ESSENTIAL GEAR is a regular feature produced in collaboration with StudioDaily’s exclusive retail partner, Adorama.
Move over, DSLR — smaller, lighter mirrorless cameras are gaining ground as the go-to device for shooters who want a stills camera that does double-duty with high-quality video, and vendors continue to woo users by pushing the limits of 4K video output from this form factor. Paired with an external recorder (think the five-inch Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor/recorder), these models can easily acquire high-quality footage in ProRes or DNx formats via their HDMI outputs. Here’s a sample of what’s new this year in mirrorless camera bodies.
Canon EOS R
Sensor: 30.3 MP full-frame (36mm x 24mm) CMOS
Video Output: 10-bit 4:2:2 30p 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) output via HDMI with support for Canon Log/BT.2020 HDR
Canon’s new EOS R marks a big step forward — it’s the first full-frame mirrorless model from Canon. It offers 10-bit 4:2:2 4K UHD 30p output via HDMI, and supports Canon Log and BT.2020 color space for HDR acquisition. 4K UHD video is captured on a cropped portion of the 6720 x 4480 sensor corresponding to the 3840 x 2160 UHD raster. The ISO tops out at 25,600 when shooting full HD video and at 12,800 when shooting UHD.
Learn more about the Canon EOS R mirrorless camera at Adorama | SHOP NOW
Fujifilm X-T3
Sensor: 26.1 MP APS-C (23.5mm x 15.6mm) CMOS
Video Output: 10-bit 4:2:2 60p 4K output via HDMI with support for Canon Log/BT.2020 HDR
Fujifilm says the X-T3 is the first APS-C mirrorless camera that can record 10-bit 4K at 60p. Not only does it reach 60p, but it can also record full DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) as well as the more common 4K UHD (3840 x 2160). On-board recording is limited to 4:2:0 H.264/H.265 MOV files, but 4:2:2 60p 4K is available via HDMI. Fujifilm also supports HDR through its F-log gamma option, with HLG promised to be coming soon via firmware update.
Learn more about the Fujifilm X-T3 mirrorless camera at Adorama | SHOP NOW
Nikon Z7
Sensor: 45.7 MP full-frame (35.9mm x 23.9mm) CMOS
Video Output: 10-bit 4:2:2 60p 4K output via HDMI with support for Canon Log/BT.2020 HDR
Nikon’s Z7 was the very first mirrorless entry allowing 10-bit full-frame 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 30p video recording via HDMI out, with Nikon’s N-Log gamma supporting HDR. It allows you to shoot 4K UHD video in (oversampled) full-frame mode or in crop mode, depending on your needs for a given shoot. Adventurous shooters may be eager to try out something else — a built-in intervalometer designed for capturing 8K time-lapse video.
Learn more about the Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera at Adorama | SHOP NOW
