Have you ever watched an interview where the audio quality was poor, or the camera angle was off, making it difficult to hear or see the interviewee? It’s frustrating, right? As a novice interviewer, it’s easy to forget that having a decent camera is just as important as having good questions.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll take you through some of the best camera options for interviews, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. Not only that, but we’ll also cover important factors to consider when setting up your interview space for optimal filming.

You want to create a memorable interview that captures the essence of your subject and engages your audience. With the right camera, you’ll be able to achieve just that.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, read on to ensure your gear is interview-ready and make your next interview a success.

Key Takeaways

  • Choosing the best interview camera depends on your needs and budget.
  • A budget camera can do very well for interview filming in a static environment with minimal changes, as long as you prioritize audio and lighting quality.
  • A camera with an interchangeable lens system is a great investment for those who see a potential career in interviewing, as it offers versatility and the ability to upgrade with premium lenses down the line.
  • The Sony Alpha a7 Mirrorless Camera delivers stable and consistent video quality, making it a strong contender as the best camera for interviews, but its low-light performance could be better.
  • The ORDRO 4K Video Camera is a fantastic option for those who want professional-grade video quality, with productivity-focused extras like an included stereo microphone and the ability to use the camera while charging.
  • The Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera boasts stunning video performance with in-body image stabilization and updated face tracking and autofocus software, but good audio recording requires an external microphone.
  • The Sony CX405 is a great budget option, with surprisingly good image quality, dual recording mode, and other useful features.
  • The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III is a compact camera that is ideal for video content creators, with 4K video, 120fps recording, and easy sharing options.
  • The Canon EOS 90D is a versatile DSLR that is great for both interviews and still images, with good audio quality and granular manual controls. However, it is also quite expensive.
  • External microphones are almost always necessary for recording high-quality audio during interviews.
  • The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Canon Vixia HF R800 are affordable options with good video quality, while the Sony Alpha A6000 is a versatile and reasonably priced mirrorless camera with excellent image quality.
  • The quality of your interview video is not solely dependent on the camera you use, but also on your preparedness.
  • The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a mirrorless camera with a 20.4 megapixel live MOS sensor, 121 cross-type autofocus points, and a quad-core image processor, making it a great option for interviews.
  • A tripod or stable surface is recommended for interview setups to avoid shaky footage.
  • An external microphone is essential for clear audio recording in interviews.
  • Lighting is crucial for good video quality, and a three-point lighting setup is recommended.
  • It may also be helpful to use a teleprompter or lighting kit, depending on the specific needs of your interview.
IMAGEPRODUCTDETAILS 
cfimvtbl-table__imageOur Top PickOur Top PickSony Alpha a7 Mirrorless Camera
  • Full frame sensor
  • 4K video
  • Great autofocus
VIEW ON AMAZON →
cfimvtbl-table__imageFujifilm X-T4
  • Great stabilization
  • Powerful face tracking
  • Extra battery grip optional
VIEW ON AMAZON →
cfimvtbl-table__imageCanon EOS 90D
  • Decent audio
  • DSLR camera
  • Great manual controls
VIEW ON AMAZON →

Best Camera for Interviews: Our Favorite Picks

If we were to switch careers and become interviewers, these are the cameras we’d use.

1. Sony Alpha a7 Mirrorless Camera

Sony ILCE-7M2K

This is one of Sony’s many mirrorless cameras that come with high-quality video capabilities. The hybrid autofocus system and stellar image stabilization features make his one of the best video tools for interviewers. It’s easy to use and the lightweight build makes it super-easy to take with you.

The full-frame lens on the A7 gives you plenty of crop-free space to work with. A great interview video is stable and consistent. Sony has built a fantastic reputation for producing products that deliver excellent video quality every time.

Your interviews will be stable, crisp and hassle-free. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s a strong contender as the best camera for interviews.

It’s not a dedicated video camera since it’s actually a mirrorless camera, but it delivers really fantastic video quality.

You can also hook this camera up to you computer and use it for Zoom interviews.

Pros:

  • Great video and audio quality
  • Compact and easy to use
  • Compatible with E & A mount lenses
  • Full-frame CMOS image sensor

Cons:

  • The low-light performance could be better

2. ORDRO 4K Video Camera

This is a fantastic 4k video camera that delivers professional-grade, high-quality films. The onboard image processing on this offering from ORDRO blasts through your shots quickly and efficiently. Interviewers need to move quickly and deliver work with a high level of consistency.

The simple UI, handy touchscreen LCD and brilliant image quality all go a long way to make your interviewing tasks easier. Further bumps to productivity come in the form of a bonus IR remote and extra battery.

The stereo microphone on this model adds a welcome boost to audio quality to keep your interviews crisp and clear. It’s possible to use this 4k video camera while charging, making it an excellent choice for those long days with endless interviews.

Pros:

  • Packed with productivity-focused extras
  • One of our favorite video cameras
  • Included stereo microphone

Cons:

  • No optical zoom

3. Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera

FUJIFILM X-T4 Systemkamera (26,1 Megapixel, X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor, 7,6 cm (3 Zoll) Touch-LCD), schwarz

The stunning video performance on the X-T4 makes it one of the best cameras for interviews. The in-body (as opposed to digital) image stabilization keeps your videos steady and stable throughout. Video cameras are worthless if their videos are shaking all over the place.

The X-T4 sports an APS-C CMOS sensor and a powerful image processor engine that delivers really good quality.

Fujifilm has updated the face tracking and autofocus software on the X-T4 to keep your interviewee sharply in focus for every second of your video. We recommend picking up the optional vertical battery grip for this model. It adds two extra batteries for a much-needed boost to battery life.

With or without the grip, the enhanced battery performance on the X-T4 holds up quite well to scrutiny. If you can afford to invest in a more premium camera, this Fujifilm will prove a fantastic addition to your interview arsenal.

Pros:

  • Some of the best video face tracking we’ve seen
  • Optional battery boost from the extra grip
  • Also produces stunning stills
  • Built-in Wi Fi

Cons:

  • You’ll need to attach an external microphone to guarantee good audio recording

4. Sony CX405: best cheap camera for interviews

If this article was titled “best camera for interviews – budget edition”, the CX405 would at the top of our list. If you need an interview camera that can get the job done without breaking the bank, this is a video camera that’s well worth considering.

While the audio recording isn’t ground-breaking, you’ll have plenty of money left over for external microphones, which are virtually a must-have anyway! Sony’s “steadyshot” and “BIONZ X image processing engine” work in tandem to produce some pretty impressive video considering the price.

There’s a suite of nifty software features that make this an attractive product for those who want to shoot interviews effectively. The dual shooting mode lets users record videos in two formats simultaneously, boosting flexibility in post production.

The face detection, intelligent auto and anti-motion blur make this an excellent budget interview camera. Just make sure you consider an external microphone for consistent audio quality.

Pros:

  • Great price
  • Surprisingly good image quality
  • Dual recording mode

Cons:

  • The microphone isn’t very impressive

5. Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III

This option from Canon is geared towards video content creators. For our money, it’s their best video camera in this category. The design is built from the ground up to produce excellent video with an easy-to-use control system.

Expect fantastic 4K videos, brilliant audio flexibility thanks to the 3.5mm mic input and buttery-smooth recordings at 120 frames per second. Canon has been putting a lot of thought into their video cameras in recent years and this really shows on the G7 X Mark III.

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity features make it refreshingly easy to share your interviews on social media. If you’re streaming an interview live, it’s possible to stream live to your YouTube channel if you login with your details.

Canon produces a modest range of external microphones that are compatible with this camera right out of the box. The low-light performance of the Mark III is very strong; your interviews will still look great even if your setup isn’t perfect.

Pros:

  • Excellent live-streaming and sharing options
  • 120 frames per second video
  • One of Canon’s most well-thought-out video cameras

Cons:

  • Quite pricey for a compact
  • The autofocus is disappointing compared to Canon’s other cameras

6. Canon EOS 90D

Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilization USM Lens with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF (Black)

If you need a camera that’s good for both interviews and still images, the Canon EOS 90D is a great choice. Canon promises “professional quality sound” for filmmakers. Canon sells a range of lenses that are well-suited to video recording.

The APS-C CMOS image sensor does a great job of capturing light and the Canon EOS 90D delivers superb video quality.

The flexibility of a DSLR like this means you can tweak your setup to your heart’s content to get your interviews just right. The manual controls on the EOS 90D allow you to fine tune your interviews in great detail.

Your options for frame rate and codec are reasonably varied on this model, giving you plenty of flexibility for how you film your interviews. Videos can be recorded in either MP4 or MOV formats.

Canon’s fantastic utility software allows users to connect a PC to their camera from anywhere for speedy file transfers and post production tasks.

Pros:

  • Good audio out of the box
  • Granular manual controls
  • Canon’s utility software comes in handy

Cons:

  • Quite expensive

7. Panasonic Lumix FZ80

Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60X Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, Power O.I.S. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black)

This is a compact, no-nonsense camera that produces great video at up to 30 frames per second. The Panasonic Lumix line is a step above “bargain basement” while still maintaining an affordable price point.

If you’re looking for a camera for interviews that will not burn a hole in your pockets, this is a great option. Cameras for interviews should make it easy for you to keep on eye on your setup and video results. This Panasonic camera does exactly that.

The viewfinder of the FZ80 is surprisingly high-resolution at 1170k dots, meaning you’ll always have a crystal clear view of the subjects in your interviews. The built-in Wi-Fi feature and “travel ready” design considerations on this camera make it a great choice for the busy interviewer.

Pros:

  • An affordable video camera
  • Full HD at 30 fps
  • Decent dynamic range

Cons:

  • Doesn’t do too well in low-light scenarios

8. Canon Vixia HF R800 Video Camera

Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camera Camcorder with Audio Input(Microphone), 3.0-Inch Touch Panel LCD, Digic DV 4 Image Processor, 57x Advanced Zoom, and Full HD CMOS Sensor, Black

This is another strong contender for “best camera for interviews”. The color reproduction, optical image stabilization, x57 zoom lens and ergonomic design make this an excellent camera for an intermediate or beginner interviewer.

The controls, settings UI and overall design on this camera are laughably simple to get to grips with. It shouldn’t be a challenge to get started, even if you’re a complete novice. The HF R800 plays nicely with virtually any external mic that uses a standard input.

Flexibility for accessories like tripods is also well thought out here. Overall, this is one of our favorite cameras for interviews.

Pros:

  • x57 zoom lens
  • Audio input for externals mics
  • Fantastic color reproduction

Cons:

  • If you like strong manual controls, this camera isn’t for you

Buy on Amazon

9. Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Camera

Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) w/16-50mm Power Zoom Lens

The APS-C, CMOS sensor on this mirrorless camera from Sony produces stunning image quality for a reasonable price. A number of factors make this a great camera to consider for recording interviews.

Sony has crammed plenty of choice into the video and audio recording controls on the A6000. A wide variety of frame rates, codecs and audio options are available. This should give you plenty of versatility when working in a variety of different interviewing scenarios.

The button layout is refreshingly intuitive on this model; it won’t take you long at all to get up to speed. Chances are, you’ll also want to occasionally take photos with your new piece of kit.

Fortunately, the A6000 is a phenomenal still-image camera that’s capable of taking beautiful photos with minimal effort.

The excellent performance from the A6000 makes it a top candidate as one of the best cameras for interviews.

Pros:

  • A fantastic “all-rounder” camera
  • From Sony’s brilliant line of mirrorless cameras
  • Reasonably priced considering the feature set

Cons:

  • The standard kit lens doesn’t have a zoom ring

10. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) w/16-50mm Power Zoom Lens

The 20.4 megapixel live MOS sensor on this mirrorless camera packs more than enough punch for even the most demanding interview environment. This Olympus camera comes with an auto focus system that frankly embarrasses a huge proportion of the competition.

121 cross-type auto focus points lock onto your subject and keep them crystal clear for every second of your video. This is particularly useful if you’re interviewing someone who gesticulates or moves around a lot when they’re talking.

The quad-core image processor on this camera does a phenomenal job of producing picture-perfect results time after time. A camera like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth it in our opinion. Videos are recorded in full HD and have impressive levels of color accuracy and resolution.

Pros:

  • Fantastic onboard image processing
  • High-end focus and shooting features
  • Compact form factor

Cons:

  • High-end features come with a higher price

Preparing Your Interview Setup

The best video camera in the world will still let you down if you haven’t put any thought into your setup. A huge component of successful video recording is being prepared. Your main questions should be:

  • Is my subject (interviewee) comfortably in frame and in focus?
  • Can the questions and answers in my video be heard clearly?
  • Have I kept distractions to a minimum?

These questions are designed to get you thinking about what you’ll need to get right if your camera is going to produce good results for you.

Tripod

Even the most premium camera will benefit from a tripod, or at least a level surface, in an interview scenario. The vast majority of interviews take place in a static, seated location. For this reason, you don’t need the flexibility that comes with holding your camera in your hand.

Double-check the compatibility of any camera you’re considering. You might need a hot shoe mount to get your tripod to fit. A stable camera is an effective interview camera.

External Microphone

An external microphone is a must-hav. Even some of the best cameras for interviews will need some extra support when it comes to audio recording. If you’re planning on making a career out of conducting interviews, then an external microphone is a must.

Check out some of the best boom mics here.

The main content of any interview is the words that are being exchanged. For this reason, getting your audio crisp and clear should be your top priority. Ask yourself if a microphone attached to your camera will be enough.

It might be worth using a dedicated mic that your interviewee wears instead.

Lighting

Some interview cameras offer good low light results, but in general you’ll need to light your room or environment effectively. Consider the shadows your lighting setup is likely to cast and adapt to make sure everything is perfect. A dimly-lit room isn’t conducive to a killer interview!

Consider the standard three-point lighting setup and see how you can tweak your environment to get the perfect video.

Here are some of the best interview lighting kits.

You may also need a teleprompter.

More

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the best camera for your interview needs, it’s important to consider your current situation and future ambitions.

While it’s easy to get swept up in the latest high-end equipment, a budget-friendly option can serve you just as well in a relatively simple shooting environment with minimal changes.

However, if you’re serious about pursuing a career in interviewing, investing in a camera with an interchangeable lens system can offer a whole new level of versatility and potential for growth. With the ability to update your kit with new lenses as your skills develop, you can create a more personalised approach to your filming style.

Whether you opt for a budget-friendly or more premium camera, we hope our list has helped you find the right fit for your needs. So go out there and have fun using it! And who knows, perhaps this could be the start of a whole new chapter in your career.