Filmmaking requires passion and creativity. But if you don’t have the right gadgets to capture your vision, nothing will matter in the end.
As I have been into filmmaking and photography for a long time, I often get asked about the best cameras to capture videos. Mostly I get asked about the best Camera for filmmaking on a budget. But the answer to this question is quite tricky.
The sense of affordability varies from person to person. Gadgets that I can easily afford can be out of your league, or you can buy it in a heartbeat. And when it’s about technology, you can’t set your bars too low.
But from my experience, I can tell you that there are still some great cameras that you can use for some excellent filmmaking. Well, they will not make you the next Nolan, but you got to start from somewhere, right?
So let me suggest to you some best filmmaking camera that will assist you in capturing your passion.
5 Best Camera for Filmmaking on a Budget
1. Sony Alpha a6500
Key Features:
- 24MP Sensors and Tilting rear touchscreen
- 425 phase-detection point
- 1/4000 sec max shutter speed
- 2.36 million dots OLED EVF and 11 fps constant shooting
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
It’s not possible to talk about the best cameras in the market without mentioning Sony. This manufacturer makes the most efficient gadget for a wide range of users. You can get some super expensive cameras from them or get the most affordable ones.
The Sony Alpha a6500 is one of the best camera for filmmaking on a budget. If you are a beginner and don’t want to spend a fortune right now, you should get this one to begin with.
This mirrorless camera is one of the top-selling ones in the market as it can efficiently capture mesmerizing photos and videos. It comes with a 24.2-megapixel sensor for the best experience for the user.
Moreover, you get 425 phase detections of points to autofocus that pleases every photographer and filmmaker.
It comes with high-speed shooting mode and has a 4D focus that allows you to have the best autofocus point. This camera’s autofocus system can get a subject that has been focused for only 0.05 seconds, which is a fantastic feature of this gadget.
This camera has an auto-exposure technology that can adapt to multiple quick shootings so that you can get the best quality shots. The high-resolution XGA OLED allows you to have corner-to-corner visibility in its Tru-finder.
The feature of smooth action combined with the Tru-finder makes the subject tracking pretty easy.
Moreover, the 4K movie recording system of this camera is one of its most outstanding features. You can connect this camera to your media devices from Wi-Fi and transfer files without using any computer. And it also boasts plane-phase detection using the A-mount lenses 10.
Regarding all its unique features, we can indeed say that it’s one of the best cameras for making films that comes within an inexpensive price point.
Pros:
- High-quality images
- Takes multiple shots without any trouble
- Excellent battery life
- Captures outstanding 4K videos
- Comes with the most efficient autofocus system
- Durable shutter mechanism
Cons:
- The exterior controls can use some improvements.
2. Panasonic Lumix GH4
Key Features:
- Weather-sealed, well-built body
- Fast AF speed
- 4K video capture
- 2.36 million dots EVF
- 16.05MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor
- 3-inch, 1,036k-dot LCD screen
The Panasonic Lumix GH4 has all the features to please a professional filmmaker. This mirrorless camera comes with high-speed and efficient autofocus tech to make your experience delightful.
This camera can capture 4K 24 megapixel cinematic videos and perfect for some hybrid photography. It comes with a dust and water-resistant magnesium-alloy body. This quality makes it exceptionally suitable for outdoor shooting.
It comes with fast autofocus and very low shutter lag, which feels quite impressive while working with it. And the 4K video recording feature boasts the HD 8.8-megapixel image capture.
Additionally, this camera can record 4K videos with an ultra-high bitrate of 200Mbps.
In the burst mode, you will get 7.5 frames per second and with constant AF enabled, you can get around 12 frames per second, which is quite impressive.
This camera comes with the advanced Venus Engine Image processor and Quad-core CPU that allows you to film with excessive smoothness. You will also get versatility in video formats if you get this excellent camera.
The camera’s rear side comes with a touchscreen, and the OLED viewfinder will give you a 100% field view for the best shooting experience. This camera is equipped with an AF system that detects 49 autofocus points.
Moreover, this camera has Panasonic’s very own depth from focus technology that delivers 0.07 autofocus speed. It is another fantastic feature of this excellent filmmaking camera on a budget.
Pros:
- Fast autofocus system that meets with professional filmmaking needs
- Extended battery life
- Comes with excellent flash range and built-in Wi-Fi
- Superior video quality with terrific detail, colors, and range
- Very low shutter lag
- Heavily-built, water, and dust-resistant body
Cons:
- Comes with a single memory card slot
- AF tracking can is not the best quality.
3. Canon EOS 70D
Key Features:
- 0.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 3-inch, 1040k-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen
- Canon EF-S lens mount
- ISO 100 – 12,800, expandable to 25,600
- 1920 x 1080 HD video capture
There are so many excellent Canon cameras out there, but I chose to mention this one. Well, as we are making a list of the best camera for filmmaking on a budget, this camera is the most suited one to be mentioned, trust me!
This camera is not only great for filmmaking but also eligible for photography. So if you want to explore both fields simultaneously, you can get this camera for a fantastic experience.
The Canon EOS 70D allows you to do 7fps continuous shooting, and you get the ISO range of 100 to 12,800. This ISO range is expandable by up to 25,000. Moreover, the rear of this camera has a 3-inch touchscreen with a 1040k-dot vari-angle.
You can capture full HD videos 30, 24, 24, 50, and 60p videos, supported by an external microphone. This camera has Dual-pixel CMOS technology, and the megapixel count has been upgraded up to 20.2 megapixels.
In addition to that, this camera now comes with an on-chip phase-detection Autofocus system. This feature does an excellent contrast-detection job while filming videos or lives streaming.
The fastest AF system of this camera allows the user to have an exciting filming experience; well, that’s what everybody has been saying!
It comes with built-in Wi-Fi, and that allows you to some wireless image and video transfer. This camera also comes with a built-in flash, which also works as an Integrated Wireless Transmitter for the off-camera wireless transmitter for off-camera wireless flash control.
Within the price range of this camera, it’s quite hard to get all these features. So if you are looking for the best value for your money, you can choose this one with your eyes closed!
Pros:
- Terrific contrast-detection system while shooting
- Excellent 19-point AF technology
- Sturdy and durable structure
- Outstanding touchscreen sensitivity
Cons:
- Comes with limited filter application
4. Fuji Film X-T200
Key Features:
- 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 XC OIS PZ Kit Lens
- Phase Detection AF
- 1 x SDXC card slot
- 3.5-inch fully articulated LCD
- 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
This Fuji Film X-T200 is an excellent camera for filming, especially when you have a tight budget. This camera has some fantastic features that have been packed into this camera by its manufacturer within the lowest price point.
It comes with various recording modes, and the APS-C size sensor gives excellent performance while shooting with low lights. You can shoot 4K videos at 60fps up to 1080 p, which is quite a rare feature in this budget, to be honest. Moreover, there is no additional crop in either 30fps or 24fps.
This camera in slow motion frame rate can shoot 1080p videos at 60fps rate. In addition to that, you have access to the film simulation modes, which is a fantastic feature added to most other Fuji Film cameras. This feature allows you to shoot in eleven different classic modes like Velvia, Classic Chrome, and Provia.
The autofocus performance you get from this camera is top-tier. And it comes with a flip screen that you can adjust to shooting from different angles. But one thing that bugs me about this camera is that you can only shoot 4K videos for 15 minutes.
Well, every gadget comes with its own perks and cons, and this one is not above that. But considering all of its features within a limited budget, it is undoubtedly one of the best filmmaking cameras on budget options you can pick.
Pros:
- Impressive AF system
- Mic and headphone inputs
- Allows you to shoot 4K videos at 60fps up to 1080p
- Adjustable screen for better filming experience
- No additional crop while shooting 24 or 30fps
- Comes with electronic image stabilization
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Doesn’t allow you to shoot in a flat picture profile
- The battery life can use some improvements
- 4K films come with a limited time-frame of 15 minutes only
5. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Key Features:
- TruePic VIII image processor
- Splash-proof, dust-proof, freeze-proof (weatherproof)
- 4K Video (including cinema 4K)
- 5-axis image stabilization
- 121-point all cross-type AF points
- Up to 60fps shooting
- 20.4MP Live MOS Four Thirds sensor
- 440-image battery life
This camera is a mirrorless one, and the lenses are easily interchangeable, which makes it excellent for professionals on a budget. You can shoot films with this camera using any lenses of your preferences, which is a fantastic feature for any filmmaker.
This camera comes with dials and buttons and is designed with a vintage looks. The controls of this camera are easily accessible so that anyone can use it with maximum ease. It comes with a three inches touchscreen that allows you to take shots with excessive smoothness.
The contrast detection of this camera is very impressive. It is a 16-megapixel camera that never fails to take perfect shots. This camera comes with 81 AF points and has an improvement of 8.5fps in the frame rate from 8.
This camera has various colors and solid accuracy from many creative effects for a better filming experience. The filters of this camera allow you to edit your videos and images according to your preferences and make them more beautiful.
If you want to shoot at the fastest speed, the 5-Axis stabilization feature allows you to take perfect shots. This feature also comes in handy while shooting in awry weather.
Moreover, you can capture 4K videos at a 60fps rate up to 1080p, which makes me love this camera even more. It also has built-in Wi-Fi so you can quickly transfer your data.
As you can see, it comes with all the necessary features that a filmmaking camera should have; this can be a perfect choice for you.
Pros:
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to transfer files without any computer.
- Comes with Dual SD slots
- Has an extended battery life
- Comes with fast startup and mode-changing system
- Outstanding Tracking focus
- Attractive design and well-built body
Cons:
- Doesn’t have any built-in flash
- Need to use a tripod while shooting in high-resolution mode
So, here is my list of the best filmmaking camera on a budget. Now let me tell you about some factors to look for while buying a filmmaking camera for yourself.
The ultimate buyer’s guide to the best camera for making films on a budget:
Sensor Size and Performance
The sensor’s performance is one of the key features to look for in your filmmaking camera. If you get a full-frame sensor, your camera will be capable of taking the best-quality HD photos.
With a full-frame sensor, you will get a broad range and better performance in low lights than the one you will get with APS-C sensor or Micro Four Thirds ones.
The depth of the field depends on the sensor size. So be careful about the sensors while choosing a camera.
Resolution
As you are looking for cameras for making films, you would love to have the one that shoots 4K videos. But within a tight budget, that is hard to come by, to be honest.
But in this article, I have mentioned some of the best filmmaking cameras that shoot 4K videos and come from reputed brands. So you can easily pick one for yourself from this list.
Frame Rates
Frame rates allow you to shoot videos in slow-motion. This isn’t a must-have thing to have in your camera usually, but there will be some shots that you may want to capture in slow-mo mode while filmmaking.
So if your camera comes with this feature, it will be a cherry on the top of your filming experience, trust me.
AF Performance
The autofocus performance of the camera is one of the essential features of it. An excellent autofocus system of the camera can make your shooting experience delightful. This system will keep tracking your subject and will allow you to have some superb HD footage.
Built-in Image Stabilization
Capturing smooth footages is not a complicated thing anymore as you can have many gadgets to do that. You can even edit ruined pictures by using some premium software. But if you are doing some old-school handheld shooting, getting a stable picture is not an easy thing.
So if your camera comes with the feature of image stabilization, you can shoot perfect images with minimum efforts.
Performance in Low Light
Including the sensor size, the ISO also contributes to the performance of your camera in low light. A more comprehensive ISO range ensures less grainy pictures.
While taking evening or night footages, you will need higher ISO settings. Though cameras with higher ISO settings come within larger price points, you can still get some gadgets that won’t cost you a fortune.
Battery Life
Having an extended battery life comes real handy while shooting outdoor footages. If your camera doesn’t come with enough battery life, it will be harder for you to re-watch your captured shots, editing them, or transferring them using Wi-Fi.
Connectivity
Make sure your camera comes with in-built Wi-Fi so you can transfer your media files to any device without using any laptop. This feature will allow you to travel light-weight, and it will be easier for you to make some storage space in your camera anytime you want.
Range of Lenses
You should be able to use lenses of your preference on the camera you are using. You may have some favorite vintage lenses. If they are not compatible with your camera, it can be quite disappointing.
So always try to get a camera that will allow you to shoot with various types of lenses. In this way, you can capture moments in the way you want them.
Some other features that you need to look for:
- Ease of use
- HD flat picture profiles
- Side memory card slot
- Value for the price
- The flexibility of the screen
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get the filmmaking camera on a budget?
If you are into filmmaking and videography, you can get a camera for making films. As many of us can’t afford high-end gadgets, every manufacturer provides budget-friendly options.
A filmmaking camera comes in handy while making home videos, doing projects for school, or recording some great events. Moreover, if you are into vlogging, you can get a filmmaking camera on a budget just to get things going.
What types of services are given by a filmmaking camera?
You can shoot videos of various resolutions and lengths with your filmmaking cameras. They can be used for capturing videos with multiple modes and filters. Moreover, you can use to take some excellent photographs using these gadgets.
How do you use a filmmaking camera?
Every manufactures cameras with unique features and using the procedure. Some of them come with button controllers, or you can control them using the touchscreen.
Some cameras come with problematic controllers and confusing instruction manual. So while buying your camera, just make sure that it comes with ease of use.
What are the benefits of a filmmaking camera?
Some of the benefits of filmmaking cameras are:
- Cameras come with relatively higher resolution videos and images
- They deliver a higher dynamic range and come with excellent AF systems
- They come with minimum exposure issues
- Allows you to shoot both video and still images
- Comes with incredible battery life
- They come with more excellent value for the price
Which filmmaking camera should I buy?
The genuine answer to this question depends on your preferences. If any camera meets your every requirement or the most of it, at least, you should get that one.
In this article, I have reviewed some of the best gadgets for making films that come within a tight budget. You can choose one from this list or use the buying guide to get one for yourself.
Do you need a filmmaking camera?
It’s not necessary that only a professional can use a filmmaking camera. You can use it for capturing videos of your cooking, your kid’s recital, travel destinations, or your workout videos.
And if you are looking forward to start vlogging and making video content for YouTube, you can get a camera to make films!
Where can I buy a filmmaking camera?
You can buy cameras from physical shops, but I would like to recommend buying from online shops. For instance, Amazon is a great place to look for some excellent filmmaking cameras. You will get some outstanding deals and easy to compare products with each other.
How We Choose the Selection of our Best Filmmaking Camera
Choosing a camera to make films is not an easy task, and when you add a limited-budget to it, the task becomes more challenging. There are so many features to look at, so many brands to pick from. So it is complicated to choose the best camera for filmmaking on a budget.
However, I have been using cameras to capture videos for a long time, and I have friends who have the same passion. As an excellent observer, I have my fair share of experience with these cameras.
Every camera I mentioned in this list has been thoroughly observed for over two months, at least. I have tested their battery life, their image resolution, and every other feature with immense dedication as I wanted to help others.
And the most excellent part is, this review is not based on only my research. I have consulted a group of professional expertise to check out every gadget on this list. Even some beginners have been a part of our research time to set up an ultimate guideline for every filmmaker.
After thorough research of months, we have come up with some of the crème de la crème of this camera category. We enlisted cameras are not the cheapest ones because we want you to have the most excellent value for your money.
We don’t want you to end up with a dreadful camera that comes at exceptionally low prices. Therefore, we have tried to cover some great cameras that come with excellent features and still won’t cost you a fortune.
I have enlisted cameras that can shoot 4K videos come with excellent resolution, extended battery life, and offers you the ease of transferring wireless files. If you pick one from this review, you will get the best value for your money, mark my words!
Bottom Line
Getting the best camera for filmmaking on a budget sounds quite overwhelming, and it is. There are so many things to be careful about and make sure that our buying camera is efficient enough.
Saving money is essential, but you wouldn’t want to end up with a cheap camera that doesn’t meet your needs. That’s why we have created this ultimate guideline for you.
After reading this article, you will have a clear idea about where to invest your money to get the best value for it. Hopefully, you will get the best filmmaking camera to make your dream come true!
