10 Best Cameras For Music Videos in 2021 [High Quality Recording]

The music industry gets more versatile and becomes accessible to a larger group of musicians and music producers. Now, as you are here looking for a reliable camera for music videos, I can only assume that you fall in one of those expanding categories. Whatever your musical recording requirements are, this article shall help you find the perfect camera equipment for your needs.

When it comes to recording music, there are multiple factors that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to ensure if you are going to record the sound directly to the camera or if you are going to record it separately. Also, if you want to record directly into the camera, good microphone inputs are necessary. For video, things like 4K 24FPS support, fast autofocus, and excellent quality and details are necessary.

Now, considering so many things while also keeping your budget in check makes it really difficult to find the best. So, to help you out with that, I have hand-curated a list of the 10 best cameras to shoot music videos. Although I cannot include super cheap options here, I have tried to include a couple of mid-range cameras that are at the top of their game.

10 Best Cameras for Music Videos in 2021

To make this list as flawless as possible, I’ve taken a bunch of cameras into the evaluation process, and after evaluating them based on every aspect important to music recording, I’ve chosen the best ones out there. That means you should find a camera here that matches your exact requirements.

1. Best Overall: Canon EOS R

Perhaps the go-to choice for recording music videos is the Canon EOS R. It is a flagship Full-frame Mirrorless camera with all the bells and whistles you can ask for and the price is really attractive for this one. For most people, this is going to be the best option.

Design & Build

The EOS R has top-notch build quality with full weather protection and a weight of around 1.45 lbs. The camera feels solid in the hand and although the weight isn’t the lightest out there, it is still great for handheld shooting.

The design of Canon cameras has drastically changed since they switched to mirrorless cameras. Previously full-frame cameras from the company used to be non-compact and bulky but the EOS R has a more minimalistic approach. It doesn’t give up any important controls and it even has a top monitoring display alongside the 3.15-inch flip display on the back.

Music Recording & Other Features

There are multiple reasons to consider this camera for making music videos and probably the most important one is the quality of the recorded 4K video. Not only does it record excellent 4K footage up to 30 FPS, but it also supports 4:2:2 10-bit C-log RAW video recording. That means you can do professional color grading while retaining all of the highlight and shadow details.

For audio, it does support up to 16-bit 48 kHz recording in Stereo with the internal microphone and of course, with an external one as well. If you need 24-bit, you’ll have to record the audio externally. You also get 4K 10-bit output over HDMI 2.0. Perhaps the biggest disappointment here is the lack of 4K 60FPS.

Sensor & Performance

Canon is using a large 30.3MP sensor in the EOS R and combined with the processing power of the Digic 8, it achieves wonders with both photos and videos. It handles colors, dynamic range, highlights & shadow details, and even holds up excellently in low light. Compared to the EOS RP, the improvement in performance is really noticeable.

Speaking of the core capabilities, the ISO range goes from 100 to 40000 which can be extended to 102400. The shutter speed range is 1/30–8000 seconds and you can also set a custom white balance. Digging into the manual mode, you will also find a lot of other custom settings that make shooting on this camera that much personal.

Inputs & Connectivity

You also get professional-level inputs including mini HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1 type C, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 3.5 mm microphone jack, E3 type remote terminal, and a single SD card slot that supports up to UHS-II speeds.

For connectivity, you get 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. There is no NFC or GPS support which would have been nice considering this is a flagship product.

Battery Life

Compared to the smaller LP-E17 batteries, the LP-E69 on the EOS R is bigger in capacity. It can take up to 80 minutes of 4K 30 FPS video on a single charge. It is decent, but it’s still not a lot, so maybe keep a couple of extra batteries around just in case.

Should you get this Camera?

If you are looking for a high-quality 4K music video recorder (preferably just the video with the sound recorded separately) and you need that flexibility to make the mood of the video just right for your storyline, then the Canon EOS R is a great option for you. It has a lot of high-end features for a considerably good price.

2. Best Compact Full-Frame: Sony Alpha 7C

For those looking for all of that full-frame goodness in a small & compact form factor, the Sony Alpha 7C is the best of the bunch. It is currently the smallest full-frame camera on the market and it is also packed with a ton of modern features that can come in extremely handy for music recording. The pricing for it is also just right.

Design & Build

Sony took all the goodness of their bigger alpha cameras and packed that in the smaller A7C. The build quality is excellent as expected but as a bonus, it’s a lighter camera as well at just 1.12 lbs. That means if you’re going to shoot handheld a lot, this camera makes perfect sense for you.

As far as design is considered, the A7C looks really modern and it actually has more similarities to the APS-C lineup from the company. It’s a muted rectangle with a matte finish and the grip is also really nice. The on-body controls have been kept to a minimum but all the essentials are still present.

Music Recording & Other Features

When it comes to music recording, Sony has it all. You get 4K video recording at 30 FPS and you can also do that with 10-bit 4:2:2 in S-log2 and S-log3. RAW video recording opens up the flexibility of seamless post-processing and you can even record HDR10 video in HLG. So, if you’re after professional-quality video, this one does it.

For audio, the options are a bit more generic. You can record 16-bit audio at 48 kHz with the internal microphone. For better audio quality, you’ll have to plug in a professional-grade microphone. You do get Stereo audio, but again, if you want your music to sound professional, I still recommend recording it separately.

Sensor & Performance

The 24.2MP full-frame sensor is the real deal here. It has excellent performance with true-to-life colors, super-fast autofocusing, excellent dynamic range, and great low-light performance. That’s not it, the company also integrated a sensor-shift stabilization mechanism which helps to eliminate camera shake while shooting handheld.

As far as the core capabilities are concerned, it has an ISO range of 100–51200 which can be extended up to 102400 for video and 204800 for photos. Shutter Speed ranges from 1/4000-30 seconds and if you use the electronic shutter, you can go as fast as 1/8000. As far as custom white balance goes it gets from 2500K to 9900K.

Inputs & Connectivity

The selection of inputs is also great with USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 3.5 mm headphone jack, multi accessory shoe, and dual MicroSD card slots with support for UHS-II speeds. Connectivity is also packed on with 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and NFC.

Battery Life

Sony’s NP-FZ100 battery is excellent with the compact form factor. You get up to 140 minutes of 4K video or 215 minutes with continuous shooting. So, you won’t need to change the battery or charge it for a very long time. If you are shooting in HDR though, it’ll drain faster.

Should you get this Camera?

For those who are looking for a full-frame camera to make music videos but with a compact form factor, the Sony A7C is an excellent choice. It has all the fancy features you would expect alongside excellent quality photos & videos and great battery life.

3. Best Value for Money: Sony ZV-E10

If you are on a tighter budget, and you do not want to compromise on video quality or modern features, the Sony ZV-E10 is currently the only choice you have. It has all the fancy features like HDR and RAW video recording and the price is surprisingly low.

Design & Build

In case you have seen the ZV-1, the E10 is like a slightly bigger version of that with the improved build quality. The camera feels solid in hand and with a weight of just 0.75 lbs, it is great for handheld shooting. The quality isn’t as great as the A7C of course, but it’s surprisingly close and there’s even a great grip that gives a lot of holding area.

The design is a hybrid between the ZV-1 and the A7C. On one side, it has the plain & compact form factor but, it has an Alpha branding this time around, and there is still no EVF. The physical controls are also minimal but all the necessary ones are present. This makes sense as the minimalist approach is what the company has gone for.

Music Recording & Other Features

The video features are surprisingly good with up to 4K 30 FPS video recording, HDR video in HLG, RAW video with S-log2 & S-log3, and 120 FPS slow-mo in 1080P. The features are exceptionally great for the price and although the quality doesn’t really match up to the A7C, it’s still really good.

Audio doesn’t have any compromises either. You can use the internal microphone or an external microphone to record stereo audio up to 16-bit 48 kHz. Any of the fancy formats aren’t present, but again, for the price, this is still great audio.

Sensor & Performance

Sony’s new more performance in a smaller body approach reflects in the ZV-E10 as well. They managed to pack a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor inside a body that’s not much bigger than the ZV-1 and performs really well. It has a good dynamic range, true-to-life colors, good low light performance, and as it’s APS-C the crop is less at 1.52x.

It even has adapted the Alpha branding, so the core capabilities have also improved. The ISO ranges from 100-32000 which can be expanded to 51200, with the Shutter Speed ranging 1/4000-30 seconds. The custom white balance setting is also there. So if you’re gonna dig into the Manual Mode, you aren’t gonna be disappointed.

Inputs & Connectivity

The inputs didn’t get compromised either. You have Micro HDMI, 3.5mm Microphone Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, USB Type-C, Multi-accessory shoe, and an SD card slot with support for UHS-I speeds. For connectivity, there is 802.11 b/g/n W-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. Sadly, NFC isn’t present.

Battery Life

The NP-FW50 battery cell can do up to 80 minutes of 4K 30 FPS video (125 minutes with continuous shooting) which is actually a lot for this battery cell. This is thanks to the smaller size of the camera and compared to many other devices in this segment, this is great battery life.

Should you get this Camera?

If you are looking for a compact-sized camera that doesn’t miss out on any important features for music recording, then the Sony ZV-E10 is an excellent choice for you. Other than not having EVF, this camera does a lot of things right and that’s something no other camera is offering at this price.

4. Best Affordable Pro Camera: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

If you are willing to adopt a full-fledged cinema camera system, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is probably the best value among the midrange cameras. It gives you industry-level controls, professional audio, and high-quality video. If you are willing to go through the initial learning curve, this camera might just be worth considering.

Design & Build

The build quality is great with industry-level components and a solid form factor. It weighs just around so it’s actually comfortable for handheld shooting which I can’t say for many cinema cameras. Overall I do like the build quality of this camera and it weighs around 1.6 lbs.

Black magic has taken design cues from their premium URSA lineup and put that in a compact form factor. There are a lot of physical controls that take some time to get used to, but it’s worth it in the end. The touch display on the back doesn’t move around so if for some reason you are trying to film yourself, you will need an external display.

Music Recording & Other Features

The BMPCC4K is capable of shooting 4K videos up to 60 FPS in DCI and of course, in Blackmagic RAW. That means you can record the video in 10-bit 4:2:2 and color grade later in Premiere or Resolve. This allows you to have much more control over your video and you’ll also be shooting on Manual focus all the time.

For audio, you’re getting high-quality audio through mini XLR so, 24bit 96 kHz is going to work. So, you’ll be able to shoot those live (unplugged) music sessions directly from the camera. The audio is great and that’s something we don’t really see around this price point. 

Sensor & Performance

One of the caveats you’ll be facing is the 2x crop coming from that Micro Four Thirds sensor. The performance is actually pretty good and it matches those professional standards. However, you’ll have to move further away from the subject to get the shot right. The dynamic range and colors are really good, but the real magic happens with RAW video.

The list of capabilities is pretty amazing here. You get 13 stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO of 400 and 3200, and a lot more that are specifically focused on video. This camera won’t double as our photography tool, but for shooting music videos this is an excellent tool for the money.

Inputs & Connectivity

The number of inputs is also compressive with full-sized HDMI, USB Type-C, mini XLR ports, 3.5 mm mic jack, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and dual storage slots with UHS-II SD and CFast support. You don’t get wireless connectivity with this camera.

Battery Life

Blackmagic has gone with a Canon LP-E6 battery which can shoot 4K video up to 60 minutes. However, as you’re going to use a lot of manual controls, you’ll lose battery even faster. So, I recommend keeping a couple of extra batteries with you, all the time. 

Should you get this Camera?

The decision of whether you should get this camera or not depends on if you are willing to go through the extra manual settings and the initial learning curve to get that industry-standard footage for your music video. If you’re ready to take that on, then definitely get this camera.

5. Best for Raw Video: Canon EOS R6

Canon’s latest lineup flagship Mirrorless Cameras has taken the market by storm. But, with all the heating and post-processing issues the R5 is facing, the Canon EOS R6 is the camera you should get for your music videos. It doesn’t shoot 8K video but has excellent quality 4K with RAW video recording. It’s also a nice step up from the EOS R.

Design & Build

Considering this is a flagship-grade product from Canon, the build quality is actually excellent. It weighs around 1.5 lbs so you can still shoot handheld, but it still has that premium heft to it. There is also some weatherproofing and a built-in stabilization system that can come really handy.

The design is somewhat similar to the EOS R and that’s going to stick for a while. It has a familiar set of design elements, a monitoring display on the top, and a 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen on the back. It’s still relatively compact compared to the previous DSLR offerings from the company. There are also a good number of manual controls built-in. 

Music Recording & Other Features

Canon has equipped the R6 with a lot of video goodness. You can record up to 4K 60 FPS footage in 10-bit 4:2:2 and C-log (1 & 3) RAW. That means you get a lot of control in post-processing and even if you’re shooting in regular mode, you’ll still get great footage. It also supports 120 FPS slow-mo in 1080P.

For audio, you can record 16-bit 48 kHz using the internal microphone or an external one. There is no XLR input, but if you want higher quality audio, it’s better to record separately anyway.  If you’re recording outdoors, recording the audio externally is always recommended. 

Sensor & Performance

The camera is using a 20.1 MP full-frame sensor and it is excellent. It produces excellent quality footage with great colors, excellent dynamic range, and well-controlled noise levels at night. Canon’s processing has a lot to do with this as well and the Digic 8 processor checks all the right boxes here.

It has an ISO range of 100-102400 which is expandable up to 204800, Shutter Speed ranges 1/8000-30 seconds, you can set custom White Balance with support for White Balance Compensation, and there are a bunch of other manual controls which makes for an excellent video recording device. 

Inputs & Connectivity

Being a flagship product means having no compromises in the inputs and connectivity department and the EOS R6 is no exception. You get USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro HDMI 2.0 Type-D, 3.5 mm Microphone & Headphone jacks, E3 remote terminal, and Multi-accessory shoe. It also has dual SD card slots with UHS-II.

For connectivity, you get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. This is okay, but Canon should really start including NFC and GPS in their flagship products. Also, the upgrade to Bluetooth 5 series would have been nice.

Battery Life

The LP-E6NH battery holds up extremely well with getting around 100 minutes of 4K video on a single charge. It’ll drain a bit faster if you’re using the EVF, but for videos that is the least possible scenario anyway. Still, keep an extra battery around if you’re going to do long shoots.

Should you get this Camera?

If you want an excellent full-frame and you prefer Canon’s C-log RAW video or Canon’s color science in auto mode, then the R6 is the one to go for. Yes, the R5 is more capable and it shoots in 8K, but it has a lot of issues that aren’t present in the R6, so it is obviously a better option.

6. Best for Concerts: Panasonic LUMIX S1

Panasonic is also stepping up its game in the full-frame mirrorless world and the LUMIX S1 is the one I would recommend to you. It is the S-series model that makes the most sense, and not only can record excellent quality 4K footage, it can also do that in HDR and raw video. That is really helpful for anyone trying to take the footage to another level.

Design & Build

One of the biggest advantages of the LUMIX S1 is its rugged build quality and full weather resistance. So, if your project requires shooting in extreme conditions, this camera can stand up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees celsius). So, the camera is indeed built like a tank and it weighs around 2.24 lbs.

The design is also a major step up compared to the older Panasonic cameras. It has a more professional and premium approach and because it’s a full-frame, it’s also slightly bigger compared to the GH5s. There is also a 3.15-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen, a top monitoring display, and a good quality EVF.

Music Recording & Other Features

Recording music videos on this camera is a delight. Not only it has 4K 60 FPS support, but it can also record in 10-bit 4:2:2, HDR video in HLG, and RAW video. This is a lot of versatility from a company and in the HDR area, they just beat Canon to the race. So, if you ant advanced video features, this camera got them.

For audio, you get 16-bit 48 kHz Stereo audio using the internal microphone and you can also get an external one. But for recording music, it is still recommended that you do it separately. If you are using the in-built audio system though, you can do it in Dolby 2-channel.

Sensor & Performance

The 24.2MP Full-frame sensor is a massive improvement over the micro four-thirds sensor on the GH5s. It has way better low-light performance, excellent dynamic range, natural color rendering, and there is no longer a crop in video unless you’re using an APS-C dedicated lens. It even has a 5-axis IBIS for stabilizing handheld videos.

As far as the core capabilities are concerned, it has an ISO range of 100-51200 and an expanded ISO range of 50-204800, the Shutter Speed range is 1/8000-60 seconds, and it also has a Custom White Balance range of 2500K-10000K.

Inputs & Connectivity

The inputs haven’t been compromised either. You get USB 3.1 Type-C, full-size HDMI 2.0, 3.5 mm Headphone & Microphone jacks, 2.5 mm Remote jack, Multi-accessory shoe, and dual SD card slots with support for CFexpress on slot 1 and up to UHS-II SD card on slot 2. For connectivity, you get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2.

Battery Life

The battery life is somewhat average though with up to 75 minutes of 4K video when using the display and up to 70 minutes when using the EVF. With continuous recording, it is 150 minutes and 140 minutes respectively. So, keep an extra battery around ‘cause you’ll probably need it.

Should you get this Camera?

If you need all the fancy video features alongside support for 4K 60 FPS, you are willing to dig into Panasonic’s RAW video, and you also may shoot projects in extreme conditions, then the Panasonic LUMIX S1 is an excellent choice. It is also the perfect video camera for concerts. Yes, there are two other variants on an even higher-end, but those are also significantly more expensive.

7. Best for 4K HDR Video: Sony Alpha 7R III

Sony’s full-frame Alpha line-up is excellent for shooting music videos and the Sony A7R III is currently one of the top-end models available. It shoots excellent quality 4K video, has support for HDR & RAW video, and autofocusing is super fast. If you will be shooting moving subjects a lot, this is one of the best options you can get.

Design & Build

As you would expect from a flagship Sony camera, the build quality is amazing. The A7R III is built like a tank and it has a good deal of weather resistance. It weighs around 1.44 lbs which is still pretty light for a flagship full-frame. It is still really impressive how compact Sony can make these cameras now.

The full-frame Alpha cameras share a very common look and the A7R III is no exception. It has that premium yet muted look with a hint of subtlety. The grip area is just right and on the back, you get a 3-inch tilt touchscreen and an excellent quality EVF with a 120 Hz refresh rate. There is also a monitoring display on the top of the camera.

Music Recording & Other Features

Video is definitely a strong suit of this camera, but the situation is a little bit tricky compared to the other players of this segment. The high-resolution sensor produces great footage supporting 4K HDR and 10-bit 4:2:2 RAW, but even at this price, the camera doesn’t do 4K 60 FPS. You can shoot at 4K 24 FPS and 30 FPS, but 60 FPS requires shooting in 1080P.

Audio is a totally different story though. Of course, you get 16-bit 48 kHz Stereo recording with the included microphone and you can also use an external one. However, this camera also supports Dolby Digital 2-channel and Dolby Digital Stereo. You can also get a separate XLR adapter if you need higher-quality audio.

Sensor & Performance

Sony has gone with a massive 42.4MP sensor for the A7R III and that produces excellent quality footage. The colors, the dynamic range, the sharpness, and even the low light performance is excellent. That’s really no surprise considering the price of this camera, and it even has a 5-axis IBIS system for excellent stabilization.

The camera has an ISO range of 100-32000 and it can be expanded to 102400, the Shutter Speed ranges from 1/8000 to 30 seconds, and the White Balance range is 2500K-9900K. The manual controls are thorough and comprehensive and the overall performance does give the competitors a run for their money.

Inputs & Connectivity

The company has made sure that there is no compromise on the inputs side. You get 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro HDMI 2.0 Type-D, 3.5 mm Microphone and Headphone jacks, Dual SD card slots with UHS-II support, Multi-accessory shoe, and a Sync terminal for lighting equipment. For connectivity, it has 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and NFC.   

Battery Life

Impressively enough, Sony is using an NP-FZ100 battery which provides really good battery life. You can get up to 115 minutes of 4K recording while using the display or 100 minutes if you’re using the EVF. With continuous recording, you get 190 minutes and 180 minutes respectively.

Should you get this Camera?

If you have the budget and you need a camera that can do it all at the absolute best quality and has an insane battery life, then the Sony A7R III is an excellent choice Perhaps the biggest disappointment is not having 4K 60 FPS at this price. Other than that, it is a killer camera.

8. Best for Professionals: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Perhaps the most advanced camera you can get for recording music is the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro. Alongside having support for 6K video recording, it has professional microphone inputs and industry-level manual controls which allow you to shoot professional-quality videos with great audio.

Design & Build

The entire Pocket Camera lineup follows the exact same design & build philosophy. There are no compromises in build quality and it’s actually a bit better compared to the Cinema Camera 4K. It’s also a lot heavier at 2.7 lbs, so this isn’t great for shooting handheld but, that’s reasonable for a camera like this.

The design is actually very similar to the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K which is the predecessor of this camera. It does look like a proper camera from Hollywood and to be honest, that is great but not as important as the on-body manual controls. The 5-inch 1080P LCD display is extremely bright at 1500 nits.

Music Recording & Other Features

This camera kills the competition when it comes to video recording with 6K video up to 50 FPS and up to 60 FPS if you’re willing to use the 2.4:1 aspect ratio. You can also shoot 5.7K (17:9) and 4K DCI up to 60 FPS. It even supports 120 FPS slow-motion video up to 2.8K and of course, Blackmagic RAW in full 10-bit 4:4:4.

For audio, you do have the option to plug in professional quality microphones through the mini XLR ports and you can get up to 24-bit 96 kHz audio. Other than that, you can always record the audio separately when shooting cinematic music videos and that’s something I’ll recommend doing.

Sensor & Performance

The company has gone with a Super 35 type sensor which is bigger than an APS-C and smaller than a Full-frame with a crop factor of 1.39x. That is still a huge upgrade over the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and alongside that, you get way better dynamic range and low light performance. The overall video quality is borderline excellent.

You’ll be getting up to 13 stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO of 400 and 3200, and other advanced features including a Timecode Clock. There is even built-in 2-stop, 4-stop, and 6-stop ND filters which are lifesaving if you’re filming outdoors. 

Inputs & Connectivity

The number of inputs is definitely impressive here with dual mini XLR ports, full-sized HDMI 1.4b, USB Type-C, 3.5 mm microphone & headphone jacks, and dual SD card slots with support for UHS-II and CFast cards. Again, wireless connectivity options aren’t available on this camera either.

Battery Life

The camera is indeed using a bigger NP-F570 battery and with 6K 24 FPS recording you can get up to 60 minutes on a single charge. With 4K 24FPS, it is more than 100 minutes. Now, this is possible with the display brightness set to 50% (750 nits) If you’re using it brighter, the battery will drain faster.

Should you get this Camera?

If you want to shoot on a professional music video camera for the best cinematic footage possible, you have the budget, and you don’t mind going through the learning curve first, then this is one of the best cinema cameras for its price. It has amazing features and excellent battery life with support for Blackmagic RAW.

9. Best Battery Life: Sony Alpha A6600

If you are looking for a compact camera that has top-of-the-line features and doesn’t do any compromises or cut downs on them, the Sony A6600 is one of the best cameras you can get. Alongside doing a full 4K 60 FPS video, it has advanced audio codec support and excellent dynamic range. So, if you are looking to shoot outdoors or record the song directly into the camera, this is the one you should get.

Design & Build

Sony has used quality materials for the A6600 and it is built like a tank. It weighs around 1.1 lbs and for a compact camera like this, it is quite a heft. However, it is still light enough for shooting handheld. Considering how the company tries to keep its lenses compact and lightweight, you won’t be having many issues anyway, and if you do get a heavy lens, just use a tripod.

Design cues have been adapted from the popular A6300 and the company has made further improvements alongside. It’s small and compact with a muted look and a minimalistic approach. There also is a 3-inch flip-up display and a high-quality EVF. The flip-up display will get partially covered if you’ve anything attached to the accessory shoe. 

Music Recording & Other Features

When it comes to recording music videos, the Sony A6600 is borderline excellent. It can shoot 4K video up to 60 FPS and it can even shoot HDR video and RAW video in S-log2 and S-log3. Alongside that, it can even do 120 FPS slow-mo which can be used in music videos in special cases.

Audio is also packed on with support for 16-bit 48 kHz stereo recording with both internal & external microphones. This is still no professional setup, so unless you have to record the audio alongside, record it separately. That’ll give you a much more professional experience.   

Sensor & Performance

The 24.2MP sensor is extremely capable and it might just be one of the best APS-C sensors out there. It even comes with a 5-axis IBIS system that helps to stabilize handheld footage. Other than that, the autofocus is also extremely fast in videos and there is excellent dynamic range, color reproduction & low-light performance.

Digging into the core capabilities now, the device has an ISO range of 100–32000 that is extendable up to 102400, Shutter Speeds range is 1/4000-30 seconds, and it even supports Custom White Balance ranging 2200-9900. So, if you are in fact digging into the manual mode, you’ll get a lot of options. 

Inputs & Connectivity

The camera also comes with packed inputs and connectivity options. You get USB 3.1 Type-C, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 3.5 mm microphone jack, 2.5 mm remote jack, multi accessory shoe, and Dual SD Card slots with support for UHS-II speeds. For connectivity, you get NFC, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2.

Battery Life

The A6600 comes with an NP-FZ100 battery that can hold up to 150 minutes of 4K recording or up to 250 minutes with continuous shooting. This is the excellent battery life for a smaller-sized camera. For a long-day project though, get a couple of extra batteries.

Should you get this Camera?

If you are in the market for a compact camera that has every single feature you may want and provides great battery life, the Sony A6600 is the device you should be looking at. It allows 4K 60 FPS, RAW & HDR video, and it also has great low-light performance. As a compact camera, this is truly the full package.

10. Best Affordable Full-Frame: Canon EOS RP

The wildcard in this list has to be the Canon EOS RP. It is everything that the EOS R has with light-toned-down features and performance here in there. It even comes with a smaller battery, but it is still a full-frame camera with excellent video quality that is great for shooting music videos.

Design & Build

The EOS RP is very similar to the EOS R when it comes to aesthetics, but the build quality is slightly toned down because of the obvious price difference. It’s still great to build quality though, and the camera weighs just around 1.06 lbs. So, if you’re shooting the music video handheld, it shouldn’t be an issue.

The design looks somewhat the same, but there are some major giveaways that can easily differentiate the two cameras. There is also no top monitoring display on this one which is okay for the price. Important physical controls, the 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen, and the spacious grip are also major attributes to the design.

Music Recording & Other Features

When it comes to music videos, you’re getting 4K video at 25 FPS with 24 FPS also available and 1080P up to 50 FPS and 25 FPS with no 24 FPS. This is still fine considering the fact that you’re getting 24 FPS in 4K and if you want, you can downscale that to 1080P afterward if you need.

For audio, you still get 16-bit 48 kHz Stereo support with the internal microphone or an external one. The fancy formats aren’t available of course, but it is still good quality audio, and if you need better, you can always record the audio separately.

Sensor & Performance

There is a 26.2MP full-frame sensor which is a huge plus at this price as the competition is mostly stuck at APS-C. That also means you don’t get any crop in videos and it has better low light performance too. Other than that, you get excellent colors, a lot of detail, fast autofocusing, and great dynamic range in both photos and videos.

As far as the capabilities are concerned, the ISO ranges from 100-40000 which can be expanded to 102400, shutter speeds go from 1/4000 to 30 seconds, and you can also do Custom White Balance alongside color balance compensation.

Inputs & Connectivity

For inputs, you get USB 2.0 Type-C, Micro HDMI, E3 jack for remote control, 3.5mm Mic & Headphone jacks, and an SD card slot with support for UHS-II speeds. That’s actually really good for the price and for connectivity, you get 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1.

Battery Life

The LP-E17 battery cell is actually made for smaller cameras which means it doesn’t do well with the RP. You get around 60 minutes of 4K video. So, if you are getting this camera, you have to keep a few batteries around.

Should you get this Camera?

If you have a tight budget and you need a full-frame camera, then the Canon EOS RP can help you shoot some amazing music videos. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to shoot in 4K if you want 24 FPS and you’ll also need to keep a few batteries around. If those aren’t an issue for you, get this camera without a second thought.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Recording music can be a stressful task on its own and you should not have to worry about the camera alongside that. I hope I was able to take care of that issue in this article and considering that you made it to the end, you probably have selected the perfect camera that suits your personal needs the best.

However, if you are still confused or you want to double-check your decision, I can make this even easier for you.

• If you want the no-compromise powerhouse, get the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro.
• In case you need a full-frame camera to shoot 4K HDR, get the Sony 7R III or the Panasonic LUMIX S1 if you need 4K 60 FPS alongside.
• For those looking for an overall balanced full-frame that costs less than $2000, get the Canon EOS R.
• The compact camera lovers can go for the Sony A7C full-frame camera.
• If you want a no-compromise compact camera, get the Sony Alpha A6600.
• For those looking for affordable cameras, get the Canon EOS RP or the Sony ZV-E10 if you’re looking for something smaller.

All that’s left for you to do now is choose the camera closest to your budget with as many of the capabilities and features that you need for your music production needs and you are good to go. I hope I was able to help, and if you feel like someone else is going to benefit from this information, do share this article with them as well.