When you need to capture a moment in slow motion, you need the best slow-motion camera. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options currently on the market that can help you do just that. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best ones available and what makes them so great. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs. So, whether you’re an amateur filmmaker or a professional cinematographer, read on to learn more about the best slow-motion cameras out there.
Top 5 Best Slow-Motion Camera to buy:
#1. Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV
With its blazing fast AF acquisition time of 0.03 seconds and up to 24 fps continuous shooting, the Sony Cyber Shot RX10 IV is perfect for capturing amazing shots of athletes in action or elusive wildlife. And with its versatile 24-600mm F2.4-F4 ZEISS Vario Sonnar T lens, you can capture everything from stunning landscapes to closeups of tiny details with incredible detail and clarity. So don’t miss out on this powerful and portable camera that delivers an unrivaled combination of speed and versatility!
Features:
Brand: Sony
Special Feature: Image-stabilization
Color: Black
JPEG quality level: Basic, Fine, Normal
White Balance Settings: Auto
Shooting Models: AUTO (Intelligent Auto/Superior Auto); Program Auto; Aperture Priority; Shutter Speed Priority; Manual Exposure; MR (Memory Recall) [body 3 sets/memory card 4 sets]; Movie Mode (Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual Exposure); HFR Mode (Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual Exposure); Panorama; Scene Selection
Lens Type: Telephoto
Continuous Shooting Speed: 24 fps
Pros:
– Capture the moment with incredible speed and precision.
– Shoot in low light without sacrificing image quality.
– Never miss a shot, even when conditions are tough.
– Focus even faster with face detection.
– Capture stunning photos and videos with ease.
– Carry around a lightweight camera that still produces high-quality images.
Cons:
-It’s a bit expensive
#2. GoPro HERO9 Black
You demand the best, and we’ve delivered with the HERO9 Black. This camera sports a beastly 23.6MP sensor, delivering stunning resolution and detail. Never miss a moment – the built-in waterproofing ensures you’re always ready to capture life’s adventures, while advanced image stabilization keeps your videos smooth when things start to get wild.
Features:
Brand: GoPro
Special Feature: Waterproof, Time Lapse
Video Capture Resolution: 5K
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Image Capture Speed: 30 fps
Optical Zoom: 1
Maximum Focal Length: 1 Millimeters
Pros:
– Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining detail even when zooming in.
– Take advantage of the latest technology without breaking your budget.
– 20 MP photo resolution
– SuperPhoto feature automatically picks the best image processing for you.
– New, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom on HERO9 Black and a dazzling new front display makes for easy framing and intuitive camera control.
– Live stream in 1080p on social media.
– Get HyperSmooth stabilization as you broadcast.
Cons:
– The new GoPro camera is bigger and heavier than the previous models.
#3. Sony a7 III
Introducing the Sony a7 III camera—the latest addition to the acclaimed Alpha 7 series. This incredible camera is packed with advanced features, including a newly developed 24.2MP full-frame image sensor and 1.8X readout speed, advanced motion control capabilities, and external flash compatibility.
With its sleek design, high-quality performance, and innovative features, the Sony a7 III is perfect for any photographer looking for an exceptional camera experience. The new Sony a7 III is a powerful and versatile camera that offers excellent battery life for both movies and still images. With its internal battery charge, you can easily power up your camera with either the Multi/Micro USB Terminal or USB Type-C Terminal.
Plus, it’s equipped with an impressive array of features that make it perfect for capturing amazing photos and videos.
Features:
Brand: Sony
Form Factor: Mirrorless
Special Feature: BIONZ X Image Processor and Front-End LSI; 693-Point Hybrid AF System; 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
Color: Black
JPEG quality level: Basic, Fine, Normal
White balance settings: Auto
Shooting Models: Continuous Hi+ AF-S
Lens Type: Zoom
Pros:
– Capture stunning photos and videos.
– Get incredible detail and clarity.
– Captures the full range of tones and colors in every scene.
– Records uncompressed RAW files for maximum quality.
– Shoot in any light with high ISO sensitivity.
– Get the perfect shot no matter how fast or far your subject is moving.
Cons:
-The exposure compensation knob does not have a lock and can be easily moved without consent.
#4. Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
Introducing the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III – the perfect camera for anyone who wants to take their photography skills to the next level. This powerful and compact camera features a 20.1 Megapixel sensor and DIGIC 8 Processor, making it perfect for capturing stunning images and videos. Whether you’re vlogging, shooting pictures of your travels, or just want a great camera for everyday use, the PowerShot G7X Mark III is perfect for you! The Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III camera is the perfect tool for creating stunning videos and photos. With its 4K recording capability and external microphone terminal, this camera delivers crisp, sharp videos with minimal sound distortion. Plus, its impressive 4.2x Optical Zoom and lens aperture of f/1.8 (wide) to f/2.8(tele) make it easy to capture close-ups of your selfies, wide shots and everything in between. So, if you’re looking for a camera that makes creating amazing videos and still images easy, look no further than the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III!
Features:
Brand: Canon
Form Factor: Compact
Special Feature: Image-stabilization
Color: Black
JPEG quality level: Fine, Normal
White balance settings: Auto
Shooting Modes: Scene Intelligent Auto Flash Off Creative Auto Landscape Close-up Sports Food Night Portrait P Tv Av M
Lens Type: Telephoto
Pros:
– Capture stunning photos and videos.
– Get incredible detail and clarity.
– Capture photos and videos with incredible detail.
– Get beautiful shots, even in low light.
– You’ll be able to capture life’s most precious moments in stunning 4K video.
– Get professional quality footage with 120fps slow motion.
Cons:
– It doesn’t have much of a user’s guide.
#5. Sony RX100 IV
The Sony RX100 IV is a high-end digital camera that has a 1” (1.0-type) stacked CMOS image sensor with DRAM chip and a blazingly fast shutter speed of up to 1/32000. This new Exmor RS sensor not only enhances efficiency and speed of A/D conversion through its stacked structure with more circuit sections; it also realizes over five times faster readout speed of the previous RX100 III. It also features a Flash Range – ISO Auto approx. 0.4m to 10.2m (W), approx. 0.4 m to 6.5 m (T), ISO12800- up to approx. 20.4m (W), approx. 13.
Features:
Brand: Sony
Form Factor: SLR-like-compact
Special Feature: Face-detection|#68
Color: Black
JPEG quality level: Basic, Fine, Normal
Continuous Shooting Speed: 16 fps
Pros:
– 4K video recording and playback.
– Capture amazing photos and videos at super speed.
– Get beautiful shots even in low light.
– Capture sharp, detailed photos with a high resolution of 168MP.
– Capture smooth, pro-quality video footage.
– NTSC switchable for worldwide use.
Cons:
-This device’s 960fps is too hard to use and only lets you record up to 2 seconds.
What is a Slow Motion Camera?
First, let’s start with some basics. A slow-motion camera is a type of high-speed camera that enables you to film slower than the standard 24 or 25 frames-per-second (fps) that most cameras can shoot at. Slow motion cameras are available in both digital and film formats.
When you want to record something in extremely slow motion, say five seconds of action for every second on screen, it requires special equipment like the Phantom Flex 4K Digital High-Speed Camera, which can capture up to 1000 fps or more (although not as many frames for playback purposes). However, it does come with its limitations due to footage size and data storage requirements. That’s where high-speed cameras with slower frame rates come into play.
While a standard high-speed camera can capture up to 150 fps, a slow-motion camera will be able to film anywhere from 300 fps and beyond. If you’re capturing footage that you want to play back at 24 or 25fps, then this will effectively create a slow-motion effect.
Factors to consider before buying Slow Motion Camera:
Since there are so many different types of slow-motion cameras available, we wanted to give you some basic guidelines for choosing the right one. There’s a wide range of factors that you’ll need to consider before making your purchase:
Price: You can find high speed cameras with frame rates as low as 24 fps starting around $1000, but it will depend on what type of camera you decide to shoot with. Cameras inside pneumatic housings like this one (which is compatible with Phantom cams) can be significantly more expensive than those without housings due to added features like internal sensors and pre-amps. If you’re looking at something like a DSLR or mirrorless camera, then the price tag is going to be higher overall.
Durability: If you’re filming in wet or moist environments, then it’s important to invest in a camera with robust weatherproofing. This will help ensure that your camera is protected from moisture damage. Some cameras are also designed with shock resistance in mind, which means they can deal with sudden impacts without sustaining any major damage. So, keep these things in mind when choosing an option for your specific needs.
Technical Specifications: Like we mentioned earlier, the frame rates are the most important feature to consider before buying a slow-motion camera. The higher the better, but there are some limitations due to data storage and computer processing power. Some cameras will also be limited by the type of media that they use, which can further add to their overall price. So, you’ll need to assess your needs and budget to find a camera that fits both.
Lens Compatibility: Since most high-speed cameras rely on interchangeable lenses, it’s important to find one with a lens mount compatibility option for whatever lens system you’re currently using. This will ensure a smooth transition from your existing equipment into your new setup.
Convenience: You’ll also want to look at the size and weight of the camera itself, along with how easy it is to carry around between different shoots. That’s why some systems are equipped with pneumatic housings like this, which offer added protection while also decreasing the overall weight of the camera.
Different types of storage: Some cameras will use CF cards, while others might rely on hard drives or SSDs. It’s important to determine which one works best for your production needs before making a purchase.
Dual sensor support: Multiple sensors can give you faster and better image stabilization than most standard single-axis sensors. So, if this is something that would be helpful to you, then it’s good to look for a camera with built-in dual axis image stabilization.
Internal OSD module: OSD modules can allow you to monitor footage from the camera itself without having to connect a screen or monitor externally. This can save time and money when shooting without a dedicated crew.
Power source compatibility: The power sources that a camera uses can vary, but it’s good to find one that doesn’t drain your batteries too quickly or take up too much space on your rig. So, make sure you look for something convenient and lightweight if possible.
Image processing: To process the data from high frame rates, most cameras need to rely on powerful image processors like this one. This means they might have a fixed frame rate instead of being able to record at different speeds throughout various shots in a production.
File output support: You’ll also want to pay attention to the file formats supported by the camera itself to ensure compatibility with certain editing software packages. Some options are only able to work with certain formats, which can restrict their overall workflow.
Strength in numbers: If you’re looking at purchasing a high-speed camera for the first time, then it’s usually best to buy one that has multiple uses. This is especially true if you aren’t sure exactly what type of shots or scenes will require slow motion effects. That way you’ll be prepared for any scenario and won’t have to do additional research before shooting anything important.
Zoom: Most high-speed cameras will have some level of magnification built in. However, they won’t be able to match the image quality or versatility of something like a photography telephoto lens. So, it’s important to understand what your production needs are before making a purchase.
Customizable options: Some cameras will give you the ability to manually adjust specific settings to get better results in certain situations. Other models might have preset modes that are automatically triggered through an external sensor. It just depends on what your current set up is and how flexible you need it to be for future projects.
Insta-fix it: You can also find high speed lenses that are designed specifically with slow motion effects in mind. They’ll have the ability to capture crisp and clear shots while also giving you the ability to capture subjects between a certain distance.
Materials: Another thing to consider when buying a high-speed camera is the materials that it’s made from. Make sure you find something that won’t be destroyed by potential drops or bumps if possible. So, look for durable and rugged models if you plan on shooting in challenging production environments.
Warranty: If you’re going to be using the camera on a regular basis, then it’s also a good idea to consider its warranty options. Some high-speed cameras will come with limited warranties or guarantees that protect your purchase and give you peace of mind when making larger investments.
Design: It’s also a good idea to consider the design of a high-speed camera before making a purchase. This includes everything from its weight and overall dimensions down to where specific buttons or levers are placed to maximize control and efficiency when shooting.
Cooling System: You’ll want to look at the cooling system for a high-speed camera, especially if you’re planning on using it extensively in warmer climates. Most cameras will have an internal fan designed specifically for this purpose, so make sure it won’t be too loud or disrupt any dialogue scenes by testing it out beforehand.
Construction: There are also different types of construction available with high-speed cameras, so make sure you understand what this means for your overall workflow before making a purchase. Internal, external, or modular setups can determine exactly how many accessories can be used with the unit itself.
Portability: The weight of the camera itself may seem like an unimportant detail but trust me it will definitely come into play once you start shooting any major scenes. So, make sure you understand the size and weight of your camera before purchasing it. This way you’ll be able to better accommodate actors, equipment, and overall production needs.
Compatibility: It’s also important that your camera works with certain software packages or equipment to get the best results possible. So, make sure that any models you’re considering are compatible with editing suites so you can easily cut shots together after a shoot. Sure, this might seem like an unimportant detail now, but trust me you won’t want to deal with compatibility issues once actual filming begins. The last thing anyone wants is for power sources to die during a crucial scene or shot because they weren’t properly prepared nothing worse than being under-prepared for anything on set!
Media: Another thing to consider when purchasing a high-speed camera is the media it uses. This will determine whether you can save footage directly onto your hard drive or if its data needs to be transferred over later. If you aren’t sure exactly what’s available in terms of storage, then I recommend at least getting a unit that operates with SD cards and avoids using tapes whenever possible.
Screen Size: The size of the camera’s LCD screen can also affect your workflow and overall production capabilities. Make sure that you find a larger enough screen so that everyone on set can have an idea of what they’re working with before filming begins.
Accuracy: Accuracy is another factor worth considering. So, make sure any high-speed cameras you consider will be able to capture specific footage as accurately as possible to meet industry standards for presentation. And always make sure you know exactly how accurate your equipment needs to be before purchasing it! Sometimes getting something more generic might save money now, but it won’t pay off later when editing and post-production costs rise and cause serious issues.
Shooting Style: You should also consider your shooting style before purchasing a high-speed camera. How much footage will you need to shoot on any given day? Will this be enough to accommodate whatever style of filming you have in mind? These are all questions you’ll want answers for before making a purchase!
Battery Life: You should also consider battery life before making a purchase. How long will the high-speed camera last on its own? This is an important question to answer as production can run long sometimes. So, make sure you know how much battery life you’ll need and if the different models available provide enough power for your needs.
Color/Resolution: Make sure any unit you’re considering offers enough color resolution before buying it. High Speed cameras usually have one or two options for both, so do the research before you make a purchase!
Frame Rate: You should also research how many frames per second a high-speed camera is capable of before it’s purchased as this will affect the overall production process. The higher the number, the faster your results will be when editing.
FAQs:
What is the approximate price for a slow-motion camera?
Depending on where you purchase it from and what model it is, prices can vary anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
What video formats does a slow-motion camera support?
Depending on the model, most high-speed cameras support a variety of different video formats. Models with a HDMI output will likely support all major formats, including MP4 and AVI files.
How fast can a slow-motion camera record?
High speed cameras usually record clips of footage at 250 frames per second or more. With this number in mind, these models can capture just about anything that you put in front of them!
What movie series use slow-motion cameras?
Many major blockbusters have used high speed cameras in various ways, giving movies an edge and sense of uniqueness while also saving money on expensive special effects. Some movies include Star Wars, 300: Rise of an Empire, X Men: First Class and even Harry Potter!
How does a slow-motion camera work?
High speed cameras operate by taking several pictures in succession, allowing for more information to be gathered even when filming something that’s difficult to see. This makes it possible to capture objects and events at much higher speeds than your average camera! And with the right software, these images can be combined into amazing looking clips that will impress anyone who sees them!
What is the difference between stopping motion and slowing down motion?
Stopping motion refers to the censorship of specific frames within video footage in order to create an illusion of movement or change over time using far fewer pictures than would otherwise be required. Slowing down motion refers to exactly what it sounds like-capturing fast moving objects and slowing them down so they can be seen more clearly.
Do I need an operator for my slow-motion camera?
Yes. Slow-motion cameras are very complex pieces of equipment that require someone experienced with high-speed cinematography. Without this, you’re looking at having problems with the footage later! So, make sure whoever is operating your equipment knows what they’re doing before buying anything!
What type of batteries do these cameras use?
Most slow-motion cameras available in today’s market use either rechargeable or replaceable batteries. They can vary in terms of how long they last, but you should try to make sure the batteries are at least high quality for best results.
What formats do these mobile slow-motion devices record in?
Most mobile slow-motion devices will support common video formats like MP4 and AVI, though it’s always good to check before buying!
Does this product come with software?
Yes. All of the high-speed cameras that we offer come with free editing software included so that you can get great looking clips once filming is complete!
How long does the battery last on these products?
Depending on what model it is, most batteries can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours. This is something you should consider before buying as the last thing you want is to be without a camera halfway through an event!
Can this slow-motion device be used as a webcam as well?
High speed cameras are primarily for shooting video, but some models do have a webcam function that can be used. Please read what features come with your product before making your purchase!
Does the video format of this high-speed camera support widescreen?
Yes. All our slow-motion cameras come with software that allows you to crop the footage so it can be viewed in either 16:9, 4:3 or 1:1 ratio. This gives you more flexibility when editing! Please be aware that most video formats will not allow files to exceed a certain size, which is why it’s important to only use the highest quality footage possible if you don’t want any issues later.
How long does it take for these slow-motion cameras to process the clip after recording is complete?
This varies from model to model, but most devices can produce an edited clip within 30 seconds after filming is complete.
What is the maximum resolution for this high-speed camera?
Most slow-motion cameras can shoot in 1080p or 720p, though some models do go up to 4K if you need that extra detail! It’s important that your device can support these resolutions before buying. Keep in mind that just because it’s possible using the software doesn’t mean it will look good when doing so!
What is the maximum frame rate for this high-speed camera?
All our slow-motion cameras can shoot as fast as 120fps, though many models do go up to 960fps which gives you that extra detail! Again-just because it can be done doesn’t mean it should. You want your footage to look good so make sure you always stay within the recommended frame rates. If you’re unsure then please feel free to ask or email us before buying. Anything over 240fps will only record in half resolution (half width, half height), so if 1080p is required then shooting at 240fps should be enough.
Do I need external power for this device?
Most mobile high-speed cameras use batteries rather than being connected directly to an outlet so they are much more versatile in terms of where they can be used! Please keep in mind that not all products have removable batteries so check the specification before buying to make sure. If you are looking for a high-speed camera that can be plugged into an AC outlet, then please visit this link for our selection of CCTV cameras.
How long does it take to charge this slow-motion device?
This varies depending on the model, but most devices will only take around 2 hours to be fully charged! If your product doesn’t come with removable batteries, then charging can be done via USB or there is often a dual battery charger kit available separately. Please check our range of accessories if you’re interested in picking one up.
Does this high-speed camera support HDMI output?
Yes, they do! All our products have either HDMI input/output or use Wi-Fi connections so that footage can be viewed on a larger screen. If it doesn’t have these features, then please let us know as there are many alternatives available.
What is the maximum capacity for storage devices with this device?
The largest amount of footage that can be stored on an SD card before filling up is 64GB-just keep in mind that if your product uses Wi-Fi to connect then you will need one SD card per camera! For other products, please check what comes with your purchase to make sure. We also recommend getting a backup battery if possible as these high-speed cameras often eat through batteries very quickly-we all want something better than boring old AA’s.
How long does the battery last on this high-speed camera?
The time a battery can be used for before needing to be recharged varies from model to model, but most devices will last for around 50 minutes or less before needing a recharge. It’s a good idea to get a backup battery or dual battery system if you intend on using your device for longer periods of time. We stock many different batteries and chargers in our store so please let us know if you need any help picking one out!
How to shoot slow-motion videos & tips?
Slow-motion video is a technique with both benefits and limitations in terms of how it can be used in production. The higher the frame rate (fps) and resolution (width x height), the more time is required to film your scene, but the greater detail that can be captured. The following prioritizations should be considered when filming:
The most important thing is to decide what you want out of your slow-motion footage before starting to film! Once you’ve decided on these things then we recommend using the below chart as a reference for everything else:
Tips for shooting slow motion:
Be aware of where artificial lights or windows are outside of the set area as these may cause undesirable flares/reflections inside the camera.
Make sure that the surface you are filming on does not have any vibrations in it. If possible, use a tripod or have an assistant hold your device steady for you so they film better quality footage.
Carefully consider what is in your foreground and background when filming-if you can’t move them then try to find something similar with the same lighting/colors so they blend in more easily!
If you are using a secondary slow-motion camera then make sure there is enough space between each device as this will reduce unnecessary distortion caused by parallax error.
The subject of your slow-motion video should be moving towards or away from the camera at high speed (or high acceleration for best impact. For example, you might want to film a car speeding through your scene or someone running towards the camera-this will create more impact than if they are just walking at normal speed.
Keep in mind that any action which occurs behind another object that is closer to the camera may not appear due to parallax error.
For best results, avoid filming closeups of people’s faces as this can look distorted when shot in slow-motion.
If you’re using an SLR camera then use a secondary speed/aperture controller so you can change both settings simultaneously (please check the manual for this device as it varies depending on what model is used).
Make sure there is plenty of light available and consider if you need additional lighting before beginning to film. Check for reflections and flares when positioning your lights-you don’t want to see these in your footage!
Try to avoid using a shallow depth of field as the background will appear blurred when in slow-motion and this may look strange or out of focus if there is any movement in it.
Make sure that the subject has enough light on them, so their movements are easier to capture on camera without blowing out, turning too dark, or causing them to look like they’re disappearing & reappearing every few frames (we’ve all seen this happen on YouTube before!).
If you can afford it then use an external sound recorder for more professional results. When filming indoors try not to point the microphone towards light sources as this will cause unwanted hum or crackling in your audio when slowed down.
When filming outdoors, try to avoid filming where there is a lot of wind as the microphone can pick up a lot of unwanted noise in this environment. If this isn’t possible then make sure you film in a sheltered area and/or use a secondary microphone to capture cleaner sound.
Conclusion:
Film movement in slow-motion. Before you film, be aware that the speed at which you present your footage will vary depending on what camera is used to record it. You can then take this time lapse footage into post production using video editing software where you can adjust the playback speed to produce a slow-motion effect to accompany your subject’s movements. This process isn’t conventional, but it will still produce great results if you follow our advice.
Keep an eye on background objects as these may appear blurry/out of focus, distorted, or even disappear & reappear if they’re moving towards or away from the camera! Try not to use a shallow depth of field so keep your aperture wide open (low f-stop number) for best results. When filming outdoors try not to film where there is a lot of wind as the microphone can pick up a lot of unwanted noise in this environment. Use an external recorder for more professional results and to avoid unwanted noise. Finally, remember that any action which occurs behind another object that is closer to the camera may not appear due to parallax error so keep this in mind if you want to film a moving subject-it might be best to place your secondary camera behind it instead of in front.
