8K cameras are a relatively new phenomenon that is taking the camera world by storm. Tech companies across the globe are aiming to incorporate 8K into all and any devices that they currently make.
So what is 8K? Well it refers to the amount of pixels that are able to be seen in the image. 8K measures 7680 x 4320 pixels, four times that of its predecessor, 4K. More impressively, 8K offers a staggering 16 times higher pixel count than 1080p, commonly referred to as HD.
If you thought high definition was great quality, then you haven’t seen anything yet. 8K will be the future of camera equipment so if you’re thinking of buying a new camera it might be worth spending a little more cash.
Or perhaps you’re still shooting with a 1080p HD camera. You had your eye on a 4K and now 8K has been thrown into the mix and you’re not sure where to spend your money.
This list is going to run you through all the latest and greatest 8K cameras. We will give you a run down of all the best cameras that are out there on the market right now.
We’ll cover what they do, a variety of price points, as well as pros and cons of each model so you can quickly find out if 8K is for you, and if so, which camera is going to suit your needs best. Read on and find out which camera is going to work for you.
Sport Action Camera 8K 3D 360 Action Video Camera VR Video Panoramic Camera with Carrying Case
The Sports Action camera by BJZXZ is the first camera that makes our list. This 8K ready camera is expensive, but offers shooters lots of opportunity to experiment.
A wide range of great built in features come complete with this camera. On top of that you’ll also receive a warranty, carry case and an amazing 8K camera.
This camera will shoot high definition detail that even the human eye will miss. This camera will give you clearer, more in depth viewing than ever before. For those that are in the market for an 8K ready camera that specifically intent to shoot a lot outside – this camera is probably going to be your perfect match.
Pros
- 8K ready
- 3D ready
- 360 degree video capturing ability
- Carry case included for taking on trips
- Fully waterproof so you can take this camera underwater, shooting in never before used high definition 8K quality.
- Comes with 6 200 degree lenses built in.
- Custom alloy frame
- Slow motion function
- Great for shooting action sports
- Great for shooting in the ocean, surfing, skiing and other extreme sports
- Optical flow stitching to ensure your view is as close to nature as possible
- Built in mic and external link for monitors and voice control
- Up to date pixel quality
- Built in image stabilization
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- Largely untested
- You need an 8K monitor to actually review and edit 8K footage
Insta360 PRO 2 & Farsight, Professional 360 8K 3D Camera
The second 8K camera that makes our list is the extremely popular choice amongst 8K film makers. This camera comes with bags of great features that make the leap up to 8K a worthwhile consideration.
Made by Insta360 this six lens 360 degree viewing camera will never miss any details. With a built in handheld camera you can be on set all the time without being physically present.
Adobe Preview Pro tools are built in allowing you to edit faster, more seamlessly and more efficiently than ever before. With built in virtual reality like exposure and 3D imaging, this is the ultimate 8K camera.
Pros
- Seven times optical zoom
- 6 built in lenses to capture every detail
- 360 degree capturing abilities
- Virtual reality style filming function
- 3D ready and compatible
- Built in image stabilization
- Adobe premiere pro editing software for faster, easier editing
- Long range transmission system is a handheld device that lets you record from the camera and see real time images without being present
- Four built in microphones pick up audio from every direction possible so you’ll have crystal clear ultra sound audio
- Flow stabilization prevents image ghosting and flaring
- 8K play\back built in for the on the go editing and filming
- Shoot images or make videos
- WiFi antena
- Good value for money
- Popular amongst 8K consumers
- MP4 recording
- JPEG image saving
- Use your phone to view in real time
- Shoot and charge at the same time
- Detachable base for easy portability and set up
- 60% bandwidth for comfortable and easy live streaming
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as compact as other models
- Updates are making this model more user friendly, but expect to spend time learning to use the device
QooCam 8K World’s First Pocket 8K 360 Camera 4k 360 Live
Produced by Kandao, the QooCam is the world’s smallest 8K ready video recording device.
This tiny device that will easily fit into your pockets is a handheld camera that offers smooth 8K recording with cool built in features such as ultra slow motion image recording, 360 degree angle video capturing and more.
This camera is much cheaper than other competitors that are creating 8K cameras. Whilst this isn’t a film maker’s idea of the high end quality camera, for those that vlogging, filming action sports or are looking for a new camera its worth investing in this model to be on trend and up to date with all the latest features that other users will have to catch up on later.
This is a superb on the go camera for the everyday film makers.
Pros
- Extremely compact
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- 8K ready
- Handheld
- Smallest 8K camera currently on the market
- 360 degree recording angles
- Great value for money
- Extreme slow motion recording prefect for action shots, sports and other fast moving image shooting options
- Easier editing with drag, crop, time lapse, and other great tools already built in for on device editing
- Advanced image stabilization built in
- Better photo sensitivity compared with 4K
- Real time raw mode is a built in camera setting that takes a burst of shots, frames them together and saves them as JPEG images. This function creates breathtaking bokeh as well as completing the function of HDR software all built in
- Built in touch screen
- Record and stream onto your devices
- Invisible selfie stick attachment
- Record and charge at the same time
- External mic output/inputs
Cons
- Not good for professional filmmakers
- Poor software from the manufacturing company
- Latest software doesn’t update itself
KanDao Obsidian R – 8K 3D 360 Stereoscopic VR Camera ®
Another feature for KanDao sees their latest model 8K ready camera. This model has already picked up an award and perhaps emerged our last offering of extreme portability with a more professional filmmaker ready camera.
This camera comes with a huge offering of loaded presets, effects and settings that make it perfect for experimentation. You can spend hours playing around with this camera’s settings trying to find the right shooting set up for you.
What’s more, this camera even has a manual override so you can alter ISO, shutter speeds and more and set them up to fit your personal specification which we think is very interesting.
Like the other 8K cameras we’ve reviewed on this you’ll find this camera is 3D compatible, has 360 degree capturing abilities and is optical with HDR photo shooting abilities.
At a mid range price tag we might have saved best till last with this fantastic 8K portable camera.
Pros
- Already won an award
- Compact, lightweight and portable
- Ergonomic design
- 3D capable
- 360 degree image capturing
- Manual override setting so you can fit ISO, shutter speeds etc yourself
- HDR photo capturing
- Optical flow
- Remote controlled for easy use and hands free filming
- Various settings and built in effects that make this great for experimental filmmakers
- Optical flow stitching to autocorrect shots
- User friendly
- Depth map out to create real time distancing between you and your subject
- Functions like a pair of human eyes
- 6 built in cameras to ensure no details are missed
- Attach to a tripod, or a drone for aerial shooting
- 1.2kg
- Live stream record on any device
- Crisp, clear and mouth watering details and image quality
Cons
- Takes time to learn the device
Conclusion
This list has provided an in-depth look at some of the best 8K cameras on the market at the moment. Take a minute to go through our list and see which camera is best for you.