The best Canon cameras for shooting video

Which are the best Canon cameras for video? Shooting video was traditionally only possible using a dedicated cine camera, but all EOS R System mirrorless cameras can 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.

Canon’s hybrid cameras are supported by a growing range of dedicated hybrid lenses that are optimised for both stills and video. These RF primes and zooms feature fast apertures, built-in focus breathing suppression and a manual iris ring for fine adjustments of the aperture while filming.

Here we look at the best Canon cameras to use for shooting different types of video, calling on the expertise of Canon Europe's camera specialists.

"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 Mark Fensome. "For instance, the 8K capabilities of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R5 C complement high-end video production such as professional VR or movies requiring visual effects, 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.

With these points in mind, here are the best Canon hybrid 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.

The EOS C50 shares the same 7K full-frame sensor with Open Gate recording as the EOS R6 V and the EOS R6 Mark III, but the camera features a host of advanced filmmaking capabilities. These include simultaneous crop recording for capturing two different aspect ratios at the same time – ideal if you need social-ready content alongside your primary recording – 14 assignable buttons and multiple mounts for flexible rigging. You can shoot widescreen, vertical or anamorphic in 12-bit RAW, and take advantage of professional sound recording via the full-size XLR inputs in the detachable handle – which also includes audio controls, zoom rocker, Rec button and further functions that suit run-and-gun filmmaking.

A three-way power switch lets you shift quickly between video/photo mode. Video mode boasts a host of options not typically seen in hybrid cameras, such as support for anamorphic lenses, shutter angle control, additional recording formats, and advanced networking features including compatibility with Canon’s Multi-Camera Control app.

"Although the EOS C50 is versatile enough to be used as a camera for creating YouTube content, it is first and foremost a filmmaker's tool," says Aron Randhawa. "That intent is evident in features such as the camera's timecode terminal, active cooling and both Canon XC Protocol and CV Protocol. XC Protocol makes the EOS C50 shine as part of a remote control multi-camera setup at live events, while CV Protocol makes it fit seamlessly into VFX and virtual production workflows."

In addition to the EOS C50, the Cinema EOS camera range features a growing number of RF mount cinema cameras, including the Canon EOS R5 C, EOS C80 and EOS C400. The synergy between these cinema cameras and next-generation hybrid cameras such as the EOS R6 V and EOS R6 Mark III – with unified menus in the hybrid cameras that benefit from core cinema features such as Canon Log 2, waveform and false colour – means that it’s possible to use both types of camera seamlessly on a multi-cam shoot.

"The big difference between the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 is the resolution," says Mark. "With the EOS R1, you can record 6K 60p RAW internally as well as oversampled 4K 60p, whereas the EOS R5 Mark II does 8K 30p in the MP4 codec – or full 8K 60p RAW Light internally.

"Shooting in 8K gives lots of scope for post-capture cropping of video and stills," he explains. "Alternatively, you can use 4K HQ mode to create 4K footage with incredible detail."

There are some additional cinema camera-level features in the EOS R5 Mark II, Mark adds. "You have a waveform monitor function, for example, which allows you to check the exposure levels horizontally across the screen. If you're setting things up a bit more artistically or coming from a video background, you’ll appreciate this function."

If you create long-form content or shoot in less controlled environments, then the Canon EOS R5 C may be a better alternative. "It 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, it has no limit on recording time.

"You can shoot 8K 60p internally when the LP-E6P battery is installed in the camera, plus you have a wealth of recording formats such as the robust XF-AVC format, and three flavours of 12-bit Cinema RAW Light: LT (Light), ST (Standard) and HQ (High Quality)."

The EOS R5 Mark II is more capable for photography than the EOS R5 C, but it lacks some of that camera's higher-end video features, such as timecode in/out for synchronising multiple cameras at once. The optional Cooling Fan CF-R20EP Grip may also be needed to keep the camera's internal components cool during longer periods of continuous video capture.

"For creators shooting mainly for vertical-first platforms like Instagram and TikTok, you've got the option to natively shoot vertical with the EOS R6 V," says Mark Kendrick. "The vertical tripod socket makes it a lot easier to mount it in the correct orientation, and there's a vertical UI so you can check all your settings just as quickly and easily as you can when shooting horizontally."

Like the EOS C50, the EOS R6 V's 7K full-frame sensor offers Open Gate recording, allowing you to capture the entire sensor area and crop vertical, square or alternative aspect ratios from your footage when editing. It doesn't have simultaneous crop recording in-camera, but it does have aspect ratio markers that help you frame your shots for two formats at the same time. Versatile output options include up to 7K 60p RAW video, 4K 30p video with 7K oversampling for better detail, and high-speed 4K 120p video with audio recording for smooth slow-motion.

The EOS R6 V's versatility also extends to 4K 60p livestreaming, with convenient UVC/UAC plug-and-play support. Switch to Full HD streaming and you can even power the camera using the same USB-C cable.

In terms of core video capabilities, this camera shares a lot in common with the EOS C50 and the EOS R6 Mark III. If you need professional connectivity and the best active cooling performance for long-form video, consider the EOS C50. If you shoot an equal amount of photography and video, the EOS R6 Mark III is the better option thanks to its electronic viewfinder. However, if long-form video is your main focus and you want a camera designed for handheld creative shooting with excellent performance, the EOS R6 V is the more practical choice.

As a hybrid camera, the EOS R6 Mark III is also highly capable for video.

"The EOS R6 Mark III can record 7K RAW video internally to one card while simultaneously recording a 2K proxy to another card, which makes for a more efficient editing workflow," says John Maurice. "There's also the option of using professional XLR microphones via an optional adapter attached to the camera's Multi-function shoe, with four-channel audio support. This makes the EOS R6 Mark III a strong option if you need a smaller camera for a multi-cam production. At the same time, it offers independent filmmakers the flexibility and flavour of high-end full-frame cinema cameras, and is a practical choice if they also need to shoot stills."

Additional video-focused features include Open Gate recording, oversampled 4K 60p video, and a waveform monitor for precise exposure control. A combination of IBIS, lens IS and Movie Digital IS also delivers gimbal-like stability to reduce camera shake.

The camera's mechanical shutter and full flash compatibility make it more versatile than the EOS R6 V if stills are just as important to you as video. However, the EOS R6 Mark III isn't equipped with active cooling, so if you want to shoot long-form, high-resolution or oversampled video, you may be better served by the EOS R6 V or EOS C50.

This compact EOS R System camera features an APS-C sensor capable of 4K oversampled from 6K for added detail, along with Canon Log 3 for greater flexibility when fine-tuning colours in post-production. Full HD recording at up to 120p enables silky slow-motion playback of fast-moving action with audio. As a hybrid camera, the EOS R50 V is equally capable for photography, capturing 24.2MP stills at up to 15fps using its electronic shutter.

Like the EOS R6 V, the camera includes a front record button, a vertical tripod socket and a zoom lever for smooth fingertip control of compatible power zoom lenses – such as the RF-S 14-30MM F4-6.3 IS STM PZ, which is available as a kit lens with the EOS R50 V. A LIVE button provides quick access to streaming settings, while a COLOR button lets you rapidly refine the look of your footage.

Canon's trusted Dual Pixel CMOS AF II includes the same sophisticated subject detection and tracking technology found in the EOS R6 V and EOS R5 Mark II, enabling reliable tracking of people, animals and vehicles. "Eye Detection is a useful feature, especially if you're vlogging or presenting to the camera while self-shooting," says Mark Kendrick. "If you're doing product demos or reviews, Movie for Close-Up Demos mode ensures that anything held up to the camera is prioritised for focus, then, when it’s removed, the camera will smoothly return the focus to your face."

The EOS R6 V offers more advanced features, including a full-frame sensor, RAW video recording, longer recording times and dual card slots. However, if you’re just starting in video, the EOS R50 V is a compact, accessible entry-level camera for content creators, with a great selection of powerful video features.