Why Vertical (9:16) Video Matters — and When You Need It
The Vertical Revolution
It’s official — vertical video is here to stay. With the rise of TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other mobile-first platforms, more creators are turning their cameras upright. Vertical (9:16) video fills the entire smartphone screen, draws higher engagement, and feels more personal and immersive.
For creators, that means if your content lives online, you need to think vertically. But horizontal video isn’t going anywhere either — it’s still essential for YouTube, websites, client projects, and traditional viewing.
The Challenge: Capturing Both
Shooting both orientations can be tricky. If you only shoot vertically, you lose the cinematic scope of horizontal. If you only shoot horizontally, cropping for social media often cuts off key details. The goal is to record one shot that works for both.
How to Get Both from One Shot
- Shoot in an open-gate or full sensor mode – This gives you a taller image so you can crop both vertical and horizontal versions later.
- Use aspect guides – Turn on frame markers in your viewfinder to keep subjects inside both orientations.
- Use flexible rigs or gimbals – Some mounts let you rotate mid-shoot.
- Shoot wide and stabilize later – Wide lenses and strong IBIS give you extra room to crop and reframe.
- Plan for both – Think about how each orientation will feel — vertical emphasizes height and intimacy, while horizontal gives space and context.
What Makes a Great Camera for Vertical Video
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Vertical metadata & rotation detection | So clips automatically play upright. |
| In-camera 9:16 or crop modes | Saves time in editing. |
| Tall or oversampled sensor modes | Lets you extract both orientations. |
| Powerful stabilization | Vertical shakes are more noticeable. |
| Flip-out screen or side mount | Easier to frame when rotated. |
| High resolution | Essential for cropping flexibility. |
Top Cameras for Vertical & Social-First Creators
Canon EOS R50 V (2025)
Canon’s newest creator-focused body is built for vertical video. It features a dedicated vertical tripod mount, smart rotation detection, and direct 9:16 recording modes. Compact, easy to use, and ready for short-form content — it’s ideal for vloggers and influencers who post daily.
Sony ZV-E10 II (2025)
Sony’s follow-up to the popular ZV-E10 refines what creators already loved: a flip screen, fast autofocus, and an improved sensor. The second generation adds better stabilization and native vertical orientation settings. Perfect for anyone looking to create high-quality Reels or TikToks straight from the camera.
Sony ZV-E1
A full-frame powerhouse that merges cinematic image quality with a creator-friendly design. Its compact body, superb low-light performance, and in-camera cropping options make it a versatile hybrid for pros who shoot for both social and broadcast.
Panasonic Lumix GH6
A favourite among videographers, the GH6 offers open-gate 5.7K recording — perfect for creators who want to extract both horizontal and vertical edits from one take. Its image stabilization is outstanding, making it a reliable choice for handheld social content.
Fujifilm X-T5
The X-T5 delivers beautiful colour and a classic design. Its 6.2K open-gate recording allows flexible cropping for social and cinematic formats, giving you creative control for every platform.
Fujifilm X-HF1 (“Half X”)
Released in mid-2025, the Half X is Fujifilm’s first camera designed around vertical shooting. It features a compact, fixed-lens design with Fuji’s signature film simulations and 4K video — tailor-made for creators who want to shoot social-ready content without extra setup.
DJI Pocket 3
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is built for creators who want pro-quality vertical video without the setup. Its clever rotating touchscreen automatically switches between horizontal and vertical shooting, letting you capture 9:16 content natively in stunning 4K. With a large 1-inch sensor, exceptional stabilization, and accurate subject tracking, it’s perfect for vloggers, travelers, and social media creators who want smooth, cinematic footage that’s ready to post straight from the camera.
Tips for Shooting Horizontal and Vertical in One Workflow
- Frame loosely. Keep headroom above and below your subject so you can crop both ways.
- Use crop guides. Keep both 16:9 and 9:16 borders visible while filming.
- Go wide. A wider focal length ensures nothing important gets cut off.
- Shoot high resolution. More pixels mean more flexibility in post.
- Keep stabilization on. Slight shakes are more distracting vertically.
- Think compositionally. In vertical, height and eye contact feel more intimate; in horizontal, background and space tell the story.
Final Thoughts
Vertical video isn’t a trend anymore — it’s part of the modern workflow. Creators need to think about both orientations if they want to stay relevant across every platform.
The great news is that today’s cameras make it easy. Whether you’re shooting with Canon’s R50 V, Sony’s new ZV-E10 II, Panasonic’s GH6, or Fujifilm’s innovative X-HF1, you can capture content that’s ready for any feed, story, or reel.
Follow Henry’s on social media and visit our online store to explore the newest creator cameras — or drop by in person to talk with our experts about setting up the perfect hybrid workflow for your next shoot.
