Sky-high prices of cinema cameras can be overwhelming to newbie filmmakers. Fortunately, great stories do not need to be filmed with the most expensive camera, a crew of hundreds, and a budget in the millions. The story, acting, lighting, sound, and costume are equally integral to your film’s success. However, without a camera, you wouldn’t be able to capture your movie, so here is a compilation of good cameras for filmmaking.
Why Did We Pick These Filmmaking Cameras?
Just because you’re a student or a beginner filmmaker doesn’t mean you should compromise on the quality of your equipment. Each of the camera bodies in this list prioritizes features important to videographers of any skill level: full functionality (which we explore in each camera review), ease of use, image stabilization, and sensor size.
Ease of Use
It’s hard to do your best video recording work when you’re fighting with menus, searching for buried settings, or struggling with an extreme learning curve.
With any of the camera bodies listed here, you can practice your videography by focusing on settings, composition, and style rather than spending time reading in-depth instructions or poring over online tutorials.
We’ve selected five fantastic mirrorless cameras across an affordable price range that make it relatively simple to create high-quality video right out of the box. Whether you plan to start with informal vlogging, short films, or feature-length productions, these cameras offer everything you need for successful filmmaking.
Image Stabilization
While big-budget films use complex gimbals and camera rigs to achieve smooth shots, the best cameras for filmmaking students and beginners offer internal image stabilization.
Spend less time worrying about all the accessories large-scale cinematic productions use to keep their shots crisp and wiggle-free by working with image-stabilized camera bodies and lenses.
Image stabilization makes it possible to shoot at a lower ISO so you can preserve every detail in each shot and avoid the hassle of high ISO noise. You’ll also enjoy the added depth-of-field flexibility when you don’t have to shoot wide open all the time.
Sensor Size
Sensor size really matters in contemporary filmmaking cameras. Larger sensors deliver higher-resolution footage, better noise handling at higher ISO, and a more professional looking final product.
Each of the cameras on this list offers a generous image sensor (either a full frame or APS-C sensor) capable of much higher resolution than you could ever hope to achieve from a micro four-thirds sensor.
While UHD 4K and HD video have long been the standard, 6K (and even 8K) footage is the wave of the future for video production. Selecting the highest resolution camera now ensures that your gear is future proof for at least a few years to come.
The Best Cameras for Beginner Filmmakers
1. Sony Alpha a7 IV
Cameras in the Sony Alpha line are consistent top performers for filmmaking. And the Sony Alpha a7 IV offers plenty of upgraded features to consider that will save you time in post production and result in better looking footage.
The a7 IV’s 33MP Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor renders color more accurately than any previous Alpha model, and it reduces noise when shooting at higher ISOs. One of the most important lessons for new filmmakers is how to work with available light. Additionally, this sensor sets you up for success with a 15+ stop dynamic range and fantastic resolution.
The ever-helpful Active Mode cuts excessive movement with the camera’s internal image stabilizers, sensors, and computer learning.
Whether you’re shooting at regular speed or in slow motion, you can feel confident in the smoothness of your camera movements. All the camera’s image-stabilization data is recorded with your footage so you can make adjustments and amplify motion smoothing in post production as needed.
Finally, learn more about the Sony a7 IV in this hands-on review with filmmaker Renan Ozturk.
Key Features
- 33MP full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 8x more powerful, next generation BIONZ XR image processing engine
- Up to 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ full pixel readout in all rec. formats
- 7K oversampling full-frame 4K 30p 10-bit 4:2:2 w/ no pixel binning
- Real-time Eye-AF for humans, animals, birds for photo and movie
- S-Cinetone, S-Log, HLG and 10 Creative Look presets in-camera
- Advanced movie features; Focus Map, Breathing Comp., AF Assist
- UVC/UAC live streaming up to 4K 15p/1080 60p w/ internal recording
- Sensor Size: Full Frame Camera Format
- Max Video Quality: 4K 60fps
- In-Body Stabilization: 5-Axis Digital
2. Fujifilm X-H2S
While many camera bodies feel like photography tools with video capabilities, the Fujifilm X-H2S feels like a true videographer’s camera with enhanced video functionality.
If you’ve ever worked with a subpar or out-of-date camera, you know the deep frustration of reviewing a take and then discovering that you missed focus. When you shoot at 4K resolution and above, every focusing mistake is amplified, so there’s no room for error. When it comes to accuracy and reliability, the autofocusing system of the Fujifilm X-H2S will impress any beginner filmmaker or seasoned professional.
The combined internal X-Processor 5 and upgraded AF algorithm offer subject-detection autofocusing that takes advantage of Deep Learning technology. With minimal effort, you can detect and track any type of subject in motion regardless of low-light conditions or level of contrast within the scene.
Up to seven stops of in-body image stabilization deliver even more reliability to filmmakers so when the camera and subject are both in motion, you’ll still achieve impressive results.
Key Features
- 26.1 Megapixel X-Trans5 Stacked BSI Imaging Sensor (APS-C)
- X-Processor 5 with double the processing speed of prior models and reduced power consumption and improved battery life
- Shoots 4K video at 120 frames per second, 6.2K at 30P, and HD at 240P in Apple ProRes internally in 10-bit at 4:2:2, 14-stop Dynamic Range
- High Framerate – Up to 7 Stops of IBIS, 15fps MS, 40fps ES, high-capacity buffer
- High End Video – Record ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW through HDMI using External Recorder
- Advanced movie features; Record ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW through HDMI using external recorder
- Sensor Size: APS-C Camera Format
- Max Video Quality: 4K 120fps
- In-Body Stabilization: 5-Axis Digital
3. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro feels like a hybrid between a DSLR camera and a cinecamera at a very reasonable price point. With a Canon EF lens mount, you can take advantage of the complete line of full-frame Canon lenses, known for their impressive focusing features and attractive footage quality.
Whether you choose to record in 6K, 4K, or at a lower resolution, you’ll love the impressive low-light performance here, thanks to 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISOs that top off at 25,600.
This camera body offers room to grow with useful upgrades like a battery grip for extending battery life, an angled electronic viewfinder, and the ability to record to large-capacity solid state external drives via USB-C connection instead of using expensive and space-restricted memory cards.
Finally, this camera offers one key benefit that others on this list don’t: internal ND filters for extreme control over any lighting condition.
For more information, read our hands-on review of the Blackmagic 6K Pro with filmmaker Vince Rappa.
Key Features
- 23.10mm x 12.99mm Super35 HDR CMOS Image Sensor with Gen 5 Color Science
- Shoots 6K up to 50 fps, 4K DCI to 60 fps, Ultra HD up to 60 fps, 2.8K 17:9 up to 120 fps, and HD up to 120 fps
- 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO range of up to 25,600
- Built in motorized 2, 4 and 6 stop ND filters
- Iris wheel and touchscreen slider for manual iris adjustment on electronically controllable lenses
- Professional mini XLR inputs with 48 volt phantom power
- Sensor Size: Super35
- Max Video Quality: 6K 50fps
- In-Body Stabilization: No
4. Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 camera deserves your attention for filmmaking projects thanks to its dynamic range and color reproduction. Panasonic approximates the “VariCam look” by offering over 14 stops of dynamic range and an impressively wide color spectrum. Spend more time behind the camera and less time at a computer screen by creating footage that looks exactly how you intend.
The internal IS system in this camera holds its own against others on this list thanks to 6.5 stops of stabilization using a 5-axis system. Plus, the AF system recognizes and tracks human and animal eyes, faces, heads, and bodies for perfectly captured movement of any subject.
Panasonic, Sigma, and Leica all produce fantastic lenses designed for use with Lumix cameras, so you’ll have no shortage of creative tools for your shoots.
Learn more in Rob Adams’ hands-on review of the Panasonic Lumix S5.
Key Features
- 24.2 Megapixel 35mm full-frame (35.6mm x 23.8mm) CMOS sensor
- 4K 60p, 4:2:2 10-bit, Anamorphic mode support
- Slow & Quick Motion including FHD 180fps
- Improved Auto Focus with enhanced Eye/Face/Head/Body detection
- Powerful Body I.S. (Image Stabilization) at 5-stop slower shutter speed and 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 to enable 6.5-stop slower shutter speed
- Dust and splash resistant and optimized heat dispersion
- Sensor Size: Full frame
- Max Video Quality: 4K 60fps
- In-Body Stabilization: 5-Axis Optical
5. Canon EOS R6
Videographers on a budget have patiently waited for the perfect filmmaking workhorse — and the Canon EOS R6 was well worth the wait. With many of the same features and specs as the higher-priced R5, this camera takes full advantage of the DIGIC X processing capabilities for reliable autofocusing, image stabilization, and color rendering.
Additionally, Canon cameras are among the easiest to use, with intuitive menus, programmable custom buttons, a tilting touchscreen, and a dedicated video record button. You can use either RF lenses or EF lenses with an adapter and still take full advantage of in-lens image stabilization and ultra-fast autofocusing.
The Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system has over 1,000 AF points and zones so you can nail focus easily and track humans and animals alike, no matter where they are in the frame. Finally, this camera provides a wealth of content flexibility to suit your creative vision, including an onboard interval timer and 4K time-lapse mode.
See the Canon EOS R6 in action in our hands-on review by Vanessa Joy.
Key Features
- High Image Quality featuring a 20 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-102400; Expandable to 204800
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering approx. 100% area with 1,053 AF areas
- Subject tracking of people and animals using Deep Learning Technology
- In-body image stabilizer can provide up to 8 stops of shake correction
- Dual UHS-II SD memory card slots
- Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth technology
- Enhanced operating controls
- Sensor Size: Full frame camera format
- Max Video Quality: 4K 60fps
- In-Body Stabilization: 5-Axis Digital
Finding the Best Filmmaking Camera for Your Needs
Now that we’ve reviewed the range of filmmaking video cameras, let’s narrow down the features that matter most, so you can find the best camera for video for your needs.
Will Your Camera Do Double Duty?
Do you plan to focus entirely on filmmaking or do you want to shoot still photographs as well? Cine cameras are among the best of the best for filmmaking, but they’re not well suited for still photography.
If you need a video camera that’s capable of both still images and video, then a mirrorless camera is a more appropriate choice.
What Accessories and Equipment Do You Already Own?
Even if you plan to buy a new mirrorless camera, you may already own a collection of lenses, tripods, batteries, and other useful accessories. Additionally, if you have a sizable collection of preexisting gear, it’s wise to invest in a video camera that will work with the gear you already have.
If you’re starting from scratch, have some fun choosing the best camera for video within your budget, and start building out your video kit.
Will the Camera Accommodate Interchangeable Lenses?
Mirrorless cameras are good cameras for filmmaking, producing beautiful images when paired with a great lens. Award-winning directors from Oscars and Sundance use these cameras on their productions. These interchangeable lens cameras allow the attachment of different lenses for photographs with varying depths of field. In terms of accessories, You can also consider third-party lenses from brands like Sigma and Tokina, which provide low-cost and compatible options for these movie cameras.
Since mirrorless cameras are made initially for still productions, they tend to lack in audio recording capabilities. You can connect an external microphone that is compatible with a 3.5mm jack to address this issue. Another option is to record the audio by using a high-quality XLR microphone and portable recorder for external recording.
Even with their limitations, interchangeable-lens cameras make great beginner film cameras!
What Features Do You See Yourself Using Most?
Do you plan to make movies with plenty of ambient sound, or will you add voice overs or music in post production? You can integrate sound as you shoot with any of the above types of cameras, but make sure the camera you choose has an audio input jack for easier sound integration.
Do you need fixed aperture cine lenses, or will regular lenses work? Camera-controlled aperture lenses work fine for most casual filmmaking, but if you want to make professional-looking video content, a manually controlled aperture lens may be better. You can find manual aperture lenses for mirrorless cameras, but they’re much more common with cine cameras.
Some mirrorless cameras deliver eye-tracking autofocus features, too. Is that something you can see yourself using or will you rely on manual focusing while you film?
Bells and whistles are great, but only if you actually plan to use them!
