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Best Video Camera for Sports (11 Top Picks in 2024!)

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Last Update: January 8, 2024

Today, we discuss the best video camera for sports. Are you looking to buy a new video camera specifically for shooting sports? Well, you’re on the right page. We look at a wide range of video cameras. There Is everything from cheap, handheld options to amazing mirrorless cameras. Each one captures you and your friends in spectacular video quality.

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Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6

A small camera with powerful video capabilities.

When looking for the best video camera for sports, you have a lot of different factors to consider. The sport you film the most dictates what features will be most important for you. Any outdoor sports will require good weatherproofing abilities. You should ensure it is durable and protected if you want to film extreme sports.

As a standard, you should find a video camera that shoots in high video quality with a fast frame rate. The frame rate measures how many frames per second (p) a video camera can record. It is important for shooting sports as your subject may flicker across the screen if the frame rate is too low.

What is the Best Video Camera for Sports?

Before we discuss each camera in detail, here is our quick roundup of the best sports cameras.

Our Top Choice
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6
  • 4K video at 120fps
  • Unlimited recording time
  • Professional file handling
Best GoPro
GoPro Hero10 Black
GoPro Hero10 Black
  • High 23 MP resolution
  • Incredible 5.2K video resolution
  • HyperSmooth image stabilization for photos and videos
Best for Pros
Sony a7S III
Sony a7S III
  • 4K video at 120p
  • Industry-standard video and sound quality
  • Great autofocus
Best Looking
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujifilm X-T4
  • Great image stabilisation
  • Full HD video at 240p
  • Small and light
Best for Youtube
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II
  • Professional video file handling
  • Small and compact
  • Chargeable through USB
Best All-Around Mirrorless
Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS R5
  • Film recording up to 8K
  • Excellent image stabilization
  • Great autofocus abilities
Best Autofocus
Sony a7 IV
Sony a7 IV
  • Amazing autofocus abilities
  • Oversampling to 7K
  • Great for photographs too
Highly Recommended
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
  • Video up to 6K
  • Professional video abilities
  • Small and compact
Best Nikon Mirrorless
Nikon Z6 II
Nikon Z6 II
  • Great focusing abilities
  • Takes CFexpress cards
  • Lightweight
Best for Beginners
Sony ZV-E10
Sony ZV-E10
  • Top-end autofocus system that's great with photo and video
  • No time limit on video recording
  • External microphones and headphones ports

11 Best Cameras for Sports Video (in Detail!)

Now, we guide you through these video cameras in more detail. Each camera has different strengths and weaknesses for filming sports videos. So, read each section in depth to find the sports video camera that matches your needs.

1. Panasonic Lumix GH6

Best Video Camera for Sports

no

Badge
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
25 MP
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Sensor Size
17.3 x 13 mm
Frame Rate
14 fps
Autofocus Points
315
Pros
  • 5.8K max video resolution
  • Unlimited recording time as built-in fan prevents overheating
  • Sensor-shift image stabilization
  • Dual memory-card slots
  • Weather-sealed body
Cons
  • Fairly expensive camera
  • AF system lags behind other brands
  • Mediocre low-light performance
  • Large and heavy body isn't always comfortable to handle
  • Battery life could be better

The Lumix GH6 dominates the current video camera market. And it is no different for filming sports. With the ability to shoot 4K video at 120p, you get smooth shots with great image quality. If you want to raise the video resolution, the Lumix GH6 can shoot up to 5.8K!

You can still shoot at 60p as well. And if you want to raise the frame rate, it can shoot up to 240p at Full HD. This is more than enough to create incredible slow-motion videos.

The Lumix GH6 is a Micro Four Thirds camera built specifically for recording video. It features professional video file handling. It has ProRes 4:2:2 internal recording, which is the professional industry standard. You can use it for professional outputs. This alone makes it the best video camera for sports on this list.

Another aspect that solidifies the GH6 as the best video camera for sports? It has superb in-body image stabilization. This system corrects 7.5 stops worth of light.

The body is very small for the features Panasonic has managed to pack in. This is perfect when considering video cameras for sports, in particular extreme sports. You are likely shooting in pretty rough and unfavorable conditions. This size camera reduces the bulk and weight of the pack you carry all day!

2. GoPro Hero10 Black

Best GoPro for Sports Videos

no

Badge
GoPro Hero10 Black
Released
2021
Megapixels
23 MP
Field of View
155
Max Video Resolution
5K5K
Slow Motion Speed
8x8x
360 Shooting
No
Pros
  • High 23 MP resolution for photos
  • HyperSmooth image stabilization for photos and videos
  • The body is robust and waterproof
  • Excellent Wi-Fi connectivity settings
  • Incredible 5.2K video resolution
Cons
  • Struggles in low-light conditions
  • The touchscreen is small and fiddly
  • Battery life could be better
  • Overheats at higher video settings
  • Mobile video editing only possible with latest smartphones

GoPro cameras are an action sports enthusiast’s best friend. No other camera is specifically built as a companion when you jump out of a plane or surf the ocean. The GoPro Hero10 has a small, light, and durable body. It can go anywhere with you, even underwater, up to 33 ft.

And it can do all this while achieving 5.3K video at 60p! If you want to shoot with an even higher frame rate, you can take videos in 4K at 120p. This is more than enough to give you silky smooth shots. A newly developed GP2 processor enables higher resolution and frame rates.

Another reason your shots will be smooth? GoPro has dedicated its time to developing its amazing HyperSmooth image stabilizing technology. If you produce a point-and-shoot camera to film sports, there better be some way to combat camera shake. The Hero10 has even doubled the horizon leveling from their previous model. Now, you can record skiing down a mountain and not worry that the footage will make you sick watching it later.

The GoPro cameras don’t have many manual controls. But you do have the option to use their shooting modes. They have settings like slow motion or burst shooting. The camera does have the capabilities. GoPro has just designed it to be an easy-to-operate camera. You push a large-sized button. Everything is made for easy shooting. That includes a front LCD monitor, which helps with shooting selfies!

3. Sony a7S III

Best Video Camera for Action Sports

[highlight type="extended" price="no" title="no" product="6463"  badge="https://camerareviews.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Badge_-Best-for-Action.svg" fields="general.camera_type, optics.megapixels, optics.sensor_format, optics.sensor_size, optics.fps, optics.autofocus_points"]

The a7 is Sony’s staple mirrorless camera range. Sony a7S cameras are a branch of the a7 range. The a7S series has had more development put toward producing high-quality videos. It may not have the highest megapixel sensor. But it can produce great video in a compact-sized camera. The size and shape of the camera allow it to fit in any sized bag. This is handy if you plan on filming sports videos from a stadium or crowded area.

Sony’s a7S III takes video recording seriously. It can shoot 4K video at 120p. But the real serious video camera performance comes from its file handling. The Sony a7S shoots in 10-bit at 4:2:2. This is the professional, industry-standard video and sound quality. The Sony a7S III also has fantastic ability in low-light situations. This is handy for people who plan to shoot sports videos late into the evening.

The autofocus is another highlight of this camera. You can use Sony’s Real-time Eye autofocus. It allows for constant focus adjustment while recording video. This can be useful for close-up sports such as table tennis or maybe even at a basketball game.

4. Fujifilm X-T4

Best-Looking Camera for Filming Sports

no

Badge
Fujifilm X-T4
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
26 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Frame Rate
20 fps
Autofocus Points
425
Pros
  • Decent APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor
  • A great frame rate of 15 fps
  • 6.5 stops of image stabilization
  • 4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
  • A fully articulating rear touchscreen
  • 12 Film Simulation modes
Cons
  • Expensive for an APS-C camera
  • Autofocus speed and accuracy depends on the lens and the subject
  • Unreliable face and eye detection
  • No external battery charger provided
  • Limited video recording time
  • No subject tracking in video mode

The Fujifilm X-T4 is a small, APS-C-sensor mirrorless camera. It dominates a section of the photography market. Fujifilm decided to add professional-quality video recording to their X-T4 model. The X-T4 can shoot in Full HD at 240p. This is more than enough to achieve slow-motion videos of fast sports action.

Another big focus of Fujifilm is in-body image stabilization. It has a great 5-axis image stabilization that allows up to 6.5 stops of difference. There is digital image stabilization ability and a combined image stabilization boost mode. Together they give you smooth video without a tripod or gimbal. This is a great camera to film sports that may involve being on a mode of transport.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is well known for its durability. It has weather sealing and a rigid body. Plus, it has great battery life. All these features make this camera great for outdoor sports in challenging environments.

This camera also looks fantastic! It has the look of a vintage film camera while giving top-notch digital image quality.

5. Panasonic Lumix GH5 II

Best Camera for Youtube Sports Videos

no

Badge
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
20.33 MP
Sensor Format
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Sensor Size
13 x 17.3 mm
Frame Rate
12 fps
Autofocus Points
225
Pros
  • Great video capabilities shooting up to Cinema 4K at 60fps
  • Convenient streaming abilities
  • Durable body with great weather sealing for outdoor use
  • Can be charged through USB devices
Cons
  • Not a huge upgrade from the previous camera model
  • Crop sensor is not great for low light
  • Low 12 fps burst frame rate
  • AF unreliable on certain settings
  • Streaming abilities need a strong connection

This is another Panasonic Lumix in our top five. It shows you how well the Lumix GH series has adapted to producing great videos. Panasonic claims the GH 5 II is one of the first hybrid mirrorless camera systems to focus on video. It shoots Cinema 4K at 60p. And it can record 10-bit 4:2:2 video. This means you don’t have to compromise on quality or color handling.

The Lumix GH5 II also has great streaming abilities. You can connect to the camera with both wired and wireless options. And you can stream in 4K at 30p. It is also handy that you can charge the camera through a USB device. These qualities are ideal sports broadcasting environments. The GH5 II can be a great choice of camera for streaming live sporting events.

The weather sealing of the Lumix GH5 II is another added feature. It is rugged yet lightweight and small. It is perfect for slipping in a backpack or around your neck. It has a cropped sensor. But, as you see from our list, cropped sensors are better at delivering high-quality video. Increasing video speed with larger framed sensors is harder to achieve. They are more prone to rolling shutter effect.

6. Canon EOS R5

Best All-Around Mirrorless for Sports Videos

no

Badge
Canon EOS R5
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
45 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.9 x 35.9 mm
Frame Rate
20 fps
Autofocus Points
1,053
Pros
  • Large 45 MP sensor
  • High frame rate of 20 fps
  • In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
  • Body, face, eye, and animal tracking
  • 8K/30p Ultra HD video
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Complicated autofocus setup
  • Noise reduction applied to RAW files
  • Hard to customize
  • Overheats shooting video

The Canon R5 is a mirrorless camera that produces amazing video quality. Plus, you can take high-quality photographs too. It can be a great option if money is not an issue and you want a camera that excels in both fields. The camera features the ability to shoot in 8K at 30p! This may not be ideal for filming sports, but you can also shoot in 4K at 120p. This gives you amazing slow-motion footage and great video quality.

The R5 has dual card slots. It is a welcome feature in video cameras. Shooting sports video requires lots of memory card space! The best part? The R5 allows one high-speed CFexpress card. This increases the read-write speeds. So it saves you time shooting videos and in the uploading process.

Canon has provided eight stops of difference in its in-body image stabilization. So camera shake is heavily reduced even when walking with the camera without a gimbal. You cannot use the full image stabilization in 8K, though.

Another feature I enjoy is the Canon Connect app. Its camera remote feature can be helpful if you want to put your camera in an unsafe place where you don’t want to stand. This could help shoot motorsports.

7. Sont a7 IV

Best Auto Focusing Camera for Sports Videos

no

Badge
Sony a7 IV
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
33 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
23.8 x 35.6 mm
Frame Rate
10 fps
Autofocus Points
759
Pros
  • Excellent image quality
  • Super responsive autofocus
  • 5.5 stops of image stabilization
  • Fully articulating rear screen
  • Powerful video capabilities (4K / 60p, 10-bit video) and live streaming
Cons
  • More expensive than the Sony a7 III
  • 6 fps with 14-bit lossless compressed or uncompressed RAW files
  • Significant distortion with moving subjects using a silent shutter
  • Occasional issues with rolling shutter
  • Requires a fast memory card

The Sony a7 IV is a well-known mirrorless camera in the photography market. It is Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera. And it produces amazing results in photographs and video. Its 33MP sensor is backlit, allowing for a much better low-light performance. This can be useful for nighttime sports events.

The Sony a7 allows you to record 4K at 60p, or it can oversample to 7K and shoot at 30p. You probably want to avoid the oversampled option with sports videography. Instead, you might want to shoot in Full HD at 120p.

The autofocus system abilities in the a7 IV are what you need for recording sports. The AF points you choose from cover 94% of the frame. There is also Sony’s smart artificial intelligence (AI) real-time tracking.

Sony uses an AI to rapidly process spatial information live. This produces great results for tracking fast-moving subjects across different depths. This is incredibly useful when filming sports and will make your job much easier.

This autofocus system can even detect eyes in real time. This may be helpful if you shoot with a long lens and want to capture facial expressions. The autofocus system can also detect animals. This may be handy for horse racing, polo, rodeo, or other sports with animals.

8. Panasonic Lumix S1H

Highly Recommended Camera for Filming Sports

no

Badge
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
35.6 x 23.8 mm
Frame Rate
9 fps
Autofocus Points
225
Pros
  • Great optics for low-light situations
  • Dual in-body image stabilization of up to 6.5 stops
  • Excellent-quality 6K video
  • Fantastic tools for recording video
  • Cooling vent allows longer filming time
Cons
  • No RAW video capture
  • Low burst frame rate of 9 fps
  • Heavier than similar Lumix models
  • Battery life varies due to camera's fan
  • Not the most reliable autofocus when recording video

The Panasonic Lumix S1H is a mirrorless DSLR camera that looks similar to most DSLR cameras. But inside, its make-up is completely cinema focussed. The S1H can capture 6K video up to 30p. And there’s an option to shoot in Full HD video at 120p.

The video camera can also capture 12-bit RAW data with a monitor recorder. This makes the S1H amazing for shooting promotional sports videos. Editors may want to put different styles, colors, or effects on top of your footage to emphasize the sport in focus.

Panasonics’ free-angle and tilt rear monitor is a welcome feature in action cameras. It is a blessing not to look through the viewfinder the whole time while filming. The free-angle feature lets you get into tight spaces or shoot awkward angles comfortably. You can even film sports by holding the camera above the crowd!

9. Nikon Z6 II

Best Nikon Video Camera for Sports

no

Badge
Nikon Z6 II
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24.5 MP
Sensor Format
Full FrameFull Frame
Sensor Size
35.9 x 23.9 mm
Frame Rate
14 fps
Autofocus Points
273
Pros
  • Excellent low-light focusing
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Superb low-light dynamic range
  • Dual memory card slots
Cons
  • Autofocus can be slow
  • Relatively short battery life
  • Lower MP count than main competitors
  • Needs more customizable buttons

Nikon finds its way on our list of the best video camera for sports with its Z6 II. It isn’t one of the newest mirrorless cameras from Nikon. But it still comes out on top in terms of video abilities.

One of its strengths comes from its great autofocus abilities. You can change the autofocus speed and the tracking sensitivity while recording. This can be helpful for videographers who have a particular style they want to shoot with. It may also be helpful for people who don’t know what settings to expect when filming their chosen sport.

The 24.5MP camera allows you to shoot 4K at 60p all the way up to Full HD video at 120p. This means the image quality won’t be an issue when shooting video. And memory won’t slow you down either. The camera has dual card slots. Plus, one of the slots is just for high-speed CFexpress cards. Overall, the autofocus performance of this camera solidifies itself as a great action camera.

10. Sony ZV-E10

Best Beginner Camera for Filming Sports

no

Badge
Sony ZV-E10
Camera Type
MirrorlessMirrorless
Megapixels
24 MP
Sensor Format
APS-CAPS-C
Sensor Size
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Frame Rate
11 fps
Autofocus Points
425
Pros
  • Top-end autofocus system that's great with photo and video
  • No time limit on video recording
  • Fully articulating screen and selfie modes
  • External microphones and headphones ports
  • Compact and lightweight camera body
Cons
  • No sensor-shift stabilization, only a shake reduction system
  • Visible rolling shutter effect with tracking shots
  • The lack of a viewfinder is disappointing
  • 4K video is cropped at 30 fps

The only point-and-shoot camera to make it on this list is Sony’s ZV-E10. This camera is aimed specifically at vloggers or streamers, but it works great in some challenging environments. Although it is a point-and-shoot camera, it is an interchangeable lens camera. This offers great flexibility in choosing your focal lengths.

As it is built for vlogging, the camera has great facial recognition and autofocus abilities. The ZV-E10 has a defocus button that separates the background from the subject. This may not perform well in fast-moving environments but may be handy for static shots.

The camera can film in 4K at 30p. And you can shoot video in Full HD video at 120p. This is about standard for most good action cameras. It is especially great for a camera that can fit almost inside your pocket! Its size is a big factor in making it on this list. It is the perfect hiking or rock climbing companion as you can easily slip it out of your bag.

11. DJI Pocket 2

Best Drone Camera for Sports

The DJI Pocket 2 is a great video camera for videographers who like to get up close. Most know the DJI brand. It is known for producing some of the best camera drones on the photographic market. Now, they have stuck one of their cameras on a handheld grip.

You may think this camera technology can’t capture action sports. But you would be wrong. This camera shines when properly operated for indoor sports or sports in a small arena. It is especially relevant for quick-moving sports like drifting cars. Or you can get up close to players on the basketball court from the sidelines.

It can capture 4K quality at 60p. And The DJI also has image stabilization, 8x digital zoom, and HDR video recording. These features tell us that it is best for a beginner. Or it is for someone who doesn’t have time to make adjustments.

It is also great for those who don’t want to edit their videos as it comes with a Story Mode. This takes all your videos and stitches them together with music! It’s a great option for uploading sports clips to social media.

Our Verdict

We can see that modern-day mirrorless cameras can produce stunning overall video quality. It is amazing how you can now find these functions in a handheld device.

Not too long ago, these cameras would be in a heavy bag slung over our shoulders! Now we can easily slip one into a bag and record beautiful videos without too much thought.

[highlight type="short" price="no" product="9268" badge="https://camerareviews.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Product-Highlight-Badge_Yellow_simple.svg"] A small camera with powerful video capabilities.

Learn your chosen sport and choose your camera around the activity. Or check our pick for the best all-around sports video camera below.

The lens is also a crucial part of recording sports. It determines how close or far you will be to the main action. It’s worth investing in a good lens when buying a new camera. Make sure you read this list extensively before you buy, and go get practicing!

We have a great new post on the best cameras for skateboarding to check out next!

Common FAQs and Buying Guide

These are common questions people ask when buying video cameras to record sports.

What is a Good Camera For Sports Video?

From our wide range of options, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the best camera for sports all around. But if you are involved in the sport or immersed in the action, the GoPro Hero10 Black is the best camera. This is due to its size, durability, and performance.

A person recording video with a camera of a boxer in a ring
© Nemesia Production (Unspash.com)

What Camera is Best for Recording Soccer?

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the best camera for recording a soccer game. I suggest having a nice long lens for this. If you want to include crowd reactions, the best camera would be the DJI Pocket 2. This allows you to celebrate the moment without worrying about the video.

What Camera is Best for Recording Basketball Games?

If you want to produce professional quality footage, the best camera to use is the Panasonic Lumix GH6. You can shoot 4K at 120fps. This means those fade-away three-pointers will look especially tasty in slow motion. If you want to capture yourself and the crowd’s reactions, I recommend the DJI Pocket 2.

How Do You Shoot Good Sports Videos?

The best advice I can give is to know your subject. I suggest spending time learning your subject. And maybe not even recording the first time you turn up to watch the sport.

I have been photographing various extreme sports for over ten years. And I can tell you it gets much easier when you know what is happening. It is about predicting how the sporting event or action will unfold. Anticipate where the action is going.

Getting in close is also a good idea. This shows people a unique view they may miss when viewing the sport from afar. It is best to always shoot with a high frame rate to get smooth recordings. This helps viewers admire the form and ability of the person or objects in full motion.

Silhouettes of a person recording a basketball player spinning a basketball
© Tom Pottiger (Unsplash.com)

What are Some Good Camera Accessories for Sports Videos?

The best accessory is a tripod or a gimbal to stabilize your shots. A rough and bumpy video makes your viewers feel seasick. Not only that. It also makes the sport twice as hard to see and comprehend.

Other accessories that will help include a UV Filter. This helps, just in case something comes flying into your lens. I also recommend buying a comfortable viewfinder eyecup. It helps if you record clips longer than 30 seconds. It is a simple, small, and cheap change. But this makes your experience recording video much more comfortable!

If you’re a fan of winter sports, check out our best camera for skiing and snowboarding photos next!

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