Hobbyists and professional videographers often face a common problem when starting out or taking on a new project: choosing the best cinema cameras. With all the amazing movie camera choices out on the market, as well as their many unique and groundbreaking characteristics, it can be very confusing and time-consuming to find the right camera for you.
One distinct advantage current content creators have over those in the past are today’s more affordable price points for professional movie cameras. Not too long ago, specialized cinema cameras were either too expensive or difficult to find. Thankfully, many of the latest mirrorless and DSLR cameras boast high-end pro video features at a fraction of the cost and size. Now that 4K and 8K cinematic cameras are readily available, the selection process will be greatly determined by your budget and preferences. And while specs do matter when selecting gear, it all boils down to how well you can utilize your camera to create the best videos possible.
In this article, we’ve listed down some of the most highly rated and affordable digital filmmaking cameras and professional HD video cameras, as well as the unique specs each has to offer. From 4K-ready cameras for beginner filmmakers and vloggers to high-performance cameras that can shoot 8K video for professional and studio productions, you’ll soon be on your way to creating polished digital cinematography.
What is a cinema camera?
A cinema camera is a camera used for filming professional-level video. These types of cameras will give you a large amount of control over how to record your image as well as lots of flexibility as to what accessories you can use with it. As an example, the Sony a7S III, which is used often to record lower budget productions records to an already compressed format, XAVC HS 4K at the highest end, which limits your ability to work with the footage in post-production. It does accept different lenses, but there are no rigging points on the camera to place the multitude of accessories that many productions use, such as a wireless transmitter, an external monitor, or a follow focus. You need to get a cage to be able to add these to this body.
On the other end, is the ALEXA Mini. This camera shoots to a wide variety of formats including ARRIRAW, which is uncompressed information being read straight from the sensor, ProRes which has some compression, but is very easily edited and still retains quite a bit of latitude in color and exposure to play with the image in post. Aside from that, the bare package of the ALEXA Mini is a box with multiple ports and buttons, and a place to put your lens. It is purposefully built without the accessories you would need to record an image, such as a viewfinder, as it is necessary to build this up into a rig that fits your needs, either small and light, or fully rigged out with all the previously mentioned accessories and even more.
Types of cinema cameras
Now that cinema cameras have made their way down to the prosumer market, we are getting more affordable and portable cinema cameras. The newer, smaller, less expensive cinema cameras are sometimes called “pocket” cinema cameras.
This smaller prosumer cinema camera is often able to record to multiple formats, sometimes even RAW formats that read the information, with either none or only slight compression, straight from the sensor. They also often come with a monitor already built in, professional sound inputs even if they are smaller connectors than industry standard XLR, and the ability to accept cinema lenses through changeable lens mounts.
Best Cinema Cameras
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 12K Camera
Coming in at just under $6,000.00, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12k is a steal of a camera with loads of power and features. It has an insane Super 35mm sensor that has 80 megapixels per frame, and a 12K (12,288 x 6,480) resolution.
Aside from the resolution, the Ursa Mini Pro 12K shoots an insanely deep bit depth of 12-bit to Blackmagic RAW which is not only RAW but also a fairly light codec that is completely editable, even from a well powered laptop.
One of the most important aspects of any camera is how the sensor handles color. This camera uses Blackmagic’s 5th Generation Color Science, which delivers excellent skin tone reproduction and deals exceptionally well with very saturated colors such as neon signs.
We’re not even done! This camera is able to shoot insane slow-motion. The frame rate at the highest resolution is all the way up to 60 fps. When you shoot at 8K you get up to 120 fps and when you go down to 4K you get a whopping 240 fps while cropping the sensor to a Super 16 sensor size.
Key Specifications:
- 12,288 x 6480 12K Super 35 CMOS Sensor
- 14 stops of dynamic range and native 800 ISO
- New Blackmagic RAW for real time 12K editing
- Shoot up to 60 fps in 12K, 110 fps at 8K and 220 fps at 4K
- Dual card CFast recording at up to 900MB/s
- Resolution: 12K 12288 x 6480
- Special Features: Built-In Microphone, Interchangeable Lens, Time Code I/O, Touch Screen LCD, XLR Mic Input
Z CAM E2-M4 4K Cinema Camera
The Z Cam E2-M4 is a crazy affordable, insanely powerful, complex small cube of a cinema camera that comes with the professional features and ports that you’ve come to expect. However, the cube is just the brain, which means it doesn’t come with is all the other things you need to make a camera function, but this is one of its major selling points.
The beauty of this system is you can fully customize it with all the accessories you want. It has multiple attachment points to allow you to build this cube up as minimally or as robustly as your situation requires. Since the body is so small and the cost is so low, this camera can definitely fall into the realm of crash cams, drone cameras, or snorricams. However this camera can also be fully built up and be used for normal filming as well.
For a cinema camera with the sensor and features this comes with, the price is unmatched. The Z Cam E2-M4 has an interchangeable MFT mount with a 4/3” sized sensor that includes up to 12 bit color depth, can record to ZRAW or ProRes RAW when used with the select Atomos external recording monitor and can record up to 4K UHD at 160 fps or HD at a whopping 240 fps. It also has between 13 and 15 stops of dynamic range.
Key Specifications:
- 4K 160fps, 10-bit color
- 4/3″ WDR CMOS sensor
- 13 – 15 stops dynamic range (16 stops with WDR enabled)
- ZRAW (partial debayer)
- Gigabit Ethernet for data, control & live streaming
- Special Features: 24P, 25P, 3.5mm Mic Input, Built-In Microphone, Genlockable, Interchangeable Lens, Time Code I/O
- Sensor Type: CMOS Sensor
- Recording Media: Uses CFast 2.0
Panasonic Lumix BS1H Mirrorless Live & Cinema Camera
Panasonic has also released a cube-style brain-only cinema camera. This one, however, is full-framed sensor — the equivalent of its popular S1H fitted into a cube. Same as the Z Cam E2-M4 above, there are mounting points all around this camera and you can add whichever accessories you like, keeping it super minimal or fully rigged.
This is a serious production camera which can be controlled by Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, as well as having timecode both in and out. This camera can shoot up to 6K and shoots 4K at 4:2:0, 10bit, 60fps when cropping in to a Super 35 sensor size. This camera also has Dual Native ISO meaning you will get very clean images even at a higher ISO. These features are very similar to the Panasonic S1H, so if you need a camera as flexible as this, it’s one of the best cinema cameras around. If not, perhaps the S1H will do depending on your circumstances.
Key Specifications:
- Video Performances with Cinema Quality with 6K 24p / 5.9K 30p 10-bit, C4K/4K 60p/50p 10-bit
- Dual Native ISO
- RAW Video Data Output (ATOMOS Ninja V / Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR)
- 14+ stops of V-Log/V-Gamut
- Ethernet / PoE+ compatible, USB/LAN Tethering, IP Streaming with PC (RTP/RTSP protocol)
- Remote Control with LUMIX Tether for Multicam
- Genlock IN/ Timecode IN/OUT
- Simultaneous HDMI/SDI Output
- Special Features: 3.5mm Mic Input, Genlockable, Interchangeable Lens, Time Code I/O
- Recording Media: Uses Secure Digital (SD), Uses Solid State Drive (SSD)
Canon EOS C70 Digital Camera
The Canon EOS C70 is basically the marriage of the C100 and C200 cinema camera line, and the mirrorless Canon R line. Its style and form factor and mount conform closer to the Canon R. The RF mount is the newest mount and comes with several excellent lenses.
The sensor on this camera is a 4K Super 35mm, 4:2:2 sensor that can shoot up to 120fps and at 2K can shoot up to 180fps in a cropped mode. Additionally, Canon notes that the camera has 16 stops of dynamic range, which is outstanding! The C70 also has built in ND of 2 through 10 stops which while unexpected is a great feature. It also has Canon Log 2 & 3, HLG, and HDR PQ.
One of the major reasons to get a Canon Cinema Camera is for the color science. Canon has a universally-loved look that is especially flattering to skin tones.
Key Specifications:
- Canon Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) CMOS Sensor
- 16+ stops of Total Dynamic Range
- DIG!C DV7 Image Processor
- Canon Log 2, 3, PQ, HLG Recording
- RF Mount and EF Lens Compatibility with Mount Adapter
- Direct Touch Control
- 9×16 Vertical Shooting
- New Compact, Uni-Body Design
- Resolution: 4K
- Special Features: 3.5mm Mic Input, Built-In Microphone, Interchangeable Lens
- Recording Media: Secure Digital (SD)
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Blackmagic is a very consumer friendly and innovative company. After it released its very popular BMPCC 6K, the company listened to what their users said and added features that made many people very happy. And they did it for only a small increase in price. Enter the 6K Pro.
When the camera initially shipped there were many units with a blue shift on the monitor, and Blackmagic quickly came up with a patch that allowed the user to calibrate their monitor so that the colors displayed accurately. The biggest change is the battery performance improvement through a switch from the LP-E6 batteries of the 6K to the NP-F570 battery on this 6K Pro. There is also an optional battery grip, which extends the runtime by using three batteries which you can hot swap. The screen is now a tilt screen instead of being fixed to the body — great for low and high angle shooting.
Blackmagic also added an optional EVF which you can attach to the top of the camera. They also added internal ND filters at 2, 4, or 6 stops. A smaller but welcome fix is the dual ¼” 20 threads to the bottom, making it more stable when putting on a tripod or bridge plate (or gimbal).
This 6k Pro has a Super 35 dual native ISO sensor of 400 and 3200 that can record up to 6K footage at 60fps or 2.8K at up to 120fps while filming in one of the eight different BRAW compression options. You can also use ProRes up to 4K at 60 fps. Bonus: it also comes with Davinci Studio.
Check out our hands-on review of the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with cinematographer Vince Rappa.
Key Specifications:
- Record 6K 6144 x 3456 up to 50 fps
- Built in 2, 4 and 6 stop ND filters
- Adjustable tilt HDR LCD with a bright 1500 nits that’s ideal for use in bright sunlight
- Two mini XLR audio inputs
- Larger NP-F570 style battery
- Super35 HDR Sensor, Gen 5 Color Science
- CFast 2.0 & SD/UHS-II Card Slots
- Dual Native 400 & 3200 ISO to 25,600
- Special Features: 24P, 3.5mm Mic Input, Built-In Microphone, Interchangeable Lens, Touch Screen LCD, XLR Mic Input
Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Line Camera
In the guts of this camera is a Sony a7S III housed in a more robust body with the ability to add a top handle that gives you XLR inputs. The idea behind the Sony FX3 is to make it a more video centric and professional, yet compact cinema camera. The body is weather sealed, and the camera uses FZ100 batteries that give you decent battery life. The autofocus has a new responsiveness setting and works exceptionally well even during under and over exposure. This is likely the best autofocus system out currently available.
So what are the specs? The Sony FX3 has a full-frame, 4K, 10bit, 4:2:2, up to 120fps (with a 1.1X crop) at 280mbs XAVC. While this isn’t RAW, it is a lot of power in a very small form factor that is ergonomically made to take cinema accessories by having several well positioned ¼” 20 mounting points.
Overall this is an extremely well designed packaging of an already amazing camera.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame performance with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range
- High performance BIONZ XR image-processing engine
- 4K (QFHD) high-frame-rate 120fps recording
- Cinematic color science with S-Cinetone
- Enhanced mobility for solo operation
- Special Features: Built-In Microphone, Interchangeable Lens, XLR Mic Input
- Recording Media: CFexpress
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
While it’s not the newest addition, this camera remains a powerful and worthy cinema camera. The Blackmagic Pocket 4K shoots 4K, 12bit Cinema DNG RAW, BRAW, at up to 60fps in 4K full frame and 120fps in 2.6k (with a sensor crop to super 16) on a MFT sensor. It has a dual native ISO sensor of 400 and 3200 and has a dynamic range of 13 stops.
This camera was a game changer when released and I still recommend it to creators. The Micro 4/3 sensor does limit the lenses you can use, but that is easily overcome by using a Metabones Speedbooster. I would recommend the Metabones 0.71x over the wider 0.64 which has some issues with vignetting under certain circumstances. This allows you to use a much wider range of lenses.
Key Specifications:
- Resolution: 4K
- Special Features: 24P, 3.5mm Mic Input, Built-In Microphone, Interchangeable Lens, Over/Under-Cranking, Touch Screen LCD, XLR Mic Input
- Sensor Type: CMOS Sensor
- Recording Media: Uses CFast 2.0, Uses Secure Digital (SD)
Canon EOS C200B
First on our list is the Canon EOS C200B. This all-round cinema camera features Canon’s Super 35mm CMOS Sensor that was designed with the Super 35mm motion picture film standard in mind. This sensor gives the EOS 200B a 4096 x 2160 resolution for delivering Cine 4K images. It can also support Ultra HD (3840 x 2160), and Full HD (1920 x 1080) recording.
The EOS C200B is compatible with newer and existing Canon EF-Mount lenses, making it compatible with numerous workflows and setups. Other than this cross-compatibility design, the EOS C200B has Dual Pixel CMOS AF Technology that provides continuous AF for all autofocus lenses. This continuous AF feature is ideal for smaller film crews and shooting moving objects. It also has two built-in XLR audio inputs and a 3.5mm microphone terminal. The Canon EOS C200B also lets you record using the Canon Cinema RAW Light codec and store raw data internally to a CFast 2.0 card. Its numerous features and ergonomic design continue to make the Canon EOS C200B the cinema camera of choice for most amateur and professional independent filmmakers today.
Key Specifications:
- Super 35mm CMOS Sensor
- Dual DIGIC DV 6 image processor
- ISO range of 160 to 25,600
- Dual Pixel Autofocus
- Compatible with other Canon EF-Mount Lenses
- Canon Cinema Raw Light Codec
- Built-in XLR connectors & Ethernet connector
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Following our list is the compact and versatile Panasonic Lumix DC-SH1. Don’t let its small frame fool you, as this mirrorless camera has all the features and capabilities of a high-end cinema camera. The Lumix DC-S1H is a good transition from entry-level camera systems to higher-end cine gear. Its full-frame 24.2MP sensor is capable of shooting 4K video at up to 60fps. Meanwhile, its native 100-51,200 ISO can be expanded further to 50-102,400, making it viable for taking photos and videos under low light conditions.
While it’s designed more as a stills camera than a cine camera, it has all the features of a fully-realized cinema camera—from its HDR modes, Anamorphic recording and Variable Frame Rate (VFR), to its time-lapse video capabilities and multiple display modes for videography and post-production needs. Its compact design, along with a video-centric user interface and features, make the Lumix DC-SH1 a highly capable cinema camera.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame 24.2MP sensor
- 4K video capture at up to 60fps
- 1.8-inch High-Resolution Status LCD
- Normal & Live View modes
- Video Frame Marker
- Anamorphic Recording
- VFR (Variable Frame Rate) for slow-mo footage
- Time-Lapse video capabilities
- Customizable controls
Sony FX6
Sony knocked it out of the park with the FX6 Full Frame Cinema Camera. Packed with incredible features and helpful upgrades from prior models, this camera is ideal for just about any cinematic application.
With a compact size and integration of digital cinema technology and advanced imaging features from the Alpha Mirrorless line, this camera will quickly find itself at the top of every filmmaker’s wishlist.
Built-in Neutral Density filters are a game changer in filmmaking, and the Sony FX6 offers plenty of ND flexibility with an electronically controlled optical variable ND filter (¼ to 1/128). Enjoy the freedom of shooting at your preferred aperture and shutter speed without investing in accessories or external filters.
The back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor features upgraded technology for data readout speeds and dynamic range. There’s also an advanced color filter array that improves the quality of color rendering and increases visual detail in shadows and highlights. With 15+ stops of light, you’ll capture nuanced lighting in every scene.
The FX6 provides additional playback flexibility with its 4K 120fps capabilities. You can slow down your footage by up to 5x the recording speed in post production and still enjoy full-pixel readouts without binning.
Key Specifications:
- 10.2MP14K full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™CMOS sensor
- Built-in Variable ND Filter (1/4 to 1/128)
- S-Cinetone for rich cinematic look inspired by VENICE
- 4K recording at up to 120fps
- High sensitivity up to ISO 409,600 and 15+ stops dynamic range
- 2x card slots, both compatible w/ CFexpress Type A, SDXC UHS-I/II
- Professional interface; SDI, HDMI, Timecode in/out, XLR and WiFi
- Lightweight & modular magnesium body
Sigma fp Mirrorless Digital Camera
The Sigma fp is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless digital camera, weighing at just under a pound. Despite its size, the Sigma fp boasts a 24.6MP BSI Bayer CMOS full-frame sensor and a base sensitivity of ISO 100-25600 that can be expanded to ISO 6-102400. The small frame of the Sigma fp, along with its straightforward and industrial design, makes it more suitable for filmmakers who are on the go or are looking for a low-maintenance movie camera that can be transported easily. It has Quick Set buttons, specialized operation systems, and displays for Still and Cine modes, making it feel more like conventional, high-end Sigma cameras.
What makes the Sigma fp appealing (aside from its compact design) is the fact that it encourages users to build around it. Its small frame makes a variety of rigs fit it easily. It supports Leica’s L-mount lens interface and a lot of attachment points. Its 4K UHD recording support, along with an open system, makes the Sigma fp camera one of the best compact and build-around cinema cameras in the market.
Key Specifications:
- Compact and lightweight design
- 35mm full-frame Bayer 24.6MP sensor
- Standard 100-51,200 ISO Range
- UHD 4K shooting at 24, 25 & 30 fps
- Electronic image stabilization
- Full-time electronic shutter
- Face & Eye Detection AF
- Durable aluminum frame
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2
The URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 by Blackmagic Design focuses on flexibility and versatility. The URSA Mini Pro G2 now has an updated Super 35 4.6K sensor that gives it 3200 ISO, 15 stops of dynamic range, and a high frame rate recording of up to 300 fps. It can also shoot RAW at 4.6K resolution and up to 150fps. What makes the new URSA Mini Pro stand out is its built-in Neutral Density (ND) Fitlers. Its clear, 2-, 4-, and 6-stop filters are engineered to match the color science of the URSA Mini Pro G2, facilitating the production of consistent and color-accurate images.
The URSA Mini Pro also has an external control section for quick access to the most important camera settings and features. These controls are intuitive and easy to use, giving users a more seamless workflow. It has an interchangeable lens mount system along with its default EF mount for added flexibility during shoots. Users can record and store footage directly to an SSD using a USB-C port or use the two CFast 2.0 and SD slots of the URSA Mini Pro. Filmmakers can bring their creative vision to life with the URSA Mini Pro Cinema Camera.
Key Specifications:
- 4.6K HDR sensor for shooting up to 300 fps
- RAW shooting up to 150fps
- Built-in ND Filters
- External LCD Status Display & touchscreen control
- Magnesium alloy frame
- Ergonomic handheld design
- Includes full copy of DaVinci Resolve software color grading & editing software
Sony AX700 Camcorder
The Sony AX700 Camcorder is a handheld camera capable of recording 4K and HDR videos. The AX700 uses the Hybrid-Log Gamma format when recording since it allows for wider ranges of exposure and color compared to recording Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) formats. The AX700 also uses the XAVC S format for 4K and HD recording. Users can have bit rates of up to 100 Mb/s for 4K, and 50 Mb/s for Full HD recordings without any noticeable compression noise.
The AX700 Camcorder has a Phase-Detection Autofocus system with 273 phase-detection focus points that cover 80% of the image area. This even but dense spread of autofocus coverage makes focusing on fast-moving objects easier. The AX700 also employs focus tracking and has five levels of AF Subject Switching Sensitivity. Users can switch the focus points of the camera quickly when shooting multiple subjects or use the Locked-On setting when shooting and tracking a single subject. Have an all-around camcorder for both casual and professional filmmaking and videography with the Sony AX700.
Key Specifications:
- HLG format recording
- 4K HDR Video Recording
- XAVC S Recording Format for 4K and UHD recordings
- Includes S-Gamut & S-Log shooting profiles
- 273 Phase-Detection Autofocus
- Five Levels of AF Subject Switching Sensitivity
- Adjustable AF tracking depth
Panasonic AU-EVA1 5.7K Super 35
The Panasonic AU-EVA1 is a high-performance camera that’s suitable for documentaries, films, broadcast productions, music videos, and other video media. This lightweight handheld camera has a 1.2-kg body and a 5.7K Super 35mm Sensor. This sensor allows the AU-EVA1 to shoot and record 4K video at up to 60 fps with H.264/MPEG-4 AVC compression or 5.7K raw video. It also has an EF mount to accommodate most EF and EF-S lenses.
Similar to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, the AU-EVA1 has a dual native ISO that gives it a more dynamic range while yielding less grainy footage. The AU-EVA1 also has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) for minimizing blurring and camera shake, as well as integrated ND filters for seamless and precise exposure control. Its high-performance 6K recording, coupled with a variety of features and a lightweight body, makes the Panasonic AU-EVA1 camera suitable for both small-scale and major video creation.
Key Specifications:
- 5.7K Super 35mm Sensor
- EF Lens Mount
- Dual Native ISO 800/2500
- 14 Stops of Dynamic Range
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
- Integrated ND filters
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is not your ordinary compact mirrorless camera. This small but capable camera is a specialized video camera designed to capture 6K raw video at up to 50fps. Its Super 35-size sensor offers 13 stops of dynamic range and a dual native ISO up to 25,600, letting the BMPCC 6K capture images at up to 6144 x 3456 resolution at 50fps.
Other than its extraordinary 6K video capabilities, the BMPCC 6K also utilizes an EF mount for added versatility. Its carbon fiber polycarbonate composite body is both lightweight and durable, making it more suitable for smaller setups, as well as continuous and less intrusive shooting. Use the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K for your filmmaking needs and enjoy crisp and clear videos.
Key Specifications:
- Super 35-size sensor
- EF lens mount
- Dual Native 400 & 3200 ISO to 25,600
- 13 stops of dynamic range
- 4K/6K video recording at up to 60/50p
- Durable carbon fiber polycarbonate composite frame
- Compatible with DaVinci Resolve 16.1
Panasonic Lumix GH5s
The Panasonic Lumix GH5s is another compact mirrorless camera with exceptional movie recording capabilities. This Micro Four Thirds camera has a 10.28MP Digital Live MOS Sensor with a Venus Engine for faster readout speeds, as well as cleaner textures and color details. This sensor has a multi aspect ratio design, allowing users to shoot stills, record DCI and UHD 4K videos, and work using Anamorphic mode all-in-one without needing additional cameras or lenses.
The Lumix GH5s is made for low-light conditions, as its sensor has a low-resolution design and a larger pixel size. It uses Panasonic’s Dual Native ISO technology so that ISO 400 and ISO 2500 are the base sensitivities for low noise levels. As for its video capabilities, the GH5s has a pair of gamma settings pre-installed. The V-Log L is for capturing flat, neutral gamma curves suited for grading. Its High Dynamic Range mode and Hybrid Log Gamma is more suited for recording higher detailed shots. Users can also change the recording system frequency of the GH5s for additional versatility. The Lumix GH5s from Panasonic packs a lot for its size, making it one of the best cinema cameras today.
Key Specifications:
- 10.28MP Digital Live MOS Sensor & Venus Engine
- Multi-aspect ratio sensor design
- Multipixel Luminance Generation & Intelligent Detail Processing
- Dual Native ISO technology
- V-log L & Hybrid Log Gamma settings pre-installed
- Advanced DFD (Depth-From-Defocus) Autofocus technology
- 4K Photo Mode
What Makes a Cinema Camera Different?
At first glance, a cinema camera may seem like an overwhelming piece of equipment, especially if you’ve only worked with basic DSLR style cameras before. While they do offer a bit of a learning curve for newer filmmakers, professional HD video cameras are ideal for a number of reasons. Here are a few of the major benefits of selecting a professional movie camera over an DSLR or mirrorless camera for your filmmaking.
Improved Image Data
In still photography, most professional photographers have learned to shoot in RAW format over JPEG. The RAW image file features far less image compression. While it may create a larger file size, it also provides you with more flexibility when it’s time to adjust your images in post processing.
Digital filmmaking cameras offer a similar benefit. Filmmakers can shoot footage in compressionless RAW video format at a full frame rate. However, when you shoot with a DSLR, most footage is compressed with a video codec.
Just as RAW photographs offer more color adjustment control than JPEGs, RAW video offers filmmakers more room for post-production color adjustment.
ISO and Dynamic Range Benefits
Even the most high-end DSLRs have some drawbacks when it comes to filmmaking. The dynamic range on the average DSLR is limited to roughly 11 stops of light. DSLRs are also often quite noisy when recording video at a higher ISO like 3200 or 6400.
Cinema cameras excel in both of these categories by comparison. Most feature a wider dynamic range of 15 stops of light or beyond, and they can produce noise-free footage at higher ISOs.
Shutter Style
DSLRs are designed first and foremost for still photography, so the style of shutter is better suited toward that type of content creation. DSLRs feature rolling shutters that essentially scan the image from the top of the frame downward. In most cases, a rolling shutter will work perfectly well for still photography and some videography, but rolling shutters struggle to manage some lighting scenarios.
Some DSLR filmmakers have experienced a wobbly distortion effect from the rolling shutter. If the subject or the camera moves too quickly, the image is more likely to distort.
Many cinematic cameras feature a global shutter that reduces the threat of distortion no matter how fast the camera or subject moves.
Features to look for in cinema cameras
If you are looking to either rent or buy a cinema camera, determining the needs of your production will help you narrow the field.
Sensor Science
The sensor science that a camera manufacturer uses to determine how to interpret color, how to handle the darkest and brightest parts of your image, how to resolve the sharpest part of the image, the way they squeeze the most dynamic range out of the sensor, as well as a myriad of other very specific choices leads to the look of your camera.
Sensor Size
Sensor size will determine how well your camera will do in low light, the types of lenses your camera will be able to accept, and how easily you can get a shallow depth of field. But bigger doesn’t always mean better. The ARRI ALEXA Mini chip is a 35mm-sized CMOS sensor that records up to 4K UHD. There are definitely larger sensors, but this camera has shot many of the movies that have been nominated for Academy Awards for the last decade, so size isn’t everything.
Bit Depth and Color Space
Another very important feature to look for is bit depth and color space. Bit depth is the amount of color information that is stored per channel of red, green, and blue. Currently, 8-bit is the lowest amount you see and is acceptable. However, it doesn’t allow for much processing in post before you get weird artifacts that ruin the image. Meanwhile, 10 and even 12-bit have much more color information and truly let you push and pull the image without breaking it.
Color space is represented as a value that looks like 4:4:4, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0. A signal with 4:4:4 is uncompressed whereas the other two have some sampling. This means it loses color information in order to save on file size. The 4:2:2 has half the amount of color information and 4:2:0 has one quarter as much as 4:4:4.
Frame Rates
The next determining factor would be availability of frame rates. If you think you will need to shoot higher frame rates for slow motion capture, this will be a very important feature. Some cameras can barely do any slow motion, while others can do up to 120 frames per second at 4K. When looking into frame rates always take note of how they accomplish this. Some manufacturers do this by cropping in on the sensor making your lens more telephoto than it would normally be.
Resolution
You can’t have a conversation about cinema cameras without mentioning resolution. While having more resolution gives you more options with framing and in post in terms of stabilization, resolution should not be your primary determining factor. Most of the movies you have seen that were digitally shot. They were eventually brought down to just over 2K for the cinema in most cases.
So what is the benefit of having 4k, 6K, 8K, or 12K when 2K is an excellent deliver system for most cinema screens? The extra resolution allows you to oversample for a massive amount of details in skin tones and sharpness in general across the frame. It is also very useful for working with green screen and VFX including compositing live action and CGI.
Tips for Choosing a Cinema Camera
Before heading to the store to purchase a cinema camera, you need to ask yourself one very important question: “Do I need this?” These cameras certainly don’t come cheap, so you definitely need to make sure that the one you choose will be worth your hard-earned money.
Here are some of the factors that you need to consider when choosing a cinema camera:
Identify Your Primary Use
Needless to say, the best camera for you is the one that you really need. Take note that each camera has a set of unique specifications and characteristics that make it more fitting for a particular shooting style, such as short films, commercials, and documentaries.
The best way to find out is to check your shot requirements (quality and angles), shooting logistics (production team size and available camera rigs), as well as the overall tone of your film or short videos. Good and effective digital cinematography doesn’t always have to look beautiful; it simply needs to be aligned with the story that you want to tell.
Be Realistic
Sometimes, we simply want the best output possible. This can be particularly hard to achieve if you’re just starting out in the field or have a limited budget. If you’re an amateur with very little to no experience in using cinema cameras, consider a more affordable option and go for an upgrade later on as your skills develop. Or if you have a limited budget, do some research in order to find more cost-effective cinema cameras that can produce something close to your desired quality. If compromising is not an option, you can consider the next tip.
Try Renting First
Fortunately for today’s filmmakers, there is a growing number of digital cinema cameras that can meet their cinematography needs without breaking the bank. But then, of course, having a tight budget means you’d still be missing out on some of the greatest tools and specs that only higher-end cameras have. But if you really want to have the best of the best without having to invest too much, you also have the option to rent the camera.
This allows you to test it out and see if you really like it, without having to spend an arm and a leg. And if you do happen to like it, then it’s all a matter of saving up!
Don’t Rely on Specs
Camera specs definitely matter, but even the best cinema camera won’t be able to deliver exceptional output if it falls in the hands of someone who can’t utilize it. Remember: what matters more is the creative force behind the concept and the gear. Should you have a limited budget and control over the camera choice, remember that you can still work with virtually any cinema camera for most of your videography needs by simply finding a compromise between the content and your available resources.
Explore Lens and Accessory Considerations
Any time you invest in a new camera, whether it’s a budget-friendly DSLR or a Hollywood-ready cinematic camera, you need to plan for a few additional expenses. The camera won’t function on its own!
Cinematic cameras offer a few common types of lens mounts including bayonet mounts, breech lock mounts, and screw mounts. While adapters do exist for using different types of lenses on different types of cameras, a native lens mount is always the best choice. Before you commit to a camera, explore the lens options available to ensure you can get the lenses you have in mind.
Just as cine cameras are more expensive than DSLRs, cine camera accessories tend to have higher price tags. It’s always a good idea to price out the full kit you’ll need before you take the plunge on a new camera purchase.
