How to Record Slow-Motion Video With A Mirrorless Camera?

16 minutes read

To record slow-motion video with a mirrorless camera, you will first need to determine if your camera is capable of shooting in slow motion. Most mirrorless cameras have a slow-motion feature that allows you to adjust the frame rate to create a slow-motion effect.


Once you have confirmed that your camera can shoot in slow motion, you will need to set the frame rate to a higher value than the standard 24 or 30 frames per second. Typically, you will want to set your camera to shoot at 60 frames per second or higher to achieve a smooth slow-motion effect.


Next, you will need to adjust the shutter speed and aperture settings to ensure that your video is properly exposed. It is important to use a fast shutter speed to prevent motion blur in your slow-motion footage. You may also need to increase the ISO setting to compensate for the faster shutter speed.


When shooting in slow motion, it is important to plan your shots carefully and consider the movement of objects in your frame. Slow-motion footage can highlight small details and subtle movements, so be mindful of your composition and framing.


After you have captured your slow-motion footage, you can edit it in post-production to further enhance the effect. You can use editing software to adjust the playback speed of your video and add effects such as transitions or color correction to create a visually stunning slow-motion video.

Best Mirrorless Cameras of September 2024

1
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible - ILCE-6400L/B, Black

Rating is 5 out of 5

Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 16-50mm Lens - E Mount Compatible - ILCE-6400L/B, Black

  • Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84 percent of the sensor
  • Fast and accurate: Up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
  • Multiple movie functions: Make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
2
Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black

  • 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
  • Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking
  • 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
  • Sensor Type : 35mm full frame (35.6×23.8mm), Exmor R CMOS sensor
3
Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera (Black) w/RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera (Black) w/RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

  • Compact, lightweight RF mount camera with a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC X processor.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering up to 100% x 100% area with 651 AF zones with auto subject detection and tracking of people, animals, and vehicles using deep learning technology
  • Continuous shooting with 12 fps with Electronic First Curtain and 15 fps with Electronic Shutter.
4
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera Kit - Black

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera Kit - Black

  • Large 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor and fast BIONZ X processor
  • 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
  • Product Showcase Setting transitions focus from face to object
5
Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixel Digital Camera, 14-42 mm Lens Kit, DMC-G7KS

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixel Digital Camera, 14-42 mm Lens Kit, DMC-G7KS

  • Superb DSLM image quality without the bulk and weight of traditional DSLRs
  • Never miss a photo with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes
  • Unwire your creativity with integrated Wi Fi sharing
6
Nikon Z 30 with Wide-Angle Zoom Lens | Our most compact, lightweight mirrorless stills/video camera with 16-50mm zoom lens | Nikon USA Model

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Nikon Z 30 with Wide-Angle Zoom Lens | Our most compact, lightweight mirrorless stills/video camera with 16-50mm zoom lens | Nikon USA Model

  • Designed for creators, vloggers and streamers: Nikon's easy to use Z 30 mirrorless 4K camera with a versatile 16-50mm wide-angle zoom lens
  • Easy live streaming: Plug and play webcam operation, smooth Full HD 60p streaming over USB-C, 4K 30p streaming over HDMI and constant power over USB-C
  • A kit that grows with you: Compatible with Nikon's entire line of exceptional NIKKOR Z lenses, from fast primes to macro lenses, so you can expand your capabilities over time
7
Canon EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Canon EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation

  • Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
  • Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
  • Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF
8
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Black

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-80mm Lens Kit - Black

  • Offering the ultimate image quality, X-T5 features the class-leading, 40.2-megapixel X-Trans 5 HR CMOS sensor in a compact, lightweight body that maximizes functionality and portability. X-T5’s improved image processing algorithm delivers outstanding results, packed with detail right across the native ISO range, which now extends to ISO 125. The classic X Series design has been retained. Dials predominate, making key functions – including ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation – quick and easy to set, even with the camera switched off. X-T5 offers a new, 1.84 million dot, three-way tilting LCD and powerful in-body image stabilization.
  • Following in the footsteps of X-H2, find the stunning Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode in X-T5, delivering detailed files like never before. The feature utilizes the camera’s IBIS system to precisely shift the sensor, automatically recording 20 separate frames with one press of the shutter release. Resulting files are combined using Pixel Shift Combiner software to quadruple the camera’s resolution and produce a detail-rich, 160-megapixel file. Perfect for commercial applications or digital archiving, it’s also ideal for any static subject where image quality is of primary importance.
9
Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Canon EOS R8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only), RF Mount, 24.2 MP, 4K Video, DIGIC X Image Processor, Subject Detection & Tracking, Compact, Lightweight, Smartphone Connection, Content Creator

  • Step up to full-frame with Canon’s lightest full-frame RF Mount mirrorless camera featuring a 24.2 million pixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X Image Processor.
  • An affordable and compact camera with built-in 0.39” 2.36 million dots OLED EVF up to 120 fps refresh rate and 3.0” 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touchscreen.
10
Fujifilm X-T50 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens Kit - Charcoal Silver

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

Fujifilm X-T50 Mirrorless Digital Camera XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens Kit - Charcoal Silver

  • Dedicated Film Simulation dial offering fast access to 20 Film Simulations (including REALA ACE mode)
  • 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor
  • Supports all X Series lenses and includes a 1.4x and 2x Digital Teleconverter
  • 6.2K/30P, 4K/60P, FHD/240P, 4:2:2 10-Bit Video


How to properly focus when recording slow-motion video with a mirrorless camera?

When recording slow-motion video with a mirrorless camera, it is important to properly focus to ensure that your footage is sharp and clear. Here are some tips on how to do so:

  1. Set your camera to manual focus mode: Switching your camera to manual focus mode allows you to have full control over the focus settings and prevent the camera from automatically adjusting the focus during recording.
  2. Use the magnification feature: Most mirrorless cameras have a magnification feature that allows you to zoom in on your subject and fine-tune the focus manually. This can be particularly helpful when recording slow-motion video, as it allows you to adjust the focus more precisely.
  3. Use a tripod: To minimize camera shake and ensure stability while recording slow-motion video, it is advisable to use a tripod. This will help you maintain a consistent focus throughout the recording.
  4. Set a narrow aperture: When recording slow-motion video, setting a narrow aperture (higher f-stop value) can help increase the depth of field, ensuring that more of your scene is in focus. This is especially important when shooting subjects in motion, as it can be challenging to keep them in focus throughout the recording.
  5. Use focus peaking: Many mirrorless cameras have a focus peaking feature that highlights areas of the image that are in focus with a colored outline. This can be particularly helpful when manually focusing during slow-motion recording, as it allows you to easily identify and adjust the focus of your subject.


By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure that your slow-motion video recordings are properly focused and visually appealing.


What is the optimal distance to shoot slow-motion video from with a mirrorless camera?

The optimal distance to shoot slow-motion video with a mirrorless camera can vary depending on the specific camera model, lens, and desired effect. However, a general rule of thumb is to shoot from a relatively close distance, within a few feet of the subject, to capture detailed slow-motion footage with minimal motion blur. Additionally, shooting from a closer distance can help to emphasize the subject and create a more visually striking shot. Experimenting with different distances and settings will help determine the best shooting distance for the desired slow-motion effect.


What is the difference between time-lapse and slow-motion video recording?

Time-lapse and slow-motion video recording are both techniques used in videography to manipulate the speed of a video, but they do so in opposite ways.


Time-lapse video recording involves capturing frames at a slower rate than they are played back, resulting in a video that shows a compressed version of events happening over a long period of time. This creates the illusion of time moving faster than it actually is.


On the other hand, slow-motion video recording involves capturing frames at a faster rate than they are played back, resulting in a video that shows events happening in much greater detail and slower than they would in real time. This creates the illusion of time moving slower than it actually is.


In summary, time-lapse videos speed up time, while slow-motion videos slow down time.


How to set up your mirrorless camera for optimal slow-motion video recording?

  1. Set your camera to the highest possible frame rate for slow-motion video. Most mirrorless cameras offer frame rates of 60fps, 120fps, or even 240fps for slow-motion recording. The higher the frame rate, the slower the motion will appear in the final video.
  2. Adjust the shutter speed accordingly to avoid motion blur in the footage. As a general rule of thumb, your shutter speed should be double the frame rate you are shooting at. For example, if you are shooting at 120fps, set your shutter speed to 1/240s.
  3. Switch to manual mode to have full control over the exposure settings. Adjust the aperture, ISO, and white balance settings to achieve the desired look for your slow-motion video.
  4. Use a tripod or stabilizer to ensure smooth and steady footage. Slow-motion video can exaggerate any camera shake, so it's important to stabilize your camera to avoid shaky footage.
  5. Consider using an external microphone for better audio quality. Built-in microphones on mirrorless cameras may not be able to capture clear sound when shooting slow-motion videos.
  6. Experiment with different settings and frame rates to find the optimal setup for your specific shooting situation. Practice and patience are key to capturing stunning slow-motion video footage with your mirrorless camera.
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