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Top 10 4K Video Cameras

We are seeing more and more 4K supported video cameras become available, and it certainly won't be long until 4K is a standard video format in all cameras. For now, only the best and most advanced brands and products support native 4K resolution. Below we have listed and described ten of the very best of these 4K video cameras, across a range of price points.

1. Blackmagic Design Production Camera 4K

Price: $2,995

Main Features:

• 4K Super 35mm sensor
• Global shutter
• Canon EF compatible lens mount
• 4K and HD recording
• Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
• Built in SSD Recorder
• 5 inch LCD touchscreen
• Includes DaVinci Resolve and UltraScope

Blackmagic is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in the video camera world. Their professional quality products are highly spoken of and used by those who want only the best. Thankfully, Blackmagic makes this possible for people who are on even a modest budget. 4K video recording is possible without the need to spend a fortune, and the Blackmagic Design Production 4K camera is one that is probably going to be high on people's list of considerations.

The Canon EF compatible lens mount means that affordable and often quite low cost lenses can be used on this camera, and they retain complete electronic control. This brings the overall financial investment down considerably, and puts professional quality 4K recording into the hands of the budget enthusiast. It also means tat those who already own Canon lenses won't even have to make a new investment in new lenses when using the Blackmagic Design Production Camera 4K.

2. Blackmagic Design URSA 4K Digital Cinema Camera

Price: $6,495

Main Features:

• 3840 x 2160p global shutter CMOS sensor
• 10.1" 1080p flip-out LCD screen
• Two 5" touchscreens
• 2x XLR audio inputs with phantom power
• Dual CFast 2.0 Card Slots

Described as the first user upgradeable 4K digital film camera, the Blackmagic Design URSA is able to be used equally as well for an individual video shooter, or for large film crews. The lens mount assembly and sensor can be changed and updated, meaning that you don’t have to upgrade the entire camera body just to get a newer sensor in future.

3. GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition Camera

Price: $399.99

Main Features:

• 4K, 2.7K, 1440p & 1080p support
• 12MP still photos at up to 30 frames per second
• Ultra wide angle glass lens
• Camera Housing Waterproof to 131'
• Built in Wi-fi
• 20% smaller and 30% more battery life than HERO3

GoPro are popular cameras amongst action shooters and those who just want an affordable, portable and tough camera that can be used in difficult conditions. At under $400, this is one of the lowest priced 4K cameras on the market now. It has built in Wifi and is waterproof at up to 40m - making it the obvious choice for those wanting to do underwater video and photography on a modest budget.

4. Sony PMW-F5 CineAlta

Price: $16,490.00

Main Features:

• Sony 4K CMOS sensor
• High speed shooting up to 120 frames per second
• Ultra wide angle glass lens
• Small, light and modular design
• Internal 2K and HD recording
• 4K/2K RAW Recording to optional AXS-R5 recorder

The high end Sony PMW-F5 CineAlta camera is certainly in the price range of the professional or serious amateur videographer. The feature set is extensive, as is the potential versatility thanks to the highly modular design of the F5.

5. Sony NEX-FS700R Super 35 Camcorder

Price: $7,699

Main Features:

• 4K Exmor Super 35mm CMOS sensor
• 4K/2K 12-Bit RAW to AXS-R5 Recorder
• Super slow motion at 960 frames per second
• 3.5" LCD screen
• ISO up to 64,000
• Dual XLR, HDMI and 3G/HD-SDI connectivity
• SD, SDHC, SDXC and Memory Stick Duo slots

The Sony NEX-FS700R is a body only purchase which features an E-mount that can be used with third party adapters, making it able to support almost any DSLR, cinema and 35mm SLR lens. This versatility is matched by the features including ISO shooting up to 64,000, four included ND filters and the choice to output 4K RAW at 60fps to a Sony RAW recorder.

6. 4K Compact Handheld Camcorder

Price: $4,995.00

Features:

• Native 4K recording
• 4 SD cards
• 10x F/2.8 zoom lens
• Optical image stabilization built in
• Full HD, MPEG4, AVCHD and H.264 formats are supported

A mid priced 4K choice is the JVC GY-HMQ10 camcorder, which is a compact, convenient camera with a built in zoom lens, allowing for the shooting of a wide range of scenes, without the need to invest in expensive lenses separately. This is a camera for those who like to shoot handheld, without giving up the quality of 4K.

7. RED Scarlet-X

Price: $7,950

Features:

• 14MP sensor
• Up to 18 stops of dynamic range
• 1080p, 3K, 4K and 5K REDCODE RAW formats
• GPI Trigger, ethernet, RS232 and wireless remote control options
• Option to the Scarlet Dragon which has a 19MP sensor and 6144 x 3160 resolution
• Variety of lens mount options

RED is a name that any serious video enthusiast knows well. Their products are highly desired, but not always within the budget of everyone. The RED Scarlet-X changes this, at under $8000 for the body itself. One of the most highly sought after features in any camera is its performance in low light scenarios, or in scenes with extreme bright and dark aspects. With up to 18 stops of dynamic range, the RED Scarlet-X is equipped to handle deep shadows and bright highlights with grace.

RED caters to the most popular lens mounts, with a choice of Nikon, Canon EF, Leica, and PL mount options.

8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 4K Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera

Price: $1,697.99

Main Features:

• 16.05MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
• DCI 4K 4096x2160 at 24p
• UHD 4K 3840x2160 at 30p/24p
• Full HD up to 60p
• 3" OLED monitor
• 4:2:2 8-Bit or 10-Bit HDMI Output
• Weather sealed body

Micro four thirds, or mirrorless, digital cameras have achieved a big following, and Panasonic has been at the forefront of this revolution. Now they are heading the next generation of M4/3 cameras with 4K support, with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. Increasingly, DSLR camera owners are turning towards mirrorless bodies for their more compact size, and now for their highly advanced video capabilities. As yet, there is no true DSLR camera with 4K video ability, but Panasonic and their DMC-GH4 are putting this technology into the hands of video shooters on a budget - at well under $2000, it is very hard to look past the Lumix GH4.

9. Canon EOS C500 4K Cinema Camera

Price:$19,999

Main Features:

• 4K RAW (4096 x 2160) Output
• 8.8 Mp Super 35mm-Size CMOS Sensor
• Canon Log Gamma
• Dual 3G-SDI outputs

A serious camera for the serious 4K video shooter, the C500 from Canon is certainly a significant financial investment and probably not a model that people new to the world of 4K video are going to consider. But those who are ready to step up to the next level of 4K shooting will find it hard to look past the C500. 10 bit 4K RAW at up to 60p, plus half RAW at up to 120p, means the C500 can handle fast action with ease. As expected, 2K, full HD and Quad HD are also supported.

The C500 is available in two versions, depending upon which types of lenses you wish to use with it. For those who prefer cinema lenses, there is the PL mount version, whilst the EF mount version allows for a wide range of affordable Canon and other lenses to be attached. Canon Log Gamma allows for a professional post production workflow in terms of color correction and grading.

10. Canon EOS-1D C

Price: $9,9999

Main Features:

• 18.1Mp CMOS Sensor
• 4K and 1080p HD video capability
• 3.2" LCD Screen
• Canon EF lens mount
• 61 point autofocus

At half the price of the Canon EOS C500, the EOS-1D C is a revolutionary hybrid DSLR that is the first camera of its type. This hybrid ability includes being able to record both 4K video (as well as HD video), in addition to still images. This can be done to CF cards in the camera, or to external recorders in uncompressed full HD format.

People who are used to using Canon DSLR cameras, or any DSLR body, will quickly become comfortable with the EOS-1D C. 4K video can be captured without using any external recording devices, and the small size of this camera makes gives it a clear edge over a lot of competitors, particularly for video shooters who prefer shooting handheld, or in confined or challenging environments.

These top ten 4K video cameras provide a wide range of choices, when it comes to both features and price, for people who want the very best that shooting in 4K resolution has to offer.

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