Whether you’ve seen it on your social media feeds or noticed a different demand from clients, content creation has changed over the last few years. Once image-centric social media has now turned to video, with short video content dominating the social and digital landscape. Most major social media platforms are adapting accordingly. But on the other hand, photography is still an incredibly powerful marketing medium for social, digital, print, and more. It seems now more than ever, you need to be proficient at both photo and video to establish yourself as a sought-after creator. Simply put, the world needs more hybrid creators. And hybrid creators need the best hybrid camera.
In order to do both photo and video proficiently, hybrid creators need the right camera gear. They need reliable, powerful, hybrid cameras. This article covers seven amazing hybrid cameras in 2022 — from six different brands — all with fantastic video and stills features that give creators the ability to confidently keep up with the ever-changing needs of the content creation world.
What is a Hybrid Camera?
A hybrid camera is a camera that is built to be proficient at both photo and video. These cameras are equally impressive at shooting sharp, beautiful stills as they are dynamic, stunning video. They allow for ultimate versatility, providing users the ability to easily switch back and forth from one mode to the next.
Most hybrid cameras cameras are also built to be compact and lightweight. They are for the on-the-go creative that wants high performance, but doesn’t want to be weighed down by bulky gear.
Essential Features in a Hybrid Camera
So when searching for a fantastic hybrid camera, what features are important? Here are some to consider:
Camera sensor
A camera sensor and its size can determine image size, depth of field, resolution, low-light performance, dynamic range, and other important camera specifications. Simply put, a camera sensor type and size is the biggest indicator of image and video quality.
Typically, full-frame sensors (equivalent to 35mm, which is the gold standard), tend to be the preferred sensor for professional content creators and should be the sensor to look for in a hybrid camera.
Image resolution
High resolution over 20MP is important for a hybrid camera, so you can create stills that have enough detail and information for large image use.
Video features
Most hybrid cameras shoot 4K 24p, but professional-level hybrid cameras can shoot 4K60, 4K120, 6K, and even 8K 10-bit 4:2:2 and greater. Expect these high-end video features that pair perfectly with a higher image resolution.
ISO range
ISO is a camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. The lower the light, the higher the ISO setting, and vice versa. Look for an ISO range of around 100-102,400. This provides much greater versatility to shoot in bright and low light conditions throughout the day.
Autofocus
A top hybrid camera will have fast, reliable autofocus. Look for intelligent autofocusing features like face, eye, human, and animal AF detection, and more. Autofocusing technology has improved significantly over the last few years, so don’t compromise on autofocus. This is key in capturing the perfect shot.
Viewfinder
Most cameras nowadays have electronic viewfinders. However, not all are created equal. Many electronic viewfinders struggle with laggy, blurry feedback. A top hybrid camera will have a large, vibrant, accurate viewfinder that doesn’t lag or show unnatural colors and highlights.
Backscreen capabilities
The best hybrid cameras are built with large touchscreen LCD backscreens that allow you to shoot and create different perspectives at difficult angles. Look for fully-articulating, vari-angle backscreens or 4-axis monitors that allow you to fully tilt and flip the screen to view your subject at a difficult angle.
Weight/size of the camera
Top hybrid cameras are portable and lightweight. Don’t compromise on weight and size because you think an all-in-one camera should be heavy. Nowadays, that’s the contrary. Most of the top hybrid cameras weigh under two pounds, with much less of a camera body footprint.
Best Hybrid Cameras
Now that we’ve covered the top features to look for in hybrid camera, here are seven of the best hybrid cameras you can buy today.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II builds off its EOS R6 predecessors’ success and delivers a much-improved hybrid camera that easily stands as one of the top hybrid cameras on the market today, especially at its mid-tier pricepoint. Enthusiasts and professionals alike will appreciate its larger 24.2MP full-frame sensor, ability to shoot 4K 60p uncropped and 6K ProRes RAW. Its blazing-fast shutter speeds offer 40 fps electronic shutter and 12 fps mechanical shutter.
Pros:
- New and improved 24.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 4K 60p uncropped and 6K ProRes RAW
- 40 fps electronic shutter / 12 fps mechanical shutter
Cons:
- No 4K 120p
- Must have external recorder to shoot 6K ProRes RAW
- Video autofocus is a little slow in low light
Sony Alpha a7R V Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
The much-anticipated Sony Alpha a7R V picks up where the a7R IV left off, offering new and improved, highly-sophisticate AI autofocus system, and 8K to boot. It also fixes some of the past issues its predecessor had, offering hybrid creators a top-tier professional camera that is as powerful as any on the market.
Pros:
- 61MP full-frame back-illumimated Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Deep-learning AI autofocus with real-time recognition
- 8K 24p and 4K 60p uncropped
Cons:
- No 4K 120p
- Uses CFExpress Type A cards which are expensive and provide lower performance than CFExpress Type B cards
- Subtle noise in lower ISO settings
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
The Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera is one of the most anticipated and powerful APS-C mirrorless cameras to date. It offers a wide range of photo and video features, built into a beautiful, rugged, retro design that is sure to please. From its a 40MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Imaging Sensor, 15 fps mechanical shutter, and the ability to shoot 6.2K 30p / 40K 60p subsampled uncropped, this camera is a winner and a great hybrid camera option.
Pros:
- A 40MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Imaging Sensor
- 15 fps mechanical shutter
- 2K 30p / 40K 60p subsampled, uncropped
Cons:
- No 4K 120p
- Limited buffer for burst shooting – limited for wildlife or sports photography
- APS-C sensor is not for everyone
Nikon Z 6II Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Nikon Z 6II is versatile, full-frame, do-it-all hybrid camera that excels at both image quality and video performance. It’s 24.5MP sensor abltiy to shoot 4K 60p video. Other features, like it’s 273-point hybrid AF system and fantastic low-light capabilities, make it a worthy option for any hybrid content creator.
Pros:
- 5MP sensor
- 40K footage up to 60p UHD
- Powered by two EXPEED 6 processors for high performance and speed
Cons:
- No 4K 120p
- 40K 60p footage is cropped and only 8-bit
- Backscreen is only tilting, not vari-angle
Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Panasonic is known for building compact, lightweight, powerful hybrid cameras. The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 builds on that legacy. With its 24.2MP Sensor and Dual Native ISO technology, as well the ability to record in 4K 60p, 4:2:2 10-bit, its as capable as any hybrid camera on the market. This is a fantastic option for content creators who value power and portability.
Pros:
- 2MP sensor
- 4K 60p, 4:2:2 10-bit recording
- Deep-learning AI autofocus
Cons:
- Autofocus is slower than some of the top competitors
- No 6K or 8K footage options
- No CFExpress card slots
OM System OM-5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
The OM System OM-5 Mirrorless Camera is one of the smallest, most compact hybrid cameras on the market. While it’s Micro Four Thirds sensor isn’t for everyone, those who prefer that sensor size will appreciate this camera’s fantastic photo and video features. It doesn’t hurt that this camera is also one of the most durable, rugged cameras on this list. It makes a great option for hybrid creators who travel, or create on the go, or in the outdoors.
Pros:
- 20MP Micro 4/3 MOS sensor
- IP53 rating for extreme conditions–dustproof, splashproof, and freeze proof up to -10 degrees celsius
- Ultra HD 4K recording
Cons:
- Limited to only 40K 30p recording
- Micro 4/3 sensor is not for everyone
- It’s small built limits the lens size you can mount
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Mirrorless Camera
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II Mirrorless Camera had big shoes to fill with the original GH5, but it proves to be a worthy successor and fantastic hybrid camera. With its 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and ability to shoot up to 4K 60p 4.2.0 10-bit, uncropped, it offers the versality that’s needed for a true hyrbid creator, all in a compact, travel-friendly size.
Pros:
- 20MP Micro 4/3 MOS sensor
- 4K 60p 4.2.2 10-bit, uncropped
- Supports unlimited wired and wireless indoor and outdoor streaming
Cons:
- Micro 4/3 sensor is not for everyone
- No 6K or 8K footage options
- No CFExpress card slots
Conclusion
If 2022 has taught us anything, its that content creators need to start adapting to create both video and photo. The need for hybrid cameras are at an all-time high. If you’re a creator who wants to diversify and invest in a camera that excels at both photo and video, this article should help provide a winner for your content needs.
