This is a guide covering the best cameras for dance videos.
There is a growing popularity of dance videos on the World Wide Web. From short TikTok videos to YouTube videos, more and more people are diving into this form of art.
It is common to encounter novice YouTube channel owners asking: what camera should I buy to record dancing videos. However, there are instances when the most expensive option isn’t exactly the best camera for recording dance videos.
To give the best bang for your buck, we’ve come up with 10 of the best cameras for dance videos used by professional YouTube channels and TikTok stars.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:
- ⭐ Best Overall Camera for Dance Videos
- 🎬 Best Action Camera for Dance Videos
- ✋ Best Compact Cameras for Dance Videos
- 🔍 Best Mirrorless Camera for Dance Videos
- 📷 Best DSLR Cameras for Dance Videos
- 💸 Best Budget Camera for Dance Videos
How to Choose the Best Camera for Dance Videos?
Image stabilization: A camera with good image stabilization will help reduce camera shake, which is especially important when filming fast-moving dancers.
Autofocus: A camera with fast and accurate autofocus will help you keep the dancers in focus as they move around.
Frame rate: The frame rate determines the smoothness of the video. A higher frame rate (e.g. 60 frames per second) will produce smoother video, which can be beneficial when filming fast-moving dancers.
Low light performance: If you’ll be filming in a low light environment, you’ll want a camera with good low light performance.
Size and weight: If you’ll be moving around a lot while filming, you may want to consider a smaller and lighter camera.
See the full list of cameras below which include more details, pros, cons, and technical details.
Table of Contents
10 Best Cameras for Dance Videos
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
- Image ratio: 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 1,040,000
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone or Bluetooth remote)
I believe the best overall camera for dance videos is the Canon EOS Rebel T7i.
Given the number of cameras to choose from in the market today, nothing beats a DSLR equipped with HD capability.
Though it doesn’t have 4K resolution in video, it can double down as the best camera dance photography.
Why do you need the best camera dance photography if you are starting your video channel?
With its 24MP sensor and ability to capture at 6fps, you will be able to produce great stills that can be posted on your Instagram or even be used as a cover image on your YouTube channel.
Though it offers a huge jump from the T3i, the T7i is made of plastic which feels a bit off for a DSLR.
Other than this, it performs well in the AF, ISO, and image quality departments.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon Rebel T7i.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Great for taking dance photos
- With 1080p video capability
- Great AF for both taking photos and videos
My Cons With This Camera:
- Made of plastic
2. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-like
- Max resolution: 4896 x 3672
- Image ratio: 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
If you don’t have plans of spending a lot on a camera to record dance videos, then might as well choose the Lumix FZ80 camera.
It’s a fixed lens zoom camera that can do well when it comes to recording videos.
It is a tough contender for the best camera for recording dance videos because of its 4K video capability.
You can also save a 4K photo from your 4K video. On top of that, you can film using the FZ80 at 30fps.
And when it comes to stability, the 60x vario lens is equipped with an optical image stabilizer that helps minimize shakes when you take videos.
The only downside is that you can’t change your lens.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes superb videos at 4K at 30fps
- With the ability to take photos from the 4K video
My Cons With This Camera:
- Can’t switch the lens
3. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 64-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Fully articulated
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (wired or smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- 4096 x 2160 (4K)
If you want the best bang for your buck, we believe that the best value camera in our list is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.
Dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III was designed for the outdoors.
It even has a weatherproof magnesium alloy body. In terms of performance taking photos, you get to take high-quality dance photos with its 20MP sensor.
And for taking videos, it can capture 4K videos without any problem. It even has a great AF for both taking photos and videos.
However, if you are going to compare the autofocus against some of its competitors, you might say that the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a bit lagging in this department.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Designed even for outdoors
- Captures videos in 4K
- High-quality images thanks to the 20MP sensor
My Cons With This Camera:
- Tracking the subject isn’t the best when compared to its competition
4. GoPro HERO8 Black
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Action camera
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: No (HDMI Out with Media Mod accessory)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
Very first on our list of best cameras for dance videos is the GoPro Hero 8 Black.
There is no denying that the GoPro has revolutionized the way we record ourselves.
It is small, handy, plus it can be placed in a case and other attachments to suit different scenarios, the GoPro Hero 8 Black is one of the latest versions that can record dance videos for your YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok account.
Though it doesn’t look too different from the older GoPro models, it offers three levels of stabilization not to mention expandable mods for pro filmmakers.
You can even have a mic and light mod to get the best results on your videos.
And if you love streaming, it allows you to stream in 1080p.
And just like the past GoPros, you can take videos in 4k at 60fps. However, it is a bit larger than the Hero7.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Different mods available for pro video makers
- Allows you to stream in 1080p
- Takes videos in 4K
My Cons With This Camera:
- A bit larger than the Hero 7
5. Panasonic Lumix FZ300
For a lot of video channel owners, they don’t need to switch lenses especially if they are only taking videos of their dance routines.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is a candidate for the best camera for recording dance videos because of its ability to capture in 4K without the need to invest a lot into a lens.
Instead, it makes use of a zoom lens has up to 24x optical zoom.
The construction is also something that stands out given its dustproof and weatherproof body.
However, if you need to take photos, this unit only has a 12.1MP sensor.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 24x optical zoom
- Takes 4K videos
- No need to buy a separate lens
- Rugged design
My Cons With This Camera:
- 12MP sensor for taking photos
6. Panasonic Lumix LX10
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Image ratio: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 125-12800 (expands to 80-25600)
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video formats:
- 1280 x 720
- 1920 x 1080
- 3840 x 2160 (4K)
The Panasonic Lumix L10 is one of the best cameras for dance videos simply because it is a handy option packed with great features making it a favorite by many vloggers.
It even has a selfie display that gets the LCD to flip and face you.
Though it is a point and capture camera, it comes with a 20.1MP MOS sensor plus 3x zoom. (Check out a list of the best point and capture cameras).
You also get to enjoy 4K videos.
It even has a Lumix 4K photo option wherein you get to turn a part of the video into a photo that comes in handy when it comes to creating a cover photo.
It has a manual lens mounted control ring giving you a DSLR-like feel despite being a compact point-and-capture camera.
And once you are done, you can transfer files via USB or via WiFi.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Flippable LCD
- Can take 4K videos
- 20MP sensor
- Simple to use
- Compact
My Cons With This Camera:
- Can’t switch the lens
7. Nikon D500
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 5568 x 3712
- Image ratio: 3:2
- ISO: ISO 100 – 51200 (expandable to 50 – 1640000)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (Optional, wired or wireless )
If you are somewhat becoming serious about your endeavor to create video content, a good option is the Nikon D500.
It isn’t surprising why it is one of the best cameras for dance videos given its powerful specs.
Not only do you get several great lens options, but the Nikon D500 itself is also a powerful tool equipped with a 20.9MP sensor plus an ability to take 4K videos.
It is also popular because of its expansive MultiCam 20K 153-point AF system having accurate subject tracking capabilities that can impress even the pros.
The LCD is also touchscreen making it easy to tweak what you need whether when you are taking photos or videos.
It can also be tilted especially when you are taking photos/videos in weird angles.
Also, check out the best lenses for the Nikon D500.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Accurate subject tracking
- Takes 4K videos
- Robust design
- Numerous lens options
My Cons With This Camera:
- n/a
8. Nikon D780
Camera Specifications:
- Body type: Mid-size SLR
- Max resolution: 6048 x 4024
- Image ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
- Image stabilization: No
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3.2″
- Touch screen: Yes
- Screen type: TFT LCD
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: Yes (mini HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: Yes
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via wired, wireless or smartphone)
Trusted by professional videographers and photographers, you can consider the Nikon D780 as one of the best cameras for dance videos.
The D780 offers a 24.5MP resolution sensor coupled with its EXPEED 6 image-processing engine.
It also comes with 4K video capability and wireless connectivity to easily transfer your files.
It is also handy even if you are taking photos/videos in low-light conditions.
Plus, you also get to enjoy a 51-point AF system giving you a sharp and accurate focusing capability.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 24.5MP sensor plus powerful image processor
- Captures in 4K
- Accurate and fast AF
My Cons With This Camera:
- n/a
9. Sony FDR-AX43
Our list of best cameras for dance videos won’t be complete without a handy camcorder.
The Sony FDR-AX43 is a great catch if you wish to record a good number of dance videos.
It has 4K ultra HD recording capability plus a 60p HD mode.
This camcorder comes with a timelapse feature, a powerful BIONZ X Image Processor, not to mention touchscreen features to navigate the settings.
Though it doesn’t have a viewfinder, the LCD looks great.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Crisp images
My Cons With This Camera:
- n/a
10. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
It is rare to see Canon mirrorless cameras. But when they came up with the EOS M6 Mark II, not only did Canon capture the attention of professional photographers, it became popular among videographers as well.
The EOS M6 Mark II comes with a powerful 32.5 MP CMOS sensor plus it has the ability to capture up to 14fps.
You also get a Dual Pixel CMOS AF that can track the subject accurately.
When it comes to taking videos, you also won’t have a problem because it can capture in 4K.
And if you need to stream, you can turn the EOS M6 Mark II as a web camera. And the fact that it is lightweight makes it a suitable option for video content creators.
What’s not to like? The battery life tends to be problematic.
You might as well order a second battery.
Next, the WiFi transfer is also not as user friendly as you expect it to be.
My Pros With This Camera:
- With image stabilization
My Cons With This Camera:
- n/a
FAQ
Do You Need a Professional Camera to Make Dance Videos?
Professional cameras generally offer more advanced features and better image quality than consumer cameras. So it’s not needed but preferred.
What Camera Type is Best to Make Dance Videos?
There is no one “best” camera type for making dance videos. Different types of cameras have different strengths and limitations, and the best camera for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Hope you enjoyed this guide on the best cameras for dance videos!
Different people will have a different product in mind when they try to find the best camera for recording dance videos.
Some prefer small cameras like the GoPro while others want their gear to be something that they can also use for dance photography.
Regardless of your preference, be sure that you are going to take a closer look at the products we mentioned.
Compare and weigh which one offers the best bang for your buck.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
