The catapult of mirrorless cameras into the market over the last couple of years has seen them being ranked at almost the same level as some of the best DSLR cameras in the market. Their small, lightweight form factor as well as other capabilities that facilitate the creation of rich video content has resulted in more and more users taking up mirrorless cameras to achieve their end goal and meet their needs.
There are lots of thoughts that go into choosing the best mirrorless camera and trying to identify which of the many models one should opt for can be a rather daunting affair. To make things easier for you, we did all the hard work and curated the list below of the best mirrorless cameras that you can opt for, for videos.
Sony Alpha a7S II
Intro
The Alpha a7S II is a full-frame camera that brags 5-axis image stabilization, BIONZ X image processing engine, 12.2 megapixels full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor, XGA OLED Tru-Finder, Wi-Fi/NFC connectivity, compatibility with wider lenses amongst other impressive features is a great camera for shooting video content. Taking the low light performance crown, the Alpha a7S II camera can effortlessly shoot 1080p and 4K videos at 120 and 24 frames per second respectively. Additionally, it provides users with three S-Log profiles that give filmmakers the postproduction flexibility they would need to edit the videos appropriately as per their preference.
Pros
- Its electronic view finder is exceptional, and users can effortlessly review their final images before taking them.
- Users do not require a gimbal or tripod as they can shoot handheld.
- Regardless of the lens one opts for, image stabilization is available for them all.
Cons
- It does not have inbuilt flash capabilities.
- The lens options available for the a7S II are not only limited, but they are also costly.
- The battery life is overly underwhelming as it lasts for just an hour of continuous shooting.
- The camera has difficulties when focusing in low light
- It has only one SD card slot, unlike some of its competitors that have dual SD slots.
Sony Alpha 9
Intro
Capable of handling and videography tasks thrown at it, the Alpha 9 is a workhorse that does its job exceptionally well. Fitted with a hardy 24.2 MP CMOS sensor, BIONZ X image processor, 693-point phase-detection AF system, a long-lasting battery amongst other features, this camera is ideal for high-level video shooting. It is capable of shooting stunning 4K11 (3840x2160p) videos and Full HD11 at 24 or 30fps and 120 fps respectively.
Pros
- The camera’s subject tracking shoots at an impressive 20 frames per second.
- It supports both electronic and manual shutter, and the electronic shutter excludes blackout.
- Its EVF is large and extremely sharp and crisp.
- The battery life is high capacity and lasts for quite some time on single charge.
Cons
- It is quite expensive, but we are of the opinion that that dent in your bank account is certainly worth it.
- The Alpha 9 has only one UHS-II slot.
- When shooting in uncompressed RAW format, the frame rate of the camera is reduced to 12 frames per second.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Intro
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is an extremely popular single-lens reflex camera and it with good reason. Fitted with a black magnesium alloy body that feels soothingly solid in a user’s hand, the camera brags a five-axis image stabilization, TruePic VII image processor, 16 Megapixel Live MOS sensor amongst other features that work hand in hand to ensure users can capture silky smooth, high-quality videos. For the OM-D E-M5 Mark II, Olympus overhauled its predecessors electronic view finder and replaced it with an EVF that is not only crisp and sharp but also roomy.
Pros
- The camera is weather-sealed and offers freezeproof, dustproof, and splash-proof protection.
- Its lenses are interchangeable to suit a user’s preference and needs.
- It is easily portable, and according to Olympus, it is 40% lighter than typical DSLR cameras.
- The camera is easy to setup and starts up really fast for a mirrorless camera.
Cons
- It does not shoot 4K quality videos.
- The shorts per burst are quite limited in comparison to other cameras of the same range.
- Its high-resolution mode is only functional if the subject being short is static and if a sturdy tripod is being used. Additionally, only ISO of up to ISO 1600 is supported in spite of the noise benefits
Nikon Z6
Intro
Delivering bang for buck, the Nikon Z6 is an excellent mirrorless camera that is extremely versatile and does an excellent job at capturing video footage. The Z6, which is a full-frame camera boasts a 24. 5MP backside illuminated full-frame image sensor, 273-Point phase detection AF system, 12fps continuous shooting frame rate, a wider Iso range amongst other impressive features. Capable of shooting 4K as its maximum video resolution at up to 30 frames per second, and 1080P videos at 120fps videographers will certainly appreciate the beauty of this camera.
Pros
- The Z6’s handling and build quality are outstanding, ensuring user experience is not compromised.
- The ISO quality is one of the best we have seen for mirrorless cameras in its range.
- The video quality is superb, and to top that off it is captured in full frame.
- Its Inbuilt image stabilization is perfect for handheld shooting.
Cons
- The Nikon Z6’s screen is not fully articulated and only tilts in certain directions.
- Some improvement is needed for the battery life.
- The Nikon Z6’s buffer is average, and it can barely keep up with the information being processed by the camera.
Final Thoughts
Mirrorless cameras today deliver the same performance and power as DSLR cameras with some of them being even more superior. The cameras discussed above are mirrorless cameras whose performance is top-notch and are suited for everyone regardless of their skill level. Just like the cameras discussed above, individuals are different and have varying needs and budgets. From seasoned pros to beginners, there is something for everyone, and we hope that you found a camera that meets your needs.
