List Of Cameras With Global Shutter – Comprehensive Guide!
Global shutter cameras capture images all at once, avoiding motion blur or distortion. They’re ideal for fast action, industrial use, and filmmaking. New 2025 models offer better quality and more options.
If you’ve ever taken a picture or video of something moving fast—like a car, a spinning fan, or a sports player—and it came out blurry or wobbly, your camera probably used a rolling shutter. But there’s a better option: global shutter cameras. These cameras freeze motion perfectly, giving you clear, undistorted images.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What a global shutter is
- Why it’s better for fast action
- The best global shutter cameras available in 2025
Let’s dive in!
🧐 What Is a Global Shutter?
A shutter is the part of the camera that opens and closes to let light hit the sensor. In rolling shutters, the sensor scans the image one line at a time—top to bottom. This causes problems when your subject moves fast.
A global shutter, on the other hand, captures the entire image at once. This stops any bending, warping, or motion blur.
📷 Global Shutter vs Rolling Shutter:
| Feature | Global Shutter | Rolling Shutter |
| Motion Blur | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Wobbly Images | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Fast Motion Shots | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Not ideal |
| Cost | 💰 Higher | 💰 Lower |
Why Use a Global Shutter Camera?
Global shutter cameras are better when:
- The subject is moving fast
- You want to avoid distortion
- You’re using drones, robots, or industrial equipment
- You need clear and accurate images
These cameras are used in:
- Sports photography
- Action filmmaking
- Scientific research
- Factory and machine vision
- Drone and FPV racing
📸 Best Global Shutter Cameras in 2025
We’ve gathered a list of the top global shutter cameras this year, organized by use case.
🎥 1. Sony Alpha a9 III (Best for Sports & Events)
- Sensor: Full-frame with global shutter
- Speed: 120 frames per second
- Use: Sports, wildlife, high-speed events
- Price: Around $6,000
- Why it’s great: First full-frame mirrorless camera with a true global shutter. It’s fast, reliable, and perfect for action.
🎬 2. RED Komodo 6K (Best for Filmmakers)
- Sensor: Super 35mm
- Video: 6K resolution, cinema-quality
- Use: Professional video production
- Price: Around $6,000+
- Why it’s great: Compact, powerful, and used in many Hollywood films. Global shutter eliminates the “jello” effect in video.
📹 3. Grass Valley LDX 180 (New in 2025)
- Sensor: 51.8MP 10K global shutter
- Use: High-end broadcasting
- Why it’s great: Just released in 2025, it delivers top-quality images with no distortion. Great for live sports and events.
🎒 4. Sony RX0 II (Best Compact Option)
- Type: Tiny and rugged
- Features: Global shutter-like performance
- Use: Action shots, vlogging, drones
- Price: Under $700
- Why it’s great: Fits in your pocket, tough body, and handles movement very well.
🔬 5. FLIR Blackfly S (Best for Industrial Use)
- Sensor: CMOS global shutter
- Connection: USB 3.0
- Use: Machine vision, robotics
- Why it’s great: Popular in factories and research labs. Very accurate and reliable for inspections.
🧪 6. IMPERX P67-C1911 (Scientific Imaging)
- Sensor: 2.86MP CMOS, 40 fps
- Use: Scientific cameras, industrial QA
- Why it’s great: Designed for fast, accurate image capture under controlled lighting.
💡 7. Basler Ace 2 X (High-Speed Industry Use)
- Sensor: Multiple models
- Use: Manufacturing, AI inspection
- Why it’s great: Compact, flexible, and easy to install in machines.
🛠️ 8. Raspberry Pi Global Shutter Camera (Best for DIY Projects)
- Sensor: 1.6MP
- Price: Around $60
- Use: Makers, students, hobbyists
- Why it’s great: Affordable, easy to program, and works well in Raspberry Pi projects.
🛩️ 9. Dream Chip AtomOne (Smallest Broadcast Camera)
- Type: Ultra-compact global shutter
- Use: Broadcasting in small spaces
- Why it’s great: Fits where others don’t—perfect for drones, helmets, or stage setups.
Also Read: How To Reset Vicohome Camera – Easy Step-by-Step Guide!
How to Choose the Right Camera for You?
Ask yourself:
- What are you using it for?
Photography? Filmmaking? Industry? Choose a camera made for that task. - Do you need a photo or video?
Some cameras specialize in photos (Sony a9 III), others in video (RED Komodo). - What’s your budget?
- Budget DIY: Raspberry Pi Camera (~$60)
- Mid-range: Sony RX0 II (~$700)
- High-end: RED, Sony a9 III, Grass Valley (~$6,000+)
- Budget DIY: Raspberry Pi Camera (~$60)
- Do you need it for a machine or automation?
Go with FLIR or Basler—they’re built for industry use.
FAQs:
1. What does a global shutter camera do better than a rolling shutter?
A global shutter captures the entire image at once, avoiding blur and warping from fast movement—making it better for sports, drones, and fast-moving subjects.
2. Are global shutter cameras good for drone footage?
Yes, they’re excellent for drones. They prevent video wobble and keep footage stable during fast turns, rapid movement, or sudden changes in lighting.
3. Do all expensive cameras have global shutters?
No, not all expensive cameras have global shutters. Some use advanced rolling shutters. Only specific models like Sony a9 III or RED Komodo offer true global shutter sensors.
4. Can I find a cheap global shutter camera for DIY projects?
Yes, the Raspberry Pi Global Shutter Camera is a budget-friendly option, ideal for hobbyists and students wanting to explore robotics, photography, or motion analysis.
5. Is a global shutter necessary for everyday photography?
Not always. For normal photos or videos, a rolling shutter works fine. Global shutters are better when capturing fast motion, scientific data, or industrial processes.
Conclusion:
Global shutter cameras are the top choice for capturing fast motion with clarity and no distortion. They’re widely used in sports, drones, filmmaking, and industrial inspections. With more models available in 2025—from pro gear like the Sony a9 III to DIY tools like Raspberry Pi—there’s an option for every need and budget. If image quality and speed matter to you, a global shutter camera is definitely worth considering.
