The Quick List ↩
1. Best DSLR
2. Best vlogging
3. Best for travel
4. Best action cam
5. Best filmmaking
6. Best full-frame
7. Best smartphone
8. Best 360-degree
How to choose
How we test
The best slow motion cameras allow you to capture incredibly dynamic footage. They can slow fast-moving sports, wildlife, and action subjects to barely a crawl, and capture the smallest details of movement we can't normally see.
Many consumer cameras and even smartphones now have slow-motion capabilities or dedicated modes. For years, I’ve enjoyed using the best GoPro cameras to get cinematic slow-mo video on adventures and filmmaking models like the Panasonic Lumix GH6 for expressive wedding work. Below, I'll share the best slow-motion camera options, depending on your budget and what you need it for.
What counts as slow motion, and what should you look for? The maximum frame rates vary from camera to camera, but as a rule of thumb, the higher the better. You get some degree of slow motion at 60fps, but I’d recommend 120fps or 240fps to retain detail with incredibly fast-moving subjects.
Slow-motion footage isn't right for every shoot – it's best used sparingly. Raising the frame rate generally involves lowering the video resolution, and fast frame rates also require a lot of light. However, the best slow-motion cameras are an epic tool for any filmmaker or video content creator when used in the right situation. Scroll down to check out the best you can currently buy.
Lauren is a writer, reviewer, and photographer, the former Managing Editor of Digital Camera World, Deputy Editor of our sister publication, Digital Camera Magazine, Editor of Digital Photographer and a features writer for Tech Radar, Canon Europe and Stuff. She's shot with almost all of the slow-motion cameras on this list but mostly uses a GoPro Hero 11 Black to capture slow-mo footage of her running adventures and dog walks.
The quick list
The 90D is a sturdy and versatile APS-C sensor DSLR and a great all-rounder with slow-motion footage as an option. You can capture up to 120fps (in Full HD) and the excellent face and eye tracking works well to produce sharp and clear results.
Sony's pocket-friendly vlogging camera is perfect for new content creators, with its pull-out screen, selfie video light, and mic. I love the size of this camera, and as well as a standard slow-mo option of 120fps, there's a super-slow motion setting of 960fps.
This cute handheld camera is a YouTuber and blogger’s dream, especially if you travel and capture moments on the go. The Pocket 2 records up to 240fps in Full HD, and you get various video options, including Pro modes, Time-lapse, and Hyper-lapse.
The iconic GoPro had to be on this list. If you shoot sports or action and want blistering speeds in a tiny, rugged case, it's your best shot. You get up to 8x slow motion (240 fps) in 1080p, and can edit clips together on your smartphone to send to social channels.
The Lumix GH6 isn't full-frame, but that doesn't stop it being the best choice for serious filmmakers. You get 240fps in Full HD or 120fps at 4K. With dedicated buttons for recording and audio, speedy AF and excellent stabilization, it's great value.
If you're a pro videographer or YouTuber the A7S III should fit your needs perfectly. The 12MP sensor is small by modern standards, but it's designed to work exceptionally in low light. Add 120fps at 4K with full AF, and you have a solid package.
View the full list ⇩
Want a smartphone camera that can keep up? Samsung's S23 Ultra isn't the newest model, but it offers dedicated slow and sup-slow mo modes, alongside a host of manual and automated photography features for creative shooting.
This unique 360-degree will have niche appeal, but it's ideal if you want a way to capture your surroundings in slow-mo. Like most on this list, you get 4K at up to 120fps. I think content creators will love the effects they get if they can ignore the steep price.
Best slow motion camera in 2024
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Best slow motion DSLR
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You like the DSLR format: There's a solid grip for handholding the camera and the battery life is impressive.
✅ You want an optical viewfinder: As a DSLR, this is the only camera on the list with a traditional viewfinder.
❌ You want something compact: The 90D's chunky build isn't the right fit if you want a pocket-friendly camera.
❌ You shoot a lot in low light: With its cropped sensor size, the 90D won't perform as well as a full-frame camera at higher ISOs.
The flexible and affordable Canon EOS 90D is a brilliant all-rounder if you like to shoot a bit of everything, including slow motion. It combines mirrorless video features and live view autofocus with classic DSLR handling to give you a well-built camera with good battery life, plus a vari-angle touchscreen for creative compositions and vertical shooting. Our reviewer said that “everything about the EOS 90D’s operation feels honed to perfection.” While they did note that the single memory card slot could be a dealbreaker for advancers users.
There’s 4K recording with the full width of the sensor, and you’ll be able to capture up to 120fps (in Full HD) slow-motion footage – with excellent face and eye tracking working well to produce sharp and clear results. Several cameras in Canon’s lineup are limited to 720p for 120fps shooting, so the 90D is the one to look towards if it’s something you’re particularly interested in, especially if you’re keen to take advantage of the more extensive range of Canon lenses that are available for EF mount DSLRs.
While some of the cameras in this list are video-focused, the 90D’s 32.5-megapixel resolution puts it squarely in the hybrid camp. The APS-C sensor effectively gives lenses 1.6x reach compared to a full-frame, and that’s great if you capture wildlife or sports and want to get more reach. But it’s slightly limiting in low light, and our review found that you can only push the camera to ISO1600 before you start to lose textured detail.
Still, with a headphone and mic jack, optical viewfinder, and uncropped 4K for a sensible price, the EOS 90 is a versatile tool for creating lots of different types of shots, using slow-mo when appropriate.
Read our full Canon EOS 90D review
Best slow motion camera for vlogging
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You travel a lot: Small but somewhat mighty, the ZV-1's design is slim and portable for on-the-go content.
✅ You're a beginner: This point-and-shoot is easy to use, with few manual controls on the body.
❌ Battery life is important: The ZV-1 drains quickly (especially in slow-mo) and you'll need spares for longer shoots.
❌ You want to change lenses: You're stuck with the built-in lens, which might limit what you can shoot beyond wide-angle vlogging.
The Sony ZV-1 came out in 2020 as part of the company’s vlogging lineup for YouTubers. It’s no surprise then, that it comes with a range of features specifically for video and content creation. Take the flip-out screen, which is especially good for vertical video, the built-in mic, hot shoe and 3.5mm port, and the bright fixed wide-angle lens (a 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 zoom). I was skeptical of the ZV-1 before using it, but won over by its compact size, 4K video, and advanced autofocus and subject detection. That’s why I think it deserves a place on this list over the second-gen Sony ZV-II, which isn’t enough of an upgrade to recommend.
As well as relatively standard slow-mo options, such as 120fps, you also get a super-slow motion setting that records at 960fps. With this, you can slow down the action for the most dramatic results possible. Sony’s made a few odd decisions here, like a vari-angle screen you can’t use with full touch control for self-shooting. There’s no viewfinder, no flash, and no mode dial, but photographers can get to shooting modes with the Mode Button instead. Our reviewer found that colors were rich and natural for stills, and although the 1-inch sensor is smaller than in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, it can offer enough focus fall-off to give a sense of depth.
The Sony ZV-1 is designed purely with vloggers in mind, and the body and controls are optimized perfectly for that purpose. Having the slow-mo options available helps you to inject some interesting extra shots into your footage while being a great all-rounder for the rest of your recordings. Small, affordable, and portable, the Z-V1 lets you slow down your footage but speed up your creation game.
Read our full Sony ZV-1 review
Best slow motion camera for travel
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're into streaming: The Pocket 2 allows live streaming to platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch over Wi-Fi.
✅ You talk and walk: The brilliant stabilization and unique handheld design make it ideal for solo videographers who vlog while moving.
❌ You want a true hybrid: It's not great for stills because of the small sensor and 16MP resolution.
❌ You work in water: It's unsuitable for submerging unless you buy a separate Pocket 2 Waterproof Case.
The second DJI pocket is just as cute as the original, and just as impressive when it comes to creating stable video. Given its pocketable size, this camera is a YouTuber and vlogger’s dream, especially for traveling and capturing moments on the go. But does it offer more than you could get from an advanced smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra below? Sort of.
If you’re interested in the DJI Pocket 2, I’d recommend picking it up with the smart creator combo system, which comes with a case, tripod mount, wrist strap, wireless microphone, windshield, wide-angle lens, tripod and a handle, which sports a mic-in jack. It turns the camera into a pocketable rig.
Getting into the video specs, you’ve got a wide variety of different video options, including Time-lapse and Hyper-lapse. In terms of slow-mo, you can go all the way up to 240fps when recording at Full HD, which is lower than some of the 4K 240p cameras on this list. Despite having a 64MP sensor, the DJI Pocket 2 captures photos with a resolution of 16MP by default. Our reviewer wasn’t wowed by the stills out of the Pocket 2 but felt that its video stabilization handles walks, wobbles and steps well. “The results are categorically great, with none of the shaky, artifact-heavy footage that electronic image stabilization generates, as found across most action cameras and smartphones.”
Where the Pocket 2 falls flat is noise handling, so it’s not the one to get if you plan to shoot in darker environments. It’s built for on-person video, with the wireless mic performing admirably. For day-to-day use in good lighting, the Pocket 2 is a creative tool you can slip into a pocket and have a lot of fun using.
Read our full DJI Pocket 2 review
Best slow motion action camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a rugged build: With waterproofing up to 33 feet (10 meters), you can take this GoPro into rain and waves without trouble.
✅ You're into social media: The free GoPro Quik app makes light work of video transfers so you can get content up quickly and easily.
❌ You want unlimited recording: You can capture around 18 minutes of 4K content at 120fps before the GoPro overheats.
❌ Size isn't important: Bigger cameras could provide better image quality if you're happy to carry them.
Despite the Hero 11 Black looking like every other GoPro this side of 2019 design-wise, its hardware and software have been upgraded on all fronts to make it a real triumph of an action camera. It's perfect if you're looking for a compact, rugged camera to take on adventures or document fast-paced sports. Personally, I love using it to shoot slow-mo POV footage of my dog as she wears the GoPro Fetch Harness.
I haven't put the newer GoPro Hero 12 Black in this slot, because although you get upgraded stabilization, HDR video, and external audio, it's more expensive than the 11 Black and doesn't offer any extra slow-mo benefits. The camera's digital HyperView lens captures ultra-wide SuperView footage, and you still get an 8:7 aspect ratio which is a standout highlight for content creators. The almost square sensor is versatile, the camera's software is simple, and GoPro's companion app Quik is great at helping you edit reels and videos on your smartphone.
The Hero 11 Black can shoot in 5.3K resolution, 8:7 video at up to 30fps, and its footage can be losslessly cropped to create new 4K portrait, landscape, and square clips from a single video. Key for slow-motion footage, the camera can capture 5.3K resolution video at 60 fps, 4K resolution video at 120 fps, or 2.7K resolution at up to 240 fps – as long as you've got a fast-enough MicroSD card.
The Hero 11 Black might not have wildly improved the line's lowlight performance. Still, with its new 8:7 sensor, a simplified interface, and enhanced horizon leveling, it's upgraded GoPro's offering meaningfully. I think it's incredibly appealing if you want a pocketable and versatile camera, use multiple social platforms, and want to shoot, edit, and share your content on the go.
Read our full GoPro Hero 11 Black review
Best slow motion camera for filmmakers
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're an advanced user: This is a cinema camera for pros, and the dedicated buttons and modes reflect that.
✅ You want a solid build: The GH6's magnesium alloy frame is dust and splash-resistant.
❌ You want the best autofocus: The contrast-based Depth From Defocus system doesn't work well at slow frame rates.
❌ You want full-frame: If you're a pro you might find the Micro Four Thirds sensor outdated.
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a camera for those who are already serious about video – or want a tool to help them get serious. Popular with independent filmmakers and creatives, it gives you an incredibly comprehensive amount of high-quality recording formats, including internal Apple ProRes 422 and ProRes 422 HQ.
Its slow-motion credentials are assured, as it can shoot in 4K resolution at up to 120fps, and in Full HD at up to 240fps. Drop down to 10-bit FHD video without sound or autofocus, and you can reach 300fps. I recently shot a client’s wedding dance using the FullHD capture mode at 240p, and the resulting slow-motion footage was just stunning despite the low lighting conditions.
When our resident video expert tested the GH6, he noted how “the design choices taken by Lumix clearly favor filmmakers.” There’s a fully articulated and tilting 3.0-inch monitor for reaching creative compositions or pieces to camera, and cine-camera features like a sub-video record button, audio management button and forced-cooling open fan mechanism. That means that recording times are unlimited. The only limit is the capacity of your storage and battery. As reviewer Jon also found, “The Lumix GH6 eats through batteries. If you’re shooting at 4K/60 or higher you will need a new battery every 1-1.5 hours of footage you capture. However, you can run it while connected to mains or a power bank.”
With a staggering suite of video options and codecs, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is one of the most comprehensive consumer video cameras that videographers can buy. It's not a cheap camera (but it is fantastic value for what you get) and for many users, it might be more tech than you need. However, the Lumix GH6 is an outstanding slow-motion camera for filmmakers looking for quality and versatility.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix GH6 review
Best full-frame slow motion camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You mainly shoot video: You won't be able to crop in or make big prints from the 12MP resolution sensor.
✅ You want comfortable ergonomics: The GH6's magnesium alloy frame is dust and splash-resistant.
❌ You're looking for value: The A7S III is priced for advanced creators and is very expensive before you even consider lenses.
❌ You want 120p 4K Raw output: The A7S III gives you cropped UHD 4K footage at up to 120p, but not in Raw mode.
The Sony A7S III is the third model in Sony’s most video-centric series of full-frame cameras, and like the GH6 above, it’s another top option if you’re serious about videography. If you’re a professional content creator or YouTuber who needs a native 4K camera with slow-motion options, it’s worth every penny.
Sony’s 12.1MP sensor sounds modest but has huge pixels spread across a full-frame area. That’s bigger than the GH6’s micro four-thirds sensor – even though the resolution is lower – and the back-illuminated structure can take in more light meaning you get hugely impressive low-light performance for video and stills.
The A7S III offers a huge range of 4K and HD codecs and no limits on recording times. You can capture slow-mo at up to 120fps at 4K and go to 240fps in HD, still in 10-bit quality. For creating subtle slo-mo effects at high resolutions, it’s ideal. Our reviewer loved that the advanced autofocus worked in all modes too. “The AF system is second to none, thanks to its customization for video use. The “great focus tracking, helped by touch-to-focus on the screen, tracks the object as it moves.”
Handling is fast, too. The first Sony Alpha cameras were criticized for their poor menu systems but the A7S III benefits from a streamlined user interface and full touchscreen that makes navigation and handling so much less frustrating. I found it much easier to change settings on the A7S III than on my Sony A7 III.
The A7S III is capable of producing superb results across a variety of subjects. You pay a premium price for having such flexibility, but if you’re a professional who often works in challenging or low lighting I think it’s worth the outlay.
Read our full Sony A7S III review
Best slow motion smartphone camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You need to upgrade your current phone: The S23 Ultra isn't necessarily worth buying just for slow-motion, but a great upgrade to an aging device.
✅ You like a big phone: The S23's expansive 6.8-inch screen displays slow-mo content and games beautifully, but it dwarfs small hands.
❌ You want the latest model: The S24 Ultra flagship model has surpassed the S23 Ultra.
❌ You prefer iPhones: The S23 is great for those familiar with Android OS. For Apple users, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a top alternative.
If you’re looking for a new smartphone that allows you to shoot dedicated slow motion content and share it straightaway, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a great choice. It isn't the company’s latest release (as it’s 2024 we’re into the Galaxy 24 Ultra lineup) but standout camera specs include a 200MP wide-angle lens and a 10MP telephoto with 10x zoom.
There are heaps of camera modes, including Slow motion and Super Slow-mo mode, offering a maximum of 960fps in 1080p, which is up from 240fps on the S22 Ultra. But Samsung’s Expert Raw app is the biggest draw for serious photographers, allowing you to save files in JPEGs or DNGs for easy editing. Our reviewer said that the S23 Ultra was like having two camera phones in one – the automatic camera packed with contrast and saturation, and the pro mode that lets you dial up exposure levels with manual settings. You can even connect it to a Bluetooth microphone for external audio recording.
Design-wise, the S23 Ultra is lovely to look at, and I’m saying that as a long-term iPhone fan. It does a great job avoiding fingerprint marks, while the pop-out S Pen lives in the base. The 6.8-inch AMOLED screen is spacious for editing and watching content, or even playing games, making this the most versatile product in the guide. With IP68 water and dust resistance, nothing is missing regarding durability. It’s Samsung’s top-of-the-range smartphone, but it is big and expensive. The S23 Ultra is the perfect choice for Android users wanting to film slow motion content without shelling out for a dedicated video camera. If you need a new smartphone and don’t mind its size, the S23 Ultra will take you from day to night with excellent results.
Best 360-degree slow motion camera
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're after unique views: The only 360-degree camera on this list, the Kandao gives you immersive footage and panoramic photos.
✅ Money is no object: You could get a full-frame mirrorless with 4K 120fps for the same price, so you'll have to really want the 360 capabilities.
❌ You want a durable build: Without waterproofing as standard, the Kandao is susceptible to damage in wet environments.
❌ You want all-day battery life: The short battery life means you'll need to recharge or carry spares for extended use.
I’ve added the Kandao QooCam 8K to suit a niche, that niche being 360-degree footage in slow motion for creative filmmakers. I think it’s a camera you’ll want to use for supplementary footage rather than as your main workhorse. This small handheld camera is packed with two fisheye lenses that work together to create a wraparound panoramic image and this gives you an interesting and unique perspective on the world.
The Kandao QooCam 8K is capable of recording at a maximum of 8K, and you also get slow-mo in 4K at up to 120fps, which our reviewer found to be excellent. “When it comes to the quality of its photos and videos, the QooCam 8K is peerless in the 360º market. Photos have plenty of color and contrast like nothing we’ve seen before from a camera like this.” You can also use AI Slow Motion to boost capabilities to 1200fps, although this gives mixed results. You can also capture everything and make editing choices later, with an 8K ExpressEdit mode allowing clips to be handled on a phone without having a meltdown.
Despite being marketed for adventure – think skateboarding, skiing, and surfing trips – this 360-degree camera isn’t waterproof, which immediately puts it behind the GoPro lineup for rugged applications. What it does offer is a vibrant 2.4-inch touchscreen and 4K 360-degree live streaming. There’s also a 6-axis gyro to stabilize movement and capture smooth footage, It’s also incredibly expensive, coming in at more than the Panasonic GH6 with a lens. This unique camera won’t have widespread appeal to a huge number of users, but if you’re looking to inject some special shots into your commercial footage and have the budget to play with, it’s worth looking into.
Read our full Kandao QooCam 8K review
How to choose the best slow motion camera
To choose the best slow-motion camera, consider what you need it for. Will it be your main camera, with slow-mo recording being just one option available? Or, are you looking to get a camera dedicated entirely to creative footage? Do you want to shoot great stills and have the ability to change lenses? Or will you be creating video-only?
If you’re shooting slow-mo footage as part of a professional production, a large sensor camera like the Sony A7S III will yield better image quality and low-light performance. But full-frame models also come at a premium. Decide what frame rate capabilities you need. The cameras here are all capable of 120fps, but higher frame rates like 240fps give you smoother playback and are generally better for faster-moving subjects. While some can record up to 960fps, this often comes at the expense of resolution or autofocus capabilities.
Consider size, form factor, and compatibility with accessories like lenses and external monitors. An action camera like the GoPro Hero 11 Black is small enough to fit in a pocket and has tonnes of mounts available to help you capture footage while running, skiing and even dog walking. A pro-level camera like the Panasonic GH6 is more at home on a video gimbal or tripod and has interchangeable lenses for greater versatility.
How do super slow motion cameras work?
Slow motion cameras record footage at incredibly high frame rates, giving you potentially hundreds of frames per second that, when played back at standard frame rates like 24 or 30fps, appear slowed down.
What fps is best for slow-motion?
The best number of frames per second (fps) for you will depend on the effects you want to achieve and the subjects you’re shooting. Cameras can record slow motion footage in increments of 60; think 60fps, 120fps, and 240fps. Some can reach 960fps with the help of AI or computational photography processing.
From experience, 60fps can be used for subtle slow motion that gives the effect of movement without sacrificing detail, 120fps gives smoother slow-mo footage, while 240fps is better for capturing fast-paced action with more detail in slow-mo. But bear in mind that the higher the frame rates, the higher the amount of storage space and processing power you’ll need.
How we test the best slow motion cameras
The best slow motion cameras aren’t one type or format but include action cameras, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones. That means it can be hard to compare them like for like, but we’ll test them in controlled lab conditions where possible alongside extensive hands-on testing to see how they perform in real-world scenarios.
For entries like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with dedicated slow-mo modes, we’ll test these out on fast-moving subjects and see how fine detail is captured. You don’t generally buy a camera just for slow-mo, so we also test how each camera performs for general use over several days or weeks in various environments.
Our expert reviewers consider how the camera handles, whether its design helps you to compose shots and pick settings effectively, and whether they found any obvious limitations that stop the camera from fulfilling its intended purpose.
We’ll combine their findings with our in-house lab tests measuring resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range.
Find out more about how we test and review at Digital Camera World.
