The cameras in phones are better than ever, and that applies to both photography and videography. These days, any high-end phone can capture sharp-looking footage. Some are better for point-and-shoot videography, while others are better for specialized video features. What are the best phones for shooting video? We have gathered a list of our favorite video cameras for everyone from the on-the-go videographer to the robust filmmaker.

A man holds a Sony Xperia 1 III for a photo

Source: Sony (Image credit: Source: Sony)

Whether you are vlogging or shooting your next film, these options will serve you well. For the most versatile shooter with the most manual controls, go for the Xperia 1 III, which offers three great cameras, robust manual video controls through its Cinema Pro app, and shoots in a cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio with the efficient h.265 codec.

You can use Cinema Pro to apply different looks to your shots based on the CineAlta Venice, Sony's incredible 6K full-frame cinema camera. You can change settings on the fly, like ISO, white balance, and shutter speed, with the option to shoot at 24FPS. It is one of the most comprehensive video capture experiences we have seen on an Android phone, and it is well worth the money for on-the-go cinematographers.

If you're a professional shooter, you may consider the Xperia Pro, which has the same cameras and Cinema Pro software, but doubles down by connecting your dedicated camera via micro-HDMI. It does not have to be a Sony camera. The Xperia Pro instantly becomes one of the highest resolution external monitors you can buy and allows you to broadcast your footage in real-time or upload it to a backup server over 5G.

If you don't want to spend a lot of money, there are other great options like the Pixel 5a, which offer different stabilization modes for different situations. Unfortunately, you cannot expand its storage or have a dedicated telephoto camera, but it is still an extremely capable shooter.

The good news is that a lot of the best phones are great at video. The phones we listed do a great job with features such as remote operation and background blur. No matter which phone you pick, you will get a video camera that fits in your pocket.