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You know the wow-factor of slow motion. The ability has to take something basic – like an exploding water balloon – and turn it into a spectacle is something so far beyond what our eyes can do. This is why there are channels with huge followings built around slowing the world down in stunningly beautiful slow-motion videos. You need to choose the best slow-motion camera to suit your needs and style – and you’ll also be able to do some of what the pros can – with a little practice of course.
The problem to the average enthusiast or budding professional is that you may not know which camera to get – there are so many options. You don’t want to sacrifice too much resolution and sharpness just to get a higher frames-per-second count – and the opposite is also true. You’re not going to need an ultra-expensive rig to start capturing high-quality slow-motion footage.
In our review we break down what’s good and bad about each of our picks; and what we liked and disliked about each.
Comparison of 5 Best Slow Motion Camera in 2023
Before we get into the slow motion camera reviews, we’ve put together a comparison table to guide you through the most important features of each camera and how they fare against the other models in this list. Feel free to use the list as a table of contents and jump to the review of the model you’d like to know more about.
Here’s the table:
Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot |
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Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 |
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Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV |
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Sony DSC-RX10M II Cyber Shot |
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Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 |
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Best Slow Motion Cameras For You
You’ll find more detailed information on each of the cameras here – and what we like and dislike about – built around their real-life performance and reliability.
I want you to keep your needs, budget, and style in mind when reading through these reviews. It’s important for you to choose the camera that works the best for you and will be able to get you what you need from your footage. Let’s get into the reviews.
1 Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot
- Weight: 2.41 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.5 x 6.3 inches
- Slow Motion FPS: 960
- Optical Zoom: 100X
- Max Video Resolution: 4K
- Mobiles App: Yes
- Sensor Size: 1”
In terms of sheer performance and cutting edge specs, the RX10 is a top pick for the best slow motion camera.
This can be used as a professional slow motion camera in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing.
It can capture slow motion at 960 frames per second. This is lightning fast.
The best frames-per-second is a subjective number, as it depends on what kind of slow motion you are going to be recording.
This is a good slow motion camera if you’re into sports and fast-paced activities. You won’t be missing any details like your favorite batters homerun or a surfer’s painful fall – you’ll get it all.
The 100Xoptical zoom lets you get close up to the action without having to take your camera off its mount.
The autofocus is snappy so you won’t get a ton of blurry footage. This is one of our top picks for the best action camera for slow motion.
In-case you need to get closer to the action or you’re getting some macro slow motion, the camera’s dust and moisture resistance will keep your camera safe and protected while recording.
- 960fps is very fast and great for slowing down fast paced action
- 100X optical zoom is very useful in the real world
- The viewfinder is very bright and colourful
- Dust and moisture resistance
- Very capable beyond slow motion
- Expensive – but that’s expected from a camera this versatile
- Large size so you’ll need some proper carry equipment
2 Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
- Weight: 1.83 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 5.2 x 3.9 inches
- Slow Motion FPS: 120
- Optical Zoom: 16X
- Max Video Resolution: 4K
- Mobile App: Yes
- Sensor Size: 1”
You’ll be able to get 120 frames per second while shooting in Full HD. This camera is great for concerts, medium-paced outdoor activities, and everyday life.
The price is excellent for the value offered – this is an affordable camera.
If you need a slow-motion camera to capture some footage that has a cinematic feel, then this camera is a solid choice. The 4K video is vibrant and the motion looks realistic. Autofocus is quick so changing focus during filming is accurate and easy.
The slow-motion video is stable – though you’d still get better footage mounting the unit. The optical zoom is enough to get you some interesting footage. Although not strictly related to slow motion, this camera has excellent macro photography quality.
- Autofocus is reliable and snappy
- Good resolution while shooting in HD
- 5-axis tilt correction and stabilization
- Create control with lots of in-camera customizations and options
- Compatible with a wide range of accessories
- 120 may be too low for you if you are into extreme or fast-paced activities and sports
- Optical zoom is a little short-sighted meaning you may miss out on a couple of opportunities
- No dust or moisture resistance
3 Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV – (Editor’s Choice Best Slow Motion Camera)
- Weight: 2.32 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.7 x 5 inches
- Slow Motion FPS: 249
- Optical Zoom: 25
- Max Video Resolution: 4K
- Mobile App: Yes (Sony)
- Sensor Size: 1”
With the Cyber-Shot, you’ll get one of the fastest autofocus on the market at this price.
The image stabilization is effective even at the far end of the optical zoom, meaning you’ll be able to hold the camera in hand for moving shots. You’ll be able to shoot at 249fps while using AF tracking.
Stabilization is important for getting good slow-motion footage and can make a big difference in the results you are getting. Take some time to read the linked article and watch the video to learn more.
This all comes together to make a camera that’s great for simply pointing at the scene and capturing good quality slow-motion footage.
The camera can shoot in 4K – so when combined with effortless slow-motion capture – gives you a well-rounded camera that is very versatile and can be used in many different situations.
There is a lot of slow-motion controls available in-camera such as quality-focus slow-motion shooting (4-second duration) for a higher resolution and time-focused slow motion (7-second duration) for longer clips.
The high-density autofocus will give you a clear target then you’re filming something like a football game. The camera will have no trouble locking onto the target you want it to.
This camera has a very strong macro lens. If you’re into capturing slow motion on a macro scale, then you’re going to want to seriously think about this camera –it’s worth the money.
- Excellent autofocus that is lightning fast
- Autofocus is very accurate, even in densely packed scenes
- Macro slow motion is clear and well-lit – you’ll find a lot of creative opportunities here
- Brilliant image stabilization even under full zoom
- 250fps may also not be enough if you like to film birds or insects in macro or fast-paced movement like sports
- Sending images and video over Wi-Fi is difficult with non-Sony products
Also Read: Best Camera for Concert Photography
4 Sony DSC-RX10M II Cyber Shot
- Weight: 1.79 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 6.3 x 5.3 inches
- Slow Motion FPS: 960
- Optical Zoom: 8.3X
- Max Video Resolution: 1080p
- Mobile App: No
- Sensor Size: 1”
If you are looking for a bridge camera between a professional and an amateur camera, then the RX10M might be perfect for you.
The autofocus is laser-accurate and fast, and the zoom is powerful enough for versatile use.
The full sensor gives you a wide range of ISO options – and choosing the right one is essential for slow-motion photography.
The price of this camera is reasonable for a camera that could be used as a professional slow-motion camera. You are getting a range of options with this model.
This camera will help you develop your unique style and prepare you better for working as a professional or just mastering your skills.
In the hands of a seasoned photographer, this camera will be able to pull off some amazing feats and fantastic quality.
It also offers dust and moisture resistance to further protect and give you more ways to get awesome slow motion footage.
- 960fps will give you excellent slow motion footage for the price
- Good price for a professional camera
- Very high shutter speed and ISO range
- Water and dust resistance
- The battery life could be better for the price
- image stabilization could be better too
5 Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 – Professional Slow Motion Camera
- Weight: 2.13 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.4 x 4 inches
- Slow Motion FPS: 120
- Optical Zoom: 20X
- Max Video Resolution: 4K
- Mobile App: No
- Sensor Size: 1”
The FZ2500 is a remarkable full featured camera for its price. This is an excellent slow motion camera for HD shooting.
The full definition means you won’t lose a lot of the resolution and sharpness when shooting at 120 fps.
This camera is a producer’s dream…
It has real-world cinematic capabilities and can get footage that looks like it’s from a camera 5 times more expensive.
There are so many video features that you’ll find yourself able to explore different shooting options for hours and not get bored.
Focus stacking lets you change the focus after shooting. You get the cinema-like gradation and you can even change between half speed slow motion and 2X speed in the same video.
The creative control and useful features you get with the FZ2500 make this a value for money camera. If you want eye-catching video then this camera will be worth paying attention to.
P.S. If you are a videographer at heart, then this camera is not joking. It’s a versatile machine that has very respectable features. It’s worth the investment.
- wide range of features only found on more expensive cameras
- change between slow motion and quick motion while recording
- FHD slow motion resolution
- 20X zoom is stable and powerful enough to use in many settings
- The autofocus needs to be better – mount up or stabilize if you want clear footage
- Not great in low light
6 Canon PowerShot G16 Digital Camera – Affordable Slow Motion Camera
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.2 x 3 inches
- Slow Motion FPS: 120
- Optical Zoom: 5X
- Max Video Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Mobile App: Yes
- Sensor Size: 1/1.7”
The G16 is considered to be a great all round good performing camera. It’s affordable if you’re looking to get more serious and it packs tons of useful features.
If you need a camera that can do all the stuff that you’d expect from an SLR plus slow motion then this is a solid choice – and you’ll make good with your wallet.
While it doesn’t excel in any specific area, it is strong in most of them.
The Wi-Fi sharing of Canon cameras is excellent and they are also compatible with your phone through an app.
The bigger sensor also means your low light videos are going to be good and will also help improve your slow-motion footage.
The image stabilization is good enough to let you move around a little while shooting. Your slow motion shooting will also thank you for the stability. You’ll have a good slow motion camera at your disposal.
- A great all-rounder to substitute for an SLR
- Good balance between cost and features
- The bigger sensor that most cameras on this list
- Does well in low light
- Battery life isn’t great – carry extras
- Slow motion is enough to capture everyday life, but it’s not fast enough to see a balloon burst
Also Read: Best Camera for Night Photography
7 Panasonic Lumix FZ300 Digital Camera
- Weight: 1.52 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 5.2 x 3.6 inches
- Slow Motion FPS: 120
- Optical Zoom: 24X
- Max Video Resolution: 4K UHD
- Mobile App: Yes
- Sensor Size: 1”
This is a high-performing cheap slow-motion camera. We have included in the list because it’s so friendly to your wallet.
You’ll be able to film at 120fps and HD resolution, and along with the 25X optical zoom, you’ll be able to capture some interesting slow-motion footage.
With the ability to film in 4K UHD, you’ll be able to get stunning footage that is clear and sharp.
Low-light shooting is decent (even though we don’t recommend shooting slow motion in low light) and you have wide control of ISO settings. These factors make this one of the best slow-motion cameras under 1000 dollars(this price will of course vary depending on where you are reading from and when you read this).
You’ll struggle to find a camera at this price that can shoot in slow motion, pack the same features and still be budget-friendly. The splash and dust resistance also adds to the value of the camera.
If you’re looking for quality but can’t shell out thousands of dollars, then this is one of the best budget slow-motion cameras for you.
- Excellent price
- Water and dust resistance
- 4K UHD video resolution
- Very clear and stable optical zoom
- Battery life isn’t great
- Menu layout and use aren’t structured well
Here’s a Few Things We Think You Should Know
The cameras on this list aren’t specifically designed as slow-motion cameras, so you shouldn’t be expecting to get 2000 frames per second with any of these.
Some of them come close to 1000 fps – and you’ll be able to get some unbelievable footage at that speed.
These are good-performing cameras without even considering their ability to shoot in slow motion. We have chosen them because they are great cameras that also have the excellent slow-motion ability.
If you really are serious about slow-motion footage then I want to introduce you to the best of the best. It’s the Phantom V2512.
With this beast of a camera, you’ll be able to get 1 million frames a second at its lowest resolution. This is absolutely out-of-this-world fast and nothing competes with its ability – or its price. How much is a phantom slow-motion camera, you ask?
Well sit down before you read this – it carries a mind-numbing price tag of $100 000+.
So be happy that you don’t have to pay this hellish premium to get a great camera that also gives you some excellent real-world slow-motion performance.
How Does a Slow-Motion Camera Work?
This may have crossed your mind a couple of times. If you have ever tried to get some slow-motion footage on your phone then you’ll know that the higher the resolution gets, the slow the capture rate gets.
High-definition slow-motion footage is an art in itself and if you’d like to learn a little more about what’s involved in this process then here is a great read to satisfy your curiosity and learn how a slow-motion camera works.
Our Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about the whole slow-motion thing works – and what makes a good slow-motion camera – you’re ready to make your choice.
The cameras on this list are all great performing cameras, both for normal footage and for photography. They pack a ton of features in and built well and are made by reliable brands.
Feel free to go back and read over any camera you are interested in and then take the leap and order one. We’ve made it as easy for you as possible to do this by linking to where you can find the camera at a great price.
Now get out there and do things that we haven’t seen before with the best slow-motion camera for you. Get the most out of your unique style and budget – and start building up a solid skill foundation.
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