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In today's technological landscape, up-and-coming shutterbugs ought to become proficient in both capturing images and recording video.

To excel in the photography profession, it's essential for aspiring pros to develop their skills not only in photography but also in videography. Here's why:

In today's digital age, amateur photographers should aim to excel in both still photography and...
In today's digital age, amateur photographers should aim to excel in both still photography and video production to secure success in their career.

In today's technological landscape, up-and-coming shutterbugs ought to become proficient in both capturing images and recording video.

In today's digital age, the landscape of content creation has undergone a significant transformation, with video taking centre stage. This evolution has not only impacted the world's second-largest search engine, YouTube, but has also influenced the practice of photography, allowing for the exploration of less lucrative, yet purist, artistic expressions.

This shift has led to an increasing number of photographers honing their video skills, not just for self-expression, but also for popularity, teaching, networking, and to meet the growing demand for low-cost dynamic content from clients. This new trend has given birth to the term "hybrid-shooter," as photographers find themselves using one camera for both photography and video.

This article delves into the best hybrid cameras of 2025, benefiting from the advancements in mirrorless technology and the growing demand for video.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX

Known as a true hybrid, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II and its S5 IIX variant offer excellent phase-detection autofocus, unlimited 4K video recording (up to 60fps in 4:2:2 10-bit), a 24MP full-frame sensor, and fast burst rates (up to 30fps electronic shutter). The S5 IIX takes versatility to the next level with 6K 30fps RAW video, ProRes encoding, and direct-to-SSD recording, making it a cost-effective choice for hybrid shooters.

Nikon Z9

As a flagship powerhouse, the Nikon Z9 boasts industry-leading 8K60 RAW internal video, high burst rates (up to 120fps), a no-mechanical shutter, and robust build quality. It is acclaimed as Nikon's best video camera and a hybrid workhorse for professionals who demand top-tier stills and video performance.

Canon EOS R3

The Canon EOS R3 offers 6K RAW video with renowned Canon color science, exceptionally fast 30fps RAW bursts, and durability suitable for serious cinematography and photography. It excels in both fast action shooting and high-quality video production.

Sony Alpha 1 Mark II

The Sony Alpha 1 Mark II combines 8K video recording, extremely high-resolution stills, best-in-class autofocus tracking, and a vast ecosystem of lenses and cine accessories. Ideal for creators needing both supreme image quality and advanced video capabilities.

Nikon Z5II

A more affordable full-frame hybrid offering 4K/60p internal 12-bit N-RAW video, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), dual card slots, and excellent low-light performance, the Nikon Z5II is suitable for enthusiasts or professionals beginning to incorporate serious video into their work.

These cameras represent the leading edge of hybrid mirrorless technology as of 2025, balancing high-resolution stills with advanced video specifications including 4K/6K/8K recording, high frame rates, color depth, and video codec options.

In the modern world, an aspiring professional photographer must cultivate both photography and videography skills. Video skills are essential for creating compelling tutorials and offering online courses, opening up new revenue streams. The dominance of video-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is crucial for brand growth. Effective online marketing requires video content, and DaVinci Resolve is a good option for newcomers to video editing.

Video helps alleviate the pressure of recording experiences perfectly in still images, and combining photos and videos enables a more comprehensive and immersive record of events, places, and people.

This article does not necessarily reflect the views of Amateur Photographer magazine or Kelsey Media Limited. Readers can share their opinions on the topic by emailing [email protected].

The rise of videography has made it more popular than traditional photography, and it's clear that the future lies in hybrid cameras that cater to both fields.

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