Of late, it appears like every videographer and filmmaker wants crisp, clean, and outstanding footage to throw into his or her work.
Although it is not advisable to shoot an entire video in slow motion, it pays to have a brief clip in your project hence the need for the best slow motion cameras.
We are about to help you pick the ideal camera so stick around to find out how.
High Quality Slow Motion Cameras: Comparison Table
We’ve compiled the following table for you. It contains 12 slow-motion cameras that, in our view, are among the best ones available out there. Take a quick look here.
| Ranking | Product Name | Brand | Color |
| 1 | Panasonic-Lumix 4K DMC-FZ1000 | Panasonic | Black |
| 2 | Sony III a7R Mirrorless Camera | Sony | Black |
| 3 | GoPro Black 7 Hero | GoPro | Black |
| 4 | Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10 | Sony | Black |
| 5 | Canon ELPH 300 HS Power Shot | Canon | Black |
| 6 | Panasonic Lumix C4K GH5 Mirrorless Camera | Panasonic | Black |
| 7 | Panasonic Ultra HD video 4K Camcorder | Panasonic | Black |
| 8 | GoPro Waterproof Black Hero5 Digital Camera | GoPro | Black |
| 9 | Sony Cyber-Shot Still DSC-RX100 | Sony | Black |
| 10 | Sony Cyber-Shott Optical Zoom RX10 IV | Sony | Black |
| 11 | Sony a7S II 12.2 MP E-Mount ILCE7CESM2 Camera | Sony | Black |
| 12 | Sony Super 35 XDCAM PXW-FS7 | Sony | Black |
1. Panasonic-Lumix 4K DMC-FZ1000 Long Zoom Digital Camera
Panasonic –Lumix 4K DMC-FZ1000 Long Zoom Digital Camera is a great option that will offer you long and dramatic slow motions. This unit is designed to provide high-resolution images and 4K full HD video recording.
In addition, it features a variable aperture size and a 16x zoom capacity. Also worth noting is that this camera has a one-inch sensor with 20.1 resolution, which is large enough for high-resolution images. This reasonably priced device comes with a one year warranty from the manufacturer.
Further, it comes with various accessories that help in enhancing your photography and videography kit. They include a cleaning kit, a screen protector, and a camera bag.
Lastly, it is equipped with a Panasonic app that enables you to send images and videos using Wi-Fi or NFC to mobile devices. So, if user-friendliness is a priority to you, this is definitely a tool worth considering.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Large sensor
- Produces HD videos
- Produces great slow-motion videos
Cons
- No touchscreen
2. Sony III a7R Mirrorless Camera
The Sony III a7R Mirrorless Camera is also a great camera and is suitable for both semi-professionals and professionals. It is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects in high and moderate lit conditions and offering great slow motion.
The Sony a7R III is equipped with a 42.4MP image sensor that is quite advanced. In addition, it has a BIONZ X engine with quality and fast image processing ability. It weighs 1.45lbs, which is compact and small like most mirrorless cameras for easy hand-holding convenient travel.
Pros
- Weather sealing feature
- Easy to carry
- Silent shooting
- Great image sensor
Cons
- Expensive
3. GoPro Black 7 Hero
The GoPro Black 7 Hero is fitted with impressive features to offer you superb images and videos. It features a high frame of 1080p 240, making it ideal for slow-motion up to 8 times the shooting speed. This allows you to relive those epic moments.
With waterproof and sturdy construction, the Gopro 7 is a great slow-motion camera that comes at an affordable price. Besides that, it has an image sensor of 12MP and 4K 60 videos, which assures of stunning images and videos.
It weighs only 116 grams, which makes it comfortable to hold and easy to carry. Furthermore, it is fitted with a touchscreen that is quite easy to navigate. Also, the camera has a photo timer and voice control for your convenience.
Pros
- Very smooth images
- Small and lightweight
- Has a touchscreen
- High frame rate
Cons
- Poor battery life
4. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10 III Still Digital Camera
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10 III Still Digital Camera is a great slow-motion camera since it has a high frame rate of 960fps, which offers a slow-motion mode to the videos taken at a higher speed. What’s more, the device functions with a Bionz x engine that offers fast image processing.
It also helps in minimizing noise for stunning videos and images. On top of that, it has a focal length of up to 600mm, which provides a wide zoomable range to cater for different types of specialized photography.
The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10 III Still Digital Camera has a magnesium alloy construction, which makes it durable. Further, it is moist and dust resistant. More importantly, it has an aperture of f/2.4-f-4, which is ideal for low light and night situations.
Pros
- Ideal for low light situations
- Ideal for diverse photography
- Moist and dust resistant
- High frame rate
Cons
- A bit pricy
5. Canon ELPH 300 HS Power Shot 12.1 MP Digital Camera
If you are looking for a budget-friendly camera, the Canon ELPH 300 HS PowerShot 12.1 MP Digital Camera might be a great option. This versatile camera offers multiple resolutions to meet varying photography needs.
With a high frame rate of 240fps, this digital camera is ideal for slow-motion videos. Also worth noting is that it features a DIGIC 4 Image Processor that helps to deliver reduced noise and fast speed.
In addition, it has an optical image stabilization feature that offers steadiness during motion.
For your convenience, the Canon ELPH 300 HS PowerShot 12.1 MP Digital Camera has a 2.7 inch LCD display. Lastly, it has a slim design so it can easily fit in your pocket.
Pros
- Dynamic image stabilization
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and portable
- Quite versatile
Cons
- Older model
6. Panasonic Lumix C4K GH5 Mirrorless Camera
Like all mirrorless cameras, the Panasonic Lumix C4K GH5 Mirrorless Camera is quite small and compact, which makes it easily portable. Its frame is built with magnesium making it extremely sturdy and long-lasting.
Besides that, this camera is waterproof and functions well in extremely low temperatures. More so, the weather sealing feature on the joint and button provides splash and dustproof features. This device offers 4K videos at 60fps and 8MP resolution, which help to produce an exceptional slow-motion effect.
When it comes to price, the Lumix GH5 is medium-priced though it is quite pricey than some budget-friendly options on this list.
Pros
- Dust and splash-proof
- Small and lightweight
- New model
- Excellent slow motion effect
Cons
- A bit pricey
7. Panasonic Ultra HD video 4K Camcorder
The Panasonic Ultra HD video 4K Camcorder has a back illumination sensor that helps in reducing noise makes it ideal for low light situations. On top of that, this camcorder features an optical image stabilization feature, which ensures you get stable images and videos even when in motion.
This 4K camera does an incredible job of recording at 120fps. One thing we like about this tool is that it captures tiny details which can make your slow-mo videos even clearer.
Pros
- High-quality images and videos
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi
- High dynamic range
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No touchscreen
8. GoPro Waterproof Black Hero5 Digital Camera
Another item to earn a spot on this list is the GoPro Waterproof Black Hero5 Digital Camera. This device allows you to take 12Mp photos as a stunning 4K video in a burst, single, and time-lapse modes. Besides that, this camera has a water and dust resistant design that allows you to shoot even in harsh conditions.
To start recording, you just need a single press of the shutter button. What’s more, the video stabilization ensures smooth videos whether the camera is mounted or handheld.
Pros
- Waterproof and durable
- Video stabilization feature
- Lightweight
- Voice control
Cons
- Does not allow Livestream
9. Sony Cyber-Shot Still DSC-RX100 20.1MP Digital Camera
The Sony Cyber-Shot Still DSC-RX100 20.1MP Digital Camera offers bright self-illumination, sharp resolution, and high contrast. It is fitted with the world’s fastest AF system, which makes it an ideal option for fast action and wildlife photography.
Also worth noting is that this camera has a high frame rate of up to 960 fps, which makes it perfect for producing super slow-motion videos.
Pros
- Moist and dust resistant
- Easy to connect to smartphones
- Durable construction
- Go-to- slow motions camera
Cons
- A bit heavy
10. Sony Cyber-Shott Optical Zoom RX10 IV
Next up is the Sony Cyber-Shott Optical Zoom RX10 IV. This unit features precise and fast autofocus, even in low lighting situations. More importantly, the device is capacitated to film 4K Videos. More so, it has inbuilt Wi-Fi for mobile device connectivity.
Yet another fact we’d like to mention about this camera is that it comes armed with 24fps. As such, you can bank on it to capture close details even when capturing fast-moving objects.
Pros
- High-speed autofocus
- Ideal for low light conditions
- Small and lightweight
- Durable constructions
Cons
- A bit pricey
11. Sony a7S II 12.2 MP E-Mount ILCE7CESM2 Camera
The Sony a7S II 12.2 MP E-Mount ILCE7CESM2 Camera is a high-quality camera that has an electronic viewfinder. It is fitted with impressive features that offer a dynamic range to meet different videography and photography needs for versatility.
This camera features a high-speed AF autofocus that helps in accurate stills and videos. Then there is the 5-axis image stabilization that minimizes blur for sharp images. Besides that, the camera has a high frame rate with six times slow motion.
On top of that, it has low noise and low light features. It is lightweight and compact, which makes it portable. More importantly, it is made with a Bionz X image engine for clear and sharp images. Also worth noting is that it has inbuilt Wi-Fi that allows you to send videos and images to smartphones.
Pros
- Great image stabilization
- Excellent performance in low light situations
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi
- High-quality image processor
Cons
- There is a more advanced model
12. Sony Super 35 XDCAM PXW-FS7 Professional Camcorder
The last item on this list is the Sony Super 35 XDCAM PXW-FS7 Professional Camcorder. This camera produces sharp and quality images, making an excellent option for shooting reality TV, documentaries, and still photography.
Though quite expensive, this camcorder is constructed from magnesium, which makes it quite sturdy and extremely durable. On top of that, it features a seal that helps to prevent dust and water from destroying this camera.
The camcorder has a great and comfortable handgrip that makes it up for its bulky design. Its high frame rate of 180 fps makes it ideal for shooting slow-motion shots. It is also equipped with heat pipes that help in temperature regulation.
Pros
- Ideal for low light conditions
- Captures quick motion
- Durable construction
- Moisture and dust resistant
Cons
- Quite heavy
Hot to Pick the Slow-Motion Camera
As you embark on the journey to getting the perfect slow motion camera, you want to consider several crucial factors before buying including:
User-Friendliness
It is important to pick a user-friendly camera especially if you are a beginner. That said; there are some people who are more tech-savvy than others so if you fall under that category, you can go for something more complex.
Most of the latest camera models in the market work collaboratively with integrated apps and you may need a smartphone for that.
Memory Capacity
A fast memory card will definitely help you get the most out of your slow motion camera. If your memory card has slow write speed you are likely to end up with shaky footage and dropped frames.
On the other hand, you want to get a camera with a decent amount of in-built storage space that can be able to accommodate your videos.
Depending on how long your slow motion clips last and how frequently, you do it; you may need to purchase a few extra memory cards for backup.
Connectivity Capabilities
Wouldn’t it be great if you could easily upload your images and videos to the web or share them with other devices? Well, that is actually possible if you get a camera with connectivity capabilities like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Battery Capacity
Most cameras provide uninterrupted use for about one to three hours before the battery drains. It also depends what kind of videos you shoot.
For instance, your battery is likely to drain faster if you shoot at higher resolution or turn on features like GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.
You want to get a camera with a longer battery life, which is likely to cost you more but worth it. You may also want to get third party batteries for backup.
Weight and Size
If you shoot outdoor videos, it is likely that you will be carrying your camera around for long hours. As such, you do not want a large, hefty camera that will weigh you down.
You want to get a small, compact camera that can easily fit into a backpack or handbag.
Price of Camera
You want to determine how much you are willing to spend on a camera. Now, there are various options to pick from at different price points.
The general rule here is that the fewer features a camera has, the less you have to pay for it and vice versa.
Of course, you cannot compromise on certain features like video quality and camera stability but if you want a special feature such as the ability to shoot in slow motion, you may have to dig deeper into your pocket.
Having a budget in place will help you make your purchasing choice based on the funds available and the most important features to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We expect a number of questions in respect to what we are discussing but since we cannot tackle all of them here, we’ve answered a few commonly asked ones below.
What FPS is good for slow motion?
We would say 60 fps. Most cameras will do at least 60fps and this will slow motion to half speed. Most modern cameras are now able to go up to 120 fps and specialty cameras are able to go higher than this.
Simply put, what you shoot will determine the frame rate you need.
What is super slow motion camera?
Generally, the way slow motion videos are made is by shooting at high frames per second rate and playing them back at much slower rates.
The result of this is fascinating videos where the action is significantly slowed down. If you choose to use the super slow motion feature, you get to shoot at 960 fps, which is four times faster than normal slow motion.
Best Choice – Overall
The Panasonic-Lumix 4K DMC-FZ1000 Long Zoom Digital Camera is what, in our view, offers the best value for money. The camera has an excellent sensor that packs 42.2MP. Not to mention the commendable the compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry.
If you’re looking for a slow motion camera, you’ll definitely want to have one that easily captures the details that matter.
This being a camera with 4K technology makes it a reliable tool when quality matters the most. Above all, it’s generally quite well built for delivering high-resolution images and in silky motion.
Final Thoughts
Now that we have gotten to this final part, we would like to think that you have a rational idea of the kind of slow motion camera you are searching for.
You want to keep in mind that cameras do not come cheap especially if you want one with special abilities like shooting in slow motion.
It costs more if you want an array of features in your camera therefore making your purchase based on reviews will not be enough.
We have put together this guide to be used as a tool to narrow down your options until you get your ideal camera so go ahead and utilize it.