Discover the Best Slow-Motion and High-Speed Cameras for 2023
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For years, we’ve had our minds blown by dramatic and powerful slow-mo scenes of epic fights and explosions. Up until recently, these shots seemed impossible to replicate with your own equipment, but great news!
Due to recent developments in consumer technology, affordable high-speed cameras are flooding the market. The days of needing to pay a small fortune to experiment with cinematic slow-motion shots are over. We’ve put together a handy list of 13 great slow-mo cameras, which could be useful for creators at any experience level and with any budget.
We will guide you through:
- How slow-motion shots work
- The best slow-motion cameras for beginners
- Semi-professional high-speed cameras
- The best pro ultra-high speed cameras on the market
First, we need to understand how slow-motion footage is shot.
How slow-motion shots work
Slow-motion shots require a high-speed camera. These can record more frames per second (fps) than usual cameras, so when slowed down, the action still appears fluid.
The higher fps your camera can record, the more you’re able to stretch out the footage. Anything played back below 24 or 30 fps will look choppy and jerky to the human eye. If you shoot 120 fps, you can stretch every 1 second of footage into 4 seconds without disturbing or distracting the viewer.
Get started with the best slow-motion camera for beginners
If you’re new to shooting in slow motion, or on the budget, you might want to get started with a cheap option. These action-, and point-and-shoot cameras can record smooth slow-mo shots without breaking your bank.
Some of the best cheap cameras for slow-motion are:
- Stunning 5K video – 20 megapixel photos
- Advanced video stabilization – from HyperSmooth 3.0
- Waterproof to 33ft – TimeWarp 3.0, 8X Slo-Mo
- Best cameras for vlogging in 2021 – 20MP
- Auto ISO, 125-12800 – built-in 24–70 mm lens
- Wight 294 g (0.65 lb/10.37 oz) – with max aperture F1.8–2.8
- 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) – BSI-CMOS + 20 MP
- Weight 304 g (0.67 lb / 10.72 oz) – 24–100 mm lens
- Articulated LCD Tilting 3″ Screen – Max aperture F1.8–2.8
- 20.1 MP – 1"-type MOS sensor
- 25-400mm equivalent – F2.8-4 Leica lens
- 5-axis 'Power OIS' stabilization – 4K at 30p; 1080p at 60p
- Camera with 1/1.7" 64MP CMOS Sensor – up to 4K 60 Video
- 3-Axis Gimbal Design – 8x Zoom, 93° Angle of View
- 64 MP – Time-Lapse, Motion-Lapse, Panorama Modes
Get better with semi-professional high-speed cameras
Do you want to elevate your projects to the next level? If you want to have more control and options, these mid-range cameras provide excellent specs and full HD resolution up to at least 120fps.
Choosing the camera that fits all your needs can always be difficult. Read more about finding the right camera here.
The following high-speed cameras are the perfect choice for intermediate creators, who wish to manipulate time smoothly in their next big scene:
- Super 35 sensor – 13-stops dynamic range
- Dual native ISO – 400 and 3200 up to 25,600
- Record 6K 6144 x 3456 – up to 50 fps
- 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor – Venus Engine Image Processor
- 4K Video with No Crop – Internal 4:2:2 10-Bit 4K Video at 24/30p
- 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization – Dual I.S. 2
- 8K RAW at 30FPS – 4K at 120FPS and amazing stills with 45MP
- 5-axis IBIS – advanced animal autofocus
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF in both 8k and 4k – 8k internal 4:2:2 10-bit
- 61 MP FULL-FRAME SENSOR – for high sensitivity
- CHOICE OF ASPECT RATIOS – for full control over your shoots
- IMPROVED USER INTERFACE BUTTONS – more haptic feedback
- ISO RANGE OF 100-12800 – for various lighting conditions
- FAST HYBRID AF 0.03 SECONDS – for no delay
- CAPTURE FINE DETAILS – 1.7x more information for 4K
Stay Pro with the best ultra-high speed cameras on the market
Pro slow-motion shots are basically synonymous with Phantom cameras. They’re the pinnacle of high-speed cameras and shoot at mind-blowing fps of up to 25000-1 million fps, and clear Slow Mo Guys favorites! While most of us only dream of getting our hands on a Phantom camera, they’re definitely a marvel to behold.
The absolute best pro slow-motion cameras in 2023 are:
- 4K – for professional cinema, media, and broadcasting
- FULL SIZE IMAGES – 9.4 Gpx in Cine Raw file format
- LENS MOUNT OPTIONS – for flexibile and smooth workflows
- MEMORY – 72, 144 or 288GB high-speed internal RAM
- CMOS SENSOR – with 12-bit depth
- FASTEST ULTRAHIGH-SPEED CAMERA – up to 1M fps
- VERSATILity – used in sciences labs, outdoor areas, and in film
- HIGH LIGHT SENSITIVITY – for usability in any setting
- COMPACT LIGHTWEIGHT BODY – dust and sandproof
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to shoot a scene of your main character running through a field of flowers or create exhilarating action sequences, the right slow-motion camera is out there for you.
You have to think about your needs, level of expertise, and budget thoroughly. If you still have doubts, consider renting a camera or even hiring a high-speed Phantom camera. This way you can experiment with different equipment without making a significant financial commitment. Whatever you do, just make sure that you have fun exploring your creativity!
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FAQs
What camera is best for getting started with slow-motion?
- GoPro HERO 9 Black
- Sony ZV-1
- Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III
- Panasonic FZ1000
- DJI Pocket 2
What camera is best for getting better with slow-motion?
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
- Panasonic Lumix GH5
- Canon EOS R5
- Sony A7R IV
- Sony RX10 IV
What camera is best for slow-motion?
- Phantom FLEX 4K
- Phantom V2512
- Phantom VEO 1310
- Chronos HD 2.1
- Freefly Waves
How do slow-motion shots work?
Slow-motion shots are done by recording more frames per second (fps) than usual. These frames are then slowed down and they appear natural if they have at least 30fps.
How expensive is a slow-motion camera?
A slow-motion camera can cost from £240 up to £60,000 if you buy it. However, you can rent a camera for £12 to £1650 a day on Wedio depending on the quality. Renting is typically a great idea if you only need it for a project.
What’s the difference between slow-motion and high-speed cameras?
Nothing! You actually need a high-speed camera to be able to record in slow motion.
Rent high-speed cameras from local creators.
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