The-old age question in the video production world: what actually is the best video camera? Well, unfortunately, this answer is not a simple one! But why should you trust my opinion? Well, my name is Stokely, I'm the owner of Trendy Grandad, a global video production company that specialise in social-first & YouTube videos. I've been in the business for well over a decade now & to be truthful, when it comes to cameras, I've seen and used a lot of them! My goal for this article is to give you my honest and truthful opinion and advice. I'm not here to sell you 'the best video camera' like the big corporate companies & i'm not some random ai bot either!
Now, spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s “best” depends entirely on what you’re filming, your budget, and how much gear you’re willing to lug around. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down.
Here are my top picks, but what's the best?
Sony FX6
Sony FX3
GoPro Hero 13
Canon EOS C70
Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
So, let's get into it, shall we?
What Makes a Good Video Camera?
Is it Canon? Is it a Nikon? Is it a Sony? Here are a few things to look out for:
- Video Quality: Look for 4K at a minimum; anything less feels ancient in 2025.
- Stabilization: If your footage is as shaky as a toddler on caffeine, it doesn’t matter how fancy your camera is.
- Low-Light Performance: Filming in dimly lit rooms? Get a camera with good low-light capabilities.
- Portability: Are you filming vlogs or big productions? Size matters.
- Audio Options: Built-in mics are often garbage. A camera that lets you plug in an external mic is a win.
Top 5 Video Cameras in 2025
5. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 - (The Creatives Dream) - £1659
Genuinely a lovely camera & a camera brand we have used in our video agency for well over 3 years now. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 is for filmmakers who want cinematic results without a Hollywood budget.
What’s Great:
- The Super 35 sensor with 6K resolution gives unparalleled image quality.
- Records in Blackmagic RAW, giving you endless possibilities in post-production.
- Affordable compared to other cinema cameras, making it an accessible choice for indie creators.
What’s Not So Great:
- Battery life is laughable—seriously, buy extra batteries or invest in a rig.
- The design isn’t exactly intuitive; it’s a camera for pros, not casual vloggers.
- No built-in stabilization, so you’ll need a gimbal or very steady hands.
The Blackmagic 6K G2 isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you’ve got the know-how and the patience, it can deliver film-quality results. Just be ready to wrestle with accessories and settings to get the most out of it.
4. GoPro Hero 13 Black - (The work horse) - £399 to £599
I don't think we give this camera the credit it deserves when it comes to the filmmaking industry. I think we can all comfotable say without it we'd all be in a much worse place. I'm not saying the quality is a match to Red Dragon, but the type of shots this camera can achieve on such small budget is genuinely insane. The GoPro Hero 13 is the Swiss Army knife of video cameras, beloved by content creators and adventurers alike. It’s the latest model, and it’s packed with so many features to make your footage really stand out.
What’s Great:
- Stellar image stabilisation and HyperSmooth 6.0 make shaky footage a thing of the past.
- Capable of 5.3K video recording with stunning detail and vibrant colours.
- Improved battery life means you can capture longer sessions without worrying about running out of juice & the connectivity to the GoPro app is super slick.
- Thanks to GoPro's innovative design, this camera is very easy to setup. Yes, it's not one of the fancy mirrorless cameras, but the choices you have with this camera in such a small little box, well it's perfect for the beginner and perfect for the advanced cameras people!
- GoPro is just one of them brands that have nailed simplicity, streaming, user experience, easy to use preferences and generally made the whole experience of user camera just quite fun & that's why I love this camera so much!
What’s Not So Great:
- Limited manual control for those who like to tweak every setting.
- Built-in mic is functional but lacks the clarity serious filmmakers demand—add an external mic for the best audio.
- While durable, the small screen can be tough to navigate for those used to DSLR-style displays.
- The zoom, aperture & aspect ratio is pretty awful, definitely use it for it's widescreen capabilities and it's clear hd footage.
- Don't use this camera if you want to do some photography, as it just won't hold up! I do rate it as an incredible action photography camera though - you just need to know how to use it properly!
The GoPro Hero 13 Black is the ultimate vlogging camera & action camera for creators who want to capture epic moments without the bulk. Whether you’re on a tripod or scaling a mountain, this product delivers on all fronts.
3. Canon EOS C70 - (The Old Reliable) - £4,299
So many people would have this above Sony cameras, but I just can't do it! Yes the Canon EOS C70 redefines the compact cinema camera market, offering image quality and usability that’s hard to match. It’s versatile, wireless, and packed with features filmmakers will love. But, the Sony's cameras & lenses just tip over the edge compared to the canons! Read my review below & you'll see what I mean!
What’s Great:
- Super 35mm DGO sensor delivers 16+ stops of dynamic range, making it a star for low-light capture.
- EF-to-RF lens mount adapter allows for a huge lens choice to suit any production style.
- This is actually a gamechanger for this camera & is the reason why it's so difficult to compare it to the Sony cameras but the built-in ND filters and dual card slots give flexibility and reliability during shoots.
- The buttons on the canon cameras & the users interface is super slick - it's had many improvements over the last decade and I can surefire say it's easy to navigate and not super complex. This is definitely one of the better models also & is definitely worth the upgrade from it's predecessor.
What’s Not So Great:
- Limited to Super 35mm; full-frame shooters may feel restricted. Depends how creative you want to be I guess!
- Lacks the sleek design of its mirrorless competitors—this one’s built for jobs, not Instagram.
- Onboard audio inputs are solid, but you’ll still need external microphones for the best results. Fun Fact: It shoots in so many formats it's actually crazy what this little thing can do!
The Canon EOS C70 is a no-nonsense cinema camera with outstanding features for serious creators. It’s not the flashiest model on this list, but its reliability and value make it a standout choice. Which way do you side? Canon or Sony?
2. Sony FX6 - (The Production Crews Dream) - £6000
Next up, the Sony FX6 is like the FX3’s older sibling—bigger, bolder, and built for filmmakers who demand more. With advanced features packed into a compact body, this lens-friendly beast is perfect for professional sets. I love it to be honest & I think you really will love it also!
What’s Great:
- 4K 10-bit recording with exceptional dynamic range and color depth for stunning image quality.
- Built-in ND filters (variable and electronic!)—a lifesaver for outdoor shoots with changing light.
- Incredible autofocus system that tracks subjects seamlessly, saving time on set.
- Also, it has inbuilt timecode- so on a multicam shoot, this product is the dream!
What’s Not So Great:
- Bigger and bulkier than the FX3, so not as portable for solo content creators or vloggers.
- The learning curve for menu navigation and settings may intimidate newcomers.
- Comes at a premium price, making it more suitable for professionals than casual shooters.
The FX6 delivers everything a filmmaker could ask for, from lens flexibility to pro-level recording specs. If you’ve got the budget and the projects to justify it, this is a camera that earns its keep.
1. Sony FX3 (The Show Stopper) - £3000
The Sony FX3 is a powerhouse for filmmakers who want cinematic quality in a compact body. Think of it as the perfect fusion of lens flexibility and video recording prowess. A videographers dream, if you will. Perfeect for the job! I use this camera a lot on most of the shoots i'm on nowadays, the reviews speak for itself, not only from me but from the entire camera community. Here are my reasons as to why it's made number one on the list;
What’s Great:
- Full-frame sensor with 4K at 120fps offers impeccable image quality and smooth motion capture for high-end productions.
- Exceptional low-light performance with a 12.1 MP sensor that ensures clean footage even at high ISO settings. Cor spicy!
- Compact design with a durable build, making it a dream for run-and-gun filmmakers or those working without a large crew.
- If you're a keen photographer this camera is also great for taking photos and has produced some pretty sick images for me in the past .
What’s Not So Great:
- It's not the end of the world but when you use an FX6 and then come to this camera it doesn't have any built-in ND filters, which can be limiting when shooting outdoors (grab an external ND filter, and you're good to go). I prefer variable ND's!
- Battery life is decent but drains quickly when shooting in 4K or higher frame rates—keep spares handy.
- The price may be steep for those just starting, but it’s a worthwhile investment for seasoned pros.
- As always with most video cameras, the in built audio is terrible, use an external microphone like a rode for best results.
The FX3 strikes a balance between high performance and portability. If you’re serious about your craft and want a camera that works just as hard as you, the Sony FX3 is a choice you won’t regret. Like I said, I use it on most shoots and it's always providing plenty of great results.
Best Budget Video Cameras of 2025
Look I get it, cameras are sooooo expensive, it can actually get ridiculous. If you're just want to do some testing, want to try filmmaking out or if you’re strapped for cash, here are a couple of solid budget picks: (PS. We use these all the time in my production company for a variety of different shoots, if they appeal to us, they will appeal to you)
- Canon EOS Rebel T8i: Affordable, with decent 4K recording and user-friendly controls.
- Panasonic Lumix G7: A mirrorless option that’s lightweight, shoots 4K, and won’t break the bank.
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3 - £350 - The vloggers camera dream rolled into one - this is a little powerhouse, built for beginners!
What were last years best video cameras? (2024) - a quick look back!
Last year saw incredible advancements across various models, catering to every person from beginners to seasoned pros. Whether it was the user-friendly Mark II updates, the cinematic features of the Blackmagic, or the versatility of the DJI Mini 3 Pro, there was something for every price point. As we look ahead, these models set a high standard for innovation and performance.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II stood out for its exceptional speed and versatility, making it a favorite for both videography and still photography. With an APS-C sensor and 4K recording at 60fps, it offered a solid balance between quality and performance. The fully articulating touchscreen made it a breeze to shoot from unique angles, while dual card slots ensured plenty of storage for larger projects. At its price point, it catered well to intermediate users looking for a serious mirrorless camera.
Key features: Lightning-fast focus and weather sealing, but it lacked a top-tier viewfinder for some pros' tastes.
Sony A7 IV
The Sony A7 IV cemented its place as a powerhouse with its full-frame sensor, offering stunning detail for photo and video enthusiasts alike. The updated background defocus mode made it easy to get professional-quality bokeh, while the intuitive LCD screen enhanced usability. With multiple shooting modes and an impressive battery life, this model proved versatile across a range of projects, from low-light conditions to outdoor shoots. However, its single card slot was a bit limiting for high-capacity workflows.
Fujifilm X-T4
Known for its retro-inspired design, the Fujifilm X-T4 combined modern features with old-school charm. Its APS-C sensor and advanced image stabilization system made it ideal for handheld shooting, while the flip-out touchscreen was perfect for vloggers and creators. It also excelled in 1080p slow motion, capturing buttery-smooth footage at 240fps. The lack of a headphone port for monitoring audio, however, was a minor drawback for videographers.
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone
For aerial enthusiasts, the DJI Mini 3 Pro was a standout. Compact yet powerful, it delivered 4K footage with sharp details and vibrant colors, making it a go-to for creators wanting to elevate their videography. The touchscreen-equipped controller simplified navigation, while advanced tracking modes ensured subjects stayed in focus. Its lightweight design and ability to withstand moderate weather conditions were big pluses, though the lack of expandable internal storage was a downside. However, the new update is much better and is now one of my top recommendations for drones. P.S - The SD card port is ridiculously small on this camera, I think all of us can say we've been in situations where we have struggled getting the SD cards in the camera!
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Designed for filmmakers, the Blackmagic 6K Pro featured a Super 35mm sensor and offered unmatched video quality at its price point. With support for multiple lens setups and pro-level features like built-in ND filters and a tilting LCD screen, it became a must-have for serious creators. Its main drawback? Poor battery life and a clunky interface, which meant it wasn’t as user-friendly for beginners.
Authors Last Thoughts
So, there you have it, these are the cameras that I think top the best video camera list for 2025. However, I'm going to write the same article at the end of the year and see if it's still the case! As with anything in life, there is so much to choose from. Ultimately, you've got to silence the noise from the camera companies and find something that suits your needs, the worst thing you could do is buy a camera to look cool or buy and camera not be able to make any money from it because you're not very good at sales! All the best with buying your new video camera!
P.S - If you want help with selling video production, i've spent 2 decades doing it - contact me & I'll help you.
