Best Slow Motion Camera in 2022
Updated: April 08,2022
Any moment becomes so much more amusing when played in slow motion. Remember the awesome bullet-dodging scene from Matrix? What about Michael Jordan’s arm-stretching dunk in Space Jam? We know you do.
If you want to film someone dramatically walking away from an explosion with a shotgun on their shoulder, your cat jumping over a TP tower in slow-mo, or anything in between - what you need is a reliable slow-motion camera. Since these are significantly more complex - and pricier - than most webcams or those found on kids’ smartphones, picking the right one out is more difficult.
Luckily for you, we did the research and made a list to help you pick out the best slow-motion camera for capturing and preserving precious - and hilarious - memories.
GoPro HERO8
- Arguably the best action camera out there
- Completely waterproof
- Stunning video quality
- Premium brand price
Camera Type
GoPro is practically a synonym for the best slow-motion action camera these days, and for a good reason. The GoPro HERO 8 is a camera you can trust to keep up with your adventurous lifestyle.
Specifications
Being only 66.3 x 48.6 x 28.4 mm in size, this camera might make you wonder whether it has what it takes to record your amazing life in slow-motion. Not to worry – this tiny device records video in 4K at up to 60 fps and up to 240 fps in 1080p. Coupled with the fact that it can livestream in 1080p, the HERO 8 is certainly an action camera with the best slow-motion results. The exceptional HyperSmooth 2.0 mode will ensure the video is not shaky and difficult to watch, and the built-in mounting hardware makes setting up a piece of cake.
Moreover, you can make the most of super-stabilized time-lapse videos with GoPro’s TimeWarp 2.0 feature. Another handy addition is the LiveBurst mode, which catches the 1.5 seconds before and after your shots – perfect for capturing all those once-in-a-lifetime moments you were utterly unprepared for. Pretty neat, right?
Apart from being an outstanding action camera with the best slow-motion capabilities one can find, the GoPro HERO 8 won’t disappoint as an everyday device either. You’ll be able to create excellent 12 MP shots even if the lighting conditions are not picture-perfect, thanks to the automatic blur reduction.
Price
If you’re planning to purchase the HERO 8, set aside about $350 – a reasonable amount for the product. With an annual subscription to GoPro, however, the price can drop below $250. Keep in mind that the famous brand name plays a huge role in its camera prices.
Reviews
With a remarkable score of 4.7 on Amazon, it’s safe to say the GoPro HERO 8 is the best slow-motion action camera there is. Most reviewers say the camera delivers the smooth videos it promises, as well as easy setup and ultimate convenience, as it is very “pocketable.”
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- YouTube livestreaming
- Efficient face detection
- External microphone socket
- Outdated autofocus system
Camera Type
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact camera with all the characteristics of a powerful video recorder. Although it might not be the best 4k slow-motion camera out there, it still contains several amazing features vloggers will appreciate.
Specifications
Another rather small camera on the list (105.5 x 60.9 x 41.4 mm), the might of the Canon PowerShot will not let you down. With the amazing ability to record in 4K at up to 30 fps and up to 120 fps in FHD – a rare trait for compact video recorders – this device is ideal for vloggers looking for a reliable way to express and share their thoughts. Even though the autofocus system fails on occasion, the company’s new update stabilizes it to the point of perfection.
What makes the PowerShot possibly the best slow-motion camera for vloggers is the possibility to stream live directly to YouTube, as well as to add an external mic, ensuring crisp and clear sound. You can create instantly shareable vertical videos and take advantage of a 180° tilting panel to create some gorgeous frames. The camera’s phenomenal image quality is also more than suitable for taking regular pictures.
Price
If you were to decide to purchase a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III camera, you’d have to prepare a decent sum – $749, to be exact.
Reviews
Despite a fairly good score of 4.5 on Amazon, it seems that the PowerShot won’t be taking the title of the best camera for slow-motion video. Although it’s considered an excellent on-the-go backup option, overheating is its main problem, apparently starting only ten minutes into a recording.
DJI Osmo Pocket
- ActiveTrack feature
- Excellent video-editing app
- Shoot in 1080p at 120 fps
- Mediocre audio quality
Camera Type
The DJI Osmo Pocket is a strong competitor to GoPro cameras in terms of practicality and is undoubtedly the best slow-motion camera on a budget. You can rely on it to catch all the important moments that you don’t want to slip away.
Specifications
Another miniature solution, the DJI Osmo Pocket’s dimensions are 121.9 x 36.9 x 28.6 mm. Easily fitting into the palm of your hand, it’s simple to operate and can accompany you everywhere, collecting priceless memories. This gimbal camera can record videos in 4K resolution at astonishing 60 fps, making for some awesome slow-mo videos. Its stabilization system helps create spectacular videos, making it the best consumer slow-motion camera on the market.
You can trust the DJI Osmo Pocket camera to help you create beautiful HD video clips, like the ones you’ve seen online. It supports motion lapse and 3×3 panorama videos, while the ActiveTrack feature makes locking on a moving object a piece of cake. You can create wonderful videos even in poor lighting conditions, thanks to its fantastic NightShot option.
Simply making a video is not enough, of course – you’ll need to edit it, too. The DJI Osmo Pocket includes an excellent app for creating audiovisual recordings that will stun your audience.
Price
At only $299, the Osmo Pocket is surely the best inexpensive slow-motion video camera you can find.
Reviews
The DJI Osmo Pocket has an excellent score on Amazon, going strong with 4.7 stars. Many praise it for the ease of use and astounding video quality, but there is also some dissatisfaction regarding the audio quality.
Canon EOS R5
- 8K video capability
- Excellent autofocus
- Amazing viewfinder
- Steep price
Camera Type
As the best slow-motion mirrorless camera on our list, the Canon EOS R5 is both the priciest and the most powerful of the bunch. If you want some exquisite scenes shot in 8K, this is the camera for you.
Specifications
Unlike other cameras listed here, the Canon EOS R5’s dimensions are slightly bigger – 138.5 x 97.5 x 88 mm. On the other hand, it’s the only camera capable of shooting videos in 8K, which makes it an excellent choice for those who value high resolutions. It also records in 4K at 120 fps, which secures its place among the best cameras for shooting slow-motion video.
Besides being the best camera resolution-wise, the EOS R5 provides excellent results even in imperfect lighting conditions and comes with an 8-stop image stabilizer for creating clear images even when it’s freezing outside, and you can’t help but shake the recorder.
Other useful features include the integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices to help you connect your camera both to the internet and all the programs you need to make magic happen.
Price
The camera’s price would have us believe the company is selling the best slow-motion camera out there, i.e., not something a regular Joe can afford. Not including any additional gear, buying the EOS R5 from Canon’s official US website will cost you a little under $4,000. While this is certainly not the cheapest option, it is entirely reasonable for that kind of resolution quality.
Reviews
With an astonishing score of 4.9 on Amazon, there seem to be no bad user experiences with this camera. The few negative reviews mention a couple of tiny glitches that don’t impact the device’s performance in any meaningful way. Considering its asking price, it is only right that the EOS R5 be regarded as the best professional video camera that shoots slow motion.
Sony RX100 VII
- Minimal adjustments for excellent video quality
- 180-degree flipping touch screen
- Excellent image quality
- Overpriced
Camera Type
Another compact camera on our list, the Sony RX100 VII is the next big thing when it comes to DSLR cameras. Famous for its face and eye detection, this camera’s impressive footage will not disappoint.
Specifications
Sony RX100 VII is another pocketable contender for the best slow-motion 4k camera title, accompanied by a to-go package. For a device of its size and purpose, it makes some extraordinary 4K videos, and it is one of the cameras that shoot at 120 fps in that resolution. It is perfect for beginners, as creating breathtaking videos requires minimal tweaking.
The RX100 VII was designed primarily for vloggers, so the built-in microphone port seems like an excellent addition to an already great camera. Another aspect of this camera vloggers can benefit from is the image stabilization system.
This camera is certainly the best point-and-shoot camera for slow-motion video shooting, so it delivers some high-quality images as well. Truly beginner-friendly, it may well be the perfect choice for many – if only the price were a bit more competitive.
Price
While the camera is top-notch for its type, Sony could tone down the pricing a bit. Without any additional gear, you can buy this product for about $1,300 on the official site. If you require the shooting grip kit as well, though, you’ll need to throw in an extra hundred dollars, totaling $1,400 – not something we would call a bargain.
Reviews
This slow-motion camera, exceptional as it is, currently holds a 4.5 score on Amazon. According to the comments, the overall reason seems to be its steep learning curve. Interestingly enough, the positive reviews mostly mention this camera’s trouble-free setup as one of its main advantages, so if you want to learn the truth, you’ll have to try it yourself.
Best Full HD Slow-Motion Camera
- GoPro HERO8
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- DJI Osmo Pocket
- Canon EOS R5
- Sony RX100 VII
Evaluation Process
You know those moments when you tell a funny story, but no one laughs, so you have to resort to the good old “I guess you had to be there,” wishing you had recorded it? Well, good news - you can now not only record and slow down all your hilarious experiences but livestream them as well! All you need is a good slow-motion camera.
Not all cameras are created equal, however, so finding the right one for your particular needs is essential. To help you make an educated choice, here’s our methodology for finding the best camera to shoot slow-motion videos with:
Camera Type
Camera type is one of the most important factors to take into account before purchasing a recording device. No camera can suit every purpose, situation, or skillset, so these gadgets come in all shapes and forms. People with more dynamic lifestyles, for instance, will have more use for an active or compact model, while vloggers will need steady, easily shareable recordings with excellent audio quality. On the other hand, video producers will most certainly look for the best full HD slow-motion camera available, capable of creating first-rate footage.
Specifications
Each camera on our list has a distinct set of specifications. If you are looking for something particular in your future device, this is the section to pay attention to. From the dimensions to the capabilities - we’ll cover everything.
Price
Budget-friendliness is probably one of the biggest concerns people have when on the hunt for a new piece of equipment, and it’s no wonder - not everyone can afford to skip the price tag while shopping. In this section, you will find whether the best camera for slow motion is worth its price or if it's time to check out the alternatives.
Reviews
Is there a better ad for a product than the one featuring actual and happy users? In this section, you’ll find product specs and ratings that could make a difference between making the best and the worst camera purchase of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
The answer to this question lies in your actual needs. Based on its specifications, for example, the Canon EOS R5 is on par with some studio cameras, but it has a price to match. On the other hand, if you are looking for the best cheap slow-motion camera to use on the go, then the DJI Osmo Pocket Gimbal would be the best choice.
For creating unforgettable slow-motion recordings that don’t look choppy, choose the highest frames-per-second count. In other words, 240 fps is ideal, but you can get decent results with a 120 fps camera too. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re trying to accomplish.
Caltech made an incredible breakthrough by inventing a camera that captures 70 trillion frames per second. However, if we’re talking about commercial cameras, Phantom cameras lead the high frame rate pack, with an extraordinary rate of one million frames per second.
You can use a 30 fps rate to make your videos slow-motion if you set your playback rate to 24 fps (somewhat of a standard for cinematic footage). The resulting slow-mo effect won’t be very noticeable, however. Ideally, you need to record at no less than twice the desired playback speed to gain more visible results.
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