Which are the best Canon cameras for video? Shooting video used to require a dedicated cine camera, but all the models in the current Canon EOS and PowerShot ranges can now shoot high-quality movies as well as top-notch stills. Consequently, more photographers are discovering how easy it is to enhance their storytelling with great video, while videographers are finding new ways to shoot more creative footage with mirrorless and compact cameras as B-cams.
Here we look at the best Canon cameras to use for shooting different types of video, calling on the expertise of Mike Burnhill, John Maurice and Aron Randhawa, product specialists at Canon Europe, as well as the experiences of Canon shooters.
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The best Canon cameras for shooting video
"There is a lot to think about when you're selecting a camera, but the first consideration should be how you intend to use the video," says Mike. "For instance, the 8K capabilities of the Canon EOS R5 C and EOS R5 may grab your attention, but it's important to remember that this will affect your file storage and computer processing requirements. In fact, if you're only planning to produce short video clips for social media, 4K video may be more than enough. However, shooting in high resolution brings scope for cropping down to Full HD to create alternative framing in processing, which means you only need to shoot everything once.
"If you're an experienced videographer, the ability to shoot in Canon Log is also very appealing because it produces files that are perfect for post-capture grading and can be matched in with clips from other cameras, including the Cinema EOS range," Mike continues. "But if you're just getting started, or you need to work quickly, you may be more interested in what the camera produces with an in-camera Picture Style."
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For those filmmakers who require the most flexibility for grading and editing, RAW video is also offered by a number of hybrid EOS cameras. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is capable of recording 6K 60p ProRes RAW externally, for example. The successor to the Canon EOS R6 also offers a host of cinema-level functions, including 1/6-speed slow motion and electronic focus breathing correction, in a body that's equally adept at shooting stills.
With these points in mind, here are the best Canon cameras for video, whether you're a stills photographer looking to branch out into moving images, a filmmaker or videographer looking for a second camera, or new to shooting films.
1. Best camera for experienced videographers: Canon EOS R5 C
"The Canon EOS R5 C is a video-focused version of the EOS R5, with added features specifically for professional filmmaking," explains Aron. "The ergonomics are similar, but with its built-in fan, the EOS R5 C can record for long durations no matter what mode you are in. And being a dedicated cinema camera, there’s no limit on recording time."
The EOS R5 C has a three-way power switch to choose between photo/video mode. Video mode boasts a host of options not usually seen in mirrorless cameras: you can import your own LUTs; set your shutter angle to 180°; and take advantage of waveform monitors and false colour tools. A front tally lamp indicates recording and the timecode in/out terminal is particularly useful for synchronising multiple cameras at once. In addition, attaching TASCAM's CA-XLR2d Audio XLR Adapter to the Multi-function accessory shoe gives you XLR input options.
Canon EOS R5 C
Travel filmmaker Kevin Clerc took the EOS R5 C on a shoot in Madeira, and says it felt ready to go straight out of the box. "I travel a lot, so I really appreciate how light and discreet the EOS R5 C is. But for me, the best feature is the switch to go between photo and video modes. Video mode unlocks different features, so you really feel as if you have two cameras in your hand. I now don't need another stills camera on time-lapse shoots.
"In-camera waveform has proven so reliable for accurate exposure and was particularly helpful on my travels when it wasn't possible to use an external monitor. I also use manual focus and having the option to mount Canon Cine lenses via the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R has been an incredible experience."
2. Best camera for video shoots in tough conditions: Canon EOS R3
There is a reason the EOS R3 is Canon's flagship mirrorless camera. The ideal solution in difficult lighting or weather conditions, on lengthy shoots or when working with tricky subjects, it's not just reliable and robust, but also lightning fast. Like its flagship DSLR counterpart, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the EOS R3 is as tough as they come.
"The EOS R3 is weather-sealed and can withstand harsh environments – rain, snow and sand," explains Mike. "It has a large battery, which allows it to work in colder conditions and shoot for longer. Likewise, it can shoot for long periods of time in high temperatures without overheating. You can also power by USB to run the camera via a powerbank and charge remotely. Focusing is down to -4EV for video, and you still get the same face tracking and vehicle tracking modes that you get in stills, even in dull, dark conditions."
Canon EOS R3
With its advanced autofocus capabilities, which can not only detect and track vehicles and animals, but also faces and eyes – even behind masks – the Canon EOS R3 ensures both stills and videos are always in sharp focus.
3. Best camera for hybrid shooting: Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5, like the other EOS R System cameras, is built around Canon's groundbreaking RF mount, but thanks to a range of EOS R Adapters, it is fully compatible with Canon EF or EF-S lenses.
Muhammed Muheisen is a photojournalist who has twice won a Pulitzer Prize, and is currently based in Greece. Muhammed used to shoot with two Canon EOS 5D Mark IV cameras, one set up for stills and the other for video. He had reservations about switching to the Canon EOS R5 but says he has adapted quickly. "It's two cameras in one," he explains. "The 8K capability is a revolution – I can shoot video and extract 35MP images."
Canon EOS R5
Muhammed also appreciates the camera's small size, which means he can work without drawing attention to himself. "The camera doesn't intimidate anyone, so I can shoot unnoticed. It makes my life easier and there's no sacrifice in image quality."
"Shooting in 8K gives lots of scope for post-capture cropping of video and stills," adds Mike. "Alternatively, you can use 4K HQ mode to create 4K footage with incredible detail."
Firmware updates have introduced new features to the EOS R5. "For example, you can now record 8K 30p ProRes RAW when paired with an Atomos Ninja V+ Monitor & Recorder," explains Mike. "Switching from an internal to external recorder unleashes unlimited 8K recording – essentially until the battery runs out or the card fills up – and allows the system to run cooler, whatever the ambient temperature."
4. Best camera for solo shooters: Canon EOS R6 Mark II
With extra-wide dynamic range thanks to Canon Log 3, full-width 4K 60p video that's oversampled from 6K, and class-leading Full HD 1/6-speed slow motion video recording at 180fps, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a powerful filmmaking tool.
The EOS R6 Mark II features a range of technology upgrades that make this hybrid camera a particularly good option for solo shooters. Take the enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF, for example, which can recognise more subjects and automatically track them with greater precision. Professional Cinema EOS-like focusing functions have also been added, such as Detect only AF, which prevents the camera from refocusing if the subject leaves the shot, and electronic focus breathing correction that gives lower cost lenses the smooth look of high-end cinema lenses when pulling focus.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Other benefits for self-shooting filmmakers include false colour warnings which provide a clear indication of the exposure of a shot, and the gimbal-like stability offered by the trio of In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), lens IS and Movie Digital IS working together to curb camera shake.
The EOS R6 Mark II can also shoot for longer. "There's no 30-minute clip limit and the camera stays cooler as a result of better heat efficiency," John explains. "These improvements open the camera up for longer format content, such as interviews and live events like weddings and music performances. It also has a five-second movie pre-recording function, which is really useful when you're filming unpredictable subjects.
"In addition to saving 4K 60p internally, the EOS R6 Mark II is capable of recording 6K in ProRes RAW to an Atomos Ninja V+," adds John. "There's also the option of using professional XLR microphones via an optional adapter on the camera's Multi-function shoe. So the EOS R6 Mark II is a really good option if you need a smaller camera on a multi-cam production. But equally, it gives flexibility and a flavour of high-end full-frame cinema cameras to independent filmmakers."
5. Best Canon camera for filming wildlife and sports: Canon EOS R7
An APS-C sensor can be an advantage when shooting subjects that you're unable to get close to, as the narrow angle of view (compared to a full-frame camera) means that the subject fills more of the shot. "This is why the 1.6x crop of the Canon EOS R7's 32.5MP CMOS sensor makes the camera well suited to wildlife and sports," says John. "We're seeing that wildlife and sports photographers are shooting more video now, and the EOS R7's power switch allows the camera to be instantly shifted from stills to video, and back again."
Canon EOS R7
This compact EOS R System camera can even be set to 4K/60p UHD Crop mode, which applies a 1.81x crop to the image. "This gives you extra reach while maintaining the same resolution, so it's essentially like adding an additional teleconverter," John points out. As well as offering cropped 4K, the EOS R7 can record standard 4K and 'Fine' 4K, which oversamples the 7K sensor output to produce more detailed clips. Full HD at up to 120p gives silky slow-motion playback of fast action.
The EOS R7 features the same sophisticated subject detection and tracking technology as the EOS R3 and EOS R5, so it can keep track of animals and athletes on the move. It also inherits the combined three-way shake reduction of IBIS, lens IS and Movie Digital IS, which combats camera movements to deliver smooth footage – whether you're tracking a moving subject or filming a vlog handheld.
6. Best camera for vlogging: Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Vlogging often involves holding the camera at arm's length, so ideally you want something small and light. "The 24MP APS-C format Canon EOS M50 Mark II weighs just 388g but it has both a built-in viewfinder and a vari-angle touchscreen," says Mike. "That flip-around screen is essential for vloggers, and the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens makes a perfect partner when shooting at arm's length. It is stabilised and has an STM (stepping motor) focusing system to avoid any unwanted sound. Despite its small size, the EOS M50 Mark II has an external mic port, which means you can record high-quality audio when you're ready to take the next step.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
"Canon has added functionality in this second iteration to make life much easier for vloggers," adds Mike. "The three major advantages of the EOS M50 Mark II over the EOS M50 are improved face and eye tracking autofocus; vertical shooting, which is ideal for platforms such as TikTok, where you still make the most of the 4K resolution; and it now also has the ability to livestream to YouTube."
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