Consumers are fighting for the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget for so many years now. Remember people want the price to keep getting lower. If you talk about Thirty years ago then there was no such thing as filmmaking on a budget. But nowadays, the case is different, now anyone can access a quality camera to tell stories to the world. The DSLR making companies make some amazing cinema-quality cameras that show good performance. The consumer-like these cameras because these cameras are affordable and show good performance.
This high competition and hi-tech advancements are wiping out previous models to make way for new cameras. Nowadays you can buy a good performance camera or a DSLR camera at an affordable price. Modern cameras are not too much different from their past models. If you have time for research. You can get the same type of image quality that the previous model gives you. But new cameras are very smart and efficient it gives you perfect results and performance.
Top 5 Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget
1. PANASONIC LUMIX G7:
- Professional photo & video: Performance: 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter to confidently capture sharp images with a high dynamic range and artifact free performance; Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2412 MHz 2462 MHz (1 11 ch), Wi Fi / WPA / WPA2, Infrastructure mode
- 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160) with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes extracts individual high resolution Photos from 4K ultra HD video filmed at 30 frames per second to capture split second moments
- Intuitive Controls: Easily control aperture and shutter settings with the front and rear dials while making White balance and ISO adjustments on the fly; Assign favorite settings to any of the six function buttons (six on body, five on menu)
- High Resolution Viewfinder & LCD Display: High resolution (2,360K dot) OLED live view finder and rear touch Enabled 3 inch tilt/swivel LCD display (1,040 dot) are clear even in bright sunlight. Diagonal Angle of View: 75°（Ｗ）～29°（Ｔ）
- Connectivity & Ports: 3.5 millimeter external mic port, 2.5 millimeter remote port, USB 2.0 and micro HDMI Type D; Compatible with newer BUS Class UHS I/UHS II SDXC/SDHC SD cards capable of storing high resolution 4K videos
This camera is built on the advanced technology mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. This standard (Micro Four Thirds) is maintained by Panasonic. This design of the camera is built in such a way that it is a lighter, more compact camera body. This camera produced brilliant results due to these features.
The camera contains a 16-megapixel sensor. The camera also contains a next-generation intelligent image processor. The benefit of this feature is it makes videos and photos free from artifacts. The disadvantage of the artifacts is it spoil the image quality. We don’t get desirable results if we have this problem. It is very necessary that select that a camera that eliminates artifacts. Because if the camera doesn’t remove this problem then there is no use of that camera.
In our daily life, the special moments are missed due to we did not press the shutter at the right time. The camera featuring 4K video technology. The benefit of this technology that you can pause and extract that perfect photo moment on time from 4K video. You will get that pic which you want eliminates technology. You will be amazed after using this camera because this camera contains a lot of features that make it unique.
The camera contains amazing features of 4K, these features are very useful. The benefit of this feature it makes a video that provides nearly 5X times the number of pixels than Full High definition video. The video made by this camera will contain high definition and depth detail than those cameras who recorded video in Full HD with a camcorder.
This camera is smaller and lighter than traditional DSLRs in the market. The camera is small in size but yet still provides full performance. This camera has special keys which give easy access to special functions. You can easily control the aperture of the camera. You can control shutter settings with the front and rear dials provided in this camera.
PROS:
- This camera shoot video in 4K
- The price of this camera is very attractive
CONS:
- The camera comes without weather sealing
2. SONY A5100:
- Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
- Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor.Lens compatibility Sony E-mount lenses
- Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1
- Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video3 up to 50MB/s. Compatible OS - Windows Vista SP2-6, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Mac OS X (v10.7-v10.9)
- Contains- Rechargeable Battery (NP-FW50) AC Charger (AC-UB10) Lens cap Shoulder strap Micro USB cable. BIONZ X engine for superb detail and noise reduction
The camera is super attractive for this price. The camera has interesting features of 179 phase-detection autofocus. The benefit of this feature gives the camera interesting decent autofocus. Remember the autofocus is closer to the center of the frame. Some consumers expected as Sony a5100 in the same sensor size as it’s the previous version.
In low light conditions, the camera showing some incredible performance, especially when you compare it with their other models. This is possible because of the APS-C sensor used in the camera. You may also note that the small body of the camera offers great balance with balanced lenses. If you talk about the touch screen it is also very sleek and stylish. We recommend this camera because it has some cool features when compared with the price.
Unfortunately, there is no quick function the feature is given by the company on this camera. The cons of that feature it does create impact functionality. That thing is quite a downside for convenience when you shooting and especially in quick access. But this camera has incredible features of touchscreen LCD. One other function of touch-to-focus control, these features give you accuracy when you recording. Especially for those individuals with smaller hands. In the end similar to its previous version, this camera also has a record limit of 39 minutes and 50 seconds, which is quite brilliant.
PROS:
- The camera has a low price, you can say it is the most budget camera in our list.
- You find the same APS-C sensor size that’s which are on the expensive camera.
CONS:
- You don’t find the audio jack and hot shoe, which is not a good thing but very understandable considering the price.
3. FUJIFILM X-T30 MIRRORLESS CAMERA:
- Advanced Image Sensor Technology: The 26.1MP BSI APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 image sensor and X-Processor 4 quad-core CPU combination provide accurate AF and Face Detection for moving subjects when capturing either high-resolution stills or recording 4K video.
- Accurate Auto-Focus Tracking and Face Detection: he new X-Processor 4 Quad Core-CPU offers fast and accurate face-detection for moving people. Additionally, eye-detection AF now works in AF-C mode, which results in accurate focus-tracking for moving portrait subjects. The low-light limit for phase detection AF has been expanded even more from the conventional +0.5EV to -3EV, to allow for operation in a wide range of lighting scenarios.
- Superior Video and Image Effects: The X-T30 offers the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second or capture of 120 frames per second at 1080p to create super slow motion effects. Filmmakers needing extreme color fidelity can record 10-bit, 4:2:2 color through the camera’s HDMI port.
- Intuitive Design with Comfortable Controls: Offers 3.0-inch touch LCD with 2-way tilting and improved touch screen to capture images efficiently in challenging situations. Provides advanced SR Auto mode - easily activated with a lever - to automatically choose the optimum shooting settings for a given scene out of 58 presets.
- Next-Gen Wireless Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth V.4.2 offers digital communication with the free FUJIFILM Camera Remote app to wirelessly control the camera or share images to smart devices.
The camera contains the X Series’ 4 Generation X Trans CMOS 4 Sensor. The benefit of this sensor it boasting a resolution of 26.1MP. This sensor is working in a unique way. The sensor uses the unique X-Trans color filter in images and videos. The benefit of this technology is it reduces more and false colors in the image. One thing needs this camera for an optical low pass filter. This camera contains a back-illuminated structure which enhances the image and video quality. The camera has the function of noise reduction technology while it eliminates the surrounding noise efficiently.
The camera has a quad-core design. The benefit of this design is it makes use of the X-Trans CMO 4 sensors on full potential. By the way, this combination is the deadly combination behind the camera’s increase film simulation modes. It contains advanced auto-focus tracking capability which allows you to shoots any video or image at any position. This camera also features a high-quality 4K/30P video function.
When you select the Advanced SR Auto mode this camera work efficiently. When this option is selected the camera examines the scene itself. The camera automatically selects important autofocus and exposure to the settings. This mode is very beneficial for that situation where it is hard to determine enough exposure settings. What you need you only need to press the shutter of the camera to take high-quality images and capturing the perfect photo.
The camera features the number of AF phase detection pixels in the sensor. The benefit of this feature is it increased the pixels to 2.16 million and now covers the entire frame approximately 100%. This feature also enables fast and quick autofocusing. Additionally, The camera has the function of the low-light threshold for face detection. This camera also has an AF feature which has been expanded from +0.5EV in the previous version of the camera to -3.0EV.
PROS:
- The autofocus of this camera is very fast
- The image stabilization is very fine
CONS:
- The price of this camera is a little bit high
4. PANASONIC LUMIX G85:
- Fine Detail Performance: 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter resulting in a near 10 percent boost in fine detail resolving power over existing 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensors; Color temperature setting 2500 to 10000K in 100K
- Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera: With 12 60 millimeter lens, Shoot lighter and faster with the modern hybrid photography performance of a mirrorless camera and nearly half the bulk of most DSLRs
- Class Leading Dual Image Stabilization: In body 5 axis dual image stabilization works in both photo and motion picture recording including 4K video to produce clear handheld shots even in low light conditions. Diopter adjustment:-4.0 - +4.0 (dpt)
- Live Viewfinder & Flip LCD Display: Integrated eye level OLED live viewfinder (2360K dots) and rear touch Enabled 3 inch LCD Display (1040K dots) adjusts for optimal viewing angles to maximize viewing
- 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive Lumix 4K photo and 4K Post Focus allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been Taken
The camera features a 16-megapixel micro four-thirds sensor. It contains no low pass filter. The benefit four-third nature is resulting in a near 11 percent boost in fine detail image. The camera feature resolving power over 15′ megapixel micro four-thirds sensors. The Color temperature is also very efficient it varies the setting 2400 to 10000K in 100K.
The camera has a mirrorless Interchangeable lens. The measurement of the lens is 12 60 millimeter lens. It works faster Shoot is lighter with the modern hybrid photography technology. The performance of a mirrorless camera is outstanding when compared with half the bulky of most DSLRs.
The camera contains an amazing feature of 4K, this feature is very beneficial. The benefit of this feature it makes a video that provides nearly 6X times the number of pixels than Full High definition video. The video made by this camera will feature high definition and depth detail than those cameras who recorded video in Full HD with a camcorder.
The camera feature Integrated eye-level OLED live view 2360K dots. It has also contained rear touch Enabled 4 inch LED Display 1080K dots. Now you can adjust this camera for optimal viewing angles to maximize image quality. This camera has a lot of features that’s why we select it in our article.
This camera capture QFHD video recording 3840 x 2160. It also captures the exclusive Lumix 4K photo. This camera has features of 4K Post Focus which allows you to record photos up to 25fps. You also set your targeted focus points after the photo has been captured.
PROS:
- The image quality is very sharp and nice.
- Image quality and bokeh are outstanding.
CONS:
- One problem occurs a slight crop to the 4k video recording.
5. CANON 80 CAMERA:
- The EOS 80D camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder helps bring the thrill of SLR photography with each use
- The Intelligent Viewfinder displays AF points and AF mode, has a grid display, a horizontal electronic level, plus numerous other points of information
- For next level AF operation, the EOS 80D camera has a wide area, 45 point, all cross type AF system with low luminance performance to EV 3 and 4 types of AF area selection modes
- The 24.2 Megapixel (APS C) CMOS sensor captures high resolution images and has refined individual pixels that enable high ISO speeds (16000 for still photographs, 12800 for movies)
- Canon’s remarkable shutter combined with ability to shoot up to 7.0 fps during continuous shooting ensures quick performance.Dioptric Adjustment: 3.0 to +1.0 m 1 (diopter)
The camera features Intelligent Viewfinder. This feature is very useful Because the benefit of this feature is it helps to bring the thrill of SLR photography in the images. This feature is very demanding because due to this feature this camera is unique among its competitors
This camera has a unique feature of Intelligent Viewfinder monetization AF points and AF mode. Due to this feature, it produces a grid display and a horizontal electronic level. The feature gives numerous other points of information. These features are for the convince of consumers.
This camera features a next-level AF operation. the camera contains a wide area angle which has approximately 45 points. The lens cross all type AF system with minor luminance performance to EV 4 and 5 types. This feature is very unique, the feature doesn’t present in other competitors. That’s why this is so famous among consumers.
The camera contains a 24.2 Megapixel (APS C) CMO sensor. The benefit of that type of sensor is it captures high-resolution images. This camera also has refined individual pixels. that provide high ISO speeds 18000 for still photographs, 13800 for movies). This sensor works in unique ways because it enhances the performance of the camera and provides good quality images. You find some best features in this camera
Canon has a remarkable and unique shutter. It has the ability to shoot up to 8.0 fps during the continuous shooting of images or videos. The benefit of this feature ensures quick performance. Dioptric Adjustment of this camera is 3.0 to +1.0 m 1 (diopter).
PROS:
- The camera has the greatest ability to shoot up at 8.0 fps during the continuous shoot.
- The image stabilization of the camera is outstanding.
CONS:
- The build quality of this camera is very poor.
FINAL CONCLUSION:
The best camera for film making on a budget was our today topic. We explored this topic in different directions. If we talk about on this topic 15 to 20 years ago then it is impossible to find the best camera for film making on a budget. Because at that time the technology is too costly and the cameras are very expensive. Not every individual affords the camera but only professional people afford it. But as time passes the technology is affordable day by day and the camera is also present at affordable prices.
More people enter the film industry and new ideas come in this field. These things happened just because of affordable cameras. The main purpose of our article is to save your important money. Because a lot of people waste their money on expensive cameras because they don’t have complete information. They save their money if they read our article.