Kinefinity MAVO MAVO Mark2 S35

The Kinefinity MAVO Mark2 S35 is a speed-demon cinema camera that captures 6K 96fps ProRes 4444 video with stunning dynamic range. It's entirely manual—no AF, no stabilization—and requires a proper rig to shine. At $4,698, it's a steal for serious filmmakers but a poor choice for anyone wanting a grab-and-go camera.

The Kinefinity MAVO Mark2 S35 isn't a hybrid camera pretending to do a bit of everything. It's a dedicated digital cinema camera built for one thing: capturing incredible high-speed footage with minimal compromise. You get a Super35 sensor, an ARRI PL mount in the box, and internal ProRes 4444 recording up to 6K at 60fps, with insane burst rates hitting 96fps at full resolution and 112fps in 4K. If you're a filmmaker who lives by manual focus and external monitors, this thing is a revelation at its price.

But that focus comes with some serious trade-offs. There's no autofocus, no in-body stabilization, a mediocre built-in display, and a battery that won't last long without external power. This is a camera that expects to be rigged up with a cage, follow focus, and external monitor. If you're hoping to pull it out of the bag and shoot handheld like a mirrorless cam, you're going to have a bad time.

In our testing, the MAVO Mark2 S35's burst mode is nothing short of breathtaking. It can sustain 6K Wide 96fps footage and 4K at up to 112fps internally, all while writing buttery-smooth ProRes 4444. That's performance we rarely see outside of cameras costing three times as much. The dual native ISO (800/3200) keeps noise well-controlled in low light, and the 14+ stops of dynamic range give you plenty of latitude for grading. Video quality overall is among the best on the market for this class, but that performance comes at a cost: you'll need an external recorder if you want to push beyond the internal SSD, and working without any form of stabilization means every shot demands a proper support system.

At $4,698, the MAVO Mark2 S35 undercuts most cinema cameras by a wide margin while delivering internal ProRes 4444 that rivals far pricier systems. But that value evaporates if you account for the necessary accessories: you'll need an external monitor, a solid rig, batteries, and possibly a lens adapter to use EF or other glass. Measured against a hybrid like the Canon R6 Mark III or Fuji X-H2S, which can shoot impressive video with AF and IBIS built in, the Kinefinity looks expensive. However, for a cinematographer who values frame rates and codecs above all else, this is a steal compared to the REDs and ARRIs of the world.

Stacked against the current crop of high-end hybrids, the MAVO Mark2 S35 is a specialized weapon. The Sony a1 II and Nikon Z9 can both shoot 8K video with autofocus and world-class EVFs, but they can't touch this camera's internal 6K 96fps ProRes capabilities. The Fuji X-H2S comes close with internal ProRes, but maxes out at 4K 120fps, and lacks a full Super35 sensor. The Panasonic S5IIX is a video powerhouse with great stabilization, yet it's still a hybrid that can't match the sustained raw throughput of the MAVO. If you're willing to sacrifice convenience for pure cinematic firepower, the MAVO wins. If you need a camera that can also shoot stills and nail focus with a button, any of those hybrids will serve you better.

Skip this camera if you rely on autofocus, in-body stabilization, or an all-in-one hybrid design. Vloggers, run-and-gun documentarians, and event shooters will find the lack of these features maddening. If you need a camera that can also capture high-res stills between video takes, look at the Sony a1 II or Nikon Z9 instead.

Buy this camera if you're a dedicated filmmaker or cinematographer who lives for high-speed, high-dynamic-range footage and doesn't blink at the idea of building out a manual cinema rig. The MAVO Mark2 S35 is a no-compromise video tool that rewards those who know how to pull focus by hand and light scenes meticulously. It's not for dabblers or hybrid shooters, but for the right person, it's one of the best cinema bargains you'll find.