As a beginner in the filmmaking industry, it can be quite challenging to find the perfect camera that meets all your needs and still stay within the budget that you have set for yourself. As a novice filmmaker, there are lots of considerations and compromises that you need to make as you try and decide which of the many models in the market you should opt for. Taking some of these factors into account, we conducted our research trying and testing numerous cameras so you wouldn’t have to. Below is our curated list of cameras that will give you excellent service and capture high-quality videos without having to spend a single cent over a thousand dollars.
Sony Alpha A6300 Mirrorless Camera
Intro
If your preferred camera type is mirrorless cameras, the Sony Alpha A6300 is one of the best cameras you could opt for as a beginner filmmaker. Despite it being the camera with the lowest specs in the Alpha, it still holds down its weight unencumbered. Operated by a BIONZ X Image Processor, it brags a 3.0? tilting LCD monitor, Inbuilt Wi-Fi with NFC, a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Zoom Lens by Sony, XGA OLED electronic viewfinder and the most notable feature of them all its 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor which facilitates shooting in low light environments. With the ability to shoot 4K and full HD videos at 60 frames per second and 120 frames per second, respectively. From the price to the size and footage quality, beginners will appreciate the Sony Alpha A6300.
Pros
- Its magnesium alloy body makes it extremely durable and gives it a stylish appearance.
- The camera is weather sealed which protects it from environmental elements such as dust, and moisture amongst others.
- Its compact nature makes it easily portable.
Cons
- Several users have complained about the camera’s onboard audio claiming that it does not capture sound.
- The camera tends to overheat, especially when it is being used under direct sunlight.
- The battery life needs some improvement as a single charge lasts for a few hours.
- It lacks a dedicated headphone jack.
Canon EOS REBEL T7i
Intro
Beginners looking to acquire a DSLR camera without breaking a bank should consider the EOS Rebel T7i that can capture full HD videos at up to 60 frames per second. This highly customizable and easy-to-use camera brags a myriad of features including a 24.2MP CMOS (APS-C) sensor, 3.0? vari-angle touchscreen, DIGIC 7 image processor, dual pixel autofocus, and various wireless connectivity options. The T7i’s AF system is its most impressive feature as all its 45 points are vertically and horizontally sensitive, making it easy to use the camera through its viewfinder and LCD.
Pros
- It is compatible with a variety of EF-S and EF lenses by Canon.
- Its autofocus system is high-speed and very accurate, especially in live view.
- It is easy to use.
Cons
- Filmmakers are limited to 1080p video quality as the camera is incapable of capturing 4K video.
- The camera’s 95% viewfinder is rather small.
- It is impossible to change the automatic minimum shutter speed.
- It lacks some crucial features such as a second SD card slot, AF fine-tune, and a second command dial, which are perks available on other DSLR cameras.
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera
Intro
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema is a camera intended solely for videos and not for multipurpose use. Most filmmakers rarely consider this camera, but its specialized features are extremely impressive, making it perfect for beginners. Equipped with a Super 16mm-sized image sensor, 3.5? LCD Display, micro four-thirds sensor Lens Mount amongst other features, this camera can effortlessly capture native 4K videos up to 60 frames per second. Beginners can capture full high-definition videos in their RAW 1920 x 1080 format and then edit the videos later.
Pros
- Unlike a lot of other cameras in the same range, the Design Pocket Cinema is capable of shooting RAW videos.
- It extremely durable thanks to its carbon fiber composite build.
- It is easily portable.
Cons
- It does not have continuous autofocus, and therefore, beginners will have a hard time shooting moving objects.
- The camera does not include a lens, and users must buy it separately from the camera.
- It cannot be used for shooting anything else other than videos.
Panasonic Lumix GH7 Mirrorless Camera
Intro
Capable of capturing 4K cinematic video plus 4K QFHD video, the Lumix GH7 delivers value for money and is worth every dollar. Boasting features and specifications such as magnesium alloy body, OLED live viewfinder, high-speed autofocusing, uncompressed HDMI and a variety of connection terminals amongst others, beginners will consistently get videos that are of exceptional quality. This camera is ideal for beginners looking to substitute or downsize from their regular DSLR cameras.
Pros
- It is incredibly durable and long-lasting as it is made using magnesium alloy.
- The camera’s shutter lag is tremendously low.
- Its vari-angle OLED touchscreen monitor has a responsive touch panel and is to read even in sunlight.
- It is weather sealed to protect it from external elements, i.e., moisture and dust.
Cons
- Operating the 4-way control dial can be challenging as one inadvertently ends up pressing the directional buttons.
- It has a slot for only one memory card, unlike some of its competitors.
- In comparison to other mirrorless cameras, the Lumix GH4 is not as compact.
- When shooting 4K videos at 24 and 30 frames per second, the camera’s rolling shutter is quite noticeable.
Conclusion
As a beginner filmmaker, your first camera should be one that will help you learn most if not all of the basics of filmmaking and hone your skills until you can secure gigs that will get you the money you need to upgrade your equipment. All the cameras discussed above are great for novice cinematographers as they try to expand their horizons. Nevertheless, we hope that you have found your ideal camera in our list or we have at the very least put you in the right path as you try and identify the beginner camera that is ideal both the filmmaking industry and your budget.
