10 Best Slow-Motion Cameras in 2023 (All Budgets and Skills)

The best slow-motion cameras give you silky-smooth video footage. The video camera’s frame rate defines smooth slow-motion footage. So our article looks at cameras that balance a high frame rate, video quality, and price.
We will look at various types of cameras and prices to find the best slow-motion camera for you. But our top choice is the GoPro Hero11 Black. This extremely easy-to-use camera has a high frame rate and excellent video quality.

What Are the Best Slow-Motion Cameras?

Here is a quick rundown of our top choices. Then we’ll go into more detail about each camera.

Note that a camera’s video frame rate is measured in fps (frames per second). Go to our buying guide at the end for answers to common questions about slow-motion cameras.

10 Best Slow Motion Cameras

Read more about each option below to find the one that will suit you best!

The GoPro Hero11 Black is your go-to camera if you want an easy-to-operate slow-motion camera. And even though it is compact, this camera is crammed with slow-motion specs. So it will keep any videographer satisfied.
It has a 27 MP sensor that allows you to film up to 5.3K! You can shoot at this resolution at 60 fps (frames per second). Impressive for that quality.
More impressive is you get 120 fps at 4K and 240 fps at 2.7K! These are the highest frame rate numbers in any point-and-shoot action camera.
GoPro also includes several internal features to ensure your slow motion is as smooth as possible. This includes HyperSmooth Stabilization and Horizon Lock or steady and level footage.
This action camera performs best in extreme environments where normal camera operation isn’t as easy as you would like. Remember, you can also use it as an underwater camera to depths of 33 ft (10 m)!
And you can also use it as a travel companion. It operates as a simple point-and-shoot that can fit in your bag or even your back pocket.
All these elements make the Hero11 Black an unbeatable slow-motion camera. It gives you the best bang for your buck for high-quality video and slow-motion specs.
It’s best for those who don’t need a large sensor or complete control over their camera settings. Or it can be a handy second camera, specifically for slow-motion videos.

The R5 is a mirrorless camera that has solidified the Canon mirrorless range among the best mirrorless cameras. This camera specifically shows the world what a mirrorless camera is capable of in terms of video abilities.
Not only does it allow you to shoot in 8K. It also shoots at 120 fps in 4K video quality! This is the highest resolution and frame rate in a full frame camera.
The camera shoots in both DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) and UHI (Ultra High Definition) in 8K and 4K. This means you get the highest resolution possible for each video format.
But the 8K options only allow you to shoot at 30 fps. So this won’t be good enough for smooth slow-motion footage.
Its incredible image stabilizer also adds to its slow-motion abilities. It allows you to shoot up to eight stops of difference, ensuring smooth footage in low-light situations.
The Canon R5 is a camera made for people serious about shooting high-quality video. It gives you high-quality footage and outstanding photos thanks to its sharp 45 MP sensor.
I recommend this to those who want an incredible all-around camera with slow-motion capabilities. It’s especially for photographers who want a piece of kit to last them for years!

The Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII is a compact camera with powerful capabilities. It places high on our list as it has super slow-motion abilities.
It allows up to 40x slower speeds, equivalent to 960 or 1000 fps video! (It depends on the video format.) This frame rate is the highest on the list, which is surprising for such a compact camera.
The camera also features a great playback option for your slow-motion video. You can choose the speeds from 1/4th speed to 1/40th after the video has been taken. You can also set the period of slow motion in the video by using start and end triggers.
The camera itself features a 20.1 MP one-inch sensor. This is powerful for a compact camera that can fit in your pocket. And it will give you sharp photographs in any condition. Another strong point is its autofocus (AF) system.
Thanks to its subject recognition algorithms, you can track your subjects in real time. This also works during recording and can even focus directly on the eyes. It is helpful for slow-motion videos, guaranteeing your subject is in focus through every frame.
Content creators will also love this camera as it has vertical movie recording. This will automatically save it as a video in portrait, saving you time and effort in the editing stage of your video.
The Cyber-Shot RX100 VII is a brilliant slow-motion camera. I would say it is specifically for content creators or travel photographers. Or it’s for anyone who wants the highest frame rate possible in a relatively cheap camera!

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a mirrorless camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. It is well known as one of the best mirrorless video cameras. This is thanks to its professional handling of video files.
The camera offers high-resolution 10-bit slow-motion video of 120 fps in C4K and 100 fps in 4K. And Lumix also has VFR (Variable Frame Rate) for 12.5x super slow-motion video in Full HD 10-bit video at 300 fps!
It lets you capture 4:2:2 10-bit in Cinema 4K (C4K) at 60 fps. But the professional video settings will not give you the best slow motion.
Lumix also provides a load of features that make it ideal for videography. One of my favorites is recording directly onto an external SSD hard drive! It also allows RAW video data output. And this includes the formats for your slow-motion videos!
There’s no surprise why you will find the GH6 at the top of most video camera lists. It is ideal for people to get into serious filmmaking with relatively cheap equipment. Some people also prefer the compact nature of the Lumix GH range.
The Lumix GH6 gives you the most professional video control on our list. It may not have the biggest sensor. But its file handling and video quality make up for it. It’s an incredible camera that will give you brilliant slow motion for short movies or music videos.

The Sony ZV-1 is a well-known camera in the vlogging scene. But did you know it is also great for slow-motion video? It features a system similar to the Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII, where you can capture up to 1000 fps!
In this setting, you are not able to capture audio. This isn’t an issue, as the audio will likely sound like an ugly blur with slow-motion speeds like this. But you can still edit the playback in the camera and have it ready to export to your smartphone.
The camera also features a similar 20 MP sensor found in the Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VI. But the RX100 VI features a stacked sensor for faster image processing.
But the ZV-1 has better image stabilization. It has stellar hybrid AF and tracking. And it allows you to record videos for an unlimited time. Plus, the features in the Sony ZV-1 are all geared toward vlogging and content creation.
It includes one-button options for background bokeh and a vari-angle LCD screen. These features won’t help with slow-motion videos but will help with other videos.
The mirrorless compact is specifically built for content creators. But its slow-motion capabilities make it a great camera for people who want to explore this video feature more. Its slow-motion abilities would make it a great camera for product videos!

The Sony a7S III is known as the best Sony a7 for video. And Sony’s fast and dependable autofocus makes this range a favorite. Combine this with strong image stabilization and 4K footage at 120 fps, and you have a great slow-motion camera.
You will also notice this mirrorless allows 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording. This gives you amazing richness and more flexibility in post-processing. These settings will make a huge difference to video editors working in professional video shoots.
It has a 12.1 MP sensor. This may be a lower resolution than modern photographers are looking for. But this sensor is back-illuminated, which results in sharper and more detailed images.
Another point to consider is its processing power. It features a BIONZ XR image processing system. This allows for much faster processing power than the last a7 camera. This is useful when handling high frame-rate videos at a high resolution.
It also has a full frame sensor, giving you a greater dynamic range. It features a fast hybrid AF with 759 phase-detection points. And it functions wonderfully in low light with extended ISO settings up to 409,600.
The a7S III is a camera to consider if you want to use slow motion professionally. It’s best for videography enthusiasts who want professional video files from a mirrorless camera.

The Canon EOS R50 is a compact mirrorless camera. This is Canon’s attempt to make a camera directed at content creators. It does not possess the great slow-motion capabilities of the cameras above. But it does allow you to shoot in Full HD at 120 fps.
It features a 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and lets you change lenses. So it differs from the Sony compact cameras above. With the better image quality and the interchangeable lenses, many will prefer this over a super high frame rate.
It also has advanced Dual Pixel AF II with 100% coverage and 651 areas of autofocus. And it has excellent AI subject recognition and tracking. Plus, it provides easy auto modes or difficult lighting situations like backlight.
The biggest selling point of this camera is its price. Many call it the best new budget camera thanks to its diverse abilities. And it’s understandable, considering they are combined with the 24.2 MP sensor!
Content creators will be drawn to this camera as it has many features to make shooting easier. The vari-angle screen and the remote camera control from your smartphone highlight this. Also, the camera can detect when it is in Portrait mode.
It can be a sacrifice not to have 4K slow-motion abilities. But the slow motion that the EOS R50 provides is more than enough. And the 24.2 MP APS-C sensor is a quality you won’t find in other compact-sized cameras.

The DJI Pocket 2 is an action camera. It allows for 4K video at 60 fps. Its dedicated slow-motion feature allows you up to 240 fps in Full HD. This is enough to give you a dreamy slow motion you can use for professional-like videos.
It features a small 1/1.7-inch sensor, producing 64 MP images. And it was designed for simple and easy portable shooting. Plus, it has many great features to help you take great images and videos without much intervention.
It features a body that we aren’t used to seeing in cameras. The camera was from DJI’s drones. And it is now it is on top of a gimbal. We now see it being used on many city streets by vloggers.
The camera can turn 360 degrees on the gimbal. And DJI has put in focus tracking called Activetrack 3.0. So you can move about while the camera is kept on your subject. It also has great image stabilization.
I would not suggest the Pocket 2 to anyone who wants to get into photography. Although it can take good photos, it is for a specific consumer. It is for those who want images and videos but want to dodge the photo or film process.
This makes the Pocket 2 ideal for those traveling or vlogging. Or it is for those who want to take videos and not worry about anything else. DJI has made a conscious effort to adjust its camera to a specific gap in the market.

The Nikon Z6 II is a mirrorless camera that provides some of the best slow-motion abilities for a Nikon. It records 4K Ultra HD footage at 60 fps and Full HD at 120 fps. This is fairly standard.
The real advantage is Nikon’s full frame sensor. It has a 24 MP sensor that is fantastic in low light.
This is also quite a compact mirrorless camera. So it is a perfect camera to take out with you and shoot all day. It would suit street photographers and wildlife photographers who also want to take slow-motion videos.
You can charge it through a USB-C cable while it is in use. It is a welcome feature for product photography or people who shoot inside a studio. You can shoot the whole day without worrying about the battery.
The Z6 II suits Nikon photographers who want a compact mirrorless with slow-motion abilities. Although this list has higher frame rates, this camera can still provide great slow-motion videos.

The GoPro Hero9 features on this list as it has great slow-motion abilities. And you can get it for cheap! It may not have the same incredible qualities as the Hero11. But it still packs a slow-motion punch for an action camera.
You can get 240 fps at Full HD and 120 fps at 2.7K. This is enough to produce smooth slow motion with ease. The Hero9 can also record up to 5K but only 30 fps at this quality.
It also includes the incredible HyperSmooth image stabilization that GoPro is known for. You will get an older version of this. But it still works very well. Like the Hero11, the Hero9 still performs at a high standard with a 23.6 MP sensor.
This action camera is also a waterproof underwater camera. You can operate it up to 33 ft (10 m) underwater. So it’s perfect for slow-motion videos for scuba divers!
The GoPro Hero9 is worth considering if you plan to record in rugged environments, especially for extreme sports. It would also suit people who want a compact and easy-to-use camera for travel. Or it’s perfect for taking pictures and videos of your friends!

Slow-Motion Camera Buyers Guide (FAQs)

We hope these answers about slow-motion cameras help you with your buying decisions.

What Frame Rate and Resolution Should I Look for in a Slow-Motion Camera?

You want a camera that can capture at least 60 fps for slow motion. But it is best to look for 120 fps. The higher the frame rate, the smoother your video will be.
Resolution is a matter of sharpness. Some smaller cameras may have a higher resolution. But they won’t capture the same detail as a camera with a wider sensor. This preference choice is up to you and your shooting style.
If you can, look at images and videos from different cameras before you buy.

How Should I Choose the Right Slow-Motion Camera for My Budget?

Picking the right slow-motion camera for your budget depends on what you want to do with the camera.
If you want slow-motion videos for a great price, pick the GoPro Hero11 Black. If you want to take fairly serious slow-motion footage for promotional purposes, choose the Sony CyberShot RX100 VII.

What Is the Best Slow-Motion Camera for a Beginner?

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best slow-motion camera for a beginner. This is due to its size, weight, and ease of use. GoPro has done a great job designing cameras that make it fun and easy for the whole family to play around with.
If you want to get your foot into serious photography, choose Canon EOS R50. This mirrorless camera can slowly introduce the basics of photography on a simple interface.

Conclusion: The Best Slow-Motion Camera

After looking at this wide range of options, you can find the best camera for slow-motion videography that suits you. But you will also want to consider the other uses for your camera.
If you plan on traveling, pick a compact camera. If you are an experienced photographer looking to upgrade your gear, pick a professional camera like the beautiful Canon R5. But our top pick is the GoPro Hero11 Black. It has great slow-motion abilities. And photographers at any skill level will have great fun with it!