Cameras of the Year 2023

The FUJIFILM GFX100 II, 102MP large-format sensor mirrorless camera sits on a higher pricing scale when compared to other cameras ($7,499), so for sure some careful thought is required before making a purchase, yet for this price one gets a very flexible working tool. Let us note some of the unique features that make this a “Swiss army knife” camera: The new sensor next to X-Processor 5 allows up to 8K/30p, 4:2:2, 10-bit, ProRes HQ internal recording including non-cropped 4K/60. A selection of different image circle coverage and recording codecs/resolutions is possible; external ProRes HQ recording to an SSD via USB-C, and 12-bit RAW output via HDMI. For the first time, an anamorphic 2X de-squeeze recording is enabled (8K cropped). Different de-squeezed monitoring options are available. Improved stabilized sensor (not so easy to achieve when talking about such a large sensor). Improved autofocus with “subject tracking” (great for following objects). We would also like to mention the excellent EVF, the built-in transmitter for Camera-to-Cloud recording (Frame.io compatible), Timecode sync (with Atomos ULTRASYNC Blue), REALA ACE film simulation (our personal favorite, next to F-log2), and the possibility of adding an external cooling fan to reduce possible overheating. And, of course, it is an excellent photo camera. One thing that we were a bit concerned about was the selection of lenses for this camera, but we see more third-party lens manufacturers who are producing Full-Frame lenses with greater image circles which in many cases can fit this camera with minimal vignetting.

In the action/Pocket/Smartphone category, we had quite some competition (the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 surely captured our attention) but in the end, the choice was made, and the new iPhone 15 Pro/Max is our absolute winner. In the past, many of us would say: “The best camera is the one you have with you.” This usually referred to the fact that “O.K., we have a phone with us, and we can use it if needed.” Now, after spending a significant number of hours filming with the new iPhone 15 Pro, we can see that we tend to treat this tool as a valid candidate for some of the things we do. Internal or external ProRes recording in LOG/HDR/SDR is now possible next to full manual setting control, thanks to the Blackmagic Camera app. For higher video quality use the 24mm lens, but as the filming situation dictates, there is nothing wrong in filming with the other two lenses as well.

Hot on the heels of the LUMIX S5 II, the LUMIX S5 IIX represents the best value-for-money Full-Frame camera. For us, this “no bullshit” workhorse stands high above other cameras in its category. Panasonic did a great job of identifying what filmmakers really need, (Good Phase Detection autofocus anybody?), packaging it in an attractive body, and equipping it with one of the best (If not the best) available “In Body Image Stabilization” (IBIS) systems. Top this with up to 6K internal video recording (ProRes/All-I), USB-SSD recording, Dual Native ISO, plus more, and you have a winner!

This is the camera that Johnnie used most this year. Having such a compact device that can shoot up to 6K resolution in an open gate mode for $1,299 is worth the extra attention. By now, we spent countless hours of filming with the X-S20 and we can’t stop praising the joy of filming with it. Hopefully, some enhancements like REALA ACE film simulation next to external USB-C recording (or even anamorphic monitoring options) can follow with a firmware update that will make this camera even more attractive.

The Nikon Z 8 captured our attention as the little sibling of our Camera of the Year 2021, the Nikon Z 9. Having the ability to record 8K internal RAW, 4K 120fps, internal ProRes, and much more, just like the Z 9, makes this camera a great filming tool to consider. The camera tends to overheat faster than the Z 9 and, of course, relies on smaller batteries, but the gain here is greater portability. (More on the Nikon Z 8 can be found in our Databases here).