The best interview camera will definitely come at a cost, but today we wanted to sift through the many price-points, shapes, sizes, camera types and more to give you some options if you’re looking to either upgrade your current interview gear or setup or start completely from scratch. Interviews can be a surprisingly tricky art to get a hang of, but once you figure out the mechanics it will become second nature. It’s also important to capture as best of quality as you can, and without a proper camera to do it, your clips won’t stand out from the rest of the world in today’s technologically advanced society. Let’s get into the details.
Selecting Your Camera for Interviews
Before we give you some of our favorite picks, let’s get into a brief discussion about what you should be looking for so you have a better understanding of what to keep in mind while reading about different models. For one, your budget is going to be a huge determining factor here. Many of the cameras we provided aren’t cheap (we did give a few budget-friendly picks, too), since interviewing is typically a serious matter for many. Not that we assume you’re all pros, but if you’re looking to invest in something worthwhile and plan on conducting interviews seriously, it’s important to grab a high-end camera. Otherwise, a lot of smart phones are pretty feasible these days if your project is more personable or you’re a hobbyist.
Learning camera specifications will be extremely important, although you don’t have to learn all of the fancy terms right away. Even more so, today we’re (we think?) concerned with video cameras, although we do know many interviewers who also take photos before, during as well as after. Look into the different megapixels, ISO range (unless you’ll be in a controlled environment since this concerns light), the camera’s processor, sensor, as well as video quality available (is 1080p OK with you or do you want 4K resolution or bust?).
Understanding video camera types will also be critical here. As you’ll notice, many of these fall under three different types below — DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, as well as high-end professional, cinematic cameras. All types are quite fine regardless of which route you take; however, keep in mind that DSLR and mirrorless cameras can only shoot for up to 30 minutes maximum at a time. You’ll simply have to just press ‘record’ again (it literally stops recording), but it shouldn’t be too big of a deal in the middle of an interview if you have somebody filming. If you’re filming alone, just put a stop timer on your phone and make it vibrate at perhaps 25 minutes, and once your speaker is talking simply let them know and begin recording again.
The Top 10 Best Interview Cameras
Canon 5D Mark IV
The Canon 5D Mark IV is one of the cameras at the top of our list if you are searching for the best interview camera. Aside from just the quality you’ll be getting that’s obvious in video demos and sample photo galleries, a few features of many include the 30.4 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, which captures 4K video clips and still images in high-resolution. It allows for you to shoot in all different kinds of light and can capture images for your interviews or even for commercial and art use — it is very versatile. If you shoot in low-light often, the ISO 100-32000 range allows you to just that. Make the transition from shooting images to videos in just a few clicks and never miss an important interview again.
What comes in the box? The EOS 5D Mark IV Body, the battery pack LP-E6N, the battery charger LC-E6, the eye cup Eg, a wide strap, a cable protector, interface cable, and the EOS Digital Solution Disk. Another great feature is the focus accuracy improvement of this camera thanks to the 61-point AF system and Canon’s revolutionary Dual Pixel CMOS AF. There is built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and the control panel is touch screen and very easy-to-use. Also, the Canon 5D Mark IV won the DP Review Gold Award in 2016, making is a solid choice for your next camera purchase.
Sony a7
Moving on to the next camera, the Sony a7 E-mount camera with full frame sensor is also a good choice if you are looking for the best camera for interviewing. The Sony a7 has 24.3 megapixels and high-quality autofocus thanks to Sony’s BIONZ X processor. The screen has an anti-dust coating to secure the longevity of the screen and prevents dust or particles from damaging the screen. The camera grip is also very comfortable for those that are on-the-go and want a compact, user-friendly camera and if you are constantly out and about with your camera you can rest assured that the Sony a7 has weather-proofing, like moisture resistance in case you interview outdoors or in different environments. Another reason why this camera is one of the best for interviewing is because of the tilting LCD screen and the super quick navigation of the menu options, especially if you don’t have a dedicated cameraman.
Also, the audio and microphone jacks are located on the side of the camera making it easy to connect a microphone for an interview. And create a movie with just a hit of button with the one-step record button. With a 4.6 star review out of 5, most reviewers vote that the picture quality of the Sony a7 is excellent, as well as the features and design.
Canon EOS 80D
Let’s discuss the Canon EOS 80D. This camera is a bit pricier than others, but that doesn’t mean it’s not well worth it, especially if you are on the hunt for the best interview camera and have a decent budget. This is a great camera choice for professionals and amateurs and will promise to always get the shot because of the intelligent viewfinder. The 24.2 megapixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for Live View enhances the camera experience across the board.
So, what comes in the box? You will receive the EOS 80D Body, the Battery Pack LP-E6N, the Battery Charger LC-E6, the eye cup, and the wide strap. This Canon EOS 80D has an overall rating of nearly perfect around the net. This camera is great for interviews and creating movies because it allows you to create HD 60p movies and save them as MP4s to share in a cinch or even raw so you can edit them with flexibility in post-production.
Nikon D750
If you are a photographer that likes to easily switch from taking stills to video, then this camera is for you. It allows you to easily do just that to not miss a moment. This camera is also a great choice for interviewing because of the high quality HD video capabilities. No matter if you are filming interviews professionally or using this camera to capture everyday activities, this camera can record uncompressed and compressed Full HD 1080 footage at the same time. You can even control ISO, shutter speed, and aperture during your filming. Do you need your footage quickly? Well, easily share and transfer your photos by connecting to the built-in Wi-Fi and share to your compatible smart phone or tablet.
One of the neatest features is that you can also control the D750 right from your smart device by viewing what your camera is viewing and hitting the shutter. This will be especially handy if you’re conducting these interviews alone. One big selling feature for the Nikon D750 is its compatible and lightweight design. Made of carbon fiber, this camera can handle just about any weather condition and is durable for those that are on-the-go. You can also apply effects like ‘Color Sketch’ or ‘Miniature Effect’ to videos and stills. If you want a wide range of lens options, note that the D750 is compatible with the full line of FX and DX NIKKOR lenses, so you are not limited to lens range whatsoever. A little bit pricier than others on the list, the Nikon D750 is nothing short of incredible and is an option if you are in search of the top interviewing camera.
Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro
Definitely more expensive than most cameras on this list, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro has huge ratings and endless features. This is more geared towards those on the professional interviewing level. The built-in ND filters lets you control the light that enters the camera and you can even manage your depth of field by aperture and shutter angle controls. Speaking of controls, the camera is set up in an old school camera design which creates an easy to use and accessible control menu. The interchangeable EF mount is convenient, but that’s not all, easily use lenses with F, PL, or B4 mounts. Another cool feature is the black and white touchscreen LCD status display that you can view even in the brightest of light and is externally located. View your timecode, locked timecode, and reference timecode and so much more so easily with the touchscreen LCD display.
Blackmagic Design has been using color science to manage the raw sensor data and has really advanced image processing all together. The original URSA was bigger in size than the Blackmagic URAS Mini Pro, making it a versatile camera for shooting anything from TV, commercial, or documentary. It can easily transform from a lightweight handheld camera, to a shoulder or tripod, too. Made of magnesium, the URSA Mini Pro weighs a little bit over five pounds and includes a side handle for easy usage. This camera can also capture greater than 4K resolution film because the resolution is 4608 x 2592. The built-in microphones and audio recording features is convenient for not having to lug around more equipment than is needed although an external mic is usually recommended by most pro interviewers. Overall, if you are in the market for a high quality interviewing camera, than the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro is a great choice for filming interviews.
Canon EOS Rebel T6
Looking for an easy-to-use portable point-and-shoot camera for an average price? The EOS Rebel T6 is the way to go in our opinion. This brings us back to earth when it comes to pricing and is geared towards those on a very strict budget who want a simpler solution as the best camera for interviews. The price however doesn’t necessarily entail low quality. With a DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and 18.0 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, capture the images or videos you want in any light. The built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity lets you easily share to social media, print or transfer your pictures and footage.
If you are an amateur photographer, then you will love the Scenic Intelligent Auto mode. This mode automatically manages the camera settings to capture your subject perfectly. What comes in the kit? When purchasing the Canon EOS Rebel T6 kit, you will receive the Canon EOS Rebel T6 Body, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5?5.6 IS II, the Battery Pack LP-E10, the Battery Charger LC-E10, the Eyecup Ef, the Interface Cable IFC-130U, and the Wide Strap EW-400D. It is incredibly simple to use. We would consider it a starter camera for anyone who hasn’t ever had a digital SLR before.
Fujifilm XPro-2
This sleek and functional camera is such a beauty and is another great option if you are looking for the best camera for interviewing. The Fujifilm XPro-2 comes with the FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR lens and LH-XF35-2 lens hood completing the graphite look of the camera. This mirrorless digital camera was built on 80 years of research by Fujifilm and created to impress photographers of all mediums. The revolutionary 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor holds the highest pixel count of any X series camera. The advanced hybrid multi viewfinder gives you the option to move from optical to electronic option in a touch of a lever. There are three different viewfinders: the Electronic Rangefinder, the Diopter Adjustment, and the Depth of Field Preview viewfinder. All options allow for a comfortable and convenient way to shoot your subject.
Another important feature is focusing. The XPro-2 has a focus lever that lets you adjust the focus area. The advanced MF mode allows you to Digital Split Image and the XPro-2 also has increased its focusing points from 49 to 91. The easy-to-use body design lets you focus through the viewfinder, while your fingers can easily find all the controls you are looking for, making sure you never miss a good shot. Change your exposure using the dual-purpose dial and adjust your ISO and shutter speed with a turn of a dial, too. Easily customize your menu by organizing your frequently used settings into a ‘My Menu’ feature. And lastly, if you are always traveling with your camera or out and about, feel assured that the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 is durable in any weather condition although we would always be safe and avoid water if you can.
Canon XC15
Canon’s new XC15 4K UHD Camcorder is a beastly choice for interviewing, news filming, film shoots and more. It is the whole package, and this one is compatible, durable, lightweight, and just straight up high quality if you can afford this. It has an advanced 12 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, wide-angle 10x zoom lens, and a focal range of 24.1-241mm for images and 27.3-23mm for videos. Let’s discuss the design. Firstly, the rotating handgrip to shoot at any angle and works with the controls for an overall easy-to-use experience. The handgrip controls include the record button, thumb-control dial, and menu button. There is also a touch LCD monitor which is 3.0-inch and 1.03-million-dot tilting. Adjust the screen to work with your angles and the fingertip control will also make for all settings to be just a touch away.
Another feature that is ideal for interviewing and filming in general is the built-in microphone. And if you like connecting a compatible microphone, you can do that without limitation, too. The autofocus is fast and captures sharp images without issue and the automatic face detection brings subjects into focus quick and seamlessly. Need to change the gamma curves of your video? The Canon XC15 has Look Settings that can allow you to do just that. And what comes in the box? You will get the XC15 4K UHD Camcorder, Shoulder Strap, Lens Cap, Hood Unit, Viewfinder Unit, Mini-HDMI Cable HTCC-100, the Interface Cable IFC-300PCU/S, Battery Pack LP-E6N, AC Adapter CA-945, Microphone Adapter MA-400, Cable for Microphone Unit, and the Cable Clamp.
Sony Alpha a6000
Let’s get into the middle price-point here and look into a mirrorless camera for interviewing. The BIONZ X Processor minimizes blur, captures textures, and reduces noise in images or video. Also, if you tend to shoot in low light, this camera has a high ISO range, which lets you shoot in low light without flash. Whether you are shooting action scenes or just searching for the best camera for interviewing, the extremely fast auto-focus can capture any shot in 0.06 seconds. Grab a shot by freezing you subject at 11fps or shoot full 1080 HD at 60p or 24p, the Sony Alpha a6000 truly does it all. If you are tired of your clunky DSLR, then this is the camera for you because although it comes in a small, compact package, it has expert features. Also, the OLED Tru-Finder EVF allows you to control, manage, and plan your shot easily.
Like most cameras on this list of best cameras for interviewing, the a6000 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) which allows you to easily share your photos to your smart device or tablet. The Sony Alpha a6000 is said to have an autofocus quicker than a DSLR, the camera has 4D FOCUS which covers autofocus in wide autofocus range, fast speed, and enhanced predictive tracking. Also, choose your color because the Sony Alpha a6000 comes in three different colors: black, silver, and white.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Known as the world’s fastest camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II captures 20 MP RAW images at 60 fps. You also don’t have to worry about lagging with this camera because the Pro Capture Mode will capture the subject exactly when you want it and without delay. If you are on-the-go with your camera like most photographers or looking for the best camera for interviewing, the lightweight design and durable body can manage through tough wear and tear.
Another attractive feature is the Li-Ion battery which allows 440 images to be captured on a single charge (impressive!) and the battery percentage is displayed so you can manage your time and battery life. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has won the DP Review Gold Award as well.
