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Looking for the best camera for music videos? Don’t know where to start? Learn more here to find the camera that best fits your needs and your budget.
If you want to make a high-quality music video, but you don’t have the budget of a professional media company; then you’re going to need to choose a good camera for music videos. It can be very tough to choose the right one, especially if this is your first camera.
We’ve put together a list and review of the 10 best cameras for shooting music videos. By the time you are done here, you’ll have a solid idea of what kind of camera is used to shoot music videos; and which offers what you need.
Let’s get into it!
Comparison of 10 Best Cameras for Music Videos in 2023
Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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YEEHAO Wi-Fi 1080p HD Wide Angle Lens Digital Camcorder |
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ORDRO HD 1080P 60FPS |
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SUNLEA FHD 1080p 30FPS |
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Kickteck FHD 1080p 15FPS |
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ORDRO 4K 1080P 60FPS |
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The 10 Best Cameras for Music Videos in 2023
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best cameras for making music videos. If you’re on a budget, we have included a couple of value-for-money cameras that you don’t have to pay lumps of cash for.
Remember to keep your needs in the back of your mind as you read through the reviews. It’s important that you choose a camera that is easy to work with and can capture what you see in your mind.
These reviews aren’t ranked in any order. We realize that your needs are unique and our goal is to help you narrow down your choice and make the best decision! If you’re looking for the best music video camera, then you’ll get all the information you need from these reviews.
1. YEEHAO Wi-Fi 1080p HD Wide Angle Lens Digital Camcorder
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.4 x 2.3 inches
- Colour: Black
- Max Resolution: 1080p
- Max FPS: 30
- Wide Angle Lens: Yes
- Zoom:16X
- In-Built Battery: Yes
- External Microphone: Yes
We love wide-angle lenses when shooting music videos. If you aren’t really sure why wide-angle lenses are important and how to use them; here is a great article to get you started.
The YEEHAO Wi-Fi 1080p has a super 2-in-1 wide-angle lens that lets you capture more of the scene in a natural way. 1080p HD video and 24MP lens with 16X digital zoom give you a lot of versatility.
Wi-Fi control through a dedicated app on your phone lets you move around and get creative with your music video. You can browse through the photos and videos you’ve taken right on your smartphone; without having to use the camera display.
The YEEHAO Wi-Fi 1080p HD is a great night shooter. With IR Night Vision, you can record in low light and it works perfectly in the darkness. The camera also comes with a lens hood to stop extra light from sneaking into your videos.
The camera also rocks an in-built rechargeable battery with an easy-to-access cable, making charging simple. A responsive touchscreen means setting up the shots quickly, simply, and easily to navigate.
- Great low-light performance
- Wi-Fi control from your smartphone
- Brilliant sound from the external microphone
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Quality wide-angle lens
- Not too pricy
- Slow-motion video is nothing special
- Image stabilization could be better
- 16X digital zoom can be grainy
2. ORDRO HD 1080P 60FPS – [Editor’s Choice Best Camera for Music Videos]
- Weight: 2.41 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.9 x 12.6 x 3.8 inches
- Colour: Black
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max FPS: 24
- Wide Angle Lens: Yes
- Zoom: 30X
- In-Built Battery: No
- External Microphone: Yes
The ORDRO HD can film up to 4K at 24FPS, great for recording a professional music video. If you want to learn more about what 4K is and why it’s important, here is a fantastic read.
A 30X digital zoom and an easy-to-rotate touchscreen make planning your shots a pleasure. The lens does well when dealing with complex colors and capturing the scene accurately – a great feature for the music video camera.
The camera packs a decent battery, giving you more time to keep filming without having to use replacement batteries. Wi-Fi control up to 10 feet (3 meters) frees you from having to stand behind the camera all day. You can control the camera using the app from your smartphone.
The camera comes with an LED video light and an external microphone that flushes out background noise well. All this is packed into a slim and an easy to carry case.
- Handheld Holder, so you can capture shots on the go
- The ability to shoot in 4K at 24FPS is perfect for music videos
- Very good noise reduction from the external microphone
- Comes with a lot of accessories and a carry bag that isn’t a nightmare to move around
- 30X digital zoom isn’t very practical
- Wi-Fi control is limited to 10 feet
- Recording while handheld isn’t stable, the camera should be mounted for sharp video
Also Read: Best Slow Motion Camera
3. SUNLEA FHD 1080p 30FPS – Professional Music Video Camera
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 5.3 x 3.4 inches
- Max Resolution: 2.7K
- Max FPS: 30
- Wide Angle Lens: No
- Zoom: 16X
- In-Built Battery: Yes
- External Microphone: Yes
This is a very portable mini-camera that is on the lighter side, great for taking handheld video and moving around in tight spaces. The anti-shake feature is a smart addition to its small size.
The flip display makes self-filming easy and is a practical feature depending on what kind of music videos you will be shooting. You can shoot up to 2.7K UHD video if you are looking for sharp details in your video.
This handheld camera can also be mounted to get more stable quality. You should be mounting your camera on a tripod. You can get seriously professional-looking videos by using one.
- Very lightweight and portable.
- Stable video with anti-shake technology
- Record in 2.7K UHD for music videos that have a lot of background scenery and detail
- Great low-cost value-for-money option
- Compatible with an external microphone
- The brilliant camera if you are getting started with shooting music videos
- Not as many accessories as the other cameras on this list at the same price.
- In-camera settings are basic so not a great option if you like a versatile camera.
- The audio isn’t the greatest, but it’s good enough in the right conditions.
4. Kickteck FHD 1080p 15FPS – Good Camera for Music Videos
- Weight: 1.05 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 2 x 2.3 inches
- Colour: Black
- Max Resolution: 1080p
- Max FPS: 30
- Wide Angle Lens: No
- Zoom: 16X
- In-Built Battery: No
- External Microphone: No
The Kickteck FHD packs quite a few features such as a beauty function, anti-shake, fill-light, and face capture. These features go a long way in helping you out when you are getting started with your first music video camera.
Fill light is an excellent feature for shooting videos and filming. It can be the difference between boring shots and ones that grab your attention like a slap in the face.
The pause function while recording can be very useful if you want to keep similar shots in the same file. You’ll also be getting 2 batteries with the camera.
This means you won’t be wasting time if you run out of power mid-filming. It’s a small lightweight camera that’s designed to be portable but is surprisingly high-quality for its price.
- The combination of lightweight and quality is a big win
- Lots of filming features and good anti-shake
- 2 batteries give you extra security when filming
- Very useful pause function
- Excellent value for money
- Shooting at 1080p limits you to 15FPS. This can remove a lot of the smoothness that we are used to seeing in videos.
- The video isn’t great in low light.
5. ORDRO 4K 1080P 60FPS – Best Video Camera for Recording Live Music
- Weight: 14.4 ounces
- Dimensions: 5 x 2.7 x 2.8 inches
- Colour: Black
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max FPS: 60
- Wide Angle Lens: Yes
- Zoom: 30X
- In-Built Battery: Yes
- External Microphone: Yes
The ORDRO 4K is a professional-feeling camera. It is a little on the heavier side, but it’s worth the extra weight.
You can shoot in 4K at 24 FPS and the sound quality is excellent. The image quality matches cameras at a much higher price. This is another strong contender for the best camera to shoot music videos.
It handles light very delicately, giving you vibrant video and balanced coloring. This is perfect if you are trying to bring attention to the colors and vibrancy in your videos.
The sound quality from the external microphone is amazing. Noise cancellation is very smart and even minimizes the mechanical sounds of the camera, giving you brilliant audio quality.
Filming in low light is a strong point of the ORDRO 4K. You’ll be able to film in brightly-lit and low-light situations. The second battery gives you the ability to keep filming without having to pause for a recharge session.
- Sharp, excellent video with good stability – especially when mounted.
- Processes light delicately
- The sound quality matches more expensive rigs
- Clear and noiseless low-light video
- Comes with several useful accessories
- Not easy to use in small spaces because the external microphone sticks out a little
- The case it comes with only holds the camera. You’ll need an additional bag if you want to bring other accessories along with you
6. Canon XH-A1S 3CCD HDV – Best Video Camera for Sound Quality
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 17.9 x 10.1 x 9.3 inches
- Max Resolution: 1080p
- Max FPS: 60i
- Wide Angle Lens: Yes
- Zoom: 20X Optical
- In-Built Battery: Yes
- External Microphone: Yes
This camera’s price is higher than the rest of the list, though you get what you pay for; a high-quality video camera that is exceptionally well-suited to shooting music videos.
The Canon proudly has a 20X lens zoom with independent manual focus, zoom, and iris ring. Mastering these will quickly build your skills as a videographer.
Manual focus can often be better than auto-focus, especially in videography. This gives the camera many of the same features as a professional music video camera.
You can shoot in 1080p at 24, 30, and 60FPS. The image processor is the DIGIC DV II, a solid, not over-the-top image processor. You will be happy with the color representation in your video and images.
The Canon XH features a complete range of customizations from image and display adjustments to creating up to 9 custom presets. This is a very high-quality music video recording camera and a solid option if you are looking for the best camera to record music videos with.
- A professional video camera – with a full range of specs to back it up.
- Very good choice if you have some basic videography skills.
- Wide range of customizations and the ability to create presets.
- The camera is very easy to get used to – the design is intuitive and you learn its layout in no time.
- The overall quality and feel are exceptional.
- Aimed more toward professionals than beginners.
- The price can be more than many beginners can afford.
- The battery takes a few hours to charge, so make sure you have the second battery handy
Also Read: Best Camera for Concert Photography
7. Ancter 4K UHD Full Spectrum Infrared Night Vision Video Camera
- Weight: 15 ounces
- Dimensions: 7.8 x 6.3 x 3.9 inches
- Colour: Black
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max FPS: 120
- Wide Angle Lens: Yes
- Zoom: 30X
- In-Built Battery: No
- External Microphone: No
This camera brings a unique way to shoot video at night by using an external infrared LED unit. This is unique to Ancter and has been well-tested. The quality of night vision is well above average.
The ability to shoot in 4K UHD, helping you capture realistic and natural-looking videos while keeping details sharp and clear.
This camera provides unique colorful infrared night vision and full spectrum video. If you are thinking about doing any kind of nighttime shooting, then you should seriously consider this camera.
Wi-Fi control is very useful when filming and snapping photos. With a little practice and trial and error, you can figure out some smart ways to use it.
- Brilliant night shooting ability with colorful infrared.
- Realistic and natural look when shooting in 4K
- Good color management
- External infrared LED
- Decent Wi-Fi connectivity for external control
- Handheld filming can be a little shaky without mounting the camera.
- External LED is more prone to damage than an internal LED.
- The zoom function is grainy when zoomed in, even in bright light.
8. Aitechny FHD 1080P 30FPS – Best Camera for Music Videos Under 1000
- Weight: 13.9 ounces
- Dimensions: 6 x 5.3 x 4.1 inches
- Colour: Black
- Max Resolution: 1080p
- Max FPS: 60
- Wide Angle Lens: No
- Zoom: 16X
- In-Built Battery: No
- External Microphone: Yes
The Aitechny can shoot up to 60FPS at 720p. It has great software and language support that sets it apart from other models. The camera can be used as normal when you are using infrared to shoot videos at night. The unit is on the lighter side and very portable.
The 16X digital zoom lets you capture the details you need and is made even better by a responsive touch screen. Noise-canceling is very sensitive. You won’t have to worry too much about picking up unnecessary noise in your music videos.
- High-quality audio and noise cancellation.
- Camera not restricted when using the infrared function
- Very good video stabilization for its cost
- Not the easiest camera to use, both in holding and the interface
- Battery life is a little short
9. CofunKool Wide Angle Lens 1080P 30FPS
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3 inches
- Max Resolution: 1080p
- Max FPS: 30
- Wide Angle Lens: Yes
- Zoom: 16X
- In-Built Battery: No
- External Microphone: Yes
The CofunKool can film in 1080p at 30fps. This is enough for most of your music video filming needs. The wide-angle lens makes capturing the whole shot much easier without having to move around too much and condense the scene.
It comes with a few useful features such as anti-shake, beauty mode, fills light, and more.
You can charge while recording which is a huge plus if you go on long recording bouts. The night vision also lets you shoot into the night and capture detailed low-light video.
The camera comes with a mini tripod and two rechargeable batteries. Most models don’t include a tripod or stand of any kind, especially at this price.
- Able to recharge while recording
- Comes with a mini tripod
- Decent anti-shake and stabilization
- Wide angle lens is fantastic for shooting music videos
- No 60 fps option
- The highest resolution is 1080p
- Wind can really mess with the external microphone. It’s better to film without it.
10. Panasonic LumixDMC-LX5 – Affordable Video Cameras
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 1.7 x 2.6 inches
- Max Resolution: 1080p
- Max FPS: 30
- Wide Angle Lens: Yes
- Zoom: 3.8X Optical
- In-Built Battery: No
- External Microphone: No
This is the only camera that features an optical zoom. This means that you won’t be getting any grain when you zoom in. Optical zoom is better than digital zoom for many reasons.
It’s not exactly a powerful zoom, but it will give you the ability to get some interesting shots while shooting music videos.
The Panasonic Lumix also has an ultra-wide-angle lens with the ability to record HD video and take shots that are detailed enough to print out; perfect for the poster of your music video.
- Brilliant ultra-wide angle lens.
- Smart image and color processing.
- Low-light shooting is better than expected.
- Very comfortable to hold with good build quality. Excellent handling speed is a huge plus
- Doesn’t come with a lens cover, you will have to get your own one.
- Video can be a little shaky when the camera isn’t mounted
- No external microphone or night vision
There you have it! These were the best 10 cameras for shooting music videos. The best part is that these cameras aren’t going to cost you thousands of dollars to buy and they aren’t going to take you weeks to get used to.
Before you make any buying decision, take a look at a couple of pointers below that I think will help you make a smart buying choice.
Here Are Some Important Things to Think About Before Buying
I hope that while you were reading, you were keeping your unique needs and goals in mind. This is critical when choosing a music video camera.
How I Chose the Cameras to Show on This List
There are SO MANY cameras available today – from world-recognized brands – to ones you have never heard of before.
I put myself in the shoes of someone who was just getting started in videography, or someone who had built up a couple of basic skills already.
People getting started usually don’t have a huge budget for a new camera and gear; though you can still find something reliable that can do what you want, in a natural and easy-to-use way.
I searched for cameras that offer great value for money without skimping on essential features and have good build quality.
You may not have heard of many of these brands before, but don’t let that put you off. These cameras are versatile and are perfect for building up your videography skills.
Why is a Tripod or Camera Mount So Important
You saw in many of the reviews that anti-shake technology and stable video are big wins for video cameras.
Even though a couple of the cameras are designed to be handheld, you’re going to want to get used to mounting them on a tripod or stabilizer for most of your music video shooting.
The last thing you want is to spend hours filming your music video on location only to get home and be plagued by shaky footage.
This can be very frustrating. Get used to mounting your camera while recording or use a good quality handheld stabilizer. Your music videos will look professional from the get-go if you nail this skill down now.
One of the biggest tell-tale signs of amateur videography is unintentionally shaky video. Don’t make the same mistakes I did, get yourself a great tripod or handheld stabilizer.
Keep All Your Gear in One Bag
The last thing you want is a bag that can only hold your camera but not all your accessories.
I can’t begin to tell you how frustrating it is to have to delay filming your music video and keep everybody waiting just because you can’t find your lens hood.
Save yourself the headache buy yourself a decent camera bag that is big enough for all your gear. You won’t have to worry about trudging all your equipment around in several small and easy-to-lose bags.
Keep it simple. This philosophy should always be at the center of all your videography. Simple is much easier. You will find yourself developing muscle memory before you realize it.
Now You’re Ready to Shoot Your First Professional Music Video
You should have enough information here to make a smart and informed decision on which camera to buy.
Take a look at your budget and decide what you can afford. Remember that it’s not only the camera you have to pay for but also add-ons such as a carry bag or a tripod.
You should also be giving yourself time every day to learn how to record music videos.
There are several techniques and tricks that are unique to filming music videos – and once you know a couple of them, you’ll start to improve fast.
Write down the 5 most important things that your camera needs to get done. For example, when I shoot music videos, I look to bring out vivid and bright colors in my shots.
I want a camera that can process complex colors delicately and accurately.
If you like to zoom in and out to create special shots, then you’re going to want to go for an optical zoom or digital zoom feature.
Bonus tip:
My biggest tip to you is to jump in and get started. Don’t let procrastination or excuses hold you back any longer.
You now have a list of some great music video cameras and a list of your needs for what the camera needs to be capable of. Everything is ready for you!
You may have a hidden talent that can open up new paths in your videography, but you won’t know until you get started.
Let our review of the cameras – along with the list of your needs – guide you to choosing the best camera for music videos. Dive in headfirst, buy a camera; and get started shooting music videos like a professional.
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