Best 8K Cameras

Even though 8K cameras have been on the market for the larger part of this decade, there are only a handful of models to choose from. Furthermore, most of the 8K camera models are too expensive, as it is still much more affordable to rent them than to purchase them. Here’s what some of the most prestigious camera manufacturers have to offer when it comes to 8K cameras.

Canon EOS 5DS R DSLR Mirrorless Camera

This camera is capable of recording 8K footage at 60 fps, as well as 4K footage at 120 fps, but whether or not this will turn out to be true remains to be seen. However, several of Canon’s models are already equipped with 50 MP sensors that can capture still images in resolutions that go as high as 8712 x 5813 or record videos in 4K resolution at 60fps.

Models like EOS 5DS or EOS R, are powerful enough to enable you to take still images at resolutions that resemble those provided by 8K cameras.

Nikon D850 8K Timelapse Camera

This Nikon’s camera has also 7fps continuous shooting mode as well as the capability to record 4K UHD videos at 30, 25 and 24 fps. Nikon D850 has an FX CMOS sensor that can capture images that have 8256 x 5504 pixels and the ISO sensitivity that ranges from ISO 64 to ISO 25,600.

The camera is compatible with G, E, and D AF Nikkor lenses as well as DX and AI-P lenses, which provides you with enough versatility to shoot virtually any scene you want.

Sharp 8C-B60A

A few years ago, Sharp introduced 8C-B60A, the world’s first 8K camcorder, and a few years later there are only a few cameras that have the features that can be compared to those you can find on the 8C-B60A camcorder.

The Super 35mm equivalent single-plate CMOS sensor has approximately 33 million pixels, while the quad-link 12G-SDI output terminal enables capturing and broadcasting footage live while the recording session is still in progress.

8C-B60A can record 8K 10-bit videos at 60fps, although you can set the frame rate to 50, 30, or 24fps. The camcorder is also equipped with a 2TB SSD pack that can store up to 40 minutes of 8K footage and it offers the possibility to use the SDHC card for proxy recording. 8C-B60A utilizes the Grass Valley HQX Codec to compress the raw video files at a 6 Gbps compression rate.

It features two AUDIO IN XLR type 3 pins and one MIC IN XLR type 5 pin. The camcorder doesn’t have batteries and the only way to power it is through a 130W 13V DC output AC/DC adapter XLR 4-pin. The Sharp’s 8C-B60A 8K camcorder is undoubtedly one of the best 8K cameras you can buy in 2020, despite the hefty price tag.

Sony F65 CineAlta 8K Camera

The 1-chip 20MP Super 35mm type 24.7mm X 13.1mm CMOS sensor enables you to capture videos in 8K, 4K or 2K resolutions. The camera’s PL lens mount is standard for all film cameras, which means that you won’t have too much trouble finding the lens you can use with F65 CineAlta.

The camera has 14 stops of exposure latitude, so if you are shooting RAW video files F65 will utilize the S-Log3/S-Gamut3 gamma curve to ensure accurate color depiction. Also, this 8K camera can capture 275,000,000,000,000 color variations even while you are shooting in full resolution at 60fps. Unsurprisingly, F65 CineAlta costs more than $60.000, but it is still a great investment for all professional filmmakers in need of a camera that can deliver great performances regardless of the available light.

Ikegami 8K Super Hi-Vision Camera System

This broadcast camera has a PL lens mount with a back-focus adjusting mechanism that helps the camera operator to keep the image sharp even while recording rapidly moving figures and objects. The SHK-810’s output signal features are equally impressive since you can choose between SHV Dual Green SDI Interface, 4K SMPTE 424M (3G-SDI) Level B, and HD SMPTE 292M options.

Also, you can choose between 2-channel x 4K and 4-channel HD return signals or opt for Tri-Level Sync or VBS external sync signals. However, SHK-810 is bulky and heavy, as it weighs 9kg or 19.6 lbs without a viewfinder which makes it difficult to use without a tripod during events that last for several hours. Moreover, the camera is aimed at large television networks rather than filmmakers and cinematographers. At the moment Ikegami doesn’t offer any 8K camera models for filmmaking purposes.

Red DSMC2 BRAIN

Furthermore, each of the Red’s 8K cameras can record 8K videos at 60fps while they also offer the possibility to capture 7K, 6K, 5K, or 4K videos at different frame rates. Also, these modular cameras use the Apple ProRes codecs. They ensure high image quality throughout the video recording and editing processes.

The body of an 8K Red camera can cost between $24,000 and $50,000 which makes these cameras available only to professional film and TV productions. It is also worth noting that the footage captured with any of the 8K RED camera models can be edited in only a handful of professional video editing software products.

Z CAM E2-F8 EF-Mount

Shoot professional high-definition cinema footage with the Z CAM E2-F8 Full-Frame 8K Cinema Camera with a Canon EF lens mount. The camera features a full-frame sensor with 10-bit 4:2:2 color support and nominal 14 stops of dynamic range, supports timecode, shoots up to 8K at up to 30 fps, and records data up to 300 Mb/s onto CFast 2.0 media.

Supported recording formats include ZRAW format, MOV, and MP4 using H.265 for 10-bit recording, while H.264 supports 8-bit recording, and firmware 0.88 allows the camera to record in the ZRAW format. It’s HDMI 2.0 port supports 4K60, 10-bit 4:2:2 video output. Audio recording is available in 24-bit 48 kHz using AAC or PCM (PCM for MOV format only) through its 3.5mm stereo jack or via a separately available XLR connector using its 5-pin LEMO port.

Serial ports are using for E2-F8 controlling, a 2.5mm LANC connector, a USB Type-C port, an Ethernet port, or by the Z Camera iOS app to control the camera via Wi-Fi and to view a live image preview and to configure settings. The camera can record time-lapse, slow motion, and can even live stream via its Gigabit Ethernet port. You can also control it locally by the buttons along the side of the camera.

The E2-F8 can use a separately available battery for power using the built-in L-series battery mount, or you can power the camera using a separately available power adapter using its 2-pin LEMO port. The camera also features a 12 VDC 2-pin LEMO power output to provide power to separately available accessories.