Shooting sports is one of the more trickier topics to tackle in video production. That’s because there’s no singular solid recommendation that fits all needs. So what is the best video camera for sports?
More so than other needs, the camera that’ll get the job done for what you need depends on several factors.
For instance, the sport you want to film plays a large role. Is it a sport that requires static filming like Tennis or dynamic filming like Baseball?
Also, does the sports event take place outdoors or indoors? Each one requires a different type of equipment.
It’s also important to consider whether you’ll be filming in a stationary position or actively follow the event.
There are a camera and equipment dedicated to each. If all of this seems overwhelming, don’t worry.
In this guide, we’ll discuss all the things you need to consider and then recommend the best cameras to accommodate your needs. Hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll know exactly what you want and where to get it.
To start with, here are some of the best selling video cameras for shooting sports:
Best Video Camera For Sports – The Cameras
Let’s jump into the list and start off with the GoPro Hero 8.
1. Sony RX100 VII
Unparalleled Speed and Precision
The Sony RX100 VII, part of Sony’s renowned RX100 series, is a powerhouse disguised as a pocket camera.
Its foremost highlight is the blistering speed, thanks to the inclusion of the BIONZ X image processor paired with the latest-generation 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor.
This combo allows an astonishing 20fps blackout-free burst shooting with AF/AE tracking, ensuring you never miss that decisive moment.
The camera’s impressive autofocus system borrows tech from the A9, Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera.
With 357 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas, the RX100 VII offers real-time tracking and real-time eye AF for both humans and animals, ensuring sharp images every time.
Versatile Zoom and Stellar Video
The RX100 VII’s Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens offers a versatile 24-200mm focal range (35mm equivalent), spanning wide-angle to telephoto, ideal for various shooting scenarios.
While it does compromise on aperture size (f/2.8-4.5) compared to its predecessor, the added range more than makes up for it.
On the video front, the RX100 VII is no slouch.
It boasts 4K video recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning, which translates to detailed and clear footage.
Additionally, the camera offers a High Frame Rate (HFR) mode, allowing super slow-motion footage up to 960fps.
User-Centric Design with Pro Features
The RX100 VII maintains the series’ compact design, making it a preferred choice for those on the go.
The retractable OLED electronic viewfinder and the tiltable LCD screen enhance its usability, whether you’re shooting at odd angles or in bright sunlight.
For vloggers and content creators, the inclusion of a microphone input was a much-awaited feature and significantly improves audio recording quality.
Despite its size, the camera also offers advanced shooting modes like the Anti-distortion Shutter and Single Burst Shooting, features usually found in pro-level equipment.
The Sony RX100 VII epitomizes the fusion of portability with high-end features.
It’s a camera that doesn’t ask enthusiasts and professionals to compromise on performance for size.
Whether you’re traveling, vlogging, or just want a daily shooter that punches way above its weight, the RX100 VII is an investment that is hard to regret.
It stands as a testament to Sony’s commitment to innovation and quality, redefining what we can expect from compact cameras.
2. GoPro HERO9 Black
Stunning Visuals with More Pixels
The GoPro HERO9 Black represents a significant leap from its predecessors in terms of imaging capabilities.
The heart of this upgrade is the new 23.6MP sensor, a substantial improvement from the HERO8’s 12MP.
This new sensor allows the HERO9 to capture 5K video at 30fps, ensuring your action-packed moments are recorded in stunning detail.
For still photography enthusiasts, this translates to clearer, crisper 20MP photos.
The additional pixels also mean more flexibility in post-production, allowing for zooming and cropping without significant loss in quality.
Front Display and Enhanced Battery Life
One of the most noticeable design shifts in the HERO9 Black is the addition of a full-color front-facing display.
This 1.4-inch screen is a game-changer, especially for vloggers and content creators who often switch between selfie mode and standard shooting.
It offers a live preview, making framing and capturing perfect shots easier than ever.
Additionally, GoPro has addressed one of the most common critiques of action cameras: battery life.
The HERO9 comes with a 30% larger battery, granting users more time to capture their adventures without constantly worrying about charging.
HyperSmooth 3.0 and TimeWarp 3.0
Stability is crucial in action cameras, and GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization tech has been a standout feature in previous models.
With the HERO9, HyperSmooth sees its third iteration, offering gimbal-like stabilization, but now with in-camera horizon leveling.
This ensures buttery-smooth footage even in the most extreme conditions. Accompanying HyperSmooth 3.0 is TimeWarp 3.0, GoPro’s time-lapse video tech.
It provides the ability to slow down footage mid-recording to real-time speed and then ramp it back up, offering creative flexibility in capturing time-lapse sequences.
The GoPro HERO9 Black isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a redefinition of what action cameras can achieve.
With its enhanced resolution, user-centric design modifications, and cutting-edge stabilization tech, it caters to both action sports enthusiasts and content creators.
Whether you’re diving into deep oceans, biking on treacherous trails, or vlogging your latest adventure, the HERO9 ensures that every moment is captured with unparalleled clarity and stability.
In a saturated market of action cameras, the HERO9 Black stands out, solidifying GoPro’s position at the pinnacle of the industry.
BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR SPORTS
What Are Video Cameras For Sports?
Video cameras for sports are primarily used to capture the most exciting moments of a game, providing viewers with an up-close and personal perspective.
From the sidelines to half-court, video cameras can be placed anywhere on the field or court surface in order to catch every play from start to finish.
Video cameras are a great way to capture the action of a sporting event. One might think that this is an easy feat, but there are many interesting facets that make filming sports difficult.
3. Panasonic Lumix GH5
Versatile Video Capabilities
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is more than just a camera; it’s a video powerhouse in a compact form. What sets the GH5 apart from its competitors is its unparalleled video features.
The camera supports 4K video recording at 60fps, a feat not commonly found in similar mirrorless cameras.
Additionally, the GH5 provides 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, ensuring that videographers have a broad dynamic range and more flexibility in post-production color grading.
Its high frame rate recording, reaching up to 180fps in Full HD, ensures smooth slow-motion shots that are crucial for cinematic storytelling.
Stabilization and Build Quality
Panasonic has integrated a 5-axis in-body stabilization system in the GH5, which is beneficial for hand-held shooting.
This system compensates for camera shake across both photos and videos, resulting in sharp images and jitter-free footage, even in challenging situations.
The camera’s magnesium alloy body speaks of durability and is complemented by weather-sealing, making the GH5 resistant to splashes, dust, and cold temperatures.
Whether you’re shooting in a rainforest or a desert, the GH5 promises reliability.
Advanced Autofocus and High-Resolution Mode
The GH5 employs the Depth From Defocus (DFD) autofocus technology, offering a fast and precise focus system.
While it may not outpace the best in class, it’s more than capable for most scenarios, including tracking moving subjects.
For photographers, the GH5 introduces a high-resolution mode that cleverly shifts the sensor to capture and combine eight consecutive shots into a 80MP equivalent image.
This is perfect for capturing detailed landscapes or intricate still life shots where every detail counts.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a testament to the evolving world of mirrorless cameras, proving that compact systems can deliver professional-level video capabilities.
Its robust build quality, advanced video features, and innovative shooting modes make it a top choice for both videographers and photographers alike.
Whether you’re an indie filmmaker looking for a cost-effective camera that doesn’t compromise on features or a photographer wanting to explore video, the GH5 offers a blend of versatility and performance that is hard to beat in its class.
4. Sony A7 III
Exceptional Image Quality
The Sony A7 III boasts a 24.2 MP BSI full-frame sensor, and it’s a game-changer in the realm of mirrorless cameras.
This sensor design, combined with the BIONZ X image processor, delivers outstanding image quality with enhanced detail, richer tonal gradations, and minimal noise even at higher ISO settings.
Photographers will appreciate its broad dynamic range, ensuring details in both shadows and highlights are preserved.
The A7 III’s native ISO range spans from 100 to 51200, expandable to 50-204800, making it versatile enough to handle various lighting conditions.
Impressive Autofocus and Speed
One of the standout features of the A7 III is its advanced autofocus system.
Housing a whopping 693 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection AF points, the camera offers approximately 93% frame coverage.
This ensures that subjects remain in sharp focus, whether they are static or on the move.
Its Eye AF feature is particularly praised, locking onto subjects’ eyes with precision.
On the speed front, the A7 III can capture fleeting moments with a continuous shooting rate of 10 frames per second, ensuring that rapid action is frozen in time with impeccable clarity.
Video Capabilities and User Experience
For videographers, the A7 III does not disappoint.
It supports 4K HDR video recording, utilizing full pixel readout without pixel binning to capture more detail.
This camera also provides advanced features like S-Log3 and S-Log2 gamma curves for greater color grading flexibility in post-production.
In terms of user experience, the A7 III is built with a touch-sensitive rear LCD and an OLED electronic viewfinder, both offering clear previews and playback.
The inclusion of dual SD card slots adds to the camera’s professional appeal, ensuring ample storage and backup options.
Conclusion
The Sony A7 III is a marvel in the full-frame mirrorless category, offering a blend of high-resolution imaging, speedy performance, and advanced video recording features.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this camera promises consistent results in both photo and video domains.
Given its specifications and performance metrics, it’s evident that the A7 III provides exceptional value for its price, cementing its position as a favorite among photographers and videographers alike.
5. Canon EOS-1D X Mark IIII
Stunning Image and Video Quality
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is the pinnacle of Canon’s DSLR lineup, featuring a newly designed 20.1 MP full-frame CMOS sensor.
This, combined with the DIGIC X image processor, ensures ultra-high-quality images with reduced noise, especially in low-light conditions.
The camera offers an ISO range of 100-102400, which is expandable up to an impressive 819200, providing ample flexibility in various lighting scenarios.
For videographers, the EOS-1D X Mark III is no slouch either. It provides 5.5K RAW video recording, enabling superior detail and post-processing latitude.
Swift Performance and Advanced Autofocus
Speed is one of the EOS-1D X Mark III’s most prominent assets.
With a blistering burst rate of 16 fps through the optical viewfinder and 20 fps in Live View, capturing high-speed action is a breeze.
This performance metric makes the camera a top pick for sports and wildlife photographers.
The autofocus system in this camera is revolutionary, boasting 191 AF points with 155 cross-type points, ensuring precision and quick subject tracking.
The introduction of the Deep Learning AI AF technology allows the camera to recognize and track faces and heads with unmatched accuracy.
Robust Build and Enhanced Connectivity
The EOS-1D X Mark III’s build quality is exceptional.
It features a magnesium alloy body that is both weather-sealed and durable, ensuring the camera can withstand the rigors of professional use in challenging environments.
The illuminated buttons are a notable addition, aiding usability in low-light conditions.
On the connectivity front, the camera steps up with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Additionally, the inclusion of a CFexpress card slot ensures faster read/write speeds, which is crucial for handling the large files the camera produces, especially in burst mode or 5.5K video recording.
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is a
Tailored for those who demand the best, whether in the studio or in the field, this camera solidifies Canon’s position at the zenith of the photographic world.
Its advancements in autofocus technology, in particular, set new standards in subject tracking.
For professionals and enthusiasts seeking a no-compromise DSLR, the EOS-1D X Mark III stands as a compelling choice, worthy of its flagship status.
BEST VIDEO CAMERA FOR SPORTS
Advantages of Using Video Cameras For Sports
• Recording video helps analysts better understand how a player performs.
• Teams can review footage after games and share with coaches to receive feedback (line-ups, strategy, mistakes).
• Video is an excellent way of assessing skills or understanding movement.
• Understand the game more as it’s happening through film.
• Give any sports enthusiast the thrill of recording their favorite game and saving it to watch later.
What To Consider Before Buying A Video Camera For Sports
Obviously, your budget will largely dictate what you can and can’t get. If you have a high budget, you can get some impressive hardware that’ll give you impeccable quality. If you’re on a low budget, you don’t need to worry.
The marketplace is flooded with all types of cameras for different budgets, so you’ll get exactly what you need within reasonable pricing. One thing you don’t need to question is the quality of the footage.
Don’t go for anything under 1080p. Anything less wouldn’t cut it nowadays where 4K is becoming more and more popular and available at decent prices. Perhaps the most important thing to consider, however, is the type of sports you want to film.
Sports that only require stationary filming are the easiest to handle. All you need is a camera from our picks and a solid tripod and you’re all set. Baseball, Tennis, Football, Soccer, etc.
Other Sport Considerations
There are also some other sports that require more participation on your part. These are usually sports where there is a lot of movement. Basketball and volleyball fall within this category.
We recommend using a DSLR camera for these types of sports. Another thing we mentioned earlier was the location.
If the sports event is held indoors, you can use a DSLR.
If it’s outdoors a camcorder designed for light sensitivity is your best bet. A few more things to consider, If the sports features a small object like a golf ball or a hockey disc we recommend a Mirrorless camera to capture all the details.
If you’re filming an extreme sport like snowboarding and you’re following the action or participating in a GoPro camera is the only thing that’ll get the job done.
Lastly, if the sports event is water-related you’ll want a waterproof camera. Just in case. You don’t want your precious camera to be splashed and ruined by water.
Do you need any accessories?
Well, it depends on you. Of course, if you want to film a basketball game in stationary mode you’ll need a tripod to set the camera on.
If you carry the camera around a lot, you might need a protective case. Those aren’t usually expensive and can be found at reasonable prices if you look hard enough.
Action cameras like GoPro require mounts. Although the GoPro camera we listed has one built-in. So that’s a plus for you.
If your budget allows it, you can get extra lenses or microphones that vary in price and quality. All in all, it just depends on what you need and what the job requires.
Best Video Camera for Sports – Wrapping Up
There’s a wide variety of cameras for all different uses for any type of sports event you got. Just keep in mind that you need to know what sport you’re filming and what’s the type of camera that goes best with it.
Hopefully, through this guide, you’ll have learned what you need to look for and what you need to stay away from. If these selections don’t do it for you.
No problem as long as you know what type of cameras to look for. Through some searching on the net, you’ll find exactly what you need.
The market is greatly competitive so you’ll find what you want at a reasonable price.
Gone are the days when we needed to rent video cameras because they were so expensive. You can thank smartphones for that.
So go out, get the camera you need and get to work.
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I’m looking for a good video camera for shooting sports in the next few years.
Enjoy the list, Mitchell!
I’m looking for a good camera to shoot sports with in the next few years. What are some of the best ones for this purpose?
Thanks, Greg.