When shopping for the best slow motion camera, the most important factors to consider include budget, frame rate, and sensor size. Below, I’ve suggested the top five picks based on these features. Read on to learn why they matter!
As a creative filmmaker and videographer, it is essential for me to achieve creative effects, like slow motion. I couldn’t imagine myself creating such videos in the past, though, due to expensive cinema cameras.
Fortunately, I can now find many budget cameras with excellent slow mo capabilities.
Most action cameras allow filmmakers to capture 4K resolution videos at a staggering 120 frames per second (fps).
There are also countless DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that offer 60 fps Full HD videos.
But with so many options available today, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
To help narrow down your choices, I researched countless articles and product reviews to create this list of the best slow motion cameras.
Whether you want to shoot a cool slow mo travel video or a cinematic short film, these cameras will help you achieve your vision.
Let’s jump right into the article!
How Does a Camera Make Slow Motion Video?
Before we discuss our top picks, we want to answer one of the most frequently asked questions about slow motion.
In order to shoot slow motion footage, a camera must be able to record video at a high frame rate. It allows you to capture more frames per second. So when you play it back at a slower speed, the extra clips will make movements natural and smooth.
The minimum frame rate you must use for slow motion footage is 60 frames per second (fps). Anything lower than that, like 30 fps, will result in a choppy video. For best results, choose a higher frame rate at 100 or even 120 fps.
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5 Best Slow Motion Cameras
Today, many slow motion cameras can capture 60 or 120 frames per second in either 4K or 1080p resolution. All our top picks below meet these criteria.
Sony a7 III – Editor’s Choice
The Sony a7 III is capable of shooting 120 fps in Full HD resolution. It features a full-frame sensor that ensures no crop, unlike other devices on this list.
This mirrorless camera has a maximum video resolution of 4K. But it can only capture up to 30 fps. Nevertheless, the 1080p/120 fps video mode meets most of your slow motion video recording needs.
Besides its slow motion options, the a7 III also boasts a 15-stop wide dynamic range. Together with its high ISO speed of 204,800, this camera can shoot slow motion video, even in low-light conditions.
Moreover, it offers excellent autofocus points covering at least 93% of the sensor. These either come in phase detection or contrast AF settings for improving sharpness in photos and videos.
Battery life is above average. Plus, it is more lightweight than other full-frame cameras on the market.
Most customer reviews were positive, but some users reported a stuck shutter issue. A couple of customers also did not like the 4K video recording limit of 30 minutes.
The benefits of the Sony a7 III far outweigh the cons, though. It is our top choice, owing to its no crop slow motion footage, better low light performance, and other high-end functionalities.
Specifications:
Type: Mirrorless Camera
Sensor Size: Full Frame
Video Recording Modes: 3840 x 2160p (24/30 fps), 1920 x 1080p (24/60/120 fps), 1440 x 1080p (30 fps)
Weight: 650 grams
Dimensions: 5 x 3.88 x 3 inches
GoPro HERO8 Black – Best for Action
Are you the kind of videographer who is not particular about a cinematic look and mainly shoots action and travel videos? Then consider getting the GoPro HERO8 Black.
Although GoPro already released its latest flagship model, the GoPro HERO9 Black, we still chose to include its previous model because of its better value for your money.
The HERO8 Black boasts a 4K/60fps shooting mode. It is also capable of shooting video at Full HD 1080p and 240 fps for recording slow motion video.
In addition to its slow motion frame rates, this action cam also offers improved HyperSmooth 2.0 and TimeWarp 2.0 technology. The former is an image stabilization technology that ensures smooth footage, while the latter delivers excellent time-lapse videos.
What’s more, the LiveBurst function captures images or videos 1.5 seconds before and after pressing the record button. This setting makes it easier to choose the best possible single shot.
All these impressive features are packed in a compact camera that you can easily carry anywhere.
There are still some cons to this slow motion camera, though.
Some users said the Hero8 has poor battery life and connectivity issues. And since it is an action camera, it has a fixed lens, limiting the type of shots you can capture.
Nevertheless, the GoPro HERO8 Black is an excellent slow motion camera for action and travel videos. But if you want to shoot all kinds of videos, consider the following product instead.
Specifications:
Type: Action Camera
Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
Video Recording Modes: 3840 x 2160p (24/25/30/50/60 fps), 2704 x 1520p (24/25/30/50/60/100/120 fps), 1920 x 1440p (24/25/30/50/60/100/120 fps), 1920 x 1080p (24/25/30/50/60/100/120/200/240 fps)
Weight: 117 grams
Dimensions: 1.14 x 1.89 x 2.6 inches
Sony a6400 – Best All-Around
The Sony a6400 can capture 120 fps in 1080p resolution. This high frame rate mode makes it possible to achieve high quality slow motion footage.
But that is not the only thing you can do with the a6400.
This mirrorless camera is packed with robust features that photographers and videographers will find handy.
There is a time-lapse movie function that delivers incredible results, even without post-processing.
The a6400 also offers enhanced subject capture, thanks to its expansive 425 phase and contrast-detection focus points. Plus, it has an 11fps continuous shooting to ensure the sharpness of the image further.
Furthermore, it includes a tiltable LCD screen. This display is ideal for vlogging, capturing stills, or even shooting a professional film.
Despite these pros, the a6400 lacks in-body image stabilization. You may need to rely on lens-based stabilization, which can be an expensive and relatively noisy solution.
Some customer reviews also said that this digital camera overheats when shooting in extended periods.
With that said, the Sony a6400 is still one of the best all-around cameras with reliable slow motion recording capabilities.
Specifications:
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor Size: APS-C
Video Recording Modes: 3840 x 2160p (24/25/30 fps), 1920 x 1080 (24/25/30/50/60/100/120 fps)
Weight: 403 grams
Dimensions: 4.72 x 2.64 x 2.36 inches
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III – Best for Vloggers
Are you mainly looking for a vlogging camera with extra special features, like slow mo? Then the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III might suit your needs.
This point-and-shoot camera features a small, lightweight body with a flip-up screen. The display makes it easier to adjust frame composition and shoot videos of yourself. Meanwhile, its compact size can easily fit inside your pocket or purse.
It uses a 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor, which might not seem much, but it can record 4K videos at 30 fps. Other recording modes include Full HD resolution at 60 and 120 fps, ideal for shooting video in slow motion.
There is also a fixed lens, which is equivalent to 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8. It even has a built-in optical image stabilizer to ensure steady clips.
What’s more, the G7 X Mark III offers a 3.5mm mic port. It allows you to connect an external microphone for recording better audio.
On top of all these features, it boasts of a live-streaming setup. Simply connect the camera and stream directly to your YouTube channel.
Most customer reviews were positive, but some users mentioned that the camera suffers from slow autofocus. It also has a 10 minute 4K video recording limit.
But at less than $800, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a great vlogging camera with advanced video features like slow mo. It deserved a place on our list of the best slow motion cameras.
Specifications:
Type: Point-and-Shoot Camera
Sensor Size: 1-inch
Video Recording Modes: 3840 x 2160p (30fps), 1920 x 1080p (29.97/59.94/119.88fps)
Weight: 304 grams
Dimensions: 4.13 x 2.4 x 1.61 inches
DJI Osmo Action 4K Camera – Best Budget
If you want to shoot slow mo but do not have enough money to splurge on higher-end slow motion cameras, consider getting the DJI Osmo Action.
This slow motion camera is capable of shooting up to 240 fps in 1080p resolution. There is also an option to capture 60 fps for 4K videos.
Besides these slow motion features, the Osmo Action also offers stunning time-lapse footage.
Furthermore, the RockSteady technology delivers steady clips, no matter the type of action.
As for the display, this camera uses dual screens. The front-facing monitor makes it easier to frame yourself. Meanwhile, the back screen ensures a hyper-responsive interface.
Despite these advantages, some customer reviews said that the video quality is poor in low-light conditions. Battery life is also not that long-lasting. Thus, several users recommend getting extra batteries.
But for a price point of less than $200, the DJI Osmo Action offers value for your money. With these in mind, we included it as one of the best slow motion cameras on the market.
Specifications:
Type: Action Camera
Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
Video Recording Modes: 4096 x 2160p (24/25/30/48/50/60 fps), 3840 x 2160p (24/25/30 fps), 1920 x 1080p (24/25/30/48/50/60/100/120/200/240 fps)
Weight: 124 grams
Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.7 x 1.4 inches
How To Choose the Best Slow Motion Camera
Are you still unsure which slow motion camera to buy? To help you out, we will discuss the essential characteristics you need to look for in a device.
Budget
One of the first things you need to consider before buying a slow motion camera is your budget.
When setting your budget, determine if you need an interchangeable lens camera or a fixed lens camera.
The former gives you the freedom to use different lenses for various types of work, whether it is fashion photography or sports videography. The downside? They are often more expensive. The Sony a7 III and Sony a6400 are notable examples of an interchangeable lens camera.
In contrast, a fixed lens camera like the GoPro Hero8 Black does not offer the same flexibility. But they come at a lower price and have similar robust slow motion features as interchangeable lens cameras.
It is essential to weigh your needs and decide if a particular model is worth buying for its extra features beyond its slow mo specs.
Frame Rates
The minimum frame rate to achieve slow mo videos is 60 fps.
Fortunately, most slow motion cameras can now shoot up to 120 fps in 1080p resolution. Other models are even capable of capturing this same frame rate in 4K.
So if you want a higher quality slow motion effect, it is best to go with 4K/120fps cameras like the GoPro Hero8 Black and the DJI Osmo Action.
But if you also need other videography features, look for more expensive models such as the Sony a7 III and Sony a6400.
Sensor Size
In general, the larger the image sensor, the better image quality you can get. This is because larger full-frame sensors allow you to shoot slo-mo without crop. It also offers superior low-light performance and greater depth of field.
The only downside is that full-frame cameras, including the Sony a7 III, are usually more expensive and heavier to carry.
So if you cannot afford them, you may stick with an APS-C sensor camera like the Sony a6400. It offers the same slow mo capabilities as the a7 III, but it delivers cropped results due to the smaller sensor.
Slow and Quick Modes
Before buying a slow motion camera, you may also want to check if they have a dedicated Slow and Quick mode. This setting allows you to capture and process super slow motion videos in-camera. Thus, you can instantly view and share your footage without the need to edit it.
Conclusion
There you have it—our recommendations for the best slow motion cameras!
All these products have excellent slow mo capabilities that can meet your needs. But if you also need robust photography and videography features, we highly recommend the Sony a7 III. This full-frame camera delivers stunning photos on top of the incredible slow motion videos.
Click this link to buy the Sony a7 III today!