4K resolution has revolutionized how the photography and videography fields capture images and videos. Even individuals who only consume the final products of the two fields have raised their expectations and are now keen on viewing videos and photos that are much sharper, smoother, and have exceptional color accuracy.
With standards being set so high, many filmmakers rush to purchase cameras that break the bank, but this does not always have to be the case. With good research, any smart individual can find camera models that can capture 4K resolution and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Below are examples of the said cameras.
GoPro Hero 7
Intro
Not every filmmaker is into DSLR or mirrorless cameras. There is always the proverbial deviant who is a stickler of doing things outside of the box and if you think of yourself as that kind of person, then the GoPro Hero 7 is the camera for you.
This action camera has the capability to shoot different video qualities, i.e. 1080p, 2.7K and 4K at 240, 120 and 60 frames per second, respectively.
This camera packs functionalities that are not present in other cameras such as HyperSmooth video stabilization and direct live streaming to Facebook Live. It is an extremely versatile and excellent filmmaking camera that filmmakers can wholly agree brings a unique perspective into capturing and creating video content.
Pros
- It is waterproof.
- Users can enjoy hands-free voice control filming using simple voice control commands such as GoPro start filming.
- The HyperSmooth feature ensures you get gimbal like stabilization without having to acquire a gimbal.
- It is extremely durable and long-lasting
Cons
- The voice command feature occasionally struggles to execute commands.
- The camera tends to heat up quite a bit, especially when shooting 4K videos.
- Its touchscreen is quite small, which can be quite frustrating for some users.
Campark ACT74 Action Camera
Intro
If you are looking for an overly inexpensive camera that does the bare minimum without compromising on the video quality, then the ACT74 action camera by Campark is what you should go for. The camera can capture 4K videos at 30 fps. This camera is easy to use and designed in a relatively intuitive manner.
The footage captured on the ACT74 camera are almost at par with other action cameras such as the Drograce and Aksao models. For its range, the color accuracy is quite impressive. Finally, it has photo- functions like time-lapse and photo bursts which caught us by surprise as we were certainly not expecting them.
Pros
- It is dirty cheap and retails at a throwaway price.
- It is capable of shooting different resolutions from 720p all the way to 4K.
- It has different modes including slow motion, time-lapse, and loop recording, which give videos a unique appearance.
- It supports HDMI output therefor users can watch their footage on external devices like a TV.
Cons
- There has been complains that some users could not use Ez iCam app despite the camera’s inbuilt Wi-Fi capabilities.
- It lacks internal image stabilization and as such users may require a gimbal.
- The camera is not waterproof unless it is put in its bulky housing.
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ80 Digital Camera
Intro
The Lumix FZ80 is a point and shoot long zoom camera that is capable of capturing 4K videos while providing its users with excellent performance and convenience.
Fitted with a 18 Megapixel CMOS sensor, an ISO range of between 80 and 6400, 60x zoom, a rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD, Wi-Fi connectivity and many other impressive features that work cohesively to ensure the camera performs exceptionally well, this camera is an excellent budget option for filmmakers. The 4K video is shot at 30 fps.
Admittedly, we were pleasantly surprised by its ability to capture footage in low light without compromising the quality of the footage.
Pros
- Of the cameras we tested in its range, it was the only one that had a 60x zoom capability.
- The camera’s ergonomics and handling are quite dope, and its lightweight makes it easily portable.
- Can capture both 4K videos and stills.
Cons
- Its battery life when shooting in 4K is extremely unimpressive lasting for only half an hour.
- UHS-II format is not supported by the Lumix FZ80.
- Several users have complained that the furthest ends of the lens suffer from some distortion and tremendously high ISO rating.
Panasonic LUMIX GX-85
Intro
If you are a filmmaker who prefers interchangeable lens cameras, the Lumix GX-85 is for you. This Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera delivers unrivaled digital sharpness, great functionality, and affordability. With specifications that include a 16 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, Venus Engine processor, 5-axis image stabilization amongst others, your videos will be well focused, distortion free, and perfectly contrasted in the right color.
With this camera, filmmakers can effortlessly capture 4K quality videos with a fixed 3840 x 2160p fixed resolution at frame ratings of either 21 or 30 fps. A new feature that was introduced with the Lumix GX-85 is its electromagnetic shutter unit facilitates quiet shooting and as such will not interfere with the audio quality of films.
Pros
- It has a 5-axis image stabilization which makes it great for handheld shooting.
- Users can extract 4K stills from videos.
- It has up to 22 unique filters which is more than enough for filmmakers and even photographers.
- Users who would prefer to crop their videos instantaneously while shooting can do so with the live cropping feature.
Cons
- Its viewfinder is antiquated, obsolete and could certainly use some updating.
- Users cannot connect external headphones or microphones as the camera is not equipped with jacks for this.
Final Thoughts
Filmmaking is an extremely varied field, and filmmakers rank needs and specifications differently, giving their principal specifications more significance than they would others. When everything is considered at the end; the best camera comes down to a personal choice of which camera delivers value and all or most of the top tier features without breaking the bank. The list above features some of the cheapest 4K cameras what will deliver a pretty decent performance for most filmmakers regardless of their skill level.
