Starting filmmaking and videography comes with a couple of technical requirements that one can’t work around: image resolution and audio accuracy. Regardless of how new, experimental, or artistic you are, you won’t be successful unless you meet the minimum in terms of image and audio quality. Shooting with a 4K camera is one of these essential requirements. So, here is everything you need to know about 4K video powerhouses and the top five cameras that inspire us.
Why You Need a 4K Video Powerhouse
The 4K term refers to image resolution, and it means your videos will have a horizontal screen resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels. The exact resolution is 3840 x 2160 pixels, but 4K is easier to remember and takes less space in writing.
Photo by James Feaver on Unsplash
Nowadays, most digital displays, such as TV and computer screens, can display 4K videos, which means shooting at a lower resolution will produce low-quality videos and films. Instead of admiring your storytelling skills, the audience will be annoyed by the fact that they can see individual pixels in the video.
Furthermore, higher recording resolution means more freedom in post-production, a step no aspiring filmmaker can escape. For instance, 4K video footage can be enlarged without ruining the image quality, lets you adjust colors and contrast with ease, and supports graphical elements. 6K and 8K video footage takes post-processing a step further and allows you to crop frames and zoom in without losing quality.
What to Look for in a 4K Camera
Of course, having 4K video capabilities is non-negotiable. But other features are worth considering when buying a 4K camera.
The first one is frame rate. For a smooth playback of standard footage, a 30-fps frame rate is enough. However, if you plan to record sports or fast-action footage, you want higher frame rates, such as 60fps and more. You also want a high frame rate to create cinematic slow-motion shots (e.g., 120fps for a 5x slow-motion effect).
Another important aspect to consider is the sensor size. Larger sensors (i.e., anything larger than a Micro Four Thirds sensor, such as full-frame and APS-C sensors) produce brighter images and an overall better image quality. They perform better in low light conditions, which makes your job easier.
You may also want to consider the autofocus system. Features like subject recognition and tracking may come in handy when filming moving subjects. A silent autofocus motor improves the audio quality of your films, while a fast and smooth autofocus helps with transitions.
Although considering your workflow when buying a 4K video camera may be a bit counterintuitive, don’t overlook it. Workflow dictates lens requirements, for instance, whether you need a camera with interchangeable lenses or not and what range of lenses you need. It also influences your accessory choices, such as an external microphone, a camera stabilizer, and an external monitor. Based on your workflow, you may decide what codecs the camera must support, its connectivity requirements, and its minimum battery life.
The Best Five Cameras for Aspiring Filmmakers
When it comes to cameras for filmmakers, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Thus, we’ve tried to provide examples of 4K video powerhouses that cover a broad range of artistic styles, workflow preferences, and budgets. Here are our top five choices:
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
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Video Capabilities: 4K DCI and Ultra HD up to 60 fps, 2.6K 16:9 and HD up to 120 fps, and 2.8K anamorphic up to 80 fps
Formats: Video: CinemaDNG RAW, RAW 3:1 and RAW 4:1, Apple ProRes 4096 x 2160, 3840 x 2160 and 1920 x 1080, Audio: 2-channel stereo format
Compatible accessories: 2 x mini XLR analog audio inputs, 3.5mm stereo input, USB Type-C, HDMI output, tripod mounting points.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a great 4K camera for an aspiring filmmaker at the beginning of their career. It comes in a newer 6K version, but the 4K is more friendly on your wallet. It is a state-of-the-art digital film camera designed to be handheld and compatible with high-quality Micro Four Thirds lenses. The Pocket Camera can record 4K videos at up to 60 frames per second and windowed HD at up to 120 frames per second. The camera comes with a full DaVinci Resolve Studio license to smoothly continue your work in post-production.
In addition, the camera features a full-size 4/3 sensor, a super wide 13 stops of dynamic range, up to 256000 ISO, a multifunction grip for quick access to recording start/stop and other controls, RAW recording, and built-in SD, UHS-II, and CFast card recorders. As a filmmaker, you’ll appreciate the super bright 5-inch LCD touchscreen, the built-in speaker for quick paybacks, and the possibility to use a mini XLR external microphone.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera stands by its name. It weighs only
1.5 lbs (680g).
Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Camera
Video Capabilities: 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ full pixel readout, 7K oversampling full-frame 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ no pixel binning, S-Cinetone look, UVC/UAC live streaming up to 4K 15p/1080 60pw/ internal recording
Formats: Video: XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC), and XAVC S-I (All-I) Audio: AAC, Linear PCM (Stereo)
Compatible accessories: hot shoe, external microphone input (stereo), microphone jack, headphones jack, HDMI, and USB 3 for other accessories.
The Alpha a7 IV features an outstanding full-frame 33MP Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor that provides a broad range of video recording options. Starting with the 4K/60fps standard you are looking for, the camera steps up to 7K resolutions, oversampled when recording at 4K/30fps, and captures rich details and colors. In addition, it supports the cinematic S-Cinetone look that creates expressive images in-camera, provides smart AI-based real-time subject tracking with subject recognition, and turns into a live streaming camera on demand.
You’ll appreciate the 15+stop dynamic range, the 5-axis in-body image stabilization, the powerful BIONZ XR image processing engine, the fast transfer speed, and, not least; the advanced movie features that improve your workflow.
Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera (V2)
Video Capabilities: Uninterrupted 4K/60p recording, 16-bit RAW data output, Slow & Quick Motion with frame rates between 1fps and 200fps, S-Cinetone look, S-Log3 gamma curve and S-Gamut3.Cine
Formats: Video: XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC), and XAVC S-I (All-I) Audio: LPCM 4ch (48 kHz 24 bit), LPCM 2ch (48 kHz 24 bit and 48 kHz 16 bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch
Compatible accessories: XLR adaptor with two full-size XLR terminals for XLR microphone and handle, headphones jack, HDMI jack, USB Type-C, Multi Interface Shoe
If you aspire to make filmmaking a full-time job, you need a powerful cinema camera, such as the FX3. Sony has designed this camera with filmmakers in mind and continues to improve it, adding features that enhance creativity and flow. The FX3 is equipped with a 35mm Exmor R CMOS sensor, capable of 15+ stops of dynamic range and a standard ISO sensitivity of 80–102400 for movies. It features the S-Cinetone look, S-Log3 gamma curve, and S-Gamut3. Cine tools for exquisite color reproduction and in-camera image stabilization.
The fast Hybrid autofocus system offers intelligent subject tracking and real-time tracking. And the FX3 doesn’t stop here. Seven settings for AF Transition Speed, five settings for AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, and subject selection via the LCD touchscreen will make you fall in love with this camera.
Panasonic AG-CX350 4K Camcorder
Video Capabilities: 4K 10-bit 60p video recording, RTMP/RTSP function for live streaming and NDI | HX-ready IP connectivity, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) with eight modes, Super Slow Recording at 120fps
Formats: Video: MOV (AVC), MOV (HEVC), AVCHD Audio: LPCM 2ch (48 kHz 24 bit), Dolby Audio 2ch (48 kHz16 bit)
Compatible accessories: 2 XLR(3-pin) audio inputs, SDI and HDMI outputs, headphone jack, USB 3.1 for other accessories, 2.5mm super mini remote jack
The Panasonic AG-CX350 is the ideal choice for a more classic filmmaking approach. It is a camcorder, meaning it is designed exclusively for motion pictures and hardly lacks any features, codecs, or file formats that might benefit your videos.
It is equipped with a 1-inch MOS sensor and can record UHD 4K videos and produce HD videos in MOV format, HD/SD videos in AVCHD format, and HDR output in the camera. The built-in 24.5mm wide-angle lens offers a 20x optical zoom and 32x intelligent zoom, 5-axis image stabilization, and control rings for adjusting aperture, focus, and zoom.
At the same time, the AG-CX350 encompasses an intelligent autofocus system and powerful focus assist functionalities, such as Expand and Peaking, LCD Touch Focus, and One-Push AF Focus Assist.
Nikon Z6 III Mirrorless Camera
Video Capabilities: 6K/60p internal RAW video, 4K UHD, 4K/120p, and 240p HD slow-motion footage
Formats: Video: N-RAW (12 bit), Apple ProRes RAW HQ (12 bit), Apple ProRes 422 HQ (10 bit), H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit), H.264/AVC (8 bit) Audio: Linear PCM (48 kHz, 24 bit, for videos recorded in NEV or MOV format), AAC (48 kHz, 16 bit, for videos recorded in MP4 format)
Compatible accessories: hot shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock, external microphone jack, headphones jack, Type A HDMI, and USB Type C SuperSpeed for other accessories.
The Z6 III is a must-have camera when you commit to filmmaking. It exceeds the 4K requirements, providing a comfortable 6K/60p recording that covers both playing and post-processing requirements. Furthermore, it is a compact mirrorless camera that allows you to shoot in any location effortlessly, provides access to a broad range of exquisite lenses, and comes with line-in audio and professional monitoring tools. Thanks to its impressive video capabilities, the camera provides multiple video quality and frame rate options and offers up to 2x digital zoom when recording in HD and up to 1.4x digital zoom when shooting in 4K.
The Z6 III is equipped with a 24.5MP sensor, the world’s first partially stacked CMOS sensor, which makes it 3.5x faster than the previous model. It features 8-stop built-in image stabilization and focus point vibration reduction, an ISO range of 100 to 64000, expandable to ISO 204800, and an advanced autofocus system with built-in deep learning technology and multi-subject recognition. You can attach any accessories you have in mind, such as a handle or a tripod, an external microphone, or a light unit.
Final Thoughts
A 4K video powerhouse is the first and foremost piece of equipment an aspiring filmmaker must have. It is the insurance policy that your videos will have the image and audio quality required to enter professional filmmaking and videography. Technical specifications are, of course, critical, and you should give them the right attention. But keep an eye on what you want to create and how you want to work, too. Make informed and wise decisions and check out all the ways in which a 4K camera can benefit your work because there is definitely more than one.
