The best hybrid cameras in 2024

The best hybrid cameras are ideal for content creators who shoot stills and movies. They’re designed to capture pin-sharp photos and video footage equally well, giving you more flexibility, value, and the ability to switch between modes quickly.

Whether you’re looking to step up from the best camera phone or a fully-fledged filmmaker interested in the best cameras for video with stills on the side, I’ve picked out today’s top hybrid cameras at all price points and levels to help you find the right one. All of the cameras have been tested and reviewed by our experts.

If you shoot professionally, being able to capture both stills and video can make you more attractive to clients. I’ve shot several weddings and covered the key moments with video, and I know many pros who take behind-the-scenes stills on their productions. This approach used to require two heavy camera setups, but with the best hybrid cameras, you now only need one.

All the models I’ve chosen have decent video resolutions and frame rates – 4K is a prerequisite, although not every job will require it – and some have specialist modes for content creation. For stills, the best hybrid cameras need a decent burst-shooting rate, a reliable autofocus system, and enough megapixels to make a decent print. Read on to find the best hybrid camera for you.

The Quick List

The best hybrid cameras in 2024

Best all-rounder hybrid camera

The Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX is a mid-range hybrid camera in the same market sector as the Sony A7 IV and Canon EOS R6 II. It’s almost identical to the Panasonic Lumix S5 II, an already competent hybrid camera and the previous all-rounder in this guide. I’d recommend reading our Panasonic Lumix S5 II vs S5 IIX article to compare the two more fully; essentially, the S5 IIX offers extra features for video users at a modest price increase.

The S5 II and S5IIX give you truly unlimited 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit recording internally, S&Q 4K/60p (a high-speed 60fps), and FHD/180p, as well as up to 6K, full sensor readout video recording, making them highly versatile cameras for content creation. On top of this, the S5 IIX lets you record straight to external SSD devices, record video with less compression, and stream live to YouTube and Facebook.

Both variations are the first Lumix cameras to feature Phase Hybrid autofocusing combining PDAF with Contrast Detect AF to provide 779-area metering. This means they’re adept at detecting and tracking subjects, especially in low light and backlit scenarios. For stills, our reviewer was “struck by the amount of data [the camera] retains in the shadows and highlights,” and found that it could deliver clean frames in dark situations.

And while they praised the tough magnesium build and articulating screen, they found the battery was “the only real pain point when shooting video or a mix of photos and video.” With 30fps maximum burst shooting, two SD card slots, a full-frame 24.2MP sensor, and epic video potential, the S5 IIX is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a hybrid camera capable of capturing excellent stills while enabling a pro-level video workflow.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX review

Best affordable hybrid camera

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is several years old, but one of the best-value hybrid cameras on the market right now. Why? The first GH5 was widely regarded as one of the best consumer video cameras you could buy, and the second generation is only an improvement on that for video producers. Unlike the full-frame S5 IIX above, the GH5 II has a smaller Micro-Four-Thirds sensor, which is easier to stabilize for video. You also get C4K/4K UHD up to 60p video, and wireless streaming support.

The GH5 II’s high-end video features include vectorscope and waveform monitoring – these are both found in the EOS R5 C and prove Panasonic’s dedication to making professional video. However, using the GH5 II isn’t necessarily a steep learning curve. “The menu system is excellent, and a model of clarity both in its organization and its appearance,” said our reviewer, also praising how the camera focus shifts smoothly and silently for video.

They also said that the Lumix GH5 II is hard to fault for stills photography. Its 20MP MFT sensor places limits on the resolution and high ISO performance, but our lab tests often show that MFT sensors hold their own against larger APS-C sensors. The 6.5-stop IBIS produced sharp images with 0.5sec and 1sec exposures, meaning you can push the camera in low light if that’s something you need.

Many users will likely be put off by the GH5 II’s chunky build, but I’d counter this by saying it helps it stay balanced with premium zoom lenses. Compared to many of the hybrid cameras on this list, the specs don’t break any boundaries. But it adds up to more than the sum of its parts for stills and video shooters, particularly if you’re on a budget.

Read our full Panasonic Lumix GH5 II review

Best hybrid camera for beginners

The Nikon Z50 is a perfect hybrid shooter for anyone looking to expand their creative opportunities but is limited by budget. Nikon has made some savings by eliminating a few components you would find in higher-end cameras, such as image stabilization. That means you’ll need a lens with some IS built-in if you want to get the most from your videos.

This APS-C camera performs in the image department, with an excellent 20.9MP sensor for stills, Nikon’s well-regarded hybrid autofocus system from its higher-end cameras, 11fps shooting, and some impressive low light capabilities thanks to a native ISO range of ISO100-51,200. But it doesn’t let up on the video thanks to video recording in 4K up to 30fps using the whole sensor, so there’s no unwieldy video cropping – which can’t be said for some of its rivals.

The Z50 is designed to be small and agile. I find it ideal for travel and street shooting, but appreciate that you still get an electronic viewfinder if you like framing that way. Our reviewer praised the Z50’s ergonomic design and found that its deep grip paired well with the 16-50mm kit lens for a well-balanced combination. They also pointed to a potential flaw; the touchscreen “flips by 180 degrees to sit below the camera for selfies and vlogging… but would be obscured if the camera were mounted on a tripod.”

However, you are still left with a robust and modern set of features that will please almost any casual user or would-be influencer. The Z50 is cheaper and lighter than full-frame Z models, but it’s compatible with Z-mount lenses for greater versatility. To get the most from the system, I’d recommend pairing it with the 16-50mm pancake kit lens which is super-slim and has a full mechanical zoom.

Read our full Nikon Z50 review

Best enthusiast hybrid camera

The Fujifilm X-S20 is the natural upgrade to the Fujifilm X-S10 – a take-anywhere camera that I loved as an alternative to my bulky full-frame model. It costs more than the X-S10 but improves on its in almost every way. For more serious content creation, you get 6.2K 30fps video with full subject tracking, and there’s a new “Vlog” option on the mode dial for easy access to functions like Product Priority Mode, which can switch focus between your face and products that you’re presenting to an audience.

On autofocus, the X-S20’s Deep-Learning AI Technology automatically detects and tracks a broader range of subjects than before, and our reviewer found it very snappy across all subjects. “The camera almost instantly locked onto targets… and the human subject tracking modes work excellently, with the camera picking up the eyes and faces of subjects nearly without fail.”

They also praised the camera’s comfortable design, and although the electronic viewfinder isn’t the sharpest or brightest of the cameras in the guide, it’s still clear and smooth. Something increasingly rare but still useful for stills is the pop-up flash built into the top of the viewfinder.

With the X-S20 you get the usual range of brilliant Fujifilm film simulations to replicate a classic analog look in-camera – which can be applied to photos and videos. You can even use them while live streaming or using the X-S20 as a webcam. 

This is the Fujifilm hybrid to beat, and while it doesn’t fulfill a specific niche, I can see it appealing to a huge range of enthusiasts thanks to its gorgeous 26.2MP image quality, compact size, straightforward controls, and excellent battery life (around 700 shots). For hybrid creators who like classic styling, the X-S20 is a gorgeous choice.

Read our full Fujifilm X-S20 review

Best advanced hybrid camera

The Nikon Z6 II previously had a spot in this guide, and for good reason. It offered decent hybrid specs for enthusiasts but the 4K 60p footage was cropped, and it didn’t have an articulating screen, limiting its appeal for serious video and vlogging uses. By contrast, the Z8 is a much more advanced, expensive alternative, but it’s the best Nikon camera overall, and one of the best hybrid cameras you can get.

The 45.7MP full-frame sensor almost rivals the Sony A1, and for video, there’s up to 8K 60p video recording or 8K 30p with an impressive 2-hour record limit. That’s better than the flagship EOS R5. Action photographers and wildlife photographers will also be well served by the 120fps continuous shooting speed, while the autofocus can recognize a huge range of subjects.

Design-wise, our expert reviewer found the Z8 “borrows much of its form factor and handling characteristics from the Nikon D850 – widely considered to be the best all-around DSLR ever made”. It’s got lots of direct-access controls, a tilting LCD (still not as good as a fully articulating screen), and a fully weather-sealed magnesium body for excellent durability outdoors. While we tested the Z8’s autofocus on animals, we found it fell just short of rivals like the Canon EOS R5 and Sony’s A1. It’s still formidable, but not class-leading.

Like the Sony A1, the Z8 gives you a true combination of speed, resolution, ruggedness, and video capability in one. But it’s a couple of grand cheaper. If you’re already a Nikon shooter looking to upgrade, or a professional looking for an accomplished all-rounder to last for years to come, the Z8 could be it.

Read our full Nikon Z8 review

Best professional hybrid camera

So far, I’ve been covering hybrid cameras that are going to be reasonably affordable for a lot of people. Unlike those sensibly-priced options, the Sony A1 is the camera for top-of-the-line pros who need the best, regardless of price. It does everything and does it well, but it’s only worth the price tag for the most demanding hybrid shooters.

I was lucky enough to use the A1 at its launch, and I found its advanced 759-point phased detect AF system could keep up with dancers, animals, and people alike. Its resolution also makes it a good contender for fine art landscapes that need printing big. Our reviewer said that this high-resolution sensor “means the Sony A1 isn’t a low-light specialist, but it holds up pretty well in the dark.” They also praised its accurate exposures and found that Sony’s BIONZ XR processor has improved the color depth and fidelity.

On the video side, the Sony A1 can shoot 8K video at up to 30p, or 4K at a highly impressive 120p. For photography, there’s a 51.4MP sensor, a maximum continuous shooting rate of up to 30fps, and a big buffer capacity to boot. All this is encased in a body with absolutely superb handling, including one of the best electronic viewfinders ever to grace a mirrorless camera.

The Sony A1 costs about as much as any two other cameras on this list combined, but if you’re a professional who needs a reliable camera for everything that clients might ask of you, it’s a great investment. If you don’t need everything it can do, then it simply isn’t worth it. But if you do – well, you’ve got a spectacular camera at your disposal. 

Read our full Sony A1 review

Best hybrid camera for filmmakers

The Canon EOS R5 C is a unique addition to this guide, and will only appeal to professional videographers and dedicated cinematic shooters. I’ve included it because it takes many design cues from the flagship Canon EOS R5 and makes an entry-level Cinema EOS – one that’s smaller and cheaper than most – with the bonus of great stills capture. Our reviewer called it “two cameras in one.”

The headline video feature is 8K video at 30p (which reaches 60p with a compatible external power supply) and oversampled 4K at 120fps. As a dedicated video camera, Canon has installed a cooling fan and vents that mean you should be able to shoot unlimited 8K video without overheating – a big improvement on the EOS R5. The downside of this is that you lose IBIS, although Five-axis Electronic IS helps to smooth handheld footage.

The EOS R5 C has a very similar design to the EOS R5, and while it will feel familiar to Canon users, there’s a separate Cinema EOS menu with the option to set things like waveform, vectorscope monitors, and false colors. While having two menus for stills and video might seem complex, this allows you to differentiate more clearly between the two and offers a video-oriented workflow when you need it.

Our review called the EOS R5 C’s still photography output first-rate. “Raws from the 45-megapixel EOS R5 C are packed full of detail and processed sympathetically and are capable of serious enlargement”

If you’re a serious content creator or videographer, the EOS R5 C is a better investment than the EOS R5. There are too many internal and external recording modes to list, and while you don’t get built-in ND filters as with some of Canon’s advanced camcorders or the EOS C70, these are by no means dealbreakers.

Read our full Canon EOS R5 C review.

Best compact hybrid camera

The Sony a6700 is the next camera on from the a6600, and it’s a compact rangefinder-style APS-C camera for hybrid shooters who still want a viewfinder. 4K 120p video recording, IBIS, and the latest in AI autofocus make this a compelling alternative to Sony’s ZV vlogging lineup. Altogether, it feels more adult, with more of a lean towards the stills experience.

The a6700’s 26MP APS-C sensor is modest when you compare it to something like the Sony A1, but it’s not designed for professionals making massive prints. Nor is it priced as such. For stills, our reviewer praised the accurate colors it could capture – including skin tones – with a “richness and vibrancy that makes them pop without looking unnatural.” Sony’s Bionz XR processor and AI Chip also work together for fast and accurate focus acquisition. “Where the a6700 now shines is in its AI recognition and tracking capabilities.”

Tracking is also incredibly reliable for video, with the camera able to follow subjects moving in and out of the frame without hesitation. And while image stabilization will be enough for gentle pans and zooms, IBIS is softer for walking shots (nothing a basic gimbal wouldn’t solve).

The A6700 is a little pricey when compared to the competition, and it costs more than the fantastic Fujifilm X-S20 in this guide. The viewfinder is one of this camera’s selling points, but it falls down in its resolution, brightness, and positioning on the left. Still, I think the A6700 is one of the best options for hybrid travel photographers or content creators who like the Sony ecosystem and want professional features in a compact package.

Read our full Sony a6700 review

Best hybrid camera for vlogging

The best hybrid camera for vloggers was previously the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, but the EOS R50 combines the best features of the M50 Mark II and the R10 to make a perfect entry-level hybrid for content creators. If you’re upgrading from a smartphone, and want a compact camera that’s delightfully easy to use, this is the one. There’s an optional guided interface, explaining modes and settings in a way that means beginners can get great results quickly.

At the camera’s launch, I spoke to several successful creators to find out how the EOS R50 elevated their stills and video content. They all mentioned the vari-angle touchscreen for easy vlogging, the speed at which they could send footage to the Canon Camera Connect app (via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) for quick sharing, and the quality of the stills and video.

The EOS R50 has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor for stills and maxes out at 1080p up to 120p, 4K up to 30p (uncropped) for videos. This isn’t enough for professional video applications but is fine for social-first content. Our reviewer noted that “the AF is very impressive for a camera of this category, and bringing Dual Pixel AF II to its entire mirrorless range is a huge home run for Canon.” 

Like the Fujifilm X-S20, there’s a product mode that transitions focus from your face to products in the scene, and you can shoot vertical video natively. Being a cropped sensor camera, the same focal length displayed is narrower than on a full-frame camera. To get the most out of this camera for vlogging, I’d recommend a wider 10-18mm lens (the camera uses the Canon RF mount for RF-S lenses) plus a microphone that you can attach to the camera’s hotshoe for the best audio output.

Read our full Canon EOS R50 review

How to choose the best hybrid cameras

You can find the best hybrid cameras in all form factors; DSLR, mirrorless, compact, and a combination of the three. To find the right one for you, consider how much you want to spend and what you need it for. Are you going to shoot stills and videos equally, or does one take priority?

If you’re a professional creator seeking the best stills and video resolution money can buy, a flagship performer like the Sony A1 makes sense. But most of us don’t need this much power (or have the budget for it), and a mid-range model will offer greater value. Sensor size will somewhat dictate a camera’s image quality and while full-frame sensor cameras offer better noise handling in low light, they also cost more than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds.

If you’re a videographer planning to shoot content for demanding clients or cinematic outputs, you’ll need to scrutinize video resolution and frame rates more closely than if you’re a wannabe vlogger just wanting to boost a social channel.

If you’re upgrading an old camera, you might have a collection of lenses that you want to use on a new model. If you’re buying your first “proper camera”, this won’t matter so much. The camera’s design and ergonomics are important too. A heavy camera will weigh you down if you’re into run-and-gun footage, but you might prefer the defined grip of a DSLR if you mainly shoot handheld.

What is a hybrid camera?

The term hybrid camera is relatively recent, and it means a camera that’s equally good at capturing stills and video. Its specs, build and features are designed for both mediums, and where you used to need two separate cameras to shoot photos and video content, hybrid cameras can do everything in one, saving you space and money.

What is the best hybrid camera for landscape photography?

There isn’t one specific hybrid camera that will excel for landscape photography. For landscape work, you’ll generally want a camera with a high resolution – for detail and the option of making large prints – and a high dynamic range to squeeze all the juice from the highlights and shadows in the scene. I’d recommend looking at the best cameras for landscape photography (which can all shoot video) and narrowing down the selection based on your budget and resolution needs.

How we test the best hybrid cameras

The best hybrid cameras come in all formats and price points, and we extensively test all of them beyond the specs list from a manufacturer. First, we’ll use the cameras in real-life shoots, then we’ll perform lab-controlled tests to analyze their performance.

Our real-world testing is carried out by experts who have years of experience with hybrid cameras. Because these models have been designed to excel for both stills and video, we’ll ask our testers to shoot in the two mediums over several days or weeks and report back on their honest experiences. They’ll give their pros and cons of aspects like the design, performance, and functionality, and share test stills and footage straight from the camera, without any editing.

Cameras then go to the lab, where controlled tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera’s ISO range.

Find out more about how we test and review at Digital Camera World.