Best Mirrorless Camera for Sports Video in 2024

Sports videography is a challenging field that demands high-end equipment to capture the action with precision. Mirrorless cameras have gained popularity in recent years due to their compact size, interchangeable lenses, and excellent video quality. They are ideal for sports videography as they offer fast autofocus, high frame rates, and exceptional image stabilization. In this article, we will be discussing the best mirrorless camera for sports video.

When it comes to capturing fast-paced sports action, the camera's autofocus system is of utmost importance. A fast and accurate autofocus system can make the difference between capturing the perfect shot and missing the moment altogether. The best mirrorless cameras for sports video have advanced autofocus systems that can track moving subjects with ease.

Another critical factor to consider is the camera's video capabilities. The best mirrorless cameras for sports video should be able to shoot in 4K resolution, have high frame rates, and offer excellent image stabilization. These features are essential for capturing smooth and detailed footage of fast-moving subjects.

After extensive research and testing, we have identified the Sony Alpha a9 II as the best mirrorless camera for sports video. This camera has a lightning-fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects with exceptional accuracy. It can shoot up to 20 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, making it perfect for capturing fast-paced action. The Sony Alpha a9 II can also shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and offers excellent image stabilization.

In the next section, we will dive deeper into the features and specifications of the Sony Alpha a9 II and explain why it is the best mirrorless camera for sports video.

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Video

As technology continues to advance, mirrorless cameras have become increasingly popular among sports videographers due to their compact size, high-quality video capabilities, and fast autofocus systems. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best mirrorless cameras for sports video, taking into consideration factors such as image quality, autofocus performance, durability, and price. Whether you're a professional videographer or an amateur looking to capture your favorite sports moments, we've got you covered with our top picks.

Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera

If you're a professional sports photographer or photojournalist, the Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera is the perfect choice for you. With its unmatched performance, advanced autofocus, and built-in connectivity, this camera is designed to help you capture the perfect shot every time.

Pros

• Superior speed with up to 20fps at full resolution
• Advanced subject recognition with Real-time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF
• Upgraded connectivity with high-speed 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi and secure FTP transfer

Cons

• Expensive price point
• Limited battery life
• No built-in flash

We've had the chance to use the Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera and we were blown away by its speed and accuracy. The camera's fast 35mm full-frame 24.2MP stacked Exmore RS CMOS sensor with integrated memory allows for blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second with Auto Focus and Auto Exposure tracking at 60 calculations per second. This means you'll never miss a shot, no matter how fast the action is.

The advanced Artificial Intelligence autofocus with Real Time AF tracking for accurate image acquisition is a game-changer for sports photographers. The camera's Real-time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF for humans, animals, and movies makes it easy to lock onto your subject and keep them in focus, no matter how much they move around.

The Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera also comes with built-in connectivity and file delivery for the professional's workflow with file transfer over SSL or TLS encryption (FTPS) for increased data security. This makes it easy to transfer your photos and videos to your computer or other devices, so you can start editing and sharing your work right away.

In conclusion, if you're a professional sports photographer or photojournalist looking for a camera that can keep up with your fast-paced work, the Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera is definitely worth considering. Its speed, accuracy, and advanced autofocus make it one of the best mirrorless cameras for sports video on the market today.

Panasonic LUMIX S1 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

If you're looking for a mirrorless camera for sports video, the Panasonic LUMIX S1 is a great choice. It offers a full-frame sensor, Lumix S camera lens, and 4K HDR video capabilities.

Pros

• The full-frame sensor provides excellent performance at high sensitivity, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving sports action.
• The Lumix S camera lens is easy to use and offers a standard focal macro zoom, making it versatile for a wide range of sports video needs.
• 4K HDR video capabilities with unlimited recording and HDR mode make it easy to capture high-quality sports video.

Cons

• The camera is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
• The price point is quite high, which may be a deterrent for some buyers.
• The camera is not as compact as some other mirrorless cameras, which may make it less portable for some users.

Overall, we highly recommend the Panasonic LUMIX S1 for sports video. With its full-frame sensor, Lumix S camera lens, and 4K HDR video capabilities, it offers excellent performance and versatility for capturing high-quality sports video.

Canon Mirrorless Camera [EOS M6 Mark II]

If you're looking for a reliable and compact camera for sports video, Canon's EOS M6 Mark II camera is a great choice.

Pros

• The camera comes with a high-quality 32.5 Megapixel CMOS sensor, which makes it easy to capture sharp and inspiring images and videos.
• With high-speed continuous shooting of up to 14 fps, you can easily track fast-moving subjects without missing a beat.
• The EOS M6 Mark II camera features an innovative AF technology, including touch & Drag AF that works in tandem with an optional electronic viewfinder, eye detection AF and dual Pixel CMOS AF, all designed to help you quickly lock focus on fast-moving subjects.

Cons

• The camera lacks weather sealing and built-in viewfinder, which can be a dealbreaker for some.
• The battery capacity could be improved, as it doesn't last very long.
• The camera's autofocus system can be a bit slow in low light conditions.

Overall, the Canon Mirrorless Camera [EOS M6 Mark II] is a great option for sports videographers who are looking for a compact and versatile camera that can capture high-quality images and videos. With its interchangeable lens system and its compact size, the EOS M6 Mark II is a versatile and portable option, ideal to take with you wherever you go.

Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera

If you're a professional or content creator looking for a camera that can capture stunning photos and 4K 60p videos of sports events, the Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera is worth considering. With its DIGIC X image processor and 32.5 APS-C CMOS sensor, this camera can take your content creation and photography to new heights. Below are the pros and cons of the camera based on our real-world experience.

Pros

• The camera's continuous shooting speeds of 15 fps allow you to capture crystal-clear images of cars, sporting events, animals, and other moving objects any time, anywhere.
• The 5-axis image stabilization with coordinated control ensures that every shot remains sharp, even when life throws you a curveball.
• You can record videos for more than 30 minutes without interruption, so you won't miss a thing.

Cons

• The camera is relatively expensive, which may be a downside for those on a budget.
• The autofocus system can be a bit slow in low-light conditions, which may be a drawback for some users.
• The camera's battery life is not as long as some other models on the market, so you may need to carry an extra battery or two if you plan to use it for extended periods.

In our experience, the Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera is a reliable and versatile camera that can meet the needs of professional photographers and content creators. Its full range lens capability, high-speed continuous shooting, and vibrant LED screen make it a great option for capturing sports events and other fast-paced action. However, its relatively high price tag and slow autofocus in low-light conditions may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, we recommend this camera for those who prioritize image quality and versatility in their photography and video work.

Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera

If you're looking for a mirrorless camera for sports video, we highly recommend the Canon EOS R100. This camera is compact, lightweight, and affordable, making it perfect for those who need excellent mobility when shooting sports videos.

Pros

• The Canon EOS R100 is the smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series, making it easy to carry around.
• The camera's 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 processor deliver high-quality images and videos.
• The Dual Pixel CMOS AF covers a wide area of up to 143 zones with auto subject detection and Eye Detection AF available with Servo AF.

Cons

• The camera's lenses' aperture setting is dreadfully limited, which can be a problem when shooting in low light.
• The low light performance is hit or miss, especially when shooting in noisy environments.
• The camera's controls and menu system can take some time to get used to.

The Canon EOS R100 is a great choice for those who need a mirrorless camera for sports video. The camera's compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, while its high-quality sensor and processor deliver excellent image and video quality. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a standout feature, providing accurate and fast autofocus.

However, the camera's lenses' aperture setting is limited, which can be a problem when shooting in low light. The low light performance is hit or miss, especially when shooting in noisy environments. Additionally, the camera's controls and menu system can take some time to get used to.

Overall, if you're looking for a mirrorless camera for sports video that is affordable, lightweight, and delivers excellent image and video quality, the Canon EOS R100 is a great choice.

Canon EOS R8 Content Creator Kit

If you're looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera for sports video, the Canon EOS R8 Content Creator Kit is a great option. It's packed with features and delivers excellent performance, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to capture high-quality stills and movies.

Pros

• The camera is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
• The 24.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor delivers excellent image quality.
• The camera has a wide range of advanced features, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and automatic subject detection.

Cons

• The battery life could be better.
• Some users may find the camera's controls to be a bit confusing.
• The camera can be a bit pricey for some users.

The Canon EOS R8 Content Creator Kit is an excellent camera for anyone who wants to capture high-quality sports video. The camera is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around, and the 24.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor delivers excellent image quality. Additionally, the camera has a wide range of advanced features, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF II and automatic subject detection, making it easy to capture great footage.

One potential downside of the camera is its battery life, which could be better. Additionally, some users may find the camera's controls to be a bit confusing, especially if they are new to mirrorless cameras. Finally, the camera can be a bit pricey for some users, although its advanced features and excellent performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who is serious about capturing high-quality sports video.

Overall, we highly recommend the Canon EOS R8 Content Creator Kit for anyone who wants to capture high-quality sports video. It's packed with features and delivers excellent performance, making it a great choice for both amateur and professional videographers alike.

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera

If you're looking for a mirrorless camera that can capture great sports videos, the Canon EOS R50 is a great choice.

Pros

• The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around during sporting events.
• The 4K uncropped movie with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II at up to 30 fps oversampled from 6K and Full HD High-frame rate movie at up to 120 fps allows you to capture high-quality sports videos.
• The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 651 AF zones with auto subject detection and tracking of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology makes it easy to capture fast-moving subjects.

Cons

• The RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens that comes with the camera is so-so and might not be the best for capturing sports videos.
• The camera might not be the best for low-light situations.
• The camera's battery life might not be enough for long sporting events.

We recommend the Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera for those looking for a compact and lightweight camera that can capture high-quality sports videos. The camera's 4K uncropped movie with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II at up to 30 fps oversampled from 6K and Full HD High-frame rate movie at up to 120 fps allows you to capture fast-moving subjects with ease. However, the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens that comes with the camera might not be the best for capturing sports videos, and the camera's battery life might not be enough for long sporting events.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a mirrorless camera for sports video, there are a few key features to consider. In this section, we will discuss the most important factors to keep in mind when making your purchase.

Sensor Size

The size of the camera's sensor is one of the most important factors to consider. A larger sensor will generally produce better image quality, especially in low light conditions. However, larger sensors also tend to be more expensive.

Autofocus

Autofocus is essential for capturing fast-moving action in sports video. Look for a camera with fast and accurate autofocus that can track moving subjects. Some cameras also offer advanced autofocus features such as eye detection, which can be particularly useful for capturing athletes' faces.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is another important feature to consider. This technology helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in smoother and more stable footage. Look for a camera with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or lens-based stabilization for the best results.

Video Resolution and Frame Rate

The video resolution and frame rate are also important considerations. For sports video, you'll want a camera that can shoot at least 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps) or higher. This will allow you to capture fast-moving action with smooth, clear footage.

Weather Sealing

If you plan to shoot sports video outdoors, weather sealing is a must-have feature. Look for a camera that is dust and moisture-resistant to ensure that it can withstand harsh weather conditions.

By considering these key features, you can choose a mirrorless camera that will meet your needs for capturing high-quality sports video.