Canon is a renowned brand for professional photographers, but Canon cameras for video are definitely having a moment as well. In recent years, the world’s biggest camera manufacturer has established itself as a leader in designing and building cameras for professional videographers—and this goes beyond the Cinema EOS series.
Today, we’re talking about Canon’s full-frame mirrorless and DSLR video options. These Canon cameras utilize some of the same industry-leading video performance and features of the Cinema EOS series. Meanwhile, they maintain a portable, travel-friendly size, perfect for on-the-go, run-and-gun videographers who need performance and portability.
All of these mirrorless and DSLR camera bodies produce fantastic video, while still offering incredible photography features for hybrid creatives who may want to do both. Let’s start.
Best Canon Mirrorless & DSLR Cameras for Video
Canon EOS R5 C Mirrorless Digital Cinema Camera
Canon EOS R5C is designed for photographers, videographers, journalists, and content creators. It is one of the best Canon cameras for video and may easily become the only camera you use. The new internal cooling fan allows unlimited 8K 60fps recording. The camera also features 8K/60P RAW or Cinema RAW Light recording, HDMI 8K RAW output to external recorders, and 8K HDR recording. To help filmmakers, even more, the camera has a new interface with 13 assignable buttons.
Key Video Features:
- 45MP CMOS Sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with iTR AF X
- 8K/60P Internal RAW and Cinema RAW Light Recording
- New powerful DIGIC X Image Processor
- HDMI 8K RAW Output to External Recorders
Canon EOS C70 Digital Camera Body
Canon EOS C70 is the ultimate Canon camera for video. It is small and compact and has a top handle for good grip and built-in ND filters for fast setup. The camera features direct touch control, vertical shooting, electronic image stabilization, and remote control support.
In terms of video frame rates, the powerful DIGIC DV7 processor provides frame rates up to 120fps in 4K and up to 180fps in 2K CROP mode. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system is available even when shooting at high frame rates.
Check out our hands-on review of the Canon EOS C70 with cinematographer Martin Fobes.
Key Video Features:
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with iTR AF X
- 4K 120P and 2K CROP 180P Frame Rates
- DIGIC DV7 Image Processor
- 9×16 Vertical Shooting
- Canon Log 2, 3, PQ, HLG Recording
- 2 Mini-XLR Audio Input Terminals for Professional Audio Recording
- Ergonomic Built-in Grip
Canon EOS 1DX Mark III
The Canon EOS 1DX Mark III was released back in January 2020 as Canon’s new flagship DSLR camera, ready to perform as a video and stills champion for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. While the Olympic Games were put on hold, this camera still wowed the world with its hybrid cross between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera. It uses both a traditional optical viewfinder and vivid Live View mode, for the best of both world’s when operating and using the camera. That means you can use the optical viewfinder when dealing with fast-moving subjects, for zero lag. Or, switch to live-view mod for the mirrorless shooting experience—all while maintaining the same fast autofocus and speed.
The Canon EOS 1DX Mark III truly sets itself apart in terms of video specs, with sharp, uncropped 4K at 60p as well as the capability to shoot in both RAW or 10-bit 4:2:2 video with Canon Log. Pair that video quality with the new deep learning AF technology and you have a DSLR hybrid that is one of the most impressive video cameras on the market.
Key Video Features:
- A brand new AF sensor with 28x more resolution than its predecessor
- Deep learning AF technology for focus tracking in any situation
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF across approximately 90×100 percent of the sensor with 525 AF areas
- Supports RAW video or 10-bit 4:2:2 video with Canon Log
- High-speed camera communications
- Enhanced DIGIC X Processor
- Dual card slots: 2x CFexpress
Shop the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III here. Rent the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III kit here.
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 debuted in summer 2020, along with the EOS R6 (which we will discuss later in this article). Rumors and anticipation swirled around this new, professional-level, full-frame mirrorless Canon camera for video and photos, and unlike many cameras before it, it lived up to the hype.
The Canon EOS R5 is widely considered to be one of the best, most versatile cameras on the market. This is partially thanks to its incredible Canon video features, like uncropped, internal video recording at up to 8K at 30p and 4K at 120p, with the option of recording RAW or in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log.
Combine those mind-blowing video specs with the EOS R5’s intelligent, deep-learning Dual Pixel CMOS AF sensor and five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization—a first for the Canon brand—and you have a full-frame mirrorless camera equipped to create the very best video content.
Now, the EOS R5 has received some unwarranted criticism for its “overheating problem” when recording 8K and 4K internal. However, that is a problem that most cameras in this segment struggle with, due to the size of the information and video files being internally recorded. If you’re wanting to record longer than the 30-minute limit of 4K and 8K internal recording time on the EOS R5, it’s recommended to switch to a rig set up where you record externally, like on an Atmos Ninja V, which connects to the EOS R5 using its macro HDMI cable output. This a much better video set up, and it can record hours of brilliant 4K and 8K footage on the EOS R5 without issues or recording limits.
Key Video Features:
- 8K RAW internal video recording up to 29.97 fps
- 8K internal video recording up to 29.97 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265)
- 4K internal video recording up to 119.88 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265). 4K external recording is also available up to 59.94 fps
- No crop 8K and 4K video capture using the full-width of the sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF available in all 8K and 4K recording modes
- New powerful DIGIC X image processor
- Canon Log available in 8K and 4K internal recording modes
- 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization, providing up to 8 stops of shake correction which works in conjunction with Optical IS equipped with many of the RF and EF lenses
- Dual card slots: 1x CFexpress and 1x UHS-II SD
Shop the Canon EOS R5 here. Rent the Canon EOS R5 here.
Canon EOS R6
As we mentioned, the Canon EOS R6 was released in summer 2020 alongside its powerful sibling, the EOS R5. While it did received less media attention, it’s still one of the most versatile and powerful Canon cameras for video in its segment, with powerful filming features that excite videographers.
The EOS R6 can shoot 4K at up to 60fps and 1080p at 120fps at 10-bit 4:2:2 with Canon Log Or HDR PQ, thanks to its new, powerful DIGIC X image processor. However, it also benefits from the same five-axis In-Body Image Stabilization as the EOS R5. Pair a new RF lens with in-lens stabilization with the eight stops of shake correction on the EOS R6, and you’ll have a system that is smooth and forgiving when filming handheld.
Finally, the EOS R6 has an incredible ISO range of 100 to 102400, expandable to 204800. That means pristine low light performance while filming, which makes this camera even more versatile. It might not have received all the hype it deserved, but the EOS R6 is still a worthy camera for quality filming.
Key Video Features:
- 4K up to 60fps, 1080p up to 120fps 10-bit 4:2:2 with Canon Log Or HDR PQ
- Highly responsive Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system features an incredible 1,053 Automatic AF zones
- New powerful DIGIC X image processor
- 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization. Up to 8 stops of shake correction which works in conjunction with Optical IS equipped with many of the RF and EF lenses
- High-end video features such as Interval Timer, 4K Time-Lapse mode, mic and headphone jacks, and zebra exposure monitoring
- Leading low light performance: ISO Range Of 100-102400; Expandable to 204800
- Dual card slots: 2x UHS-II SD
Shop the Canon EOS R6 here.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with Canon Log
Finally, we finish off this list with the iconic Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, a Canon camera for video that now has Canon Log built in. While the EOS 5D Mark IV is a fantastic professional stills camera, it can also shoot 4K footage at 30p and 24p. Combine high-quality footage with Canon’s powerful Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and reliable AF during live-view and video shooting, and you have a great professional DSLR video camera.
Key Video Features:
- 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.
- Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or Live View shooting
- High-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed
- 61 AF points with expanded vertical coverage with 41 cross-points. AF possible at all 61 AF points with many lens + extender combinations effective at f/8.
Shop the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with Canon Log here. Rent the Canon OES 5D Mark IV with Canon Log here.
How to Choose the Best Canon Camera for Video: 5 Features to Look for
If you want to use your Canon camera for video as well as for photography, you should consider both video and photo capabilities when making the purchase. At the same time, consider your workflow. For example, Canon makes some of the best DSLRs for video, but they might be too heavy to carry to remote locations. In this case, a mirrorless camera will be a better choice. Regardless of the camera type, check out the following features when you want a camera for video:
High frame rates and resolutions
To achieve the best video quality, you need a camera capable of recording videos at high frame rates and high resolutions. The resolution dictates image quality, while the frame rate dictates the capacity to record fast-moving subjects. You want at least 4K or 8K resolution and 60fps.
Autofocus
When you film a moving subject, you don’t have time to adjust the focus. The camera has to do it for you. So, if you want the best Canon camera for video and photos, consider a model that provides smooth autofocus with good coverage during video recording.
Image stabilization
From time to time, you’ll need to follow your subject and film it with a handheld camera. You can’t afford the risk of camera shake, which means you need a camera with in-body image stabilization and shake correction.
RAW support
As you know, shooting in RAW provides the best image quality and endless post-processing opportunities. The same applies to RAW video recording. Look for a camera that supports RAW video recording at high frame rates.
Storage options
Video footage requires a lot of disk space. Especially if you shoot at high resolutions, the memory card will soon be full. Choose a camera that provides a few alternatives, such as dual card slots and fast connections to external recorders.
Are DSLR cameras good for video?
Although DSLRs are heavier and harder to handle than mirrorless cameras, they can be used for video recording. They provide the highest image quality, accurate colors, and the best contrast.
The best DSLRs for video feature in-body image stabilization, autofocus during video recording, high-end image processors for fast recording, and dual card slots. A live view option is also good to have, as filming while looking through the viewfinder might be tiresome.
How do you shoot a video on a Canon?
Canon’s best cameras for video have video settings on the Mode Dial. All you have to do is turn the Mode Dial to the video icon, and the camera will be ready to record videos. Then, press the button with the red dot to start recording. Pressing the same button again will stop the recording.
If you have an older Canon camera model, you have to enter the Menu, find Live View/Movie function settings, press the SET button, go to Stills + Movie, press the SET button again, got o Movies or Movie Display, and press the SET button again.
Which camera is best for vlogging?
A good camera for vlogging features high video quality, fast autofocus, long battery life, a flip screen (so you can see yourself while vlogging), live streaming features, and built-in WiFi. Among Canon cameras, the best for vlogging are EOS M50 Mark II, EOS M6 II, and EOS 5D Mark IV.
Feature image via Canva
