Best Budget Cameras For Filmmaking – Top 8 Picks (FILMMAKER’s Guide)

Last updated on June 1st, 2021 at 06:22 am

The first gadget that filmmakers need is a good camera. A camera with a well-functioning AF system, great image stabilization, and remarkable footage that boasts vibrancy and sharpness is often the best choice for videographers. Obviously, the addition of 4K resolution videos seals the deal.  

However, it’s almost impossible for most videographers to find a camera with all of these features without going broke. Most budget-friendly cameras deliver poor performance or are unable to stand the test of time.  

Therefore, we have put forward a list of the best budget cameras for videography to make the buying process a tad bit easier for you. They boast a wide range of features to enhance your videos and capture stunning images.  

Best Budget Cameras For Filmmaking

Canon EOS RP	Sony Alpha a7II	Sony Alpha a6500
BEST OVERALL Compact and lightweight body 4K video resolution	PREMIUM CHOICE Outstanding image quality Advanced image stabilization system	BEST BUDGET Extremely fast AF system Several video options
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Budget Filmmaking Camera Reviews

1. Sony Alpha 7 II Mirrorless Full Frame Camera

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Features:

Sony released the second version of the Alpha A7 series with several improvements with an addition of new features for enthusiasts and professional photographers.  

Design

If you assume that every photographer wants a sleek, modern-looking camera, you are wrong. Alphas overall look gained a lot of appreciation for the old school design and strong build. The solid-body feels secure for handling, and the moisture and dust seals ensure maximum protection from the harsh shooting conditions. The deep, textured grip enhances secure handling while the body sports a simple button layout.  

Performance

Alpha features the signature hybrid autofocus system with 25 contrast-detection points and 117 phase-detection points for effortless focusing. Moreover, the new version is 30% faster than its predecessor with a longer high-speed drive and improved tracking. With the addition of Lock-On AF, Alpha tracks the desired subject pretty well even if a new subject enters the frame.  

Before testing the performance, we had heard a lot about the image stabilization system. The rumors weren’t wrong as the final images displayed outstanding sharpness even at a shutter speed of 1/6 secs. We found the automatic white balance system pretty great in terms of the performance under various lighting conditions. There were some minor issues under artificial lighting, but we fixed them through the custom white balance values—moreover, images under bright lighting benefit from dialing some negative exposure compensation. The electronic viewfinder makes the exposure compensation much easier as it displays the results beforehand to highlight the need for any adjustments. Throughout the lighting conditions, we found the performance of the AF system more than reasonable: it manages to capture the desired subject with great precision and speed.  

Moving on, the image quality is incredible. We didn’t expect any less after considering the powerful sensor and processor. The results are highly detailed with pleasant colors; however, using the preset filters makes them look even better. The” landscape” filter is perfect for any outdoor landscape photography while the” Standard” mode works well with casual images. We didn’t notice any major signs of image deterioration by chromatic noise, even at high sensitivities.  

Bottom line

Sony Alpha A7II is the perfect choice for all photographers who want to invest in a compact full-frame camera. With several exciting features, including a great stabilization system and exemplary image quality, it should certainly be a part of your bucket list.

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2. Canon EOS 80D

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Features:

Canon EOS 80D is an incredible camera choice for all enthusiast photographers. Despite being much older, it offers users a set of great features along with stunning images.  

Design

Fortunately, Canon didn’t make huge changes to the overall control layout. This is excellent for the old users who want to swap their current cameras for the latest version without going through any unnecessary hassle. 80D is compact and lightweight for easier handling. However, some might consider investing in an additional grip. The control layout is pretty simple and straightforward, with almost all the buttons being arranged on the right. Moreover, there is a 3-inch 1,040,000-dot Clear View II screen that offers a clear and crisp view.  

Performance

Unlike the other APS-C cameras, EOS 80D features a 24MP sensor to capture more details for a high-resolution image. Most cameras often produce noisier images after upgrading their sensor size. Fortunately, Canon has a hold on the issue by increasing the pixel count by 25% without negatively affecting the resolution of the image. Images shot at ISO16000 didn’t consist of any noise or smearing, and the performance remains great up till ISO25600- you may want to avoid this setting due to an obvious decrease in resolution.  

Moving on, the autofocus system pairs up with the viewfinder for an excellent performance. It had no problems focusing on the nonstationary subjects even under low lighting conditions. With the 45-point Automatic Selection option and new color detection system, Canon posed no issue in identifying the subject and focusing on it throughout any movements. Moreover, there are 16 other AF customization options for those who give a lot of importance to the focusing department.  

Canons metering system includes a 7560-pixel RGB+IR sensor and 63-zone metering modes, including Evaluative, Partial, Centre-weighted, and Spot metering. The modes work pretty well; however, you may find yourself manually adjusting the exposure in high contrast conditions. There weren’t any issues with the auto white balance system either: the white priority setting is perfect for delivering neutral images under artificial lighting while the ambient priority mode offers images some warmth.  

Bottom line

Canon made the right decision to launch EOS 80D after EOS 70D. There are several improvements, including better design, a diverse range of features, great image quality, and much more. However, this isn’t the camera for photographers opting for a full-frame version.

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3. Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Features:

Sony Alpha A6500 is, undoubtedly, a powerful mirrorless camera that packs a whole lot of features to make your photography experience a big success.  

Design

In terms of the design, Sony didn’t make any huge changes and kept the overall layout similar to its predecessor. This is a winning factor for old users who wouldn’t need to spend additional time in getting used to the new layout. The half metal and half plastic body ensure a robust yet lightweight structure. It’s a bit thicker than A6300 because of the new built-in image stabilization system. The grip feels more pronounced for secure handling, and luckily, the Sonys button arrangement won’t intimidate the beginners.  

Performance

Were certainly not exaggerating when we say that the autofocusing system is perfect. The dense 4D AF system offers 425 phase-detect AF points and 169 contrast-detect points for a lightning-fast focusing speed. It won’t falter even while focusing on erratically moving subjects.  

Sony boasts a new processing engine with much faster processing speed. As a result, it delivers a staggering 307 JPEG images at 8fps and 200 JPEGs at 11fps. We found the metering system equally incredible: there weren’t any signs of over or underexposure regardless of the lighting conditions. Fortunately, there were improvements in the auto white balance system. The previous models featured a much stickier balance system that took time to adapt to the surroundings. Moreover, there are several white balance modes with three custom settings to play around with your images.

The battery life doesn’t break any records and lasts for around 350 shots. Carrying around some spare batteries is recommended if you want to shoot Ultra HD videos.  

Armed with a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor, Sony is perfect for delivering incredible images. They display a high level of sharpness with just the right contrast, and the DRO system immediately enhances the shadows.  

The entire Alpha 6000 series does a wonderful job of keeping image noise at bay. There weren’t any visible signs of image deterioration even at ISO6400. Moreover, the dynamic range wasn’t disappointing, either.  

Bottom line

There’s nothing that Sony A6500 doesn’t have: a great image stabilization system, a touchscreen display, and loads of buffer for your next-door photography enthusiast. All it needs is a headphone jack to make your next videography experience even better.

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4. Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera

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Features:

Panasonic Lumix GH5 is the latest addition to the Panasonics GH series of mirrorless cameras. The entire range seems to be quite famous amongst videographers for their diverse range of movie-making features. GH5 offers the same features but with some major improvements.  

Design

Lumix GH5 breaks the stereotypes of mirrorless cameras by being much larger than its predecessor rather than being a compact mirrorless camera. The magnesium alloy body and pronounced grip provide protection to the camera while the overall texture makes it look rather professional. Moreover, that camera consists of weather seals with a heat dispersing design for protection against uncomfortable temperatures. Along with a touchscreen display, old school photographers may find the crowded yet easily accessible button layout quite pleasing.  

Performance

Lumix doesn’t disappoint us with it’s brilliant AF system. The 225 point system covers the majority of the frame for effortless, fast, and precise focusing. Moreover, you can opt for the custom modes for an exclusive focus area or manual positioning.  

The exposure metering system is equally satisfying, with 1,728 zones to work out the perfect exposure. The result is almost always pleasing, but you may need to make some adjustments postproduction in some circumstances. The Auto white balance system delivers natural-looking results, but a preset is necessary to add some warmth to your images.  

Moving on, the image stabilization system is a treat to work with. We got some amazing shots at a shutter speed as low as 1/10 sec and sharp handheld images at a focal length of 120mm. Lumix consists of a large and bright viewfinder that is perfect for accessing focus and viewing the final images before shooting them. Panasonic snaps around 400 images in a single battery charge; hence you should carry some additional batteries to be on the safe side.  

Furthermore, the 20.3MP sensor chip and a missing optical low pass filter result in highly detailed images at low sensitivities. Unfortunately, images taken at higher sensitivities display a lot of chromatic noise.  

Bottom line

Panasonic Lumix GH5 is an all-rounder camera. Whether you want to shoot highly detailed images or record a stunning 4K video, GH5 won’t leave you disappointed. However, the image quality isn’t one of the best, and there are better cameras in this price range specifically meant for shooting stills.

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5. Canon EOS RP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS RP is perfect for everyone, and no, we aren’t kidding. It is a beginner-friendly version of a complex full-frame mirrorless camera and a great alternative for those who want to try a full-frame camera for the first time.  

Design

Canon EOS RP is portable as it weighs only 485g and packs a powerful performance in a compact, pocket-friendly body. There are a 0.39-inch, 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder, and a well-articulating screen to benefit the videographers. Moreover, the layout is quite neat and simple. The buttons don’t feel crowded, which is a great achievement by Canon considering the size of the camera.  

Performance

It wouldn’t be fair to compare the performance of EOS RP to popular full-frame cameras, including Canon EOS R and Nikon Z6. RP is meant for the common public, including beginners and enthusiasts, and wasn’t made keeping the professionals in mind. However, this does not mean that it delivers poor performance. If anything, its perfect for shooting stills.  

EOS RP features a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with phase detection and contrast detection: the latter isn’t compatible with 4K videos. There are several focusing modes, including Zone AF, Spot AF, and 1-Point AF, for various shooting conditions. In short, the camera spends no time in detecting the desired subject with utmost precision and immediately locks on to it.  

Canon delivers a reasonable 5fps shooting speed that drops down to 4fps in the continuous shooting mode. It’s certainly nowhere near the higher-end cameras, but EOS RP maintains the speed pretty well throughout the shoot. Moreover, a fast memory card allows users to maintain this speed through unlimited JPEGs and around 98 simultaneous Raw images. The 0.7x magnification is large enough to provide you a great view of the scene and performs similarly to a viewfinder.

Fortunately, the metering system didn’t cause any unnecessary issues and performed well in well-balanced conditions. Some users feel that the performance against darker conditions is a tad bit unflattering, but there’s nothing that can’t be fixed in the postproduction exposure compensation. The auto white balance setting does justice to the overall images by retaining the scenes perfectly. Overall, we found the images well-detailed with pleasing colors.  

Bottom line

Canon EOS RP surprised us with its release and continued to surprise us with its terrific performance. In addition to the perks of a full-frame camera, RP offers 4K resolution and a great control layout from within a small, lightweight body.

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6. Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Features:

Fujifilm X-T30 is just another one of the cameras in the well-acclaimed X Series. It offers a wide range of exclusive features at an attractive price, including a stunning 4K resolution for videos.  

Design

Fortunately, Fujifilm didn’t make any major changes to the overall camera structure, so old users won’t face any hassle in getting used to a new layout. The small boxed shaped body consists of important control dials on the top plate for easier access. Moving on, the pronounced grip feels more secure for handling purposes, but the ergonomics are meant for lightweight lenses.  

Performance

X-T3 users won’t be surprised by a similar autofocusing system. The 26.1MP sensor delivers 2.16 million phase-detect AF pixels for 100% coverage throughout the frame. The Single-point AF mode allows you to choose between 425 individual points, but there are several other modes for photographers looking for a distinct point positioning. Surprisingly, the working range goes as low as -3EV making Fujifilm a great candidate for low light shooting. In short, the AF system is fast and precise, regardless of the distance between various subjects.  

Further on, X-T30 features an upgraded LCD screen and viewfinder. Even though the screen can’t be tilted over three axes, it performs reasonably well under bright lighting as well.

On the other hand, the 2.36 million-dot viewfinder is a valuable addition that displays clear, high detailed images but could perform well with a higher magnification.  

With an 8fps burst rate, photographers get around 16 raw images and JPEG files that take their time to be written on a fast UHS-I memory card. However, the camera remains operational during this process to save time.  

X-T30s Image quality didn’t disappoint us. If anything, the old processing engine and back-illuminated sensor work together to produce high-resolution results with minimal noise. Images at ISO6400 boast great details with hardly any hints of chromatic noise. Moreover, the dynamic range didn’t falter under low sensitivities, either.

Nothing changes when we talk about the video quality as they are equally incredible, showing off excellent details, proper stabilization, and decent audio. 

Bottom line

Fujifilm X-T30 offers the best of everything from a robust body structure to a speedy autofocusing system. It’s ideal for shooting 4K videos, and considering the price range, it might be your best bet for your next videography experience.

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7. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Digital 4K Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS M50 is quite popular amongst videography enthusiasts as a versatile gadget that is quite fun and easy to use. As a mid-range mirrorless camera, it packs a wide range of features to make the most of your shooting experience.  

Design

The EOS M5 users might observe a whole lot of similarities in terms of the design. The electronic viewfinder with a built-in flash hidden under it is just one of the examples of the clever ergonomic design. The overall structure consists of a strong polycarbonate finish while the exterior feels a bit plasticky, much to our disappointment. However, the texture doesn’t define the build quality: if anything, the camera feels quite strong. Moreover, the leatherette handgrip is perfect for secure handling while the simple control layout sits well with beginners.  

Performance

Fortunately, Canon decided to improve the rather rigid AF system of its previous mirrorless cameras. The upgraded Dual Pixel CMOS AF system delivers fast focusing speed, especially when it comes to AF area selection. AF tracking is effortless but lags while focusing on erratically moving subjects.

Armed with a strong DIGIC 8 image processor, users get a shooting speed of 10fps in Single AF mode. It drops down to a decent 7.4fps in the continuous shooting mode, which is still better compared to its rivals. We didn’t face any troubles with the electronic viewfinder: it boasts a decent refresh rate, smooth display, and reasonable magnification. The responsive touchscreen display makes shooting much easier in terms of choosing an AF point and scrolling through images.  

Moving on, the image stabilization system performs in a reasonable manner with the provided len. However, the Auto ISO mode or a higher ISO setting in low light conditions improves the performance. We recommend you to carry some spare batteries because the 235-shot battery life isn’t enough for extended shooting periods.  

Further on, our expectations of the image quality were high because of the incredible 24.2MP APS-C sensor. Fortunately, M50 didn’t fail to meet them: the overall results didn’t display any major chromatic noise even at high sensitivities. The dynamic range is solid, and M50 allows you to recover a good amount of lost detail while processing the images.  

Bottom line

Canon EOS M50 hits the right notes with its target audience by sporting a reasonable autofocusing system, breadth of amazing features, and great image quality. For those looking for a well-rounded mirrorless camera, M50 should be on their list.

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8. Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Digital Camera

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Features:

Panasonic Lumix G7 is one of the best cameras for enthusiast photographers and videographers. The compact camera has an upgraded sensor and a fast processing engine to put out remarkable images.  

Design

Lumix G7 features a much angular look with a different control layout compared to its predecessor, Lumix G6. The two control dials on the top plate function well, and the camera responds immediately to any adjustments. We were impressed by the well designed vari-angle touchscreen and a great viewfinder: they work together for effortless image composition. Moreover, the 2,360,000-dotted EVF, with its OLED unit, delivers double the resolution with a bright, clear view of the image.  

Performance

For someone who has previously worked with G6, they won’t observe a huge difference when it comes to image quality. Lumix G7 utilizes the same sensor as Lumix G6 to produce high-quality images with hardly any hints of chromatic noise at ISO6400. Moreover, the firm control over image noise may not bring a major issue of speckling into the light. Speckling is visible at 100% at ISO800 and at ISO1600 when it comes to Raw files.  

Moving on, the metering and auto white balance systems are quite remarkable. The Multi Metering system coped well with a diverse range of lighting conditions, and photographers hardly feel the need to adjust the exposure postproduction. Moreover, the incredible dynamic range prevents the burning out of highlights. As a result, the images look much well-exposed than G7s rivals. Similarly, the automatic white balance system delivers warmth and neutrality for a natural-looking image.  

The autofocus system doesn’t break any records of speed and precision but isn’t disappointing either. Continuous AF doesn’t lose focus on the desired subject under decent lighting, while the Single AF mode performs pretty well even under low light conditions.  

When it comes to videos and shots, you get highly detailed footage with pleasant colors and proper exposure. The extensive range of 4K photo modes allows you to explore your creativity with some interesting options to record high-speed action.  

Bottom line

We found the Panasonic Lumix G7 as an excellent alternative to meet your videography needs. The well-rounded camera certainly isn’t the best when it comes to design and build but offers a wide variety of features. From a high-quality viewfinder to a vari-angle touchscreen, G7 has it all.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Cameras For Filmmaking On a Budget

Q: Are DSLRs good for filmmaking?

A: DSLRs were originally meant for still photography. They use interchangeable lenses and a mirror to reflect the image up to the viewfinder. Compared to other cameras, they feature a bigger sensor that results in better images under low light conditions. However, they deliver a shallower depth of field, which brings a smaller portion of the scene into focus at the same aperture. It’s not the best feature for capturing videos but delivers a great cinematic effect.  

However, they are relatively more expensive and lack good audio quality. Most DSLRs don’t feature headphone sockets, and you may need to invest in an additional audio recorder. Moreover, the shallow depth of field makes it harder to grab Live view focus, and the mirror makes the process much slower. Camcorders offer great built-in image stabilization, but you may need to spend additional bucks on a tripod or monopod for smooth movements while recording videos. Furthermore, they are big and bulky, and several accessories are needed to obtain great footage.  

Q: Is 4K really better than 1080p?

A: 4K videos have pulled ahead of 1080p videos in terms of video quality. They efficiently resolve any extra details and makes it easier to scale down the videos without ruining the quality. Most Ultra HD devices use 4K resolution to produce fine details with significantly higher contrast. For example, images of feathers may appear blurred on other formats but look stunning when viewed up close with a 4K resolution.  

Moreover, they allow users to sit closer to the device if they want to enjoy the maximum benefits of the resolution without any pixelation. Let’s suppose that you want a 2K high definition video. Shooting the video in the 2K format appears less detailed than scaling down a 4K video to your required format.  

In short, the ultra-high 4K definition technology has redefined the way we produce and view videos and is perfect for videography purposes.  

Q: What should I look for while buying a video camera?

A: Purchasing any device, especially a camera, is a complicated business. They are expensive, and every camera is not capable of catering to your individual needs: some cameras are meant for enthusiasts while others offer some complex features for professional filmmakers.

First of all, cameras come in several types, including full-sized camcorders and action cameras. Full-sized versions are comparatively bulkier but deliver better performance. Action cameras are meant to record action by being involved in it; thus, they are quite small and lightweight. However, you can always opt for a regular DSLR or mirrorless camera with video shooting capabilities.  

Furthermore, take a look at features such as it’s control layout, LCD screen, and connectivity options. As a beginner, a simple control layout with accessible buttons is the best bet. Most cameras offer wifi connectivity to transfer videos and images easily. Good audio quality is a must-have when it comes to video cameras; thus, you must ensure that the camera features a microphone jack.  

Q: Is Canon or Nikon better for video?

A: Canon and Nikon are the superpowers of the camera market. While one person prefers the image quality of Canon, the other is impressed by the level of functionality Nikon offers. Even though the overall performance is quite similar in terms of image results, power, and performance, we observed some subtle differences.  

Canon was the first manufacturer to come out with a hybrid autofocus system and an enhanced autofocus tracking for video purposes. Moreover, the cameras are compatible with a diverse range of lenses meant for shooting videos. Nikon is catching up with Canon in this department and offers a 60fps frame rate in some video cameras too.

Nikon’s latest DSLRs utilize a modern sensor without an optical low pass filter but mange to get rid of any distortion and moiré. Canon, on the other hand, focuses on megapixels that often extend as far as 50MP. If you want higher resolution videos, Canon is the better option amongst the two. However, budget-friendly Nikon cameras deliver a faster-autofocusing speed.  

Conclusion

We hope that you found our list of the best budget cameras for videographers worth the read. Quality isn’t proportionate to price, and its quite easy to get a well-rounded video camera within your budget.  

We have included cameras of some renowned manufacturers, including Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm. Therefore, you don’t need to fret about the reliability as the manufacturers are not well accustomed to disappointing customers.  

However, you must consider your videography needs before settling for any gadget. Most of the cameras on our list are specifically meant for enthusiast photographers and may not be enough to meet your professional shooting requirements.