10 Best Cameras for Filmmaking (2023 Ultimate Guide)

This is a guide covering the best cameras for filmmaking.

The availability of consumer-friendly cameras made it possible for almost anyone to shoot films and other types of video content.

For this list, we’ll cover the popular cameras among vloggers, wedding videographers, film students, and more. 

If you’re after the best camera for filmmaking, the first thing that you need to consider is its ability to shoot high-quality videos.

Does 1080p still fit most people’s needs these days? Unfortunately, professional filmmakers consider 4K as the standard resolution for filmmaking.

But on some occasions, full HD can still be a good choice. 

Good thing is that there are a lot of 4K camera options nowadays. There are mirrorless and DSLR cameras to choose from.  I’ve also listed various brands so you have a wider selection to research from.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:

• ⭐ Best Overall Camera for Filmmaking
  • Canon EOS 90D

• 📹 Best Canon Cameras for Filmmaking
  • Canon EOS 90D
  • Canon EOS M50
  • Canon XA40

• 📹 Best Nikon Cameras for Filmmaking
  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Z50

• 📹 Best Sony Cameras for Filmmaking
  • Sony Alpha A6400
  • Sony A7 III

• 📹 Best Panasonic Cameras for Filmmaking
  • Panasonic LUMIX GX85
  • Panasonic LUMIX G100

• 💸 Best Budget Camera for Filmmaking
  • Canon EOS 90D

How to Choose the Best Camera for Filmmaking?

Image quality: Look for a camera that offers high resolution, good color accuracy, and dynamic range.

Video quality: Consider the camera’s video capabilities, such as frame rate, bit rate, and codec support. Look for cameras that can shoot in 4K or at least Full HD.

Audio capabilities: Good audio quality is important for filmmaking. Check if the camera has a built-in microphone and if it supports external microphones.

Autofocus: Choose a camera with fast, accurate, and reliable autofocus for smooth and seamless focus transitions.

Manual controls: Filmmakers often need to control exposure, focus, and other settings manually. Look for cameras that offer manual controls and customizable buttons.

Lenses: Consider the lens mount and the available lens options for the camera. A good lens system is essential for creative control and versatility.

Size and weight: Filmmakers often need to carry their cameras for extended periods of time. Look for cameras that are compact and lightweight, but still offer good image quality and features.

Battery life: Shooting video can be demanding on the camera’s battery. Look for cameras with long battery life and the option to use external batteries.

10 Best Cameras for Filmmaking

1. Canon EOS 90D

Camera specifications:

• Body type: Mid-size SLR
• Max resolution: 6960 x 4640
• Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
• ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
• Image stabilization: No
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
• HDMI: Yes
• Microphone port: Yes
• Headphone port: Yes
• Wireless: Built-In
• Remote control: Yes (Wired, wireless, or smartphone)
• Video modes:
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 120 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 120 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC

I believe the best camera for filmmaking is the Canon EOS 90D.

The Canon DSLR EOS 90D is a favorite among videographers.

A lot of professional photographers transitioning towards videography love this camera because of its 4K resolution.

But if you’ll look closer, there are a lot of things to love about the EOS 90D. 

It’s a highly versatile pick for YouTube content makers, wedding videographers, and photographers.

Though it’s not on top of the list for the best camera for filmmaking on a budget, it offers a variety of features that will make professional videographers happy. 

For one, it has a 4K UHD 30P resolution. It is also capable of shooting in full HD 120p. However, it isn’t as steady when shooting handheld videos.

To get the best results, you should use a gimbal whenever you are using the EOS90D. 

For the majority of video content creators, its ability to shoot 4K with no crop makes it the perfect camera for shooting films.

Plus, it comes with a touchscreen that flips making it easy to navigate the camera’s settings. 

It also picks up audio well. It comes with a microphone and a headphone socket giving you the option to add accessories when shooting videos. 

Unfortunately, if you’re a hardcore videographer, you might find the 4K video output a bit too soft. Plus, it comes with no AF for 1080/120P. 

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2. Sony Alpha A6400

Camera specifications:

• Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
• Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
• ISO: Auto, 100-32000 (expands to 102800)
• Image stabilization: No
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
• USB charging: Yes
• HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
• Microphone port: Yes
• Headphone port: No
• Wireless: Built-In
• Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
• Video modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM

The best camera for filmmaking on a budget is the Sony Alpha A6400.

If you’re not after the best DSLR for filmmaking, then perhaps, you’d want to consider the Sony Alpha A6400 Mirrorless Camera.

This camera is a 20.1MP camera and is known to provide great results in photography. But other than that, it is also a great choice for shooting videos whether it’s a student film, a vlog, or other YouTube content. 

It can shoot 4K videos at 24/30fps and the video doesn’t disappoint.

Plus, it has a tiltable LCD screen making it easier to compose the frame if you’re the only one and you need to shoot a video of yourself.

It is also a perfect camera for travel given its small size. 

Unfortunately, it lacks a headphone jack.

On the other hand, you get a mic port. Shooting videos is easy with the A6400 but checking the audio status of the video seems to be problematic. 

Another issue that you might not like about this unit is that it only supports UHS-1 speeds. It means that you won’t get to maximize your newer SD card. 

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3. Panasonic LUMIX G100

Camera specifications:

• Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
• Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
• Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
• ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to ISO 100)
• Image stabilization: No
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
• USB charging: Yes
• HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
• Microphone port: Yes
• Headphone port: No
• Wireless: Built-In
• Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
• Video modes:
  • 3840 x 1920 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 1920 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 1920 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC

The Panasonic Lumix G100 camera is a micro four-thirds camera that can take 4K videos. It’s a lightweight choice for a lot of people who don’t want to be carrying bulky gear with them. 

When shooting 4K videos, it can take up to 30p while it can give you slow and quick options if you opt to use the full HD mode.

This camera comes with features that you’ll typically see on high-end video cameras. This alone makes it a top choice for the best camera for filmmaking. 

For instance, you get an 8-bit variant of the V-Log L gamma curve plus on-screen VU audio meters that can help users adjust the volume levels. 

Some consider it the best camera for filming YouTube videos.

You get a 1:1 and a 9:16 ratio making sure that you can shoot content for YouTube plus you can also post via Instagram since the subject will be in the best region when cropped by the platform.

You also get three microphones allowing the camera to capture sounds in multiple directions. 

However, the most frustrating part of using the Lumix G100 is the fact that it doesn’t have a headphone input.

This means that you’d have to upload everything before you can check the audio quality of your video. 

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4. Nikon D7500

Camera specifications:

• Body type: Mid-size SLR
• Max resolution: 5568 x 3712
• Image ratio: w:h 3:2
• ISO: ISO 100 – 51200 (expandable to 50 – 1640000)
• Image stabilization: Digital only
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
• HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
• Microphone port: Yes
• Headphone port: Yes
• Wireless: Built-In
• Remote control: Yes (Wired, wireless, smartphone)
• Video modes (only a few mentioned here):
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

The Nikon D7500 could fit the description of the best DSLR for filmmaking given its specs.

Aside from the fact that it’s a great 4K camera for filmmaking, this is also a top choice for photography. It comes with a 20.9 MP resolution giving users crisp and cool photos. 

This comes with easy-to-use features. It is equipped with a 3.2″ touchscreen LCD that you can also tilt making it easier to frame your shots whether you are shooting photos or videos. 

It comes with an ISO range of 100 to 51,200 which is enough for most users. However, it can still be expanded up to 1,640,00 similar to the D500.

When shooting videos, you can also use an external microphone to get clearer audio. And when it is time to review the video that you were able to take, you can use your headphones too. 

If you are looking for two-in-one, photo and video equipment, then this is a good choice. As far as video is concerned, it is potentially the best camera for filmmaking. 

One thing that you might not like is the single card slot. Plus, touchscreen functionality might not be as smooth compared to Canon’s DSLRs. 

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5. Nikon Z50

Camera specifications:

• Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
• Max resolution: 5568 x 3712
• Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
• ISO: Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 204,800)
• Image stabilization: No
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
• USB charging: Yes
• HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
• Microphone port: Yes
• Headphone port: No
• Wireless: Built-In
• Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
• Video modes:
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

The Nikon Z50 is a favorite among vloggers. It is a compact camera that comes with a selfie LCD.

Here, you’ll have an easier time doing selfies and shooting on your own. It comes with a 20.9MP sensor that can produce stunning photos. 

Plus, it also comes with 4K UHD video features. You can shoot regular videos or even do a time-lapse in 4K.

Aside from shooting in 4K, you can also shoot in slow-mo in full HD. 

This makes use of Nikkor Z lenses and is also compatible with F mount if you have an FTZ mount adapter. Plus, users can transfer their files via Bluetooth or WiFi.

Even if it comes with great features and a great compact design, it comes with a few problems such as having a battery that drains fast and just a single SD card slot. 

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6. Canon EOS M50

Camera specifications:

• Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
• Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
• ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
• Image stabilization: No
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
• USB charging: No
• HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
• Microphone port: Yes
• Headphone port: No
• Wireless: Built-In
• Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
• Video modes:
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 120 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC

The Canon EOS M50 is a compact choice for those who prefer to use Canon cameras in their filmmaking endeavors.

Is it the best camera for filmmaking? In some instances, probably yes. 

It is a favorite among photographers considering its powerful 24.1MP CMOS sensor. But for filmmakers, the 4K UHD and its ability to shoot full HD in slow motion are things that make it a serious contender. 

It comes with wireless capabilities, with a decent display. However, you have to also anticipate the cropped results when using its 4K feature.

But overall, it’s great for shooting short stills. Then, you also have to deal with the limited lens options on the market for the M50. 

Also, check out the best lenses for the Canon M50.

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7. Panasonic LUMIX GX85

Camera specifications:

• Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
• Max resolution: 4592 x 3448
• Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
• ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to 100)
• Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
• HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
• Microphone port: No
• Headphone port: No
• Wireless: Built-In
• Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n with NFC
• Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
• Video modes: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)

Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a top choice for a lot of users who are used to having a micro four-thirds camera with them.

This comes with a 16MP resolution and a dual image stabilization feature that works wonders for both taking photos and videos.

Even if it gives an average performance in taking photos, it comes with 4K video capability. You can even shoot even in low-light scenarios. 

Ergonomics-wise, this camera outshines a lot of the other mirrorless cameras. It has front and rear control dials, a dedicated button for changing the ISO, and AF mode buttons. 

But what makes it a top choice for the best camera for filmmaking is the fact that you don’t have to worry about the recording limit when shooting in 4K.

The only thing that users might struggle with is the fact that it couldn’t track subjects well at 30 fps.

But overall, it is a good choice not only for hobbyists but even for serious content creators. 

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8. Sony A7 III

Camera specifications:

• Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
• Max resolution: 6000 x 4000
• Image ratio: w:h 3:2, 16:9
• ISO: Auto, 100-51200
• Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
• Touch screen: Yes
• USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
• HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI port with 4K still, uncompressed video output)
• Microphone port: Yes
• Headphone port: Yes
• Wireless: Built-In
• Remote control: Yes (wired)
• Video modes:
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 60 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM

The Sony A7 III might be a bit pricey for a camera, but it is something that serious filmmakers can consider a good choice for their craft.

It produces one of the best video outputs compared to other mirrorless cameras on the market. This camera comes with 5-axis stabilization that helps with shaky hands. 

Compared with DSLRs, the A7 III has a more compact look. Also, it comes with a tilting LCD making it easier when shooting videos.

But what makes it stand out is the fact that it comes with dual SD slots. It means no need to worry that you will need to switch cards in the middle of your session. 

The biggest flaw will be the buffering time needed for you to start the video. 

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9. Panasonic X2000

Camera specifications:

• Max Resolution: 8.29 Megapixel
• Sensor Type: 1/2.5″-Type MOS Sensor
• Image Stabilization: Yes Sensor-Shift
• SD Card: Yes (Dual slot)
• HDMI: Yes
• Wireless: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
• Screen size: 3.5″

Not everyone prefers micro four-thirds and DSLR cameras whenever they are shooting their video content.

There are instances when individuals prefer a camcorder when creating video content. This is capable of so much more than just taking videos.

It comes in handy for live streaming. Plus, it also has a built-in LED for additional lighting and doubles SD card slots for long video sessions. 

This camcorder is lightweight and comes with a heat-dispersing design. It can also record 4K videos at 60P.

It has a wide-angle 25mm lens with 24x optical zoom and a 5-axis hybrid optical stabilization feature. 

The only thing that you might not like about the X2000 camcorder is the small chip sensor that doesn’t do well in low-light situations.

You might find the results a bit grainy or with weird discoloration. 

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10. Canon XA40

Camera specifications:

• Max Resolution: 21.14 Megapixels (5352 x 3950)
• Sensor Type: 1/2.3″-Type CMOS Sensor
• Image Stabilization: Yes (Digital)
• Touch screen: Yes
• HDMI: Yes
• USB: Yes
• Dimensions: (W x H x D) 7.2 x 4.3 x 3.3″ / 18.3 x 10.9 x 8.4 cm

The Canon XA40 is a video camcorder capable of capturing 4K videos (30p).

This comes with a 20x optical zoom lens giving you the chance to capture the subject even from afar.

The XA40 has a 3-inch LCD that is by far handy when navigating the settings in the camera.

However, viewing the video via the LCD is not the most pleasant thing.

The colors are not accurate, making it a bit frustrating. 

On the other hand, this comes with an image stabilization feature that prevents shaky results. The audio is also decent with its built-in stereo.

The eyepiece also tilts at 45 degrees making it easy to use. However, if you’re wearing glasses, then the eyepiece is just useless. 

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How Does a Camera for Filmmaking Differ From a Camera for Photography?

How does a filmmaking camera differ from a photography camera? For starters, photographers are only concerned with the camera’s ability to produce stunning photos.

It means that cameras for photography should have great resolution and produce vibrant photos.

Plus perhaps an in-body stabilization feature comes in handy for those who don’t have a tripod. 

On the other hand, cameras for filmmaking require so much more. It should have good video and audio capability.

Next, it should have the ability to record ideally not just for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Concluding Remarks

Hope you enjoyed this buyer’s guide on the best cameras for filmmaking.

Whether you are looking for the best camera for filming YouTube videos, doing live streams, or other types of video content, these are some of the best options that you can go for.

Some of these cameras can be a great choice not only for novice users but even for pros. Be sure to compare at least three cameras we’ve mentioned. 

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