The end of the year is a time of reflection and celebration. At Videomaker, we take this time each year to look back on all the great video gear we encountered over the past 12 months, compiling a list of our favorites. Cameras, lenses, lights and more compete to be recognized as one of the year’s best new products for videographers.
To be considered as one of the best products of 2024, each product had to meet the following criteria:
- The product must be useful to the user and contribute to effective storytelling.
- The product should be easy to use for professionals and beginners.
- It must offer good value and quality for the price.
- It should be innovative and exciting for its users.
- It must be reliable on set, in an editing bay or wherever the product will be used.
- The product must be consistently effective for its users.
Now, without further adieu, we present Videomaker’s Best Products of 2024.
Best recorder — audio
Tascam FR-AV2
This compact two-channel audio recorder from Tascam does double-duty as a field recorder and a USB audio interface. Even more exciting, the Tascam FR-AV2 supports 32-bit float recording up to 192 kHz, providing an incredibly large dynamic range that effectively prevents signal clipping. Timecode sync makes the FR-AV2 even more attractive to professional filmmakers and videographers, as does support for high-capacity 512GB SDXC cards and wireless audio monitoring. All of this adds up to a reliable and flexible audio recorder at an affordable price.
Best recorder — video
AJA Ki Pro GO2
The AJA Ki Pro GO2 is a multi-channel HEVC/AVC video recorder capable of capturing up to four separate HD or SD video streams simultaneously. The portable, standalone design makes the Ki Pro GO2 suitable for concerts, sporting events and houses of worship. However, the unit is also rack-mountable and features Ethernet, USB, SDI, HDMI and XLR connectivity, giving you lots of flexibility. The HD display and hardware control buttons keep operation simple, and integrated input frame synchronizers mean you don’t need to genlock incoming video streams. Overall, the AJA Ki Pro GO2 provides an ideal solution for event videographers and multi-camera productions.
Best camera — camcorder
Sony PXW-Z200
A classic, compact camcorder, the Sony PXW-Z200 offers a high-quality 4K image and the convenience of dedicated manual controls. The camera features a single one-inch Exmore RS CMOS sensor paired with a 20x optical zoom lens (30x with Clear Image Zoom). It can record 4K video at up to 120 frames per second or 1080p at up to 240 fps. Along with S-Cinetone and HLG options, the camcorder also includes built-in AI-powered autofocus and auto-framing. For streamers, Wi-Fi connectivity means you can stream directly from the camera. These features and more make the Sony PXW-Z200 the Best Camcorder of 2024.
Best camera — mirrorless
Panasonic LUMIX GH7
The latest flagship in the LUMX lineup, the Panasonic LUMIX GH7 lives up to its legacy. Featuring a newly developed 25.2 MP BSI CMOS micro four-thirds sensor, the GH7 has the same pixel count as its predecessor, the Panasonic LUMIX GH6. However, the new sensor’s back-side illumination tech promises to improve the light-gathering capabilities of the camera for higher sensitivity, less noise and a dynamic range of more than 13 stops. Capturing up to 5.7K 30 fps video in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ, the camera also supports DCI and UHD 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 recording at up to 60 fps. All in all, it’s a camera worthy of the title, “Best Mirrorless Camera of 2024.”
Best camera — cine
Canon EOS C80
With the ability to capture high-resolution 6K video at up to 30 fps in Cinema RAW Light, the Canon Cinema EOS C80 offers a compact camera body bursting with features. It comes equipped with an RF mount, 12G SDI out, three bases ISOs for improved low-light performance and a 6K full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor. In addition to Canon’s RAW video format, the C80 can record oversampled 10-bit 4:2:2 video in standard XF-AVC and capture 4K video at up to 120 fps. It’s a well-rounded option for cinematographers in the Canon RF ecosystem.
Best camera — specialty
GoPro HERO13 Black
This little action camera brings broadcast-standard 10-bit, Rec.2100 HLG HDR video recording to the renowned GoPro HERO series. Paired with this wide color gamut, the GoPro HERO13 Black offers improved slow-motion compared to previous HERO cameras with the ability to capture up to 400 fps in 720p for up to 15 seconds. In 5.3K, the camera can record up to 120 fps. This, along with better battery life and improved Wi-Fi transfer, makes the GoPro HERO13 Black an outstanding specialty action camera.
Best wireless video transmitter/receiver
DJI SDR Transmission
The DJI SDR Transmission is a lightweight and affordable option when you need stable video transmission. Featuring Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology, the SDR Transmission can deliver live video feeds up to 1080p at 60 fps with bit rates up to 20 Mbps and signal delay as low as 35 milliseconds. The system promises better penetration than Wi-Fi signals and stable transmission up to 10,000 feet. Plus, the SDR Transmission automatically frequency hops to find the best transmission channel, and you can connect multiple receivers to one transmitter It’s a flexible solution for stable video transmission, even in complex environments.
Best lens — cine
Irix 65mm T1.5 Cine lens
The Irix 65mm T1.5 Cine lens is a stand-out short telephoto lens. It boasts a wide maximum aperture with an 11-blade design, promising smooth bokeh and dramatic depth-of-field effects. This lens also features internal focusing and a lightweight design. That means it will easily fit into the rest of your camera rig — even handheld gimbals. The lens comes in eight lens mounts, is weather-sealed and features a magnetic filter mounting system for added versatility.
Best lens — prime
Panasonic LUMIX S Series 100mm F2.8 MACRO L-Mount Lens
The Panasonic LUMIX S Series 100mm F2.8 MACRO L-Mount Lens is a compact full-frame medium telephoto lens perfect for capturing detail in portraits and close-up shots. This macro lens features 1:1 magnification and a close eight-inch minimum focus distance. It also includes Panasonic’s dual-phase linear motor system for high-speed, highly accurate autofocus. All of this, and the lens manages to weigh in at a compact 10.5 ounces.
Best lens — zoom
Tamron 28-75mm F- 2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens
The Tamron 28-75mm F- 2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens offers a convenient zoom range with a consistently wide F2.8 max aperture. This zoom lens fits in the wide-angle to portrait focal length range and promises improved sharpness and resolution over previous iterations thanks to an updated optical design. The lens also features a new VXD Linear Motor Focus Mechanism designed to deliver faster and more precise focus in both still and video applications.
Best light
Aputure STORM 1200x Bi-Color
Aputure’s STORM 1200x Bi-Color LED Monolight uses Aputure’s new BLAIR full-spectrum chipset for higher brightness and better color accuracy. The BLAIR chipset features blue, lime, amber, indigo and red LEDs for more nuanced color reproduction, better green-magenta correction and advanced white-point control. Outputting up to 202,500 lux at 3.3 feet, the STORM 1200x boasts TLCI and CRI ratings of 95. The light also features professional Bowens mounting options along with a durable IP65-rated housing, making it a great pick for a variety of video production use cases.
Best drone
DJI Avata 2
The DJI Avata 2 is a compact drone for both beginners and professionals alike. Weighing 14.5 ounces and measuring seven inches by seven inches, the Avata 2 is designed for speed, right down to it’s aerodynamic propeller guards. It can stay in the air up to 18 minutes capturing video in resolutions up to 4K. Since its release, DJI even added a firmware update that adds 4K 100 fps recording, allowing for great slow-motion aerial footage. Finally, the DJI Avata 2 is made to pair with the DJI Goggle 2 and Motion Controller for the ultimate immersive flying experience.
Best mic
Hollyland LARK M2
Outshining some of its higher-priced competition, the Hollyland LARK M2 offers a great wireless microphone system on a budget. Featuring an all-in-one microphone-transmitter design, the LARK M2 is easy to attach to talent. Plus, a variety of receiver options allows the system to play nice with your existing setup. For providing a simple, affordable wireless mic solution, the Hollyland LARK M2 is the Best Mic of 2024.
Best software — audio
Krotos Studio
Available as a standalone app or as a plug-in for your favorite DAW, Krotos Studio is a fantastic tool for sound design and Foley work. It comes with a range of presets and a vast library of samples that grows all the time. Krotos’s Quick FX tool allows you to quickly build out soundscapes by placing sounds in real space and applying effects seamlessly. Plus, AI features make the software even more powerful and intuitive.
Best software — video editing
Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve 19
DaVinci Resolve 19 continues the tradition of providing high-quality editing, color, effects and audio tools in one free package. That’s right; all of the core features DaVinci Resolve are available for free. And, if you do happen to need the few specialty features locked away in DaVinci Resolve Studio, you’ll only need to invest $295 for a lifetime license. The latest version boasts more than 100 feature upgades and new AI tools powered by DaVinci’s Neural Engine AI. It’s no wonder DaVinci Resolve 19 is our pick for Best Video Editing Software of 2024.
Best laptop
MacBook Pro M3
When it comes to video editing on a laptop, you need a machine that is compact and stylish yet powerful. Offering the expected sleek Apple aesthetic combined with high-end M3 Pro or M3 Pro Max chips, the MacBook Pro M3 fulfills all of these requirements. The new MacBook Pro can be configured with up to 8 TB of storage and 128 GB of unified memory, which is faster and more efficient than standard RAM.
Best storage — media
Samsung EVO Plus
With a 512 GB capacity and UHS-I, V30, and U3 class ratings, the Samsung EVO Plus offers reliable 4K video capture. The microSD card offers read speeds up to 160 MB/s and a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s. On top of being fast and reliable, the Samsung EVO Plus is also designed to be durable; it’s able to withstand seawater for up to 72 hours and temperatures down to -13 and up to 185°F. It can go through airport X-ray machines and endure magnetic fields equivalent to a high-field MRI. Finally, it has a wear-out rating of up to 10,000 swipes.
Best storage
SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE PROJECT
As the name implies, this high-capacity hard drive is perfect for long-term project storage. With Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, the SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE PROJECT offers transfer speeds up to 260 MB/s. For even faster transfers, the G-DRIVE PROJECT also features a SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE SSD Mag Slot that allows offloading of footage directly from SSD capture media at up to 10 Gbps. Inside, there’s a reliable 7,200 RPM Ultrastar enterprise-class hard drive — available with capacities up to 24 TB. Outside, the G-DRIVE PROJECT features an anodized aluminum housing with a sleek design to complement any edit bay.
Best support — tripod
Ulanzi VideoFast Heavy Duty tripod
The Ulanzi VideoFast Heavy Duty tripod is designed for large cameras. Available in both carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, this tripod weighs in at 10.5 pounds and 11.6 pounds, respectively. This weightiness pays off in load capacity. The VideoFast Heavy Duty tripod can hold up to 22 pounds with the included fluid head. With an upgraded head, the legs are rated to hold up to a striking 55 pounds. And it achieves all of this while providing an easy and intuitive user experience.
Best smartphone
Apple iPhone 16
Last on our list of Best Products of 2024 is the Apple iPhone 16. The latest iPhone boasts a responsive camera app with easy-to-access tools paired with a two-in-one 48 MP Fusion camera that offers 2x optical-quality zoom as well as Ultra Wide shooting for both macro and landscape video and photo capture. The new camera module combined with the powerful A18 chip and a whole slew of third-party video recording and editing apps make the Apple iPhone 16 our pick for Best Smartphone (for video) of 2024.
That’s a wrap
While this issue marks the last printed edition of the Best Products of the Year, Videomaker will continue to highlight our favorite video production gear in the years to come. From improved image sensors to AI-powered innovations, video technology gets more exciting all the time — and we’ll keep celebrating those products that offer exceptional performance and value to video producers everywhere.
