Best Camera for Beginner Filmmakers to kick start your Career

With camera technology advancing with every passing day, the digital revolution has transformed filmmaking. This field has attracted many young volunteers in the past few years. The initial step towards filmmaking is choosing the right equipment i.e. the right camera.

Now, with a wide variety offered today, it becomes a difficult task to choose the right gear for you. A few things like compact body, weather-sealed, and 4K video quality are supposed to be in the checklist you prepare for the right selection. 

best camera for beginner filmmakers

Being a beginner, you might not want to burn a hole in your pocket while purchasing the very first thing in your filmmaking kit. Selecting the best camera for beginner filmmakers that fits your needs is quite a time consuming task. Dozens of questions might hit your mind about functions of digital camera and make your head spin while you make the appropriate choice.

Whether you are interested in shooting narratives, music videos, documentaries, web series, commercials, vlogs, travelogues or any other form of filmmaking we are here to help you pick the best one. If you wish to buy a DSLR that provides the sharpest image quality, then you should also choose cinema lens that have adjustable focal lengths. Lenses having stabilized telephoto are ideal for getting the sharpest image qualities.

Instead of looking at the big ocean of choices, we have some of the best camera for beginner filmmakers to kick start their creative film making game.

10 BEST CAMERA FOR BEGINNER FILMMAKERS

IMAGE

BRAND

DETAILS


Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • Flip-up rear touch screen.
  • Built-in ND filter.
  • F2.8 max aperture.
  • Up to 8 fps Continuous Shooting.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • 4K Video Recording.
  • High Speed AF with DFD Technology.
  • Fast and Precise AF Tracking.
  • High-Visibility View Finder.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • Fast hybrid AF with phase detection.
  • Compatible with Sony’s E mount lenses.
  • 5 axis in body image stabilization.
  • Peripheral shading, chromatic aberration.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • Enhanced AF processing for moving subject.
  • Fast and accurate phase detection AF across the frame.
  • 4K Movie Recording.
  • Touchscreen panel tilts in 3 directions.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps.
  • world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF.
  • Tiltable LCD screen.
  • slow/quick motion videos without post processing.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • Shutter Shock Reduction.
  • Optional Power Grip.
  • 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter.
  • Class Leading Dual Image Stabilization.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • Back-illuminated 26.1 megapixel image sensor.
  • Faster and more accurate AF performance.
  • Mechanical Shutter and Electronic Shutter.
  • "Face Select" function.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • 4:2:2 10-Bit Interval.
  • V Log Upgradable.
  • Dual SD Card Slot.
  • 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with no low pass filter.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • Single Burst Shoot 7 captures 7 shots.
  • Real-time Eye AF for human and animal.
  • AI-based8 Real-time Tracking.
  • Microphone jack, vertical-position data recording.
Best camera for beginner filmmakers
  • 4:2:2 10Bit Interval.
  • V Log Upgradable.
  • Dual SD Card Slot.
  • Dual image stabilization.
If you are a beginner in filmmaking and don’t want to invest a lot of money in cameras, then you can get some exclusive cameras on a budget.

BEST CAMERA FOR BEGINNER FILMMAKERS REVIEW

1. CANON POWERSHOT G7 X - BEST LOW LIGHT CAMERA

CANON POWERSHOT - Best camera for beginner filmmakers

If you want a best camera for beginner filmmakers with next generation image quality and power, then G7 X  is the right choice and it is one of Canon’s best selling digital cameras. With features like DIGCI, image processor it not only enhances the photos taken in low lighting but also enables a more natural depiction of the contrast.

This is one such camera if you are not just looking for pictures but beautiful, well-defined pictures instead. If you are decided to buy a canon camera, just look at the top-rated Canon lens for newbies.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • F2.8 max aperture along with fast shutter speed effect.
  • Clicking control dial around the lens.
  • Flip-up rear touch screen.
  • Dedicated exposure compensation dial.
  • 3.0" 1.04m dot LCD (720 x 480 pixels).
  • Built-in ND filter.

Pros

  • The size of the camera is exceptional, it is best for traveling.
  • It shoots raw films which is easy to edit.

Cons

  • No viewfinder.
  • No 4K video.

2. PANASONIC LUMIX G7 - BEST 4K CAMERA

PANASONIC Lumix G7 - Best camera for beginner filmmakers

This revolutionary Lumix G7 with 24 compact lenses is a camera that exquisitely mimics a mid range DSLR. With 4K, the video recording delivers an intense viewing experience and intelligent image processor that produces artifact free images and videos. Unwire your creativity and never miss the perfect moment ever again.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 16 MP Live MOS Sensor with max resolution of 4592 x 3448, 7.3 x 13.0 mm.
  • Color Space- sRGB, Adobe RGB.
  • Wi-Fi, 3.5mm Microphone jack, USB 2.0 High-Speed Multi, micro HDMI TypeD.
  • Lens- 3.00x zoom, 14-42mm.
  • Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1200mAh, 8.7Wh).

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact body structure.
  • 4K recording.
  • Plenty of modes and structure.
  • LCD with tilt feature.

Cons

  • Battery backup not that compelling..
  • Not for a first time.

3. SONY ALPHA A7II - BEST SONY CAMERA

Sony Alpha a7II - Best camera for beginner filmmakers

Breathtaking image quality meets unrivaled shooting freedom in Sony Alpha a7II, the world’s first full frame camera with 5-axis image stabilization.

Dramatically expand your range of expressing and say goodbye to five types of camera shakes. With high performance fast hybrid AF, capture your subject in highly accurate precision. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 24.3MP Full Frame CMOS sensor.
  • 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization.
  • 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots.
  • Wi-Fi with NFC capability and downloadable apps.

Pros

  • Splendid resolution.
  • Build quality is solid.
  • Tilting LCD.
  • Camera is easy to hold.
  • Excellent Raw dynamic range.

Cons

  • Size of control dial are too small.
  • The ISO can’t be programmed.

4. FUJIFILM X-T3

Fujifilm X-T3 - Best camera for beginner filmmakers

Developing a camera with exceptional photography as well as videography is not an easy task. The Fujifilm X-T3 is the best APS-C mirrorless camera the company has ever produced with an excellent 18-55mm kit lens.

Newly developed compact in-body stabilization and with this best camera for beginner filmmakers delivers image and video quality that satisfies all the demands of the professionals.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • It has a  26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4, 23.5 x 15.6mm sensor.
  • X-Processor 4 image processor:
  • Equipped with Wi-Fi and  Bluetooth connectivity
  • Size: 132.5 x 92.8 x 58.8mm.
  • Weight: 539g.

Pros

  • Autofocus is faster.
  • Sharp and fluid EVF.
  • Quality of images is remarkable.
  • Powerful 4K video creation tool.

Cons

  • No in-body stabilization.
  • Rear LCD doesn’t flip.

5. SONY ALPHA A6400 - BEST MIRRORLESS CAMERA

Sony Alpha a6400  - Best camera for beginner filmmakers

Grab the best of life with Sony alpha a640 and innovate your creativity. Despite its compact and lightweight size, it delivers a speedy performance. The mirrorless interchangeable lens camera offers beautiful shots that you will want to share with everyone on the go. Along with the tilting touch screen that can tilt 180 degrees makes this best camera for beginner filmmakers great for vlogging.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 24MP APS-C senso
  • 425-pt phase detection AF system with Real-Time Tracking
  • Tilting screen, 180° up, 90° down
  • 410 shots per battery charge (per CIPA)
  • Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth

Pros

  • Fast burst rates.
  • The viewfinder is of high quality.
  • USB charging.
  • Built in flash.

Cons

  • 4K/30pwhich comes with crop.
  • Autofocus system is confusing.

6. PANASONIC LUMIX G85 - BEST COMPACT MIRRORLESS CAMERA

PANASONIC Lumix G85 4K

The next generation Panasonic Lumix G85 4K is a compact mirrorless camera with a weather sealed magnesium alloy body that offers 4K videos along with a 3 inch articulating touch screen.

With an extended battery life of up to 900 images, enjoy the freedom of being able to decide what you want to focus even after you shoot. So this can be an iconic choice of best camera for beginner filmmakers.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 5-axis image stabilization with Dual I.S. 2.
  • Splash/dustproof body.
  • Depth from Defocus AF.
  • 2.36M-dot OLED EVF.
  • 3-inch 1.04M-dot fully-articulating touchscreen LCD.
  • 4K video / photo.

Pros

  • 4K video quality.
  • The new shutter mechanism eliminates shutter shock which plagued the G7.
  • Robust build quality.
  • Using viewfinder you can focus on a point.

Cons

  • No headphone port.
  • JPEG colors at high ISO.

7. FUJIFILM X-T30 - BEST CAMERA FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T30 is a best camera for beginner filmmakers that offers premium image and video quality at a much reasonable price. With supreme AF, 4K video recording and continuous shooting performance it captures every opportunity.

This ‘little giant’ with the latest 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 APS-C image sensor and an X-Processor Pro 4 image processor has three times faster auto focus. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 4K DCI/UHD at 30p, 25p, 24 video.
  • Supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Max burst: 30fps.
  • 3-inch tilting LCD touch screen, 1.04m dots.
  • Size: 118.4 x 82.8 x 46.8m.

Pros

  • Small size.
  • Splendid image quality.
  • Effective and powerful autofocus.

Cons

  • No body stabilization.
  • Pathetic placement of Q button.

8. PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 - BEST 4K MIRRORLESS CAMERA

Panasonic LUMIX GH5

Particularly designed as a versatile interchangeable lens, Panasonic LUMIXGH5 is the world’s first best camera for beginner filmmakers that offers 4K 60p/50p smooth quality video. With perfect focal length and no senor cropping, this camera can record at twice the frame rate of any other mirrorless camera.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor, 20.3M.
  • 3.2-inch vari-angle touch screen, 1,620,000 dots.
  • Splash/Freeze Proof Design
  • 6K Photo still image extraction.
  • 5 axis dual image stabilization

Pros

  • Specification of videos are brilliant.
  • Touch screen interface.
  • Durable build.
  • Large and bright EVF.

Cons

  • Image quality not that compelling.
  • ISO range could be broader.

9. SONY RX100 VII - BEST POCKET FRIENDLY CAMERA

Sony RX100 VII

Known as the pocket powerhouse, the Sony RX100 VII Premium compact camera is a combination of 28-200mm Equivalent zoom with 20fps shooting. The broad zoom capability in a compact body is engineered to achieve maximum resolutions and deliver superb image quality. 

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • 3-inch tilting touch LCD screen, 921k dot.
  • Max Burst is  20fps (90fps short burst mode).
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Size: 101.6 x 58.1 x 42.8 mm.
  • Weight: 302g (body only, with battery and SD card).

Pros

  • Ultra high speed shooting.
  • Fast and hi-tech AF.
  • Great 4K video.

Cons

  • Small controls.
  • Finish is slippery.


10. PANASONIC LUMIX GH9

Lumix G9

Built like a tank to withstand heavy use, this GH9  model of Panasonic Lumix packs a real punch with its high performance 4K image quality designed to achieve incredible image and video quality. It is just the best camera for beginner filmmakers that you require for accurate monitoring of professional video making.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

  • Advanced DFD autofocu.
  • Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.
  • 0.83x 3.68m-Dot OLED Viewfinder.
  • Top Status LCD; Rear Joystick.
  • ISO 25600 and 60 fps Continuous Shooting.
  • 20MP Four Thirds sensor.
  • 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization; Dual I.S. 2
  • Dual UHS-II SD Slots; Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Pros

  • High and big viewfinder.
  • Wi-Fi with Bluetooth LE.
  • Improved menus.
  • Setting can be saved in the card.

Cons

  • Battery life not that compelling.

  • Viewfinder drops during the bursts.

CONCLUSION

Filmmaking is something that can get expensive fast. For beginners, it is important to keep in mind that splurging is not the best way to begin your career in this field. With digital technology growing at a fast pace there are many superior cameras available in the market to make your filmmaking stress free. Before choosing the right equipment for yourself, make sure to take your time and do a proper research to find the ones that match your needs without breaking your bank account. 

Make a smart choice, choose the best and start filming now!

Share your views on the comment section below.

Nicolas Gilli
 

Hi, I'm Nicholas Gilli, I'm a blogger who is very much interested in blogging about film-making gadgets. I have experience as a cinematographer in the film industry for more than 15 years. My blogs would comprise of articles about film making gadgets and guides on how to use them. Even if you are a beginner you will learn a lot about cinematography here. Happy reading.

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