10 Best Cameras for Interviews for 2024 | In-Person & Remote

There are a few features to look out for when looking for a camera that’s good for interviews.

Does it have a fast and accurate autofocus? How is the battery life? And does it give a sharp image resolution? You also want a camera with good low-light performance, in case you plan to film indoors.

But finding the right cameras doesn’t have to be challenging; just use our 10 best recommendations to make your choice!

So whether you’re a content creator, documentary filmmaker, or journalist, read on to learn what are the best cameras for filming a high-production value interview.  

Why should you invest in a quality camera for interviews?

Here’s why investing in a quality camera for an interview is always a good idea.

It makes the video look professional

A low-quality video can make an interview look unprofessional. In contrast, if your interview has crisp, clear visuals, it shows the audience you take your work seriously and have invested in the necessary equipment to produce high-quality content.

Better image quality

Of course, a quality camera gives better image quality, higher resolution, and better color reproduction, all of which contribute to the look and feel of the interview. 

Can handle more variations in the environment 

High-quality cameras often come with a range of features and settings that allow you to fine-tune the image and adapt to different shooting conditions. This flexibility can be particularly useful for interview videos, where lighting and environmental factors can vary significantly.

Better auto-focus

High-quality cameras typically have good autofocus systems that can quickly and accurately focus on the subject. This is crucial for interviews as it ensures that the interviewee remains in sharp focus throughout the conversation. So, even if the interviewee moves in the interview, the subject stays sharp in the frame.

Future-Proofing Your Investment

These cameras often support higher resolutions and frame rates, such as 4K or even 8K video. As video standards continue to evolve, having a camera that can keep up future-proofs your content.

What to consider when choosing a camera for video interviews?

When purchasing a camera, here are the things to look out for. 

Resolution 

At a minimum, you want a camera that can record at 1080p video resolution. But if you have the budget, don’t shy away from getting a 4K camera or better. 1080p video might look great on small screens like on phones or laptops, but look less appealing on large-screen TVs. 

ISO 

ISO determines the sensitivity of the camera's image sensor to light. You’ll want a higher ISO when it’s dark and vice versa. You should be aware that a high ISO can make your film or images look a bit grainy.  

Here’s a basic guide for choosing a camera with the right ISO:

• 100 or 200 is a good ISO for a bright setting or a sunny day
• 400 ISO is good for indoor shots or a cloudy day
• 800 ISO is good for indoor shooting without any external light
• 1600+ ISO is ideal for low-light situations

Not all cameras have high ISOs, so this is an important aspect to look out for if you know you’ll need it.

Shutter speed

For recording interviews, you want a shutter speed that matches the frame rate of your video. For example, if you're shooting at 24 frames per second (fps), you want to use a shutter speed of 1/50th of a second. This follows the 180-degree rule, where if you're shooting at 30 frames per second (fps), a shutter speed of 1/60th of a second would be ideal. In simpler words, we’d recommend using a speed that’s double your frame rate.

Frames per second (FPS)

Frames per second (FPS) is a measure of how many unique consecutive images a camera can capture per second. A 24 fps video means that each second of the video has 24 still frames in them. 

The standard frame rate for interview-style videos is 24 fps, as it gives a natural and professional look to the video. Another option is 30 fps. 

Budget

List all the features you’re looking for in a camera. Then, look for cameras that have these features and are in your budget range. Also, keep in mind that your budget will also include additional equipment like lighting, microphones, tripods, etc. 

Good auto-focus and face detection

Look for a camera that has fast and accurate autofocus, including face detection or eye-tracking features, to ensure the subject remains in focus even if they move slightly.

Battery

Long interviews require long battery life, so make sure the camera's battery can handle the length of the interview you’re planning to record.

Lens

For video interviews, the most commonly recommended focal length is 35mm. 35 mm lens refers to a lens with a focal length of 35 mm. This measurement impacts the field of view of the lens and the perspective of the images it captures. The smaller the number, the wider the field of view, and the larger the number, the narrower the field of view.

Another option is using a 50mm lens, as it closely resembles the human eye's perspective and can create a more natural-looking image. 85mm is flattering for close-up shots. 

10 Best cameras for interviews in 2024

Canon EOS R6 

Price: $1999

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Headphone (3.5mm), micro HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm), Remote (2.5mm), USB-C, WiFi

Design: Full-frame mirrorless camera

Canon EOS R6 is great for interviews. It’s a 20.1-megapixel full-frame camera with best-in-class image stabilization for stable footage and 4K video for high-resolution capture. 

Key Features

• An advanced autofocus system: The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, developed by Canon has almost 100% frame coverage. This lets you easily track elusive subjects and get sharp images. It can even track people using Eye, Face, and Head Detection AF or animals with Animal Detection AF.
• Sharp 4K 60p video: The EOS R6 supersamples this from 5.1K with just a small 7% crop. This means the video is captured at a resolution of around 5,100 pixels in width and then reduced or ‘cropped’ to 7% of the original frame. 
• 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilizer: This helps to reduce camera shake and ensure smooth, stable footage during interviews. 
• LP-E6NH battery pack: For 4K video, the camera battery lasts up to 1 hour and 30 minutes and it’ll last 2 hours and 45 minutes when shooting 1080p. 

Pros

• Excellent AF accuracy and face detection
• Fantastic video quality
• Intuitive menu and great ergonomics

Cons

• Shooting in 4K results in a slight crop
• Susceptible to overheating during long recording sessions in 4K

Sony Alpha A6400

Price: $898

Connectivity: Bluetooth, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, Microphone (3.5mm), micro USB

Design: APS-C format mirrorless

In its price range of under a thousand dollars, the Sony Alpha A6400 is one of the best interview cameras available. It has excellent autofocus, great subject capture, and quick continuous shooting, and it's compact enough for for on-the-go interviews.

Key Features

• Powerful sensor and image processor: The Bionz X image processor gives a focus speed of 0.02 seconds. This means that the camera can quickly adjust its lens to make sure an object appears sharp in the image in just a fraction of a second. If you’re taking photos of moving objects or changing scenes, this is important as it allows the camera to quickly adapt and ensure the object remains in focus. 
• Accurate subject tracking: The camera's autofocus system features 425 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points, covering 84% of the image area.
• Shoots 4K at 24, 25, and 30 fps:  It’s also capable of shooting Full HD at 120 fps.

Pros

• Best-in-class autofocus
• Sharply detailed 4K HDR video
• Compact, lightweight body
• Extensive ports and connectivity

Cons

• Lacks built-in image stabilization
• Plastic body feels cheap

Nikon Z6 

Price: $1179

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, mini HDMI, XQD card slot

Design: Full-frame mirrorless

The Nikon Z6 is a mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera that has phase-detect autofocus a quick and accurate autofocus method. Its autofocus covers 90% of the sensor for fast and accurate focus. The face and eye tracking is also quite reliable. 

Key features

• Impressive sensor: The Nikon Z6 can capture the most complex details and holds its ground quite well in low light.
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization: As mentioned above, this gives improved sharpness and image stability.
• ISO range from 100-52100: You’re guaranteed excellent low-light ability.

Pros

• Phase detect AF with 90% coverage
• Ergonomic and intuitive physical controls
• Bright, high-res EVF 
• Headphone and mic jacks

Cons

• Lacks built-in flash

Sony A7 III

Price: $1998

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, micro HDMI, micro USB, Microphone (3.5mm), Headphone (3.5mm)

Design: Full-frame mirrorless 

In addition to being great for interviews, the Sony A7 III is also a great camera for photography.

It has a lightweight, compact design that makes it portable, and the 5-axis SteadyShot stabilization lets you capture smooth handheld footage.  

Key features

• 693-point hybrid autofocus system: This refers to the number of distinct points in the camera's field of view that the autofocus system can use to lock onto a subject. These points cover 93% of the image frame, which means the camera can focus on subjects almost anywhere within the image, not just in the center. 
• Captures high-resolution video: This camera can record in 4K video at up to 30 fps.
• 5-axis stabilization: This reduces or eliminates motion blur in photos. So expect steady handheld videos.
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body: If you’re filming interviews outdoors, this camera has great durability and resistance to dust and moisture.

Pros 

• High-quality oversampled 4K video 
• Fast hybrid AF system
• Lightweight and compact
• 5-axis stabilization

Cons

• Limited touchscreen control
• Only one card slot

Sony FX30

Price: $1798

Connectivity: WiFi, USB-C, HDMI, micro USB, Headphone (3.5mm), Microphone (3.5mm) 

Design: Rangefinder-style mirrorless

The Sony FX30 is a lightweight and compact camera for creators leaning more toward professional filmmaking than photography. It supports 4K up to 60 fps with no crop and up to 120 fps with a crop of 1.56x. If you shoot in Full HD, you can soot at 240fps. The 4K is super-sampled 6K footage. 

Key features

• Excellent autofocus at even less-than-ideal scenarios: The Eye AF tracking worked even when overexposed or underexposed.
• Five accessory mounting points on camera body: This way, you don’t need a cage to rig the camera up.
• Sensor with a sensitivity range from ISO 125 to 32000: You’ll be able to shoot better in low light settings.
• Comes with several log and picture profiles. These are customizable presets that adjust parameters like contrast, color tone, sharpness, etc., directly in the camera before recording. This includes S-Cinetone, S-Log3, and HLG. 14+ stops of dynamic range when shooting in S-Log3.

Pros 

• Features similar to a cinema camera
• Premium build quality
• Fantastic autofocus
• Multiple mounting pointing

Cons

• Lacks a viewfinder
• IImage stabilization could be better 

Panasonic LUMIX GH5

Price: $949

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, Microphone (3.5mm), Headphone (3.5mm), PC Sync, HDMI, Remote (2.5mm)

Design: Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds

The LUMIX GH5 is one of the most capable video cameras today. It has excellent image quality, and its long battery life is ideal for longer shoots. 

Key features

• Records high quality video: Can capture content at 4K at 60 fps and Full HD at up to 180 fps.
• Excellent image stabilization: With this, you’ll be able eliminate major and minor jitters from handheld footage.
• Focus transition feature: You can set up three focus points within a scene and smoothly move between them during recording.

Pros 

• Excellent video quality 
• Resistance to dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures
• Excellent control scheme

Cons

• Smaller sensor compared to other cameras
• Autofocus is not as good as other cameras

Blackmagic Design 6K Pocket Cinema Camera

Price: $1995

Connectivity: HDMI, USB-C, 2 mini-XLR audio inputs, Microphone (3.5mm), Headphone (3.5mm)

Design: Cinema camera

If you’re looking for a higher-resolution camera than what the ones above offer, then you can’t go wrong with the Blackmagic Design 6K Pocket Camera. With a small, lightweight package and the ability to record at up to 6K at 50 frames per second, the camera can create interviews of the highest quality. 

Key features

• Features a Super 35mm sensor: Film in 6k, resulting in video rivals those from higher-end cinema cameras.
• Comes with an EF Lens mount: This mount is compatible with a wide range of high-quality lenses from various manufacturers.
• Comes bundled with the full version of DaVinci Resolve Studio:  You’ll have access to professional editing, color grading, and visual effects software.
• Offers 13 stops of dynamic range: This dynamic range lets you capture rich details in both highlights and shadows.

 Pros

• Captures video in 6K at up to 60fps
• Huge, bright tilt screen
• Built-in ND filters
• Intuitive controls

Cons

• Limited battery life
• Not-so-great autofocus support

Fujifilm X-S10

Price: $999

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Microphone (3.5mm), micro HDMI

Design: APS-C format mirrorless

The Fujifilm X-S10 comes with a fast autofocus and is small and light enough to be taken on the go. It has an intelligent subject tracking that quickly recognizes faces and follows them. Plus, the 5-axis IBIS keeps the footage steady when taking handheld shots. 

Key features

• Top-quality recordings: Records 4K up to 30 fps and Full HD up to 240 fps (perfect for slow-motion playback).
• Touchscreen that can be flipped 180 degrees: If you’re vlogging and self recording, then this is a big help! 
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization system: Experience excellent video stabilization when shooting walking footage. Also includes IS Boost Mode for stable stationary handheld video recording.
• Film simulation modes that emulate classic Fujifilm film stocks: Modes include similations such as Provia, Classic Chrome, and Velvia. These Film Simulations let you customize the look and feel of your images without the need to post-process images.

Pros

• Fast and accurate face & eye AF
• Detailed, crisp 4K video
• 5-axis IBIS

Cons

• Lacks weather sealing
• Poor battery life

Canon EOS M6 II

Price: $844.33

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm)

Design: APS-C format mirrorless

With one of the smallest, lightest bodies on the market, the Canon EOS M6 II is a portable camera that takes beautiful uncropped 4K video. Its autofocus is quick and accurate, and also has excellent face and eye detection as well. 

Key features

• Create professional slow-mo videos: Besides 4K, it can also record Full HD footage at frames up to 120 fps which is ideal for creating slow-motion video
• Suitable for vloggers: Flip-up screen and autofocus make it a great option for vlogging
• Compact build: The compact and lightweight design and deep textured grip make it ideal to shoot with the camera with or without a strap.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight body
• Intuitive interface
• Uncropped 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 120 fps

Cons

• Lacks built-in electronic viewfinder
• Poor battery life

Panasonic LUMIX G9

Price: $1097

Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm), Headphone (3.5mm)

Design: Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds

The LUMIX G9 is another portable mirrorless camera for those who want to film on-the-move interviews. Its 20MP sensor produces detailed images with rich colors, even in low lighting conditions. It has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) for accurate shot composition and intuitive physical dials for quick access to shooting parameters. 

Key features

• 5-axis stabilization: Reduce camera shake and capture stable, steady videos. 
• Extremely fast AF speeds: This camera has  a focus time of just 0.04sec. 
• Excellent autofocus tech: Get excellent focus on both still and moving subjects. It's especially quick to focus on faces. 
• Captures 4K video: Get crystal clear video at 24 and 30 fps. Full HD at up to 180 fps.  

Pros

• High-quality 4K from the 20 MP sensor
• Quick and precise DFD contrast AF system
• Great value for money
• Excellent viewfinder

Cons

• Lacks headphone jack
• Position of AF toggle could be better
• Odd limitations on the burst mode

Best practices on how to set up your camera for an interview

Here are some tips to get the best out of your new camera for the interview:

• Position the camera at about the same height as the interviewer and interviewee's eyes.
• Make the subjects sit at an angle rather than having them look dead straight into the camera. This makes it more comfortable for the viewer to watch. 
• Record with high-quality recording software like Riverside. Not all recording software support 4K resolution or higher and it would be a waste to use a camera with 4K capability without software that supports this as well.
• Use the long-sided interview composition, where you split the frame into three portions and place your talent on one of the thirds. Here, the subject is looking at the long side, away from the camera, as mentioned above. Basically, the rule of thirds composition. 
• Use a tripod for the camera to give extra stability and reduce camera shake. This results in sharper and clearer images. 
• Use a three-point lighting system, which includes a key light, fill light, and backlight. This type of lighting highlights and accentuates the dimensions of the subject and creates dynamic shadows that make videos more lively and add depth. .
• A ‘head and torse’ or ‘head and shoulders’ shot is a good way of framing the subjects.
• Position the camera at the nose level, rather than neck or forehead level, for the most flattering angle. 
• Watch a lot of interviews to get a better idea of how to set up your shots!

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FAQs on Best Interview Cameras

Which camera is best for interviews?

The best camera for interviews is the Canon EOS R6. Its 20.1MP camera delivers excellent image quality, has solid image stabilization, and records 4K up to 60fps and 1080p up to 120fps. It also has excellent autofocus features, so the camera can stay on the interview subjects even if they move or change positions.  

Is GoPro good for interviews?

GoPro tends to shoot in a wide FOV, making them not great for shooting interviews. Wide-angle lenses tend to make human features more distorted and bulbous, especially when close to the camera. And unfortunately, with the GoPro, you do need the subjects to be close to the camera so they can fill more of the frame. 

What lenses are good for interviews?

For video interviews, 35mm is the most commonly recommended focal length. You can also use a 50mm lens, as it resembles the human eye’s perspective, or an 85mm lens if you want to take close-up shots.