Thanks to recent technological advances, making music videos has never been easier. The key to a good video, besides the music, is often in the creativity involved, and a quality camera is critical to capturing that. In this guide, we will go through some of the best cameras for music videos to help you craft and create the perfect visuals to go with a great song.
Contents
Quick Summary
- If you’re looking for an amazing cinema-quality camera and money is of no concern, the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4k Digital Camera is one of the top options for shooting videos anywhere.
- Another extremely high-quality camera for music videos is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. This comes with everything you need to shoot a professional video with ease.
- The Nikon D3300 is another great option that’s more affordable than similar models. Despite the price, it will still allow you to capture great video and take on any photography projects you might have.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re serious about becoming a music video producer, you need a high-end camera to get yourself in business. Without one, no band or musician will take you seriously enough to commit to making a music video. An artistic eye is great, but you need to have the tools of the trade to actually start making music videos. Each of the options listed here will instantly up your credibility as a videographer or producer.
These cameras are also perfect for photographers who want to have the option to take on music video projects from time to time. They might be a little expensive, but they are great to have in your arsenal if you’re running a legit photography business. If you’re a musician or in a band and are thinking about a camera for music videos, I wouldn’t suggest spending the money on these. Rather, put your cash towards someone who knows how to make them for you.
Best Camera for Music Videos: What to Consider
Resolution
We live in an age of rapidly advancing technology, as shown by the high-quality videos we’re used to seeing each and every day. To keep up with the demands of anyone who might want to watch your music video, you need to get a camera that has excellent resolution. Always shoot for HD video. The cameras you’ll find here all boast high megapixel count resolutions that make them perfect for the task.
DSLR or Cinema
While some music videos have been created on cheap cameras like a standard video camera or even a cell phone, if you want professional-level results the best tool at your disposal will be a DSLR or Cinema style camera.
DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex. Such models work by using the single-lens reflex alongside an image sensor. That combination is popular among photographers and is a great choice for making music videos. Cinema style cameras are intended for strictly shooting film footage. Just note that, while they are amazing for that purpose, they can get quite expensive.
Cost
Professional-level cameras are expensive. There’s no way around it. However, the cost is more than worth it if you plan on making high-quality music videos. If you’re on a strict budget, it’s going to be difficult to find an extremely cheap, high-quality camera that can capture your creations. Rather than fretting over the price, think of it as an investment in your business or hobby. A quality camera will last for years.
Best Camera for Music Videos: Our Picks in 2022
1. Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4k Digital Camera
At the top of this list sits the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4k Digital Camera. This model is a videographer’s dream. It’s capable of capturing and creating professional videos with ease. This is a smaller option than the full-on URSA designed for making movies, which makes it great for music videos. The device offers many of the same functions in a more portable and affordable design.
This camera features an amazing 4000 X 2160 resolution that’s capable of shooting video at up to 60 megapixels. If that’s not enough to get you excited, then consider the Super 35mm image sensor it comes equipped with will. It’s also capable of shooting compressed or uncompressed footage depending on your needs and is a favorite of many photographers in the film and music world.
Pros:
- Professional cinema style camera
- HD Resolution of 4000 X 2160
- Super 35mm image sensor
- 15 stops of dynamic range
- Can shoot compressed or uncompressed footage
- Portable and lightweight for a cinema camera
Cons:
- Expensive
- Too much camera for amateur photographers/videographers
2. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is another great option for shooting videos. This DSLR style camera offers everything you need to capture HD footage and is more than capable in many photography situations. It can shoot 4K video at 30 frames per second and also captures still images at up to 8.8 megapixels. This option has a max resolution of 30.4 megapixels for clear, stunning video no matter what creative direction you have in mind.
Pros:
- Great DSLR camera
- 30.4MP max resolution
- DIGIC 6+ image sensor
- Enhance AF system
- 61-point reticular AF
- Comes with plenty of handy accessories
Cons:
- A little heavy
3. Nikon D3300
Another quality option for shooting music videos that’s a bit more affordable than the other options on this list is the Nikon D3300. This camera features a 24.2MP CMOS DX format sensor that utilizes 5 frames per second of continuous shooting to capture crystal clear video. It has a native ISO range of 100 to 12800 and can be expanded upon for even better performance. It’s also lightweight and portable. A great option for shooting on the move.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- 24.2MP resolution
- 5 fps continuous shooting
- 11 AF points
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not as high of resolution as other cameras
- Flash can malfunction as camera ages
Useful Tips & Resources
It takes a special breed of creativity to make truly amazing music videos. Not only do you need to understand how to shoot and capture ideas on film, but you also need to accomplish that in an artistic and unique way. There are really no exact methods to making this happen, you just need to explore and practice.
If you want to improve, there are plenty of tips out there on how to use a camera to get quality footage. Check out this video for some great tips that might help you out.
Final Words
Even though there’s no exact recipe for creating an amazing music video, you’ll absolutely need a high-quality camera. The options you’ll find here will allow you to explore your creativity while capturing a unique vision that’s sure to make the music shine while showcasing your abilities as a videographer. The above cameras are worthwhile investments if you demand professional results.
Have you ever filmed a music video? What camera did you use? Let us know in the comments below!
