Breakdown 4K and 4K Camera
What is 4K? Simply speaking, if an image has approximately 4,000 pixels in the horizontal axis, we’ll name it 4K. Dig it deeper, 4K resolution has two different types: 4K Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) and 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), whose resolution counts 4,096×2,160 pixels, 3,840×2,160 pixels respectively.
In 2020, 4K has already become the standard feature in the digital market to be reckoned with, and the technology has been exposed to its related digital fields.
Both YouTube and Facebook have long rolled out 4K support on the platform and the low-res option is to be abandoned by some social site developers permanently. Publishers themselves are more inclined to upload 4K content to their social pages, if available, as 4K provides audience with superior visual experience than 1080p does.
Nevertheless a great many trendy smartphones have been endowed with the 4K shooting capability, the videographers, however, are reluctant to withdraw from the camera shooting.
Here, we have made a thorough analysis on some sought-after cameras in the market and wrapped a collection of 4K cameras that have superb performance on the video shooting quality yet are rather competitive on the price, which are indeed a good buy for you.
Now, let’s move on and have a look at those nominated best 4K cameras under $1000.
Best 4K Cameras Under $1000 [Budget Option]
In the following, there are some best 4K cameras in 2020 for your budget option, all of which can be purchased from online store easily. Note: cameras we suggest are of base model and the price may be diversified and different from those with deluxe kit and high-grade configuration.
- Panasonic LUMIX GX9
Panasonic LUMIX series have always been reckoned as the best buy for a 4K digital camera by many videographers. Although Panasonic LUMIX S camera is branded as the highest-res full frame mirrorless camera, its price is excessively higher than what you expect. For instance, you may have to spend over 6,000 USD for one high-grade configuration LUMIX S1R camera.
However, there are many other 4K cameras coming from Panasonic LUMIX series that are truly worth buying, taking one product of Panasonic LUMIX G camera, for example.
Panasonic LUMIX G camera is divided into two brands – G camera and GX camera. Compared with G camera, GX camera is smaller in size, designed in a vintage rectangular shape and equipped with intuitive viewfinders.
Key Features
Dimension: 4.9 x 1.8 x 2.8 inches
USP: high-resolution MOS Sensor, tuned 3-D Color Control; 5-Axis Dual image stabilizer; live viewfinder; 49 focus points
4K Technology: 4K, 30fps video; 4K Live Crop; 4K Photo Auto Marking
Color: Black / Silver
Rating: 4.6 (out of 5)
Pros
Compact and lightweight
User friendly – comfortable UI
Excellent for photography
Can shoot pleasing indoor photos in low light
It allows you to charge via a USB cable
Cons
The lack of upgrade on EVF
Cannot be Bluetooth-connected to Panasonic Image App on iPhone
Battery life could be better
Other recommending options: #Panasonic LUMIX FZ80, #Panasonic LUMIX G7, #Panasonic LUMIX G85
2. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Canon EOS M6 Mark II provides you with high image quality as it is built in with 32 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor. As a 4K mirrorless camera, it can take shots in 4K UHD 30p or record video in Full HD 129p. The camera can make sharp auto focus on face tracking and eye detection with its dual pixel CMOS AF.
The Touch and Drag feature enable you to auto-focus the moving motion, and enhance the image quality accordingly. It is designed in a small shape and is easy to be carried for travel. You can easily take it out from your pocket and shoot sharp photos and videos wherever and whenever an inspire strikes you.
Key Features
Dimensions: 1.9 x 4.7 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 1.1 lbs
USP: 32 mm f/1.4 lens; Touch & Drag AF; up to 14 fps continuous shooting (with AE/AF tracking); 30 fps RAW Burst Mode; 32.5 megapixels; dual pixel CMOS AF, face tracking & eye AF
4K Technology: 4K UHD 2160p, 30 fps
Color: Black/Silver
Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
Pros
East to use
Reversible screen
Small in size
Perform well in low light and night time
Multifunctional in photography
Weather resistance and water-proof
Cons
The touch shutter constantly defaults to Enable Mode
The eye AF may be inconsistent sometimes
Other recommending options: #Canon EOS M50, #Canon EOS M200
3. Sony Alpha A6100
Sony Alpha A6100 Mirrorless camera is equipped with 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS image sensor which enhances the image quality and video capture performance to the greatest extent. It has the electronic viewfinder which can constantly collect sensor information and display them on the small screen.
Key Features
Dimension: 6.18 x 5.67 x 4.53 inches
Weight: 1.2 lbs
USP: Real-time AE/AF tracking; 24.2 megapixels; Touch Tracking operation; available to be connected to iOS/Android smartphones or tablets with Wi-fi/NFC/QR code
4K Technology: 4K UHD 2160p
Color: Black only
Rating: 4.4 (out of 5)
Pros
Great for shooting 4K video
Excellent in auto-focus
Available to connect via WiFi or bluetooth
Cons
No picture profile found inside the machine
Image stabilization unavailable
Easily get overheated
Occasionally shuts down after a long-time recording
Battery life may be shorter than cameras with OVF
Other recommending options: #Sony Alpha A6400, #Sony Alpha A6600
Final Words
Those above mentioned best 4K cameras under $1,000 can be a good buy out of your budget option. Better than that, there are many 4K video converters, like VideoProc, the most versatile video processing software, which can help upscale your low-res video into a 4K video. Now, we invite you to check more information on how to edit 4K on any computer with this video tutorial.
