Best Canon Cameras For Video – Top 7 Picks (FILMMAKER’s Guide)

Last updated on June 1st, 2021 at 06:11 am

Every third person you meet is a YouTuber or a singer aspiring to shoot his first music video. Whether you are just someone with a video blog or a news broadcaster, the importance of a good video camera is quite obvious.

Canon has been around since, as far as we can remember. Each of their products screams versatility as they keep the photographer’s need in mind before launching any camera.  

However, there is always a possibility of ending up with the wrong device or having your eyes on a video camera twice of your budget. We compiled a list of the best Canon Cameras for Videos that promise excellent performance and even more stunning results within your budget. Moreover, the buying guide and FAQ section at the end makes it even easier for you to decide the right device according to your needs and preferences.  

Top 3 Canon Cameras For Video

Canon 5D Mark IV	Canon 1DX Mark II	Canon M50
BEST OVERALL Great sensor performance Advanced and Live view AF system	PREMIUM CHOICE Great control layout Able to record 4k videos at 60fps	BEST BUDGET Stunning image quality Improved Dual Pixel sensor
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Canon Camera Reviews

1. Canon EOS-1DX Mark II DSLR Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is the latest model in the 1D series and is an outstanding example of versatility. The manufacturers have spent a lot of time curating the perfect device for professional news and sports photographers, laying an innovative feature for every need.  

Build Quality

Similar to its predecessor, Mark II features a big, robust built with a weatherproof seal and magnesium alloy shell to keep it safe from the brunts of the shooting environment. The control arrangement isn’t different, either. However, there is a new twin grip arrangement where there is a vertical and horizontal grip to enhance comfort. The joystick controller is easy to control and only requires your thumb to shift the AF point: a feature that many cameras should copy. There is a shutter release, main dial, and Af area selection mode right next to it with an additional three buttons to control the exposure lock, AF start, and AF-point selection. Moreover, there is a touch-sensitive 3.2-inch 1,620k-dot screen that only works in the live view mode.  

Performance

We were pretty satisfied with the overall image results of the camera and how they showed up on our camera screen. They portray an exemplary level of detail with accurate colors and exposure. The results don’t falter until ISO 102400, after which the images seem mushy at 100% with a slight diffusion. However, the images below this level don’t have much noise, while the post-capture adjustment allows you to get rid of any chroma noise.  

Moving on, the autofocus is worth applauding: it manages to focus on the subject regardless of the condition, making it a must-have camera for sports journalists. The subject is detected and tracked quite easily on Automatic selection AF mode, but we recommend the Zone AF mode for low light shots. Furthermore, there is a 360,000-pixel RGB+IR sensor with 216 pounds that minimize the usage of exposure compensation while the dynamic range scores pretty well at the lower end of the sensitivity scale. If you want natural stills, we recommend the ’Standard Picture Style images. This model features great detail, proper autofocus in low lighting conditions too, and hardly any noise. What more could you want?  

Bottom Line

Canon EOS-1D X Mk II is an ideal option for those looking for a modern aesthetic. It’s reliable and durable; therefore, you don’t need to worry about it giving up in the middle of a shoot while the remarkable layout proves hassle-free in terms of control.

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

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Features:

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the latest successor in the well-acclaimed EOS 5D series. While the first camera introduced full-frame photography, Mark IV made a huge jump in terms of sensor and dynamic range with several other upgrades, making it an enthusiast favorite.  

Build Quality

It reminds us of Mark III and the other cameras in the 5D series with almost the same design and button layout. Canon simply didn’t want users to go through the hassle of relearning the new layout, and we can’t thank them enough. However, they did make some changes; for example, the handgrip seems enlarged to increase your control while the pentaprism accommodates the GPS unit. Moreover, they enhanced the weatherproofing by adding additional seals but somehow managed to cut the weight too. However, you don’t need to worry about its overall texture since the magnesium alloy, and polycarbonate body with a glass fiber prism cover work together to increase its strength.  

Performance

Mark IV features a 252-zone RGB+IR metering system with Intelligent Scene Analysis. It assesses the entire scene to deliver a well-balanced exposure while the white balance system performs well too. You can choose between Ambiance or White priority settings, out of which the latter produces neutral images under artificial lighting while the first mode retains some warmth.

Just like other full-frame DSLRs, the viewfinder provides 100% coverage and utilizes the Intelligent Viewfinder II technology to display grid lines and other shooting information for better shots. Moving on, the rear display consists of a sharp screen to make Live View shots easier than ever. Moreover, its clarity and viewing angle improves the composition of low angle shots. The menu system is easy to navigate, allowing users to swipe through several categories quickly. The 7fps burst rate lasts for 21 raw files before pausing while the battery lasts for around 900 shots.  

You can’t expect anything less than stunning image quality if your camera uses a 30.4MP sensor, but you don’t need to worry about any chroma noise with an increase in resolution either.  

Bottom Line

We aren’t exaggerating when we say that this is one of the most well-rounded DSLRs we’ve worked with over the last few years. It’s the ability to shoot several subjects, from fast-moving tracks to landscapes; it won’t disappoint you in any situation.

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3. Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS R, Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera features the new RF lens mount and promises quite a lot of features, including great image and video quality.  

Build Quality

It has a magnesium alloy body and magnesium shell that offers an aesthetic matte finish. It’s durable enough to withstand the harsh shooting conditions while the DSLR sized handgrip feels comfortable to the touch. The overall design reminded us of Canon EOS 6D Mark II with the same handling and support for heavy lenses. The button layout is similar to its other DSLRs for a sense of familiarity, and there’s a top plate LCD screen that shows more information than expected. On the other hand, you can customize the control bar to access various settings just by dragging your thumb over it.  

Performance

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is quite impressive: the phase-detection system features 5655 points with 88% vertical and 100% horizontal coverage and while the working range bottoms at -6EV. The focus tracking doesn’t disappoint one either as it effectively keeps track of fast-moving objects. EOS R shoots at 8fps but may drop down to 3fps if you use the ”tracking priority mode.” The decent buffer records up to 47 raw files or 100 JPEGs in a single go.  

We found the touchscreen functionality pretty great as it gives users control over several features, including shooting, reviewing shots, and navigating the menu system. On the other hand, the viewfinder offers enhanced magnification and works well in low lighting conditions. There is a new control ring on the RF lens that can be adjusted to offer options, including exposure compensation.

We were satisfied by the image quality; it’s certainly not out of the world in terms of resolution and dynamic range but produces stunning A3 prints. You won’t notice any noise till ISO 2000, after which there’s a slight hint of luminance noise. At ISO 10000, the chroma noise is more prominent. The metering system delivers well-balanced exposures while you can choose between Ambience or White Priority settings according to how much neutrality you want.  

Bottom Line

Canon EOS R is a great alternative for people looking for a DSLR like performance in a mirrorless camera body. There were a few rough edges. However, we are eagerly waiting for its successor, after which it would be much better than it’s rivals. We weren’t impressed by the ergonomics since they were basic and didn’t match the standards of its rival cameras.

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4. Canon EOS 90D Digital SLR Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS 90D might be Canon’s last enthusiast-level DSLR. However, it will not be forgotten. It’s predecessor Canon EOS 80D was a well-received mid-range snapper while 90D show-offs innovative details that remind us why people still prefer DSLRs: long battery life, cutting edge specs and great handling are just some of the many features.  

Build Quality and Design

90D is a bit wider but shorter and thinner than 80D: this lightweight, compact body is ideal for traveling without unnecessary bulk. It features an aluminum alloy, polycarbonate resin, and glass fiber body, which feels robust while the water and dust resistant qualities ensure that it will say by your side during the harshest photography sessions. The grip was redesigned to increase the user’s comfort level and enhance safety. Moreover, it doesn’t lose it’s balance regardless of the lens. There is n 8-way joystick for easy AF point selection and an optical viewfinder that shows 100% of the frame. The 3-inch, fully articulating 1,040,000-dot rear screen is responsive and meant to focus and shoot without any hassle.  

Performance

Our favorite part of Canons EOS 90D is the incredible 216 zone metering system that gathers data from an infrared sensor with 220000 pixels. Each section is observed for exposure to adjust the brightness of the whole frame. Moreover, you can select your metering mode from Evaluative, Partial, Centre-weighted, and Spot metering. The first option works well in every situation while the others suit backlit subjects.  

Furthermore, the high-resolution sensor and its image processor work simultaneously to give the camera an incredible edge over speed. The base ISO has no noise performance, and you won’t notice anything significant up till ISO 8000, while the little noise is easily removed in post-production. You will notice a vast improvement in the dynamic range, too, especially at higher ISOs as more details are captured in highlights and shadows while underexposure produces washed-out images. The battery is worth mentioning as you get more than 1300 images when switching between the viewfinder and Live View and around 1900 if you only use the viewfinder.  

Bottom Line

Canon EOS 90D is an optimal choice for those users who’d rather purchase DSLRs over mirrorless cameras. It’s packed with innovative features, including a high-resolution sensor and smooth performance. The deep grip makes it comfortable to use for longer time periods, and with impressive battery life, there’s nothing more one would want.

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5. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Digital 4K Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS M50 is an outstanding mirrorless camera that doesn’t fall behind in image quality despite the low price. The easy to use interface and great autofocus system has made it to the list of beginner-friendly cameras while the diverse features and system support is much loved by the photography enthusiasts.  

Build Quality

Succeeding the much liked Canon EOS M5, the design doesn’t promise us as many changes. However, it doesn’t disappoint us either. One of it’s best features, the electronic viewfinder, hides a built-in flash underneath it for a streamlined finish. The strong polycarbonate body is an example of durability as it’s sturdy enough to not give up under the harshest photography conditions. The plasticky exterior finish and leatherette handgrip match the signature aesthetic of Canons entry-level DSLRs. We were pretty impressed by the clean finishing with minimal, well-spaced buttons compared to the several body-mounted controls in M5. The single-mode dial is accessible while the rear includes a four-way control pad, some dedicated control buttons, and a quick menu button for the shooting settings.  

Performance

M50 comprises of a Digic 8 processor that shoots images up to 7.4fps in Continuous AF mode and a whooping 10fps in Single AF mode. It includes an electronic viewfinder to deliver a smooth display and magnification. Canon is famous for producing a responsive touchscreen interface that makes scrolling through images and menu a breeze. It comes with a 15-45mm, which supports built-in image stabilization while some people find it easier to work with auto ISO to control the risk of camera shake. We were pretty disappointed by the average battery running time; it lasts around 230 shots. Thus it’s recommended to carry a spare battery at all times.  

Moving on, the 24.2MP APS-C sensor is responsible for delivering crisp images that look stunning in A3 prints. If you are fond of low light photography, the sensor won’t disappoint you, and neither would the high ISO settings produce any unnecessary chroma noise. The solid dynamic range portrays a great amount of detail that other cameras often leave out. M50 makes use of the dual pixel CMOS AF system: a valuable addition to this camera. It offers brisk focus with a touch-and-drag AF point for quick AF area selection.  

Bottom Line

It would be unfair to say that we weren’t impressed by Canon EOS M50s performance. The stunning image quality, EVF, and the sensor did wonder for our images and surely covered its weak points, including poor battery life. Even though professionals won’t be impressed by the limited features, the price and functions are a treat for beginners.

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6. Canon EOS 6D Mark II Digital SLR Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the second full-frame camera in the 6D series. This upgrade was much demanded and pretty well-received as the manufacturers improved almost every aspect of it. The sensor, autofocus, and ISO range are more than what one would expect from a camera in this range.  

Build Quality

Comparing it to Mark IV, you won’t get a similar pro-feel, but you won’t be left disappointed either. It comprises an aluminum alloy and polycarbonate body with glass fiber for a robust built. We were happy to see the dust and moisture seals that form a protective layer against wet conditions: you don’t need to fret about it. Moving on, it’s relatively more compact than EOS 6D with a new BG-E21 battery grip (the old battery isn’t compatible anymore), while the overall grip is well-sculpted for comfort. Fortunately, the layout of control buttons is similar to 6D with a large LCD display on the front and AF, drive, ISO, and metering controls beside it.  

Performance

It features a 45 cross-type point AF system, a massive improvement from 6D. As a result, it’s sensitivity in both planes enhances accuracy. The burst rate was upgraded to 6.5 fps, while the depth boasts an improvement of shooting up to 21 raw files in succession. The 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor does a pretty good job. However, you may need to use exposure compensation in high contrast situations due to weighting on the active AF point.  

Furthermore, the auto white balance is worth appreciating. There are two options: ambient priority mode and white priority mode. The first mode delivers warmer images to retain the overall ambiance while the latter does a great job of producing clean, neutral images. There is a flicker detection option to maintain consistency under artificial lighting, and with a battery life up to 1200 shots, we aren’t complaining.  

As we said, it has a 26.2MP sensor, which gives a remarkable image quality. Another great thing is that there is minimal noise production no matter what ISO you use: at ISO800, it’s negligible while at ISO4000, there is a bit of chroma noise.  

Bottom Line

It’s easy to say that EOS 6D Mark II was a much-needed upgrade after the release of EOS 6D. It’s a great full-frame DSLR and features many improvements, especially in terms of operational speed and performance. Even though the price may not be justified, we can easily say that it’s ideal for being one’s first full-frame DSLR.

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7. Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera

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Features:

It’s hard to ignore the remarkable features of Canons Cameras. Every device seems to offer us something new to enhance our image quality, and Canon EOS RP does the same. This signature model is quite famous among the beginners for its easy user interface and great functionality.  

Build Quality

The first thing we noticed was the obvious difference in size. EOS RP seems considerably smaller and lighter, making it great to carry around while the supportive grip enhances your comfort. The buttons are arranged in a tidy manner for a less intimidating appearance. The body comprises a polycarbonate-on-mag alloy, which feels light yet strong to the touch. The RF lens comes with a dust and moisture gasket to keep your camera safe from windy areas.

Furthermore, there are several connectivity options, including a microphone jack, a headphone jack, a remote jack, and a USB-C port. On the other hand, the touchscreen and electronic viewfinder offer a stunning color contrast.  

Performance

The performance isn’t out of the world, but considering the price range, we were impressed, especially by the image quality. The dynamic range is great and shows detailed shadows due to the Digic 8 processor. The burst mode operates at 4fps in Servo AF and 5fps in One Shot and is able to shoot around 5p 14-bit raw files before pausing. While the Servo AF delivers great eye-tracking, we found the face tracking feature to be much better.

Furthermore, the autofocus feature operates exceptionally good in low lighting conditions: regardless of how dark the environment was, RPs autofocus always produced fast and accurate results. There are other modes, including Night Portrait, Close-up, and Sports, especially aimed at beginners to get great macro and action shots. If you use low ISO values, you’ll notice well-judged sharpening and less pronounced halos, but you don’t need to worry about excessive noise production at higher ISO values.  

Moving on, we found it better to shoot videos at 1080p rather than 4k due to the 1.76x crop and lack of image stabilization. Most professional photographers find it better to use the Focus Peaking in the manual focus mode since 4k videos are shot at 25fps.  

Bottom Line

We’ve worked with quite a few entry-level DSLR cameras, and Canon EOS RP tops the list. Even though the features are limited, the camera aims to attract a beginner through its stunning JPEGs and body dynamics. If you’re looking for a great travel companion, EOS RP is certainly the one.

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Buyer’s Guide: What Are The Features Necessary In Your Canon Camera For Video

The worst part about buying a camera is that you really can’t take any risks with a high level of investment involved. Most stores don’t offer a return or exchange policy, which means that you might end up with a wrong camera for a long time. Therefore, it’s necessary to figure out your photography needs and desired features beforehand. Here are some necessary points to consider while purchasing a video camera.  

Step 1: Are you a beginner or a professional?

This makes a huge impact on the type of camera you choose. Beginners are often looking for a basic device that consists of an easy user interface and some features to experiment with. Mirrorless cameras are the best bet since they offer you as much control as you want. Moreover, they have touchscreen focusing and shooting similar to your smartphone cameras for a more comfortable shooting experience.  

Professional photographers assume that DSLRs are the only feasible option. However, this is far from the truth. The modern mirrorless cameras have similar features in a small body. Photographers often want to blend into the crowd for candid shots, and the compact design helps them do just that.  

Step 2: Choose the right lens.

Thanks to technological advancements, most cameras are equipped with an amazing lens system. It allows you to change your lens according to the requirements of your shot. Keeping this in mind, your lens determines the final quality and looks of your image.

The market consists of lenses ranging from general-purpose to specialized while most renowned camera brands have their own lens mount to attach lenses of the same brand. Most beginner cameras come with an all-purpose lens to experiment with different shots. You must understand that each lens has a different depth, colors, and compositions, which might not suit your aesthetic. Moreover, you need to know about their limitations as the wrong lens will not suit your subject or scene.  

Step 3: The size of the sensor

DSLRs are famous for the large sensor sizes that offer a professional touch to the shots along with more control. We all know that mirrorless cameras weren’t as famous before. Therefore, consumers were often stuck with Sony if they wanted a full-frame mirrorless camera. Moving to modern times, you have a diverse range of full-frame mirrorless cameras from renowned manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic. The full-frame sensors have a 35mm film for a great performance in terms of image quality, field depth, and low light capability. 

Next comes APS-C, which is a 22.2 x 14.8 mm film featured on Sony A6400 and Canons M-series models as well as many compact cameras. It’s relatively cheaper with many benefits, including a dreamy ”bokeh” (blurred background), high resolution, and high ISO for low light shooting. Moreover, it’s ideal for shooting videos and demands less focus.  

Micro Four Thirds, commonly found in Panasonic and Olympus, measures around 17.3 x 13mm. There are less bokeh and light gathering ability, but it works well on small cameras. Videos shot with this sensor size offer a reasonable depth of field with better control over focus.  

Step 4: Are you using it for shooting videos?

If shooting videos with your camera is your primary job, your desired features must be relatively different. Video bloggers demand a selfie type flip-out rear screen similar to Canons EOS R/RP. Even though Song has popup displays, they are print to getting blocked by a hot shoe mounted external microphone.  

If you demand crisp, artifact-free videos, your camera must be able to read the entire sensor. However, this isn’t possible in ultra-high definition. It often causes skipping by producing rainbow colors and jagged diagonal lines in full-frame 4k. You should also consider the camera’s form factor, total running time, and notice whether it has a microphone jack or not.  

Step 4: Viewfinder

You have the option of choosing between an optical viewfinder and an electronic viewfinder. With a DSLR, the images are reflected from the mirror into the optical viewfinder to see the shot exactly as it is. However, images go straight to the image sensor in a mirrorless camera for an electronic version of the scene on both the LCD and viewfinder. The EVF shows the live view image you’d see on the LCD screen. You can purchase this feature at an additional cost if your camera doesn’t provide it.  

Step 5: Wireless connectivity and other features

It’s impossible to function in 2020 without the wireless feature. It allows users to transfer the images from the camera to the chosen device without any hassle. Moreover, the remote control apps offer an extension of the camera’s viewfinder for easy composition.

Another important feature in a video camera is the audio quality. Even though most photographers use an external microphone device, you should try to invest in one with excellent audio quality since you never know when the built-in microphone may come in handy. Some cameras come with a cannon plug that allows users to plug in any external microphone. Secondly, you should keep an eye out for a headphone jack since many cameras don’t have it. It allows you to monitor any sounds while shooting for quick post adjustments, such as removing unwanted noise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Canon Cameras

Q: Why should you use a DSLR for video recording?

A: DSLR cameras are quite famous amongst photographers for their excellent image quality and unlimited freedom that users get. They are capable of shooting professional-looking videos at a lower price than professional camcorders.  

The first thing about a DSLR is that you don’t need to do through a tedious setup process to initiate shooting: just pull it out of the box and begin to record. However, you may need to invest in some additional pieces of equipment to get the most out of your shots. Furthermore, they are lightweight and compact when compared to a broadcast camera. People feel more comfortable in front of small devices since they seem less intimidating. Moreover, there are numerous ways one can use their DSLR to record. With unlimited filters, aesthetics, and settings without complex functions, a beginner won’t feel scared of making subtle changes.  

Moreover, it’s hard to ignore the final look of the video. If your camera offers 4k resolution, there wouldn’t be a better feature to get professional-looking videos: it’s nearly impossible to figure out whether advertisements shot by a broadcast camera or DSLR.  

Q: Should I film 4k or 1080p?

A: Some of us are stuck using 1080p, while most photographers have already switched to 4k devices. With 8.3 million pixels, you can only imagine how sharp and crisp your video quality may be. 1080p is good enough for some basic projects, while 4k allows a quadrupled resolution for cleaner zoom. This allows you to cut closeups and eliminates jump cuts, an issue with most single-camera interviews.  

Some people don’t want a 4k video but would still use this mode for shooting. Wonder why? The reason is that it delivers a higher quality down-sampled image: a sharp shot. Moreover, it reduces the occurrence of color branding due to the high bitrate, resulting in more color detail. Another reason is obtaining stable video footage. If you haven’t invested in a gimbal and your camera doesn’t offer built-in image stabilization, you might have to use software stabilization. This stretches images and reduces quality. Therefore, if you want a 1080p video, it’s better to shoot in 4k.

Some people are afraid of shooting 4k videos due to the lack of available space. We recommend users to transfer images from their devices to their laptops or invest in hard drives. You may purchase premium packages of WD passport, Seagate Backup Plus or Amazon Drive to avoid any future hassle.  

Q: Which is better, Canon or Nikon?

A: We can’t even count the number of times we’ve been asked which one’s better: Canon or Nikon. They’ve been rivals for as long as we can remember, and with the amazing functionality and design of each, it’s hard to differentiate.  

They are compatible with almost every EOS or F lens. However, they offer different autofocus. Canon works well with all EOS lenses while Nikon suits better with AF-S lenses, resulting in narrow choices. However, Nikon is relatively lightweight, compact, and cheap due to no autofocus motor. Most photographers desire just that.  

Moving on, Canons professional cameras offer slightly smaller sensors in their entry-level bodies for more crop. Even though there is a minimal difference: 1.6 rather than 1.5, some people would consider it. Canon has a well-organized menu system, great screen to view your images while Nikon feels more comfortable for everyday usage. In the end, it depends on your preferences since they’re both great in their own unique ways.  

Conclusion

We hope that you were convinced by our list of the best Canon Cameras for Videos. Canon has been around for ages. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about image quality or performance. However, you must know that every camera will not suit your photography needs. You should consider your budget, but it’s not proportionate to the quality of the camera. If you’re a beginner, Canon EOS RP is a great investment, while Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers great features for its low price.