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The best
DSLR &
mirrorless
cameras
for video
2019
384 B02 DSLR & mirrorless cameras .indd 16 3/19/19 2:10 PMVIDEOMAKER >>> MAY 2019 17
The best
DSLR &
mirrorless
cameras
for video
2019
D
SLR and mirrorless cameras dominate the video production scene
thanks to their impressive image quality and relative affordability.
Though these little cameras still look like photo-only tools, they have
become increasingly capable video cameras with some big advantages.
At the end of this article, we’ll go over some of the special considerations
unique to this form factor. But first, here are the best DSLR and mirrorless
cameras across several use cases.the camera has the fastest autofocus in
the world, with an acquisition time of
just 0.02 seconds. That’s is lighting fast.
It also sports 4K video recording, “Real-
time Eye AF” and “Real-time Tracking,”
and of course the 180-degree tiltable
LCD touch screen.
The camera uses a 24.2 MP APS-C
sized image sensor with an upgraded
BIONZ X processor. With this combo
and the same image processing algo-
rithms as Sony’s full-frame cameras,
noise in the a6400 is greatly reduced.
This is also Sony’s first APS-C mir-
rorless camera to include the Hybrid
Log-Gamma picture profile. Both
S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available, as
well. Other handy tools include Zebra
functionality, Gamma Display assists
and proxy recording. That last feature
should make editing large video clips
in post much easier. Overall, the Sony
a6400 is a feature-rich camera, espe-
cially for its price of around $900.Best online video
Panasonic GH
Panasonic’s follow up to the legend-
ary GH4, the LUMIX GH5 is currently
priced just shy of $1,600. For that, you
get DCI 4K at 10-bit 4:2:2, 150 mega-
bits per second at 12 stops of dynamic
range from its 21.77 megapixel Micro
Four Thirds sensor. For $100 dollars
more you can add V-Log, Panasonic’s
log format.
Want high speed shooting? The LU-
MIX GH5 can record up to 180 frames
per second in HD. Pus, this camera
offers shot assist tools like a histo-
gram, focus peaking and zebra stripe
overlays. The camera’s 5-axis sensor
stabilization is a nice touch, and no
additional crop when shooting 4K is
another bonus.Best all around
Nikon Z
The Nikon Z6 is one of two new full
frame mirrorless cameras from Nikon,
the other camera being the pricier Z7.
While the Z7 prioritizes photo resolu-
tion with a large 45.7 megapixel sen-
sor, while the Z6 uses a sensor with
an effective pixel count of 24.5MP.
The Z6, however, supports a larger ISO
range, from 100 – 51200.
As for video, the Z7 and Z6 both
record in full-frame 4K UHD at 30p.
The camera allows for capture in ei-
ther the FX or DX format, so you have
the option to crop your image at will,
giving you more flexibility in your
field of view. Along with 4K, the two
cameras also shoot Full HD video at
up to 120p. Plus, the cameras use the
full-pixel readout for sharper 4K.
While several manufacturers
launched new mirrorless systems at
around the same time, Nikon’s offer-
ings stand out in part because of the
affordability and quality of the initial
lens offerings for the cameras’ brand
new Z Mount.
The Z6 and Z7 are also the first
cameras to output in Nikon’s N-Log
picture profile. Pairing the Z6 with an
external recorder enables both N-Log
and 10-bit video recording.
Its full-frame sensor, flexible record-
ing options and growing collection
of Z Mount lenses work together to
help the Nikon Z6 capture video of
impressive quality — all for just under
$2,000.Budget all around
Sony a
The Sony a6400 is the follow up to the
a6300 in Sony’s lineup of compact,
lightweight APS-C cameras. Sony claims384 B02 DSLR & mirrorless cameras .indd 17 3/19/19 2:10 PM