DSLR’s are known for there image shooting capabilities. In fact, the DSLR is synonymous with the word camera in the 21st century. But have you ever thought about shooting video on one?
Perhaps if you’re reading this article you have – and for good reason – DSLR’s and video shooting are moving in the same direction.
Since early 2008 DSLR’s have been incorporating filming abilities into their software. Canon were the first, and soon after many other companies followed suit. The market is now flooded with DSLR’s that have camera shooting abilities with 4K UHD, and even 4K Cinema shooting now built into plenty of cameras.
So, why would you shoot on a DSLR? Well, professional film makers have been drawn toward DSLR’s for plenty of reasons. They take great shallow focus shots, in tight spaces they offer a handheld camera option for filming, and moreover DSLR’s offer a plethora of lens options and accessories to make the camera work for you.
With that being said they also shoot great still life shots to making them highly versatile and all round great for shooting videos.
Plenty of filmmakers – both professional and amateur – have flocked toward the DSLR as their go to camera. This article is going to run you through the best DSRL’s out there for filming. We’ll run you through the best budget, advanced and beginners cameras as well comparing the cameras strengths and weaknesses.
This article will provide you with everything you need to know before you go out and buy your DSLR before shooting your next film.
Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera
This is the Nikon D850 FX-format and it tops our list for its overall performance for shooting videos. It’s a well known camera in both the photography and filming world.
As with any Nikon camera you can expect beautiful shooting abilities paired with fantastic build quality and flawless design features. This camera tops the marks for a range of key specifications that are vital for those who want a DSLR for shooting films.
Pros
- Amazing image sensor.
- 7 megapixel.
- Full Frame DSLR.
- 4K UHD Video in 30p, 25p and 24p.
- Full HD 1080p at 60p.
- At 4K you’ll receive no crop in your videos.
- All F-Mount lenses will work with this camera.
- Shooting at 4K with no crop means you can easily add a lens for versatile shooting.
- Outputs videos to clean recorders.
- Capture great stills and videos all with one camera.
- Add accessories to capture all your different shot requirements.
- Good value for money considering the specification.
- Nikon quality camera.
- Small body which is great for shooting in tight spaces.
Cons
- The autofocus can be slow when shooting video.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera
The Canon EOS 5D IV is a close second on our list. Of course Canon were the company that initiated the long list of DSLR camera incorporating filming technology into the devices.
The Canon model has since become outdated and Canon have worked hard to stay on top of the trend they created. This camera will shoot truly amazing videos. Its relatively lightweight, easy to use perfect for shooting at night.
Any filmmaker would be happy to have the Cannon EOS 5D Mark IV on set for those tricky shots in small spaces. You could record an entire film on this camera with ease.
Pros
- Canon were the first DSLR company to incorporate filming into the DSLR.
- This model is updated and revised.
- Superior filming ability.
- 4K footage at 30p, 25p and 24p.
- Log Gamma – Canon’s built in extended range technology.
- High ISO.
- Great for snapping pictures.
- Superb low level light shooting abilities.
- Great versatile camera.
- Lightweight for a DSLR.
- Easy to use.
- Doesn’t overheat during long filming sessions.
Cons
- 4K footage crops on this camera because the full frame sensor isn’t used when in film mode.
- HMDI output of videos is only available in full HD which might be an issue for serious film makers.
- The battery life is disappointing considering the price.
Nikon D780 24.5MP FX-Format DSLR Camera
The Nikon D780 24.5MP FX-Format DSLR Camera is a very new offering from Nikon that offers some amazing filming options that have made it a must have on our list.
Nikon have greatly revised the filming options on their DSLR range and the D780 might be the penultimate of their recent advancements. This camera comes with a tonne of features that will be benefit any filming maker, advanced or new, and overall this camera might become the best filming DSLR yet.
Whilst the jury is still out, take a look at what we know about this amazing camera so far!
Pros
- Revised Nikon with all the latest mods and cons.
- N Log capturing for better post shooting editing.
- 4K footage at 30p, 25p, and 24p.
- External movie recording options.
- HDR recording.
- Pairs well with external monitors.
- In-time camera lapse.
- 8 mega pixel 30 FPS.
- 2 megapixel 120 FPS.
- 7 megapixel sensor.
- Best ISO range you’ll find for a camera with this level of video capturing capabilities.
- Great for wide angle shots.
Cons
- Expensive for the camera.
- No 4K footage at 60p which for the price point is disappointing.
Nikon D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR
The Nikon D3300 24.2 mega pixel camera makes our list because of its great value paired the overall build quality and design that Nikon have developed.
The 24.3 megapixel camera offers a great sensor range that any beginner to intermediate photographer would have no issues with. On top of that Nikon also made this camera with filming in mind.
The lightweight body is perfect for tight angle shots, whilst the low pass optical view finder makes for clear, clean easy filming whatever the conditions.
Pros
- Extremely good value for money.
- Great for beginners, or intermediate DSLR users.
- Perfect snapping pictures and shooting videos.
- Great overall performance.
- Good build quality.
- Lightweight, compact and small for a DSLR.
- 1080p full HD recording capabilities.
- Clear filming.
- No optical low pass filter which makes for easy shooting.
- Good overall quality for the price.
- Limited functions.
- An experienced shooter will be disappointed with the sharpness.
- Outdated model now.
Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is another great value cheap DSLR that offers users the ultimate video shooting experience.
This camera is great value for money for anyone out there looking to get into either film making, photography or both. Whether you’re a student, a serious snapper, a hobbyist or just someone wanting a decent camera – the Canon ticks all these boxes and more.
With superior shooting abilities, a great LCD screen, and superb shooting abilities in low level light this camera is the all-round ultimate user friendly video shooting experience.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Great value for money.
- Perfect for a whole range of DSLR uses.
- 1080 HD recording.
- DIGIC 4 image processor.
- 0” LCD screen.
- Better live view than other cheaper options.
- See exactly what you’re filming as you film it.
- Good build quality.
- Extended ISO range.
- Great for shooting and snapping in low level light.
- Screen intelligent auto detectors pick up on the environment you’re shooting in automatically for quick set up.
Cons
- No built in wifi.
- Outdated model.
- More experienced users will be disappointed with the lack of features.
Nikon D3200 DSLR camera
The Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera is cheaper than all other competitors and this camera will not disappoint those working with tight, small, tiny budgets. If you’re sitting at home wondering if you could ever afford a DSLR or wanting to start a project but broke.
Look no further – this camera will offer you everything you need and more – perfect for snapping pictures and videos, this is the ultimate go to camera for those that don’t want to break the bank, but need to maintain a certain level of quality.
Check out the Nikon D3200 if you’re looking for a great DSLR on a tight budget.
Pros
- 3 mega pixel sensor.
- CMOS sensor.
- VR image stabilisation lens is included.
- Full HD 1080 recording.
- Record in 30, 25 or 24p.
- Budget friendly.
- Easily add lenses.
- Good build quality.
- Stood the test of time.
- Perfect for beginners.
- Outstanding value for money that will not be beaten.
- Users report on how easy to use this camera is.
Cons
- Basic offering.
- Outdated these days.
- Limited in build setting experimentation.
Conclusion
This article has ran you through a whole range of cameras that are great for shooting pictures and videos. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro we’ve covered an entire of DSLR cameras that allow for the best video shooting.
No matter what your budget or experience level we’ve covered something for everyone so enjoy shooting your videos!
