Check the Price. 5. ⦠The Best Low Budget/Cheap Documentary Film Cameras. Sony FS7 Super 35mm Camera (Check reviews & prices). We may participate in other affiliate programs as well. What are these strange beasts? You may also wish to consider the younger brother camera, the less expensive FS5. Key considerations. If you’re not really focused on 4K and instead wanted 1080p footage, then you should know that you can get up to 180fps meaning that any action in your footage will not go unnoticed. The Canon C100 (and its bigger and more expensive C300 brother) is a formidable documentary filmmaking camera. Why? It has multiple exposure modes such as Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. But if youâre shooting events, news or documentaries, camcorders are more convenient. For instance, you could always get it a good telephoto lens to allow you to capture footage from afar. Runner up for best hybrid documentary filmmaking camera in 2020: Canon XC10 4K Professional Camcorder (Check reviews & prices). This means that you will have to invest in either getting a tripod or a stabilizer. The camera silently captures the heartbreak on Autumnâs face, as well as the dreary texture of her town and the bright, overwhelming reality of New York. This is what has earned the camera the name “Super 35”. We start off with its high definition optical zoom that can go up to 20x. It combines Canon’s professional EF mount lens lineup, with XLR inputs and flexible articulating LCD screen and a handgrip (and a handle too for that matter). 0. Overall Best for Cinematography (Moderate Price Points) Best Camera for Professional Cinematography (High Price Point) Best Camera for Cinematography and Photography Combined. Below are five cameras that would be ideal for your next documentary video. What we have done here is narrowed down the choices that we have researched to only the best products. 5 Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (Review) 1. As was the case with the GH5S, there are cameras that are perfectly suited for shooting videos while others are ideal for taking still shots. Best Camera To Film Your Own Hunts review and buying guide in 2020 is now published for you to record professional hunting videos. Considering that there are many other cameras that would go for over $3000, this is a camera you shouldn’t be underestimating. 10. In addition, you also stand to love the Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD Camcorder if you may occasionally shoot videos in low light. Update: The Panasonic DVX 200 kind of blew us away, so be sure to check that camera out as well. While the glory days of the point-and-shoot camera are long over (thanks Apple iPhone! Fujifilm is a pretty popular brand in the film-making industry, and this company has produced a lot of impressive film-making products. ), there are still a number of excellent options out there that offer the best of both worlds. Secondly, you would need to consider whether you intend to use the same camera for taking still shots. photography and video. I hope that our guide about the TOP 10 best cameras for podcasting in 2020 helped you to made a decision! Many film cameras can do the job just fine, so here are the best film cameras on the market in 2020. In the last ten years, there has been an explosion of high quality traditional professional video cameras that are appropriate for documentary filmmakers even with tight budgets. 4. Cameras; Best 4K camera 2020: the 11 top cameras for shooting movies. They tend to be pricy-er than either of the above options, and understandably so, but they may represent the best option if you can afford it. Considering that there are many other cameras that would go for over $3000, this is a camera you shouldnât be underestimating. If you’ve watched documentaries about fast-paced events such as Formula 1s and generally sporting events, it is easy to tell that the cameras used are far different from the ones you would normally find in a wedding. The camera takes standard 35mm images and ⦠However, you do miss out on some of the conveniences of digital photographyâlike being able to share your images online. One key advantage of the Panasonic GH series has over some of Canon’s cameras is it has a headphone jack and adjustable audio input instead of auto-only audio levels. Best Documentary Filmmaking Cameras in 2020 1. 35mm: These cameras shoot on rolls of 135 film, better known as 35mm film. The Best Black Friday Deals for Filmmakers +17,079 views; 4. Get Inspired to Make Cinema Again (and Again) +1,889 views A site dedicated to helping VFX, Photography, Videography and Graphics Professionals make the best buying decisions. The a7S II offers an extraordinarily good low light sensor, which can be crucial when you’re shooting with available light, as many documentary filmmakers find themselves doing. We've picked out ten 'classic' film cameras you can still find in good working condition today. It is a 30.4-megapixel camera, from the canon company, just as competitive and renowned as Sony. 5. Find the best camera of any kind with our ⦠Canon EOS 70D. When it comes to slow motion, this camera is going to be able to film at 1080p and 120 frames per second slow motion, making it an ideal choice for action scenes. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. It can shoot videos in several aspect ratios such as the 17:9 Cinema 4K and the 16:9 4K UHD. Best Film Cameras in 2020 Choose a model from one of the largest brands of the 70th: Leica, Hasselblad, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Makina, Pentax or Fujifilm. It combines Canon’s professional EF mount lens lineup, with XLR inputs and flexible articulating LCD screen and a handgrip (and a handle too for that matter). In addition, with the E-mount, you can also expect to use lenses from other manufacturers such as Sony and Zeiss. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The accessory ecosystem for the C100/300 is already well developed and these cameras are even popular among narrative/fictional indie filmmakers, so you can be sure it will be well supported for quite a long time. While these will do their jobs flawlessly, you will still be incapable of having steady videos without the help of either a stabilizer or a tripod. This is the 35mm equivalent of 26-576mm with a minimum object distance of just 60cm. Copyright 2020. The Canon C100 (and its bigger and more expensive C300 brother) is a formidable documentary filmmaking camera. Panasonic Lumix GH4. There are three main types of film SLR cameras: 35mm, 120, and large format. The difference, though, is that Panasonic’s GH5S allows you to shoot in 4K while both Canons reviewed do not. ... dual native ISO and anamorphic 4K into the mix and the S5 shapes up as an impressive option for 4K film-makers⦠Plus, you will most likely be looking for the best value for your money, not just simply affordable. Premium pick Leica Sofort . The Canon CX10 is a relatively new traditional video camera-DSLR hybrid that is probably going to shoot some great documentary films. Of course, this list would not be balanced if it lacked at least a mirrorless camera of some sort, and the Panasonic Lumix GH5S fits perfectly here. In filmmaking, Canon Mark IV is without a doubt the most significant camera in attending to a range of different video features from landscapes to wildlife and sports. Retailing at just $1000, the VIXIA HF G40 is a deal that is both pocket friendly and powerful as a documentary camera for people who are just starting off. Ideally, this camera should be easy to use and come at a price that is well below professional cinema cameras. Like the Canon VIXIA HF G40, Panasonic’s HC-X1000 Pro also has a 20x optical zoom thanks to its Leica lens which come with lens mounted control rings that offer a smooth transition to and from your subject. Retailing at just $1000, the VIXIA HF G40 is a deal that is both pocket friendly and powerful as a documentary camera for people who are just starting off. Best Camera for Cinematic Vlogging⦠... 30 Best 4K Video Cameras for Filmmakers in 2020. by SC Lannom September 12, 2019. Navigation. Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD 60p:50p Professional Camcorder 1, Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD 60p:50p Professional Camcorder 2, Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD 60p:50p Professional Camcorder 3, Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD 60p:50p Professional Camcorder 4, Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD 60p:50p Professional Camcorder 5, Sony PXW-FS7 4K XDCAM Camera with Super 35 CMOS Sensor 1, Sony PXW-FS7 4K XDCAM Camera with Super 35 CMOS Sensor 2, Sony PXW-FS7 4K XDCAM Camera with Super 35 CMOS Sensor 3, Sony PXW-FS7 4K XDCAM Camera with Super 35 CMOS Sensor 4, Sony PXW-FS7 4K XDCAM Camera with Super 35 CMOS Sensor 5, Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera 1, Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera 2, Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera 3, Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera 4, The 7 Best Microphones for Filmmaking in 2020, The 5 Best Shotgun MICs in 2020 (Quality Audio from your DSLR), Best Camera for Film making on a Budget in 2020, The 6 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Under $500 in 2020, The 6 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Under $200 in 2020, The 6 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Under $300, The 5 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Under $100 in 2020, The 5 Best CF Cards in 2020 (Compact Flash Card), The 5 Best Video Tripods in 2020 (Light, Affordable and Sturdy), The 10 Best Steadicams/Gimbal Stabilizers for DSLRs in 2020, The 4 Best iPhone Lenses for Video in 2020, The 4 Best 24–70mm Lenses for Canon Cameras in 2020, 4 Best 85mm Lenses for Nikon Cameras in 2020, The 5 Best Lenses for the Nikon D750 in 2020, The 5 Best Lenses for the Sony A7RII in 2020, The 7 Best Canon Lenses for Video in 2020, The 4 Best Teleconverter Lenses for Canon in 2020, The Best Portrait Lens for Nikon Camera in 2020, The 5 Best Micro Four Thirds Lenses for Video in 2020, The 6 Best Variable ND Filters (Natural Density) in 2020, The 5 Best Cameras for Cinematography and Filmmaking in 2020, The 5 Best Documentary Cameras in 2020 (High Distance and HD Zoom), The 6 Best Video Cameras for Green Screen (Chroma Key) in 2020, The 3 Best Video Cameras for Journalists in 2020, The 5 Best Cameras for Facebook Live in 2020 (Fast, Live Streaming), The 5 Best Video Cameras for Video Blogging (Vlogging) in 2020, The 5 Best Video Cameras for Concerts in 2020, The 5 Best Video Cameras for Action in 2020, The 6 Best Video Cameras for Slow Motion in 2020, The Best Medium Format Digital Cameras in 2020, The 4 Best Video Cameras for Music Videos in 2020, The 6 Best Monitors For Color Grading in 2020, The 6 Best External Hard Drive for Video Editing in 2020, The 5 Best RAMs for Video Editing in 2020, The 6 Best NAS for Video Editing in 2020 (Network Attached Storage), 5 Best Graphic Cards for Video Editing in 2020, Best Chair for Video Editing in 2020 (Comfort, Ergonomics and Affordability), The 5 Best Desks for Video Editing in 2020, Best Headphones for Video Editing in 2020 (Noise Cancelling, High Quality Sound), Best Speakers for Video Editing in 2020 (Audio Quality, Price and Compatibility), The 5 Best Monitors for Video Editing in 2020, The 5 Best Camera Shoulder Mount Rigs in 2020, The 5 Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2020 (Speed and Efficiency), The 6 Best HP Laptops for Video Editing in 2020, The 5 Best Dell Laptops for Video Editing in 2020, The 7 Best Windows Laptops for Video Editing in 2020, Best Cheap Laptop for Video Editing (Under $500), The 5 Best Laptops for Video Editing (Under $1000), Best Computers for Video Editing in 2020 (Desktop PC), The 6 Best Motherboards for Video Editing in 2020, Picking the Best Video Editing Software for Windows (UPDATED 2020), The 5 Best Tablets for Video Editing in 2020, Best Projectors for Art and Artists in 2020, The 4 Best Projectors for A Small Room or Apartment in 2020, The 4 Best Projectors for Outdoor Movies in 2020, The 4 Best Projectors for Bright Rooms in 2020, The 4 Best Drones for Film Making in 2020, The 4 Best Cameras for Beginner Filmmaking (Under $1000), The 4 Best Cameras for Filmmaking in 2020, The 5 Best Webcams for Video Conferencing and Streaming in 2020, The 7 Best Mirrorless Cameras for Beginners in 2020, The 4 Best Lighting Kits for Filmmaking in 2020, Top 5 Best Monitors For Photographers In 2020, Top 6 Best Point And Shoot Cameras With Zoom In 2020, Top 5 Best Conference Room Projectors In 2020, The 4 Best Sony Lenses For Astrophotography In 2020, Top 5 Best Green Screen Backdrops In 2020, Top 5 Best Projectors For Golf Simulation In 2020, Top 5 Best Classroom Document Cameras In 2020. It records up to 4K at up to 60P, an impressive feat that allows for silky smooth slow motion in post-production, and even goes up to a jaw-dropping 180fps in 1920 x 1080P HD mode for an incredible “the world just slowed down” look. Here we focus on the best camcorders for filmmaking under $500 that are highly recommended today. A comprehensive guide to 4K video cameras for filmmakers with a full list of the best 4K video cameras for filmmakers at any budget. The beauty of taking photos with a film camera lies not just in the surprise element of not being able to preview your shots or even in the distinct organic look and feel of the results you get, but also in the careful process of developing the film and making your own prints. We're here to help you find the best documentary camera for your documentary film. The T6 on its own doesn’t really have much to show with regards to the kinds of footage it will allow you to record. Note however that unlike many other DSLRs, this camera is a Micro Four Thirds camera, meaning it uses M4/3 lenses made by a variety of manufacturers. Best DSLR for documentary filmmaking in 2020 You therefore need to understand the kind of footage you’ll be taking before making the purchase. Share Share Tweet Email. 9. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; Our Categories â Different Options for Different Needs. Its re-engineered 1/2.84 inch image sensor allows it to gather as much light to enable it to capture 2136 x 1362 pixels in a way that most cameras would not. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; The FS7 records on Sony’s XQD media cards at up to 600Mbps (possibly the highest bitrate of any camera under $50,000) and can also record to external HD-SDI or HDMI hard drives as a backup or alternative recording solution. Best camera 2020: the 15 best cameras you can buy right now. It also accepts XLR pro audio inputs, thus making it a special kind of camera that would be great for shooting documentary videos. The film is ⦠The Best Instant Cameras for 2020. Our Choice. Here is our list of the best documentary film cameras, sorted by category. Our pick for the best traditional video camera for documentary filmmakers is the Sony PCW-FS5. With a good tripod, you can also rest easy at one spot and simply pan around to get a wide-angle view of the same scene. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; It doesn’t offer XLR inputs but you can easily pick up a DSLR XLR input adapters to add XLR ports. Well, you shouldn’t let that kill your dream of taking a few documentary videos with a camera you could easily get online. There are many more we could have included, but these are based on popularity, reputation and price, with a few almost-forgotten masterpieces thrown in. Offering both a top handle for carrying and low angle shots as well as a side grip, the Sony FS5 is ergonomically built for run and gun shooting, while still offering gorgeous DSLR-like images with its large Super 35 sized CMOS sensor. 3. After coming from a beast like the Sony PXW-FS7, the GH5S would seem cheap in all respects despite being more expensive than the Canon EOS Rebel T6i and the Canon VIXIA HF G40 Full HD. Panasonic started making really solid and respected DSLRs for video with the GH2. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras may be great for taking night shots, but the moment you switch them to video mode, it becomes a bit difficult to reproduce the same kind of image quality that they gave while in photo mode. All Rights Reserved. The most important thing to consider when selecting a good documentary camera is the kind of footage that you will be concerned with. It records in a plethora of formats including many flavors of XAVC (a high quality Sony format) and AVCHD. Camera type. Unlike a lot of other traditional video cameras, it’s also light, weighing only 4.9 pounds with lens, meaning if you’re trekking in the Himalayan mountains for a nature documentary you won’t be regretting choosing it. Its price tag alone is enough to tell you that things are indeed getting more serious and professional. ... film scanners would use the horizontal resolution measurement. amzn_assoc_linkid = "4bfd86fb3dea0b64b699150701f9fd78"; The GH5S has a sensor resolution of 10.28 megapixels, but it shouldn’t be categorized under typical mirrorless cameras because it is mostly optimized for movie recording and especially in low-light environments. While it also allows you to record in many formats, you can also record in RAW format which allows you to edit your final videos to your liking. Of course, DSLRs have special complications for documentary filmmaking in terms of interchangeable lenses and they can take some time to get used to shooting video on from a run and gun point of view. The FS5 offers all kinds of professional features like the ability to simultaneously record 4K and lower quality proxy files on SD cards. It’s got a Super 35mm sized CMOS sensor for capturing beautiful images with gorgeous shallow depth of field and accepts Sony E-mount lenses (with optional adapters for EF/PL mount and others). Is This the Greatest Real-Time Single-Take Feature Ever? Sony PXW-FS5 4K XDCAM Camera System with Super 35 CMOS Sensor with 18-105mm E-Mount Zoom f/4 G OSS Lens, Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD 60p/50p Professional Camcorder, 20x Optical Zoom. The best film cameras in 2020 Best used 35mm film cameras. Best Bow Press 2020 REVIEWS â Buyerâs Guide December 4, 2018 Panasonic HC-VX981K Making a documentary doesnât have to be the most expensive adventure you take. Unlike DSLRs, these cameras also feature HDMI output ports like traditional video cameras, allowing you to hook up larger external monitors or even solid-state media recorders like the Atomos Ninja, which allows you to record straight in formats like ProRes 422 with better very little compression and higher color accuracy than AVCHD. Check out our recent article titled Why Use Panasonic GH4/GH3 Cameras for Documentary Filmmaking? 9 Best Entry Level Video Cameras for 2020. While its price does double that of the Canon VIXIA HF G40, it is still considered as an inexpensive professional video camera that allows you to shoot in 4K and at 60fps. Panasonic LUMIX G95. The C100 shoots up to 1080p in AVCHD on SDHC while its bigger brother, the C300 shoots MPEG-4 up to 4K on either SD cards or Compact Flash cards. For one, it features a 35mm sensor that allows you to capture cinematic videos with an incredible depth of field. If we had to bet, we would say that these crossover cameras are the way of the future– at least for now. Other than instant film cameras, these classic cameras are the most popular and affordable film cameras on the market.Though new technology has made some versions of these devices slightly more complex, they ⦠Some of our posts may contain affiliate links. Without any kind of lens, the Sony PXW-FS7 retails at $7000 making it one of the most expensive cameras on the list. The accessory ecosystem for the C100/300 is already well developed and these cameras are even popular among narrative/fictional indie filmmakers, so you can be sure it will be well supported for quite a long time. The triple manual lens rings on the camera also allows you to have a little control while shooting your videos, and this does not mean that you will lose some degree of focus. 4. They combine the interchangeable lenses and large sensors of DSLRs (which provide soft background images) with the run and gun ergonomics and XLR audio input capabilities of traditional video cameras. The best video cameras for 2020 By Daven Mathies September 27, 2020 It may not shoot 8K, but the full-frame Sony A7S III is the best video camera you can buy. For most people, a mirrorless camera or DSLR, where you can change lenses, is the best choice.The Panasonic G85/G80 is a good camera to start with. Fujifilm X-H1. In this gear guide, we pick our five favorite compact cameras for 2020 to help you shoot great photos and videos both inside and outside your home. Consider the slightly older GH4 model as a budget option with similar technical specifications. VFX Blog. The Fujifilm X-T3 is one of the cameras from this company, and the product is a true example of an excellent film-making camera. So if you are into film making on a budget, this is the source for you. The last category of documentary filmmaking camera is the DSLR-traditional video camera hybrid. 7. While festivals like Sundance are inundated with professional digital cameras like the ARRI Alexa and Red Weapon Helium 8k, itâs important to know that filmmakers can get professional quality results without the enormous price tag those cameras bring. We may receive a small fee for products purchased through these links, at no extra cost to you. DSLRs are perfect for still shots, but they can certainly go into video mode too if you need them to be beasts at what they do. Your choice of camera will depend on how much you can afford, and what kind of movies you want to make. This may not be the most ideal especially since most people are in the process of embracing 4K as mainstream, but it is certainly the most popular resolution. They are all user-friendly, quality, durable and donât cost a fortune. The good thing about having a DSLR as a documentary camera is that you have tons of options as to how you can configure the camera for documentary video shooting. If you intend to be shooting videos about subjects that are some distance away, then you would greatly benefit from having true optical zoom capability unlike what most smartphone cameras offer you today. Best Traditional Video Camera for Documentary Filmmakers Runner up for best documentary filmmaking DSLR in 2020: The Sony a7S II is a newer camera than the GH4 and it doesn’t have quite as well a developed accessory ecosystem yet, but it may dethrone the GH4K as the go-to DSLR for documentary filmmakers in 2020. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; +2,428 views; 5. Suitability for Podcasting. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. It also offers 2 XLR inputs, a professional SDI out as well as USB and HDMI outputs. Fujifilm X-T3. While Panasonic claims that the HC-X1000 Pro offers blur-free imaging anytime and anywhere, there may be some slightly decreased performance in low-light environments, but not to a great extent because of its powerful f/1.8 lens. With the VIXIA HF G40’s HD CMOS image sensor, you can get stunning footage that will be easy on the eyes and clear even in low light environments. Here's which new films of the year made our 2020 list, many of ⦠From our point of view, a professional traditional video... 2. Value for Money. That said, here’s our pick for the best DSLR for documentary filmmakers in 2020: Holy cow, this is quite a camera. And pro filmmaking cameras themselves can cost $10,000 and upwards, quite easily. Best Camera for Filmmaking 2020 1. We test and rate hundreds of cameras and lenses each year, ranging from pocket-friendly shooters to ⦠Sony Alpha a6500. Unlike DSLRs, these cameras also feature HDMI output ports like traditional video cameras, allowing you to hook up larger external monitors or even solid state media recorders like the Atomos Ninja, which allows you to record straight in formats like ProRes 422 with better very little compression and higher color accuracy than AVCHD. So with that said, weâve put together a list of the best documentary film cameras for the money this year: Best Cheap Documentary Cameras. However, this may ultimately end up increasing your costs. W ith so many types of cameras on the market, itâs hard to know which is the best video camera for your shoot. The Panasonic HC-X1000 Pro finally sets a serious tone for this list in almost all aspects such as pricing and quality. Itâs one of the best new film cameras on the market. Top 8 Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget. The last several years have brought us several years of technology advances bringing high-quality cameras to even lower price points than ever. By Mark Wilson 19 November 2020. Canon EOS C100 Mark II (Check reviews & prices). In selecting the best mirrorless filmmaking cameras in the market, then the Panasonic Lumix GH4 is the ... 2. ⦠While it may not be 4K, it does allow you to record at 1080p/60fps. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "professional video camera"; The C100 shoots up to 1080p in AVCHD on SDHC while its bigger brother, the C300 shoots MPEG-4 up to 4K on either SD cards or Compact Flash cards. +5,102 views; 3. You will not be charged extra by purchasing through these links. Final Thoughts. Sony PXW-FS5 4K XDCAM Camera System with Super 35 CMOS Sensor with 18-105mm E-Mount Zoom f/4 G OSS Lens (Check reviews & prices). The Panasonic GH5 records on cheap SDHC or SDXC cards and you can also buy additional batteries cheaply. With everyone locked inside, now is an ideal time to catch up on the best movies of 2020 so far. DSLRs are often cheaper than traditional video cameras and they’re gaining popularity among documentary filmmakers because they can shoot images with soft, out of focus backgrounds, isolating the subject and giving a great “filmic” look, especially in sit down interviews where the background is out of focus. It is worth mentioning that despite its capability to shoot in 60fps, you can also turn things down to 24fps for cinematic mode, but this will entirely depend on the kinds of scenes you are interested in shooting. PANASONIC Lumix G7. Panasonic Lumix GH4. for more information. Choosing a camera. DSLRs are often cheaper than traditional video cameras and theyâre... 3. ⦠It also offers two professional XLR audio inputs (interestingly they are on different parts of the left body in a unique arrangement that may prove to be useful), and a full-sized HDMI output for recording with an external media recorder. There are cameras for all kinds of situations, and some situations demand slightly more advanced cameras than the ones you would use in normal scenarios. The only major drawback with the Lumix GH5S is that it does not come with internal stabilization. With the GH4 Panasonic added 4K video and the GH5 provides even better quality image processing, and an optional (but pricey) XLR interface that plugs into the bottom of the camera, allowing you to connect professional microphones. Type: Electronic | Sensor size: 17.3mm x 13.0mm | Resolution: 16 MP | Lens: 150 mm | Viewfinder: 2,360k dot| Screen ... 2. And new hybrid cameras are combining the benefits of both. Comment. What's the Best Cinema Camera for Under 10K? Many of these models have top quality features with HD resolution and more. It’s not surprising that this small and light camera is turning a lot of heads in the documentary filmmaking community. It offers 4K recording at half the price of the aforementioned Sony FS5, and also boasts a more traditional handheld video camera form factor. Best Video Camera for Documentary: Our Picks for 2020 1. Also, if you want to get creative with your podcasts, this camera is waterproof able to film in any weather conditions. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Want better photos than your phone can provide? The Sony FS7 is perhaps the top documentary filmmaking camera available today. Best Cheap Cameras For YouTube Videos 2020 [Complete Guide] By Zach November 25, 2019 8 Comments. Including a DSLR on the list of the best documentary cameras, and especially the Canon EOS Rebel T6i to the list of the best documentary cameras may seem curious at first, but it does help give a well-balanced review. This does not make it fall short of being a great camera for use in other situations because it is possible for you to swap lenses and select one that meets your needs. What are the best cameras for documentary filmmakers in 2020? If you’re looking at fast-paced content, a camera with at least 60fps is ideal as it packs in more frames in a second compared to cinematic cameras that shoot at 24fps. An entry level video camera is for those who are new to filmmaking or shooting video. The 10 Best Film Cameras (Updated 2020) In the market for a solid camera? Film isn't just for old fogies and hipstersâlots of people enjoy snapping shots with a modern-day instant camera, just like our parents did with the ⦠The FS5 comes with a generous 18-105mm zoom kit lens but you can also swap it out for any other Sony E-Mount lens you’d like to. The Best Digital Cameras for 2020. It offers 4K resolution and can also shoot at high frame rates of up to 240 fps at full HD for gorgeous slow-motion footage. Ease Of Use. 3. From our point of view, a professional traditional video camera is a video camera has a motorized zoom, XLR audio inputs, and is usually ergonomically set up for run and gun style shooting (this means handles, hand grips, etc). Sony Alpha A6600. amzn_assoc_title = "Related Products:"; The best camera phones already shoot 4K, of course, as do many of the best point and shoot cameras.But these are fixed lens devices with small sensors, which limits their versatility, performance and the settings you can apply. The Nikon F6 is an autofocus, SLR film camera with an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter. When looking for the best camera for filmmaking on a budget it is more than hard to overlook give the Lumix G85, given that it is the highly anticipated successor to the G7, a camera that appealed to both the novice and enthusiast filmmaker years ago. We've looked at all the available documentary video cameras on the market today from DSLRs to traditional video cameras and made our recommendations. For example, its E-mount which is machined from solid stainless steel gives it a rather stable and strong feel. You can even go up to 240 fps at 720p. A List of Top Best Cinema Cameras For Documentary Filmmaking in 2020 Nikon Z7 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera. +4,946 views; 2. By Robert Minkoff Jul 18, 2020. It also offers extremely high bitrate recording (up to 305 megabits per second in 4K resolution), meaning properly exposed images will look gorgeous. Canon EOS M50. amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; Runner up for best documentary filmmaking traditional video camera in 2020: Panasonic HC-X1000 4K Ultra HD 60p/50p Professional Camcorder, 20x Optical Zoom (Check reviews & prices). This is because of its high-speed precision autofocus which allows you to stay with one subject in perfect clarity. If you’ve ever tuned in to a National Geographic documentary and was amazed at how much detail their cameras managed to get from several meters away, you’d practically be stunned if they let you in on how much the cameras cost. This Nikon mirrorless camera will allow you to take more than a thousand... Canon EOS C100 Mark II Cinema Camera. If this is the case, then you should know you may be losing a lot from both worlds i.e. How to Format a Screenplay: What Matters and What Doesn't? The Panasonic X1000 is also an extremely solid choice for a professional video camera in 2020. 1. Why Use Panasonic GH4/GH3 Cameras for Documentary Filmmaking. As you might have guessed, the Sony PXW-FS7 allows you to record footage at 4K/60fps, and even though this might now seem typical because of what the Panasonic HC-X1000 Pro could pull off, there is far much more that the camera can do. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "documecamera_dc-inline-20"; While it doesn’t have an interchangeable lens like the Canon C100/300 do, the XC10 does offer 4K at an affordable price, and its large sensor allows for some gorgeous imagery. For our purposes, there are two basic types of low budget documentary filmmaking cameras. You can literally abuse this camera and throw everything you got at it, but it will not show any signs of being anything but the best at what it does. The sensor of the T6 is a mere 24.2 megapixels which is not a big feature when you’re talking about video shooting, but it does give you the ability to momentarily take impressive still shots before or after you are done recording. For one, you can expect 1080p video footage from the camera. From its features, it turns out to be an improvement of its predecessor 5D Mark III. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; More documentary filmmakers are shooting on DSLR-like cameras, and the traditional video cameras available for documentary filmmaking today are better than ever as well. The X1000 records in MP4, MOV, and AVCHD on SDHC or SDXC memory cards and features a side handgrip and top handle for carrying or low angle shots.