If you want to produce your own music videos, you’ll need a good camera so that it turns out great. But, what does a good camera for music videos look like? To choose the best music video camera for yourself, several factors need to be considered, including the camera’s video quality, frame rate, sound quality, and cost.
But, finding the perfect camera that ticks all the boxes for recording music videos can be a tedious task. That’s why, to make things easier for you, I’ve come up with this post. Here you’ll discover some of the best and most affordable cameras for music videos.
7 BEST (Affordable) Cameras for Music Videos
Here are the seven best and most affordable cameras for music videos:
#1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
- 10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
- 3.8x F2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens
- 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD; Record HD videos in AVCHD Lite; Creative Movie mode
Known for its awesome low-light performance, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a superb choice if you’re looking to shoot your music videos in underlit conditions. The Lumix DMC-LX5 features a 10.1 megapixel CCD and a 3.8xF2.0 24mm ultra-wide lens. The F2.0 lens is twice as bright as the F2.8 lens. The 22m lens, on the other hand, offers a significantly larger viewing space than most cameras.
In the box, you get a Lens Cap, a USB Cable, a Battery, a Shoulder Strap, and a Battery Charger. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is our top pick affordable camera for music videos.
#2. Canon EOS M Compact System Camera
- This version is originally intended for sale outside the USA
- Camera Comes In Kit Box No Lens Included (Brand New Never Used)
- 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, DIGIC 5 Image Processor, ISO 100-12800;...
As the name suggests, the Canon EOS M is a compact DSLR camera that has a full HD movie mode to let you shoot high-quality HD footage for your music video. Its autofocus function (called Movie Servo AF) is specifically designed for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects.
The Canon EOS M Compact System Camera is super handy and especially useful when you’re trying to capture clear footage of multiple subjects on the move. The Canon EOS M features an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and is compatible with Canon EF or EF-S lenses. These lenses ensure that you get superb image quality in different lighting conditions.
#3. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
- 16.05-megapixel multi-aspect Live MOS Sensor; Micro Four Thirds format camera
- Body only, lenses sold separately; high-quality photos in 3D with optional lens
- Full HD video capability; Fast Light Speed AF for quick, clear photo capture;...
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a 20.3-megapixel mirrorless camera that can shoot at 60FPS in 4K and at 180FPS in Full HD. It is equipped with Pansonic’s new Venus Engine that delivers 1.66x faster processing power so you get realistic images and good noise control.
What’s more, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 also features an Axis Dual IS II anti-shake system. It offers superb stabilization and is great to shoot your music videos while on the move. This image stabilization system provides up to 5 stops of correction. Overall, a wonderful choice for shooting music videos.
#4. Nikon D3300
- 24.2 MP CMOS DX-format sensor
- 5 frames per second continuous shooting
- 11 af points with 3D tracking
Another camera that lets you create some beautiful music videos is the Nikon D3300. This compact DSLR features a full zoom lens that’s great for some incredibly clear zoomed images with the best quality video, even while you’re on the go. The camera is easy to use and is a suitable option even for beginners in the field of music videography.
Due to all these factors, the Nikon D3300 is a popular choice amongst new videographers. Plus, there are dozens of tutorials online that can help you get well-versed with the settings of this camera so that you can use it effectively and as quickly as possible.
This camera as all mentioned above doesn’t come with SD Card. To know which memory card you should choose read: 7 Best Nikon D3300 SD Cards (Capacity, Speed, Format).
#5. Canon EOS Rebel T6
- Video Capture Resolution: Fhd 1080P
- Lens Type: Zoom
- Mounting Type: Bayonet
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is a superb DSLR that allows you to capture the best footage for your music videos. Featuring an 18-megapixel sensor and lots of settings as well as customizations, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is incredibly simple to use. You can easily adjust the settings on this camera so that you can get the video exactly the way you want it. The internal mic of this camera is also of highly superior quality.
One thing that I like a lot about the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is that switching between camera and camcorder modes on this camera is a breeze! This DSLR boasts a superb battery life so you can always depend on it even when you’re on the go. Overall, this camera is a good buy if you want some great-sounding music videos.
#6. Panasonic Lumix ZS200
- POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA: Large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 15X zoom...
- High-resolution 2,330K-dot live viewfinder and rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display...
- 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive...
Often touted as the best option for shooting music videos, the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 is capable of shooting top-notch music videos with its 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 15X zoom. Featuring state-of-the-art 4k technology, this camera stands out as one of the best 4k cameras for music videos.
The Panasonic Lumix ZS200 features multiple scene modes and filter modes to add creativity. It also has the traditional aperture and shutter priority modes to allow for background defocus or eliminate motion blur for crystal clear videos even when the subject is on the move.
#7. Sony Alpha a6500
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor w/ advanced processing up to ISO 51.200
- Wide 425 phase detection AF points, Fast 0.05 sec. AF acquisition
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization steadies every lens. Silent Shooting. Noise...
Last but certainly not least is the super amazing Sony Alpha A6500. This camera does an incredibly great job of delivering high-quality shots effortlessly. It’s truly an action-packed camera with a strong and sturdy magnesium alloy body and an ergonomic design that makes it easy to film and move around.
Since the Sony Alpha a6500 is easy to hold, filming with it is also really simple. Its heavy-duty body and compatibility with multiple lens options make this camera an attractive option.
Find the best SD card for this camera: Sony a6500 SD Card Size, Specs, Price.
What Makes Cameras for Music Videos Different?
In case you’re wondering why we need specific cameras for music videos. After all, any camera that takes video can technically be used to shoot music videos, right? You can record music videos on a point and shoot, a DSLR, a camcorder, or even an iPhone.
But if you want to shoot professional-looking music videos, you’ll need a camera that’s capable of capturing good visuals, even in low-light environments, especially if you’re mostly shooting rock music and similar genres. Also, as much as it may sound counterintuitive, for shooting a music video, the audio is actually not very important. That’s primarily because for a music video, the audio is usually only added during the editing process.
Is GoPro Good for Music Videos?
GoPro can be a good option for shooting music videos, particularly if you are working on a limited budget or need a compact and versatile camera. GoPros are known for their wide-angle lenses, durability, and ease of use, making them suitable for a variety of shooting situations. Here are some reasons why a GoPro can be useful for music videos:
- Portability: GoPros are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around and set up in various locations. This can be particularly useful when shooting music videos with multiple scenes or locations.
- Wide-angle lens: GoPro cameras are equipped with wide-angle lenses that can capture a large field of view. This can create interesting and dynamic shots for your music video, especially in tight spaces or when you want to emphasize the scale of a scene.
- 4K resolution: Many GoPro models offer 4K video resolution, ensuring high-quality footage suitable for professional-looking music videos.
- Durability: GoPros are designed to be rugged and durable, making them suitable for shooting in challenging environments or capturing action-packed scenes.
- Slow-motion and time-lapse features: GoPro cameras come with built-in slow-motion and time-lapse features, which can add a creative touch to your music video.
- Mounting options: GoPro cameras have a wide range of mounting accessories available, allowing you to attach the camera to various surfaces or objects for unique perspectives and camera angles.
However, there are some limitations to using a GoPro for music videos:
- Built-in microphone quality: GoPro cameras have built-in microphones that capture sound decently, especially for casual use or vlogging. However, the audio quality may not be as crisp or clear as what you would get from a dedicated external microphone or professional audio equipment. I definitely recommend you to use microphone for a GoPro music videos.
- Limited low-light performance: GoPros are not designed for optimal low-light performance, which can be an issue when shooting in dimly lit environments. This may require additional lighting equipment or post-production adjustments to enhance the footage.
- Fixed lens: The GoPro’s wide-angle lens is fixed, which means you won’t have the flexibility to change lenses for different focal lengths or effects. This can limit your creative options when composing shots.
- Limited depth of field: GoPros typically have a large depth of field, meaning that most of the scene will be in focus. This can make it challenging to create a shallow depth of field effect, which is often used in professional music videos to isolate the subject from the background.
Which One is the Best Camera for Music Videos?
All in all, if you want a budget camera for creating music videos, then the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 offers a great deal. But, if you don’t mind spending a bit extra for a camera that has better features but is still affordable, then the Nikon D3300 DSLR is the camera that you should go for. So, it all depends upon your own needs and preferences.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn about the best and most affordable cameras for music videos. 🙂
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