Back in the day it was commonplace for machines to segregate their photo and video capabilities. But all that changed in 2009 with the introduction of the Canon EOS 5D MKII; the first professional photography camera with Full HD video recording capabilities. Just 6 years later companies are already making the push towards 4K and beyond. From the low F stop race of the 1960's, to the high megapixel race of the 2000's, and the ongoing battle of high ISO, video resolution is seemingly next on the list. Even though the selection of 4k cameras for under $1000 is still slim, it already has us asking
"But can I fit it in my pocket?"
"Yes!"
"Ok get on with it then!"
1. Leica D-Lux (Type 109) $1,099.00
Surprisingly enough, this 4k capable Leica camera is among the cheapest of the brand. The black Leica D-LUX (Typ 109) Digital Camera is a compact point and shoot camera that is built around a large, 12.8MP 4/3" MOS sensor which allows for greater depth of field than is possible with smaller-sensor cameras, plus more effective light-gathering ability per pixel. As a result, subjects can be better isolated within the frame and more details are apparent in darker areas of the image with less noise.
For those who wish to capture high-resolution video, the D-LUX (Typ 109) offers NTSC or PAL UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) output at 30p or 24p, which can be saved as easy-to use MP4 files. When lower video resolutions are sufficient, 1080p full HD or standard definition video can be selected instead, and results of any resolution can be played back on the camera's large, sharp 3.0" 921k-dot rear LCD display. During capture, the subject can also be viewed through the camera's 2764k integrated electronic viewfinder. More
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100$750.00
Designed to inspire and expand the creative potential of every camera enthusiast, the LX 100 comes complete with an exciting range of advanced imaging features. It encourages direct, intuitive control with dedicated lens rings and dials, including aperture and control rings for precise zooming and focusing, as well as speed and exposure compensation dials.
In addition to 4K Ultra HD video recording,* the LX100 also has the ability to grab 3840 x 2160 MP equivalent stills from 4K video footage to enlarge and print high-definition photos. Once 4K Photo mode is selected, the luminance level is adjusted to 0-255, suitable for photos. At the same time, you can also select 4:3 or 3:3 in addition to 16:9 with the aspect ratio switch. More
3. Samsung NX500$599.00
Capture brilliant photographs and video with the exceptionally compact NX500 Mirrorless Digital Camera from Samsung. This camera takes a 28.2-megapixel backside-illuminated APS-C CMOS sensor and pairs it with the DRIMe V Image Signal Processor to creative high resolution images with low noise at sensitivities up to ISO 51200. This combination also enables the recording of 4K video at up to 24 fps or UHD at up to 30 fps with HEVC (H.265) compression for saving space without sacrificing quality. Adding to the unit's versatility is the inclusion of the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS zoom lens.
Record true 4K video* for 4X the resolution and details of Full HD. With HEVC (H.265) support, capture extreme details using half the storage space typically used for HD recording. More
4. Sony RX100 IV$950.00
Inside the compact RX100 IV is the world's first memory-attached 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor — a remarkable advance in image shooting possibilities. Use it to reveal the wonders of up to 40x super slow motion, super-high-speed 1/32000 sec. Anti-Distortion Shutter, and handy 4K movies. Now explore infinite imaging freedom beyond imagination.
The RX100 IV can record high-precision 4K moviedata. Moreover, stunning high-precision 4K images with suppressed moiré and jaggies can be delivered via data readout without pixel binning or line skipping. More