessor, Hero 5 doesn’t consist of a protective casing as its waterproof up to 10 meters. Furthermore, it has a small removable lens on the front with several filters to boost footage. The lack of plastic casing offers a stylish finish and enhanced audio quality. Moreover, You may opt for a super-suit while taking it underwater.  

Performance

The first quality we fell in love with is how easy it is to set and use the camera. The Capture Smartphone App makes tethering quite easy through Wifi, allowing you to adjust the settings, download files, and preview clips without any hassle. Due to the rear touchscreen, you don’t need a smartphone to set up the perfect shot: all you need to do is swipe across to switch frames and access the ProTune settings. Moreover, the added voice control makes it easier for you to control the camera: the pre-recorded statements carry out various functions. 

Moving on to the image quality, some basic photographic knowledge such as fine-tuning exposure, adjusting the ISO and sharpness may completely switch your images and give it the professional touch that filmmakers crave for. Moreover, it’s able to shoot in 4K resolution at 30 fps while the built-in spot metering does a great job of adjusting exposure settings.  

Other features

Hero 5 comes with a waterproof voice-activated shutter remote button and Quik key USB C micro SD card reader. This is great for transferring images between devices if your phone or laptop isn’t available.

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7. Canon VIXIA HF G20 Camcorder

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Features:

Canon is easily one of our most favorite cameras manufacturers due to its innovative features and incredible resolution. Music videos, unfortunately, need to offer more than just quality audio. The fans won’t care much about the lyrics if your music video is not up to the mark. Taking this into consideration, we decided to take a look into the market to make a wise purchasing decision. Luckily, we were pointed towards Canon Vixia HF G20, an indie filmmaker camcorder overloaded with innovative features for your ease.  

Design

G20 is optimum for both amateurs and professionals filmmakers due to its hassle-free operation and user-friendly ergonomic design. The first thing one notices in a camera is its size. G20 is larger than the other Canon models. However, this isn’t a disadvantage. Rather, it offers an easier adjustment when using manual controls. You shouldn’t confuse a big camera as being heavy since G20 is much lighter than we expected. It doesn’t cause early fatigue and is light enough to be held for long durations.  

The built-in storage of 32 GB along with the two memory card slots are adequate for recording up to 12 hours of footage- enough for a full day shoot. It consists of a unique lens hood and a manual focus ring that monitor the light entering the lens. The maximum frame rate of 30fps offers pretty natural footage and is optimal for filmmakers opting for a slow, vintage-themed video.  

Furthermore, it has a flip-out 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, utilizing the resistive touch technology, with tonnes of features and adjustments to shoot your perfect shot. On the front end, you may find a smooth turning focus ring to trigger the focus assist mode while the other buttons allow you to zoom, aperture, or shutter speed. The menu features options like color bars, zebra patterns, and an audio level display while the cinema mode features nine filters, including Cinema Standard, Vivid, Dream, Cool, Nostalgic, and Old Movies.  

Performance

The 1080p resolution is perfect for capturing every detail, but we are in love with its ability to shoot in low light settings. It produces excellent color in low light along with a dynamic range. It’s sharpness, on the other hand, is incredible and not worth comparing to the most expensive models too. Moreover, it only needs 3 lux to hit 50 IRE and is 20% more sensitive when compared to the earlier versions, proving it’s outstanding accuracy. Furthermore, the battery lasts around 111 minutes while shooting a single continuous video.

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8. Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder

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Features:

Is it a marketing gimmick to introduce a successor of the previous model or a genuine effort to improve the customer’s experience? We might never know. However, the one thing we do know is that Canon’s first priority is to maximize customer satisfaction, and by that, we mean a high resolution and exceptional dynamics. Canons VIXIA HF G40 is a successor of the G30 camcorder, a pretty good piece itself.  

Design

The overall appearance of VIXIA resembles one of a professional camera. While shooting a music video, it’s not uncommon to shift to several locations. Thus you require portable filmmaking gear. Its compact size is ideal for someone always on the go. Moreover, the compact size is perfect for those attempting to shoot candid reactions in secrecy or for interviews. Another feature of VIXIA is the comfortable handle that fits small hands really well and allows you to balance the camera for steady footage.  

How could we not mention the 20x high definition optical zoom lens? It provides a 35mm equivalent of 26.8-576 millimeters when your focal point is within a 23.6-inch radius.  

Moreover, the outer base comprises of coats of advanced elements to reduce glare, floating, and other distracting camera effects. As a result, the pictures form the perfect representation of sharp, clear, and undistorted images. What more would you want? Most camcorders often produce images with a lot of bursts due to the noncircular aperture. There is an eight blade Circular aperture to minimize the starburst effect. As a result, it points to the light on areas that need focus for a more realistic image. The lens also comprises a manual focus ring for precise control.  

Performance

The most important thing that matters in a video camera is its overall performance, i.e., the ability to shoot a high definition video. The new yet advanced HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor with an improved signal to noise ratio offers enhanced sensitivity for vivid footage while the 1/2.84-inch, 2.91 Megapixel HD sensor allows you to shoot images of about 2136×13262 pixels. Most filmmakers look for low light performance, and fortunately, G40 offers this feature. The improved, low-luminance noise rating of +3 dB allows you to capture clear and sharp pictures during night time. This enhances productivity since your project won’t suffer due to time differences.  

Recording

You may either record in MP4 or AVHCD using G40. The 1080/60p allows you to capture twice the information while eliminating diagonal noise to attain crisp images. Through the MP4 mode, users get internet-ready clips as big as 35 Mbps.

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Music Videos Camera Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Buying A Camera For Music Videos

Buying a camera for your next music video is pretty complicated due to the involvement of a high investment amount. However, purchasing the wrong camera may ruin the entire footage. Our buying guide includes the important factors one needs to consider before making the final decision.  

Your budget

This is, undoubtedly, the first step of any purchasing process. It’s better not to get ahead of yourself and keep aside an amount that won’t leave you begging for the basic necessities in the next few months. Cameras, especially video cameras, are expensive. However, you don’t need to buy it every year.

Moreover, a low budget may mean that you would have to compromise on several features: a huge loss for filmmakers. We recommend you to survey the market, select a few renowned cameras, and choose the one perfect for your job but at a budgeted price. Along with this, it’s always ideal for keeping an eye on sales during peak seasons such as Christmas.  

Type of camera

After deciding your budget, you should proceed to select the type of camera according to the requirements of your music video.  

Cellphone camera

No, we are certainly not joking about putting this on the list. Most cell phone cameras, nowadays, are much better than the camcorders you may find in the market. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung pride over their magnificent optical zoom, sharpness, and megapixels while offering an incredible 4k video capability too.

Moreover, they feature built-in image stabilization to easily capture footage while the installed software allows you to edit the videos on the go. The biggest drawback, on the other hand, is the terrible audio quality. We don’t mean to say terrible. However, it’s nearly impossible to hear a faraway subject due to the limited range of its microphone. Some people may invest in a separate audio recorder to combat this issue. If you want to make quick and short videos, this is an ideal option.  

Camcorders

If you are an amateur, a standard camcorder is an optimum choice. Even though they offer relatively limited features compared to cinematic cameras, you don’t need to worry about being aware of the complex technical jargon and settings. They have a built-in zoom and autofocus, while the renowned versions often include touchscreen LCD monitors too. If you are always on the go, we recommend you to opt for a camcorder due to the portability.  

DSLR or mirrorless cameras

We are aware of the hype surrounding the video quality of DSLR cameras. They have the ability to perform as both still and footage cameras, while the outstanding HD or 4k video quality makes it a great choice for photographers and filmmakers alike. Most people invest in interchangeable lenses to enhance the use of their camera. However, you may need to purchase a separate audio recorder and microphone due to the poor audio quality. Moreover, you need a tripod or stabilizer rig to avoid unsteady footage.  

Professional Video cameras

Judging by the name, it’s solely meant for experienced filmmakers. Even though the cinema cameras are a level above them, they still form the top echelon of video cameras due to the high-end sensors and interchangeable lenses. Moreover, their HD and 4k footage, coupled with high-quality built-in audio, makes it perfect for news broadcasts, professional interviews, and music videos.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Music Video Cameras

Q: What equipment do I need to shoot a music video?

A: If you’re planning on shooting a music video or just advising someone, this is a pretty good list of shooting equipment to focus on. We recommend you to invest in them wisely since each piece plays a huge role in giving your music video that professional touch you want. The first thing to focus on is the camcorder, obviously! It captures the footage so you could transfer it to your editor for the final piece. The camera market is overflowing with camcorders of all kinds, from cheap HD to outstanding full HD versions. Your choice depends on your budget and type of video you’re interested in. Street videos, interviews, and promotional advertisements work well with low-quality HD camcorders too.

The second thing to focus on is good video lighting. Even though most expensive cameras require less light for quality footage, it’s always better to invest in a video lighting kit to get things looking good. Thirdly, a good transportation facility is important considering the expensive heavy tools you need throughout the process. Since you need to more around multiple locations, it’s essential to find a cost-worthy option that would fit all the pieces perfectly. Apart from this, you should carry spare camcorder batteries, a tripod, storage memory, and an external microphone. Most music videos may not require a microphone since you don’t need audio from your filming location.  

Q: Which is better for a video camera or camcorder?

A: This is an ongoing debate due to the incredible features of each piece of equipment. Due to constant innovations, your camcorder and camera may each possess the necessary components one needs to shoot a high-quality video. Talking about a video camera, this is a great all-rounder due to its ability to snap incredible photos and impressive videos. Most modern DSLRs offer a full HD video recording of either 720p or 1080p. Mirrorless cameras offer this as well while being relatively light and compact. According to filmmakers, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras perform well in low light compared to a camcorder due to a larger sensor.  

Moving on to a camcorder, it might be your best bet since they are meant for video recording. Firstly, it sits quite comfortably on your hand while the automatic handshake detection and built-in stabilization feature provide steady footage. Moreover, the tilt and swivel screen composes the perfect shot while they offer exceptional video quality from high to the ultra-high definition. Camcorders often comprise of built-in omnidirectional microphones that can even record surround sound.  

Q: Is a mirrorless camera good for video?

A: Over the past couple of years, they have gained a lot of popularity amongst filmmakers may be due to its ergonomic design or the advanced technical features. The one thing we can say is that most compact mirrorless cameras now offer the ability to deliver up to 4k videos. They consist of advanced image control along with full-time sensors too. Their lack of an optical mirror saves on weight and doesn’t require you to use an external display for focusing and framing either. Moreover, they have a short flange focal distance compared to DSLRs, making them adaptable to a wide variety of lenses.  

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that our filmmaking gear market is overflowing with a wide range of cameras. The number of brands and features may turn your buying decision quite complicated but not impossible. Your budget and shooting preference makes a huge impact on your decision. There is always a video camera within your budget with just the right features to shoot your next music video. We recommend choosing from our list of the best cameras since their popularity guarantees reliability and versatility. Moreover, consider reading our buying guide for a better outlook of the market.