Buying advice
Video kit: a body worth investing in
For video you need good autofocus, stabilization and clean 4K. Here's what in my stock records reliably and what to watch out for.
With video, people often try to make up for a weaker body with more expensive glass. That's usually pointless, because video depends on different specs than photography.
A photo captures a moment and detail; video demands smoothness, stability and reliability over long recording sessions. That's why it pays to invest in the body first and only then in lenses. A good body makes shooting easier; a bad one will hold back even the most expensive lens.
What to consider in a body
- Autofocus – mainly how reliably it tracks eyes, even when the subject moves. Almost every body has eye detection these days, but the quality varies. Look for a body that doesn't lose focus in poor light or with fast movement.
- Stabilization – in-body stabilization (IBIS) is almost indispensable for video, especially when you shoot handheld.
- 4K quality – watch out for the crop. Some bodies crop so heavily in 4K that a wide lens suddenly turns into a normal or even a short telephoto. Look for a body that records 4K from the full width of the sensor, or with only a small crop.
How to choose a specific model
I currently have several interesting bodies in stock at hafoto.cz. For Canon, it's the R6 or R6 Mark II with top-tier autofocus and excellent stabilization. The Sony A7 IV is a classic that handles everything you need.
If you want top-tier image quality, Sony GM lenses are a great choice – but only with a body that can make full use of their potential.
With used copies, check the shutter count as well as the overall physical condition. On a body that was used mainly for video, the shutter count tells you less, which makes the condition of the body, ports and seals all the more important. Always verify that everything works before you buy.
Common beginner mistakes
- Expensive lens, cheap body – it doesn't work, because autofocus and stabilization are controlled by the body.
- Ignoring the recording format – if you want to fine-tune colors in post-production, look for a body with a log profile.
- Old batteries and cards – watch out for them with used gear and test everything before you buy.
Tell me what you shoot (interviews, reels, action) – we'll pick the right lens and card too.
