The Best Camera for Video: Comparing Nikon D850, Canon EOS 90D, Canon 6D Mark II, and Panasonic GH5
When it comes to capturing high-quality video, photographers often find themselves at a crossroads. Which camera is the best for videography, between the Nikon D850, Canon EOS 90D, Canon 6D Mark II, and Panasonic GH5? This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of these four cameras, focusing on their video capabilities, features, and performance.
Content Overview
Overview of the Cameras
First, let's take a closer look at each of the four cameras, starting with their general characteristics and strengths.
Performance and Features
Next, we will delve into the specific features and technical specifications of each camera, discussing their video recording capabilities, autofocus systems, and other noteworthy aspects.
Conclusion
Finally, we will summarize our findings and provide a clear recommendation for which camera stands out as the best choice for video production among these models.
Overview of the Cameras
Nikon D850
The Nikon D850 is a professional-level DSLR camera known for its excellent image quality and high-resolution sensor. It features a 45.7MP full-frame CMOS sensor, delivering stunning resolution for both stills and video. However, as a DSLR, the D850 requires a separate viewfinder system for video recording, which can be a drawback when it comes to real-time monitoring during a shoot.
Canon EOS 90D
The Canon EOS 90D is a more consumer-friendly alternative within the DSLR category. It has a 32.5MP APS-C sensor and offers excellent high-speed shooting, making it a popular choice for photographers who need speed and convenience. For videography, the EOS 90D does not have a mirrorless viewfinder system, which means you have to rely on the LCD screen or an external viewfinder for real-time monitoring.
Canon 6D Mark II
The Canon 6D Mark II is a semi-professional DSLR camera that offers a middle ground in terms of image quality and features. It has a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor and supports 1080p video at 30p and 120p. The 6D Mark II also has an optical viewfinder but lacks a mirrorless-like viewfinder system, which can pose issues for continuous focus tracking during extended shoots.
Panasonic GH5
The Panasonic GH5 stands out as the only mirrorless camera in the comparison. It offers a 20.3MP four-third sensor and supports 4K video recording at 60p, making it a solid choice for videography enthusiasts. The GH5 has a dual-screen system, consisting of a clean electronic viewfinder and a tiltable touchscreen for real-time monitoring. Moreover, it has a very impressive autofocus system, which can track subjects during video recording with great accuracy.
Performance and Features
Video Recording Capabilities
For videography enthusiasts, the video recording capabilities of each camera are crucial. The Panasonic GH5 leads in this aspect, offering 4K video recording at 60p and 4:2:0 10-bit video output, which provides rich color depth and excellent detail retention. In contrast, the Nikon D850, Canon EOS 90D, and Canon 6D Mark II offer 1080p record at 30p or 60p with less impressive video quality.
Autofocus Systems
The autofocus (AF) system of a camera is equally important, especially when capturing video. The Panasonic GH5 is equipped with an advanced Hybrid AF system that can track subjects with remarkable accuracy during video recording. The Nikon D850, Canon EOS 90D, and Canon 6D Mark II have excellent AF systems for still photography, but they may struggle with continuous autofocus during video recording due to their optical viewfinder limitations.
Other Noteworthy Features
The Panasonic GH5 also stands out in terms of additional features, such as its 5-axis image stabilization, which helps to reduces camera shake during video recording. The D850, EOS 90D, and 6D Mark II also have stabilization, but the GH5's stabilization is more effective for video as it operates in real-time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your primary focus is on video capture and you need a mirrorless camera, the Panasonic GH5 is undoubtedly the best choice among the four options. Its 4K video recording capabilities, advanced autofocus system, and other impressive features make it a superior video capture tool. However, if you prefer a DSLR and can work around the limitations of the viewfinder system, the Canon 6D Mark II is a good option due to its good balance of features and affordability.
It's important to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing a camera for video. If you prioritize still photography as well, the other options like the D850 and EOS 90D might be more suitable. Nonetheless, if video is your top priority, the Panasonic GH5 is a solid choice that offers unparalleled performance in the mirrorless category.