Do you aspire to be one of Hollywood’s next superstar directors, following in the footsteps of Spielberg, Scorsese or Hitchcock? Or perhaps you want to capture adventures or family memories and share the content across screens. Whatever your reasons for shooting video, forget your iPhone camera. The best video camera for shooting your own movies is, well, an actual camera.

Whether you're vlogging, shooting family movies, or capturing your action-oriented adventures, ... [+] there's a video camera that's ideally suited to your shooting needs.

Of course, the cameras built into the latest smartphones—including the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, Google Pixel 6 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra—can shoot stunning 4K video. And while some of these phones can show off some pretty impressive cinematic features, these cameras have serious limitations. That’s why you should consider a dedicated camera that captures video.

To help you make the transition to a “real” video camera, we picked the best cameras in a number of categories that can serve as video cameras. The prices may vary dramatically depending upon the size, features, sensor type and battery life you choose, but they all have one thing in common: They’re best-in-class cameras that can shoot superb video. Consider your creative vision and capture needs before choosing a video camera that fits within your budget.

Camera Type: Point-and-Shoot | Max Video Resolution: 4K (up to 120 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 20.1 MP | Weight: 0.7 pounds | Viewfinder Type: 3-inch touchscreen

Who it’s for: This camera’s design—with its light weight, flip-up screen and subject tracking—caters to the needs of vloggers, social media influencers and streamers. And it takes good still images, too.

The Sony ZV-1 is the top choice for social media influencers and enthusiast videographers on-the-go. It is small and lightweight, making it easy to hold in one-hand while walking and documenting the moment. The LCD display can be flipped outwards and rotated 180-degrees to face forwards or backwards, making it simple to frame yourself in photos or videos. The ZV-1 works well for one-handed operation with Sony’s optional GP-VPT2BT wireless grip and mini-tripod ($60).

The menus and buttons are easy to use, and the camera shoots stunning video while simultaneously capturing high-quality sound thanks to the large, top-mounted microphone and included wind shield. The camera’s one-inch sensor captures high-resolution images in lower light better than a cell phone camera or a typical point-and-shoot camera would. Sony’s bundled Imaging Edge mobile app makes it easy to quickly and wirelessly transfer content to a smartphone for editing and sharing online. The app saves time by auto-formatting videos and photos for specific social media platforms.

Camera Type: Point-and-shoot | Max Video Resolution: 4K (30 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 20.1 MP | Weight: 0.68 pounds | Viewfinder Type: 3-inch rear display

Who it’s for: It’s ideal for amateur videographers and photographers looking for a pocket-sized general-purpose camera.

For the price, the Lumix ZS100 is a really good point-and-shoot camera that also captures impressive 4K video. The Leica lens has a 1-inch sensor for optimal captures in low-light situations, and a 10x optical zoom that ranges from 25mm to 250mm (35mm equivalent). That means you can switch from wide shots to tight images without changing lenses.

The camera has a slim, smooth body that is perfect for sliding into a pocket. It has full manual control, an unusual find in a point-and-shoot camera that experienced photographers and videographers can appreciated. Another great feature is the built-in 0.2 inch 1,166K-dot electronic viewfinder in addition to the 3-inch rear touchscreen display; electronic viewfinders are a rare find in point-and-shoot cameras.

Camera Type: Mirrorless | Max Video Resolution: 4K (up to 60 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 20.3 MP | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Viewfinder Type: 3.68m-dot electronic viewfinder and 3-inch vari-angle display

Who it’s for: For videographers and photographers who want greater control over their images, live streaming support and interchangeable lenses.

If you’re looking for flexible camera that captures impressive video at 4K (at up to 60 frames-per-second) and takes great still images camera that also does an impressive job filming 4K video (at up to 60 fps), the Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II strikes a good balance of price and functionality. The price here is for the body only; adding a 12 to 60mm lens—one of several lens options available—bumps the price to $2,300. The Mark II version costs more than the still-available original GH5, but it has faster auto-focus and higher frame rate captures than its predecessor. It also has improved battery life.

The GH5 Mark II is a versatile shooter with full manual controls, image presets and a helpful auto-mode to help ease the transition from a full-auto point-and-shoot. With both dust and moisture resistance, the GH5 Mark II can capably serve in a wide range of shooting situations. For video, it has its Cinelike shooting mode for capturing video with low-contrast color. For enhanced audio recording while filming, the camera has a port to attach an XLR microphone adapter; or you can use the camera’s built in 3.5mm input jack to connect an external microphone.

Camera Type: Mirrorless | Max Video Resolution: Up to 6K (up to 24 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 24.2 MP | Weight: 2.6 pounds | Viewfinder Type: Electronic OLED 5.76-dot resolution and 3-inch free-angle tilting display

Who it’s for: This pro-level mirrorless camera captures up to 6K resolution video. It can also serve as a full-featured still image camera in a wide range of shooting situations.

The Lumix S1H is the camera you want if you have the budget and your videography and still-image requirements are exacting. The price of this camera is for the body only. Panasonic has a range of lenses available. Getting a camera that shoots up to 6K at 24 frames per second may feel like overkill when today’s screens largely top out at 4K resolution, but the extra resolution gives you more flexibility. For example, you can punch into your video in post-production to reframe your shot.

For about $500 more, B&H Photo sells a Cine Accessory kit for videographers that includes a collection of otherwise optional accessories, including a Atomos Ninja V five inch 4K HDMI recording monitor, a camera power kit and a selection of adapters. In addition to lenses, such as the Panasonic Lumix S 50mm F/1.8 lens with UV Filter Kit ($348), the Rode VideoMic Pro Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone ($179) for recording audio works exceptionally well with this camera.

Camera Type: Point-and-shoot | Max Video Resolution: 4K (up to 30 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 20.1 MP | Weight: 0.67 pounds | Viewfinder Type: 3-inch rear touchscreen

Who it’s for: This point-and-shoot camera has a small and lightweight design that makes it a joy to shoot with in any occasion.

With its compact design and flip-up rear-display, the G7X Mark III is a prime option for social media influencers and YouTubers. It captures 4K video and also serves as a versatile still image camera. The 4.2x optical zoom lens covers 24 to 100mm (35mm equivalent), a reasonable range for casual shooting. Notably, the lens’ aperture ranges from a wide-open f1.8 to f2.8, a tight range that means this is a terrific camera choice for getting the most out of shooting in low light. These impressive optics help account for why the G7 X Mark III is more expensive than the typical point-and-shoot camera.

The PowerShot G7 X Mark III also supports live streaming and has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options. It has manual and program mode shooting, with a finger-friendly control dial at top in addition to the touchscreen controls. The camera is small, but it has thoughtful design and a gently curved grip on the right makes it easy to hold.

Camera Type: Action camera | Max Video Resolution: Up to 5.3K (up to 60 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 23.6 MP | Weight: 0.3 pounds | Viewfinder Type: Front and rear display

Who it’s for: Adventure-seekers whose videography involves action sports or harsh conditions can’t go wrong with this tiny action camera.

Whether you want to capture first- or third-person content, the GoPro Hero 10 Black can be taken and used in ways that most other cameras cannot. Not only is this camera small and powerful, but it has a large ecosystem of attachments, mounts and mods to customize how—and where—you use the camera. Use your camera underwater with a waterproof housing, mount your camera on a helmet, or mount your camera at the base of your skateboard. The possibilities are endless.

When connected to Wi-Fi, the camera can upload your content directly to the cloud. Using Bluetooth, you can easily transfer content to a smartphone, tablet or computer for editing and sharing. Or, pop out the microSD Card. Thanks to the rear and front displays, you can position the camera in any direction and see what you’re shooting. All features are accessible from the rear touchscreen display, and some actions—for example, starting a recording— work via voice commands. The camera can also be remotely controlled via a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.