You can get some serious camera for under $4,000 nowadays. In this article let’s look at the five best cameras for filmmaking under $4,000.
This is only a fun comparison of the specs of these cameras. There are many variables that come into play and we will try to consider each one.
Here are the cameras considered:
- Sony FX3 (Amazon, B&H)
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H)
- Sigma fp L (Amazon, B&H)
- Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H)
- Panasonic S1H (Amazon, B&H)
Sony FX3
Sensor Size
The Sony FX3 (Amazon, B&H) has a full-frame sensor (35.6 x 23.8mm). It is probably the best low light sensor you can buy for filmmaking.
Resolution and Frame Rates
The Sony FX3 (Amazon, B&H) can shoot in 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 120p in 10-bit 4:2:2. It does not shoot RAW internally but you can shoot in S-Log2 and S-Log3 which will give you a dynamic range of 15 stops.
The best format to record in would be XAVC S-I in H.264 compression. Maximum fps in 4K is 120 fps.
The data rates range from 50 Mbps to 600 Mbps.
ISO Range for video
The Sony FX3 (Amazon, B&H) has an ISO range of 160 to 409,600 for video. Low light shoots should not be a problem with this full frame sensor. Sony is the world leader here.
HDMI Output
You get “16-bit” 4.2K (4264 x 2408) RAW footage output via HDMI (Type A port). The maximum frame rate is 59.94p.
Lens Mount
The Sony FX3 (Amazon, B&H) has an E-Mount. For help with lenses, check out this article:
Memory Card
To record in 4K 120 fps, you need CFexpress Type A cards. The FX3 is also compatible with UHS-II cards.
Recording time limit
The FX3 has no overheating limitation, which is one of the major reasons you should get it over the Sony a7S III (Amazon, B&H).
Battery Life
The FX3 gives you 80-95 mins of actual recording time.
Image Stabilization
The Sony FX3 (Amazon, B&H) comes with 5-axis IBIS. Sony claims this gives the camera 5 stops of image stabilization. A lens with OSS can give you even better stabilization.
Audio
The audio is recorded as Linear PCM in 24-bit mode. The cold shoe can transmit power directly to a Sony mic or XLR adapter. It also comes with an in-built 3.5mm headphone and microphone jack.
Size and weight
The FX3 comes in at around 640g. While it is pretty lightweight and compact, adding on accessories will change that.
To. know more about why we. picked the FX3 over the a7S III, check out this in-depth comparison:
Bottom line, the Sony FX3 (Amazon, B&H) is a killer deal all things considered. So, who are the contenders?
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
Sensor Size
The BMPCC 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) has a Super 35mm (23.10mm x 12.99mm) sensor.
Resolution and Frame Rates
The BMPCC 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) can shoot up to 6K (6144 x 3456) RAW at 50p in 10-bit 4:2:2. That is impressive in this price range.
The BMPCC 6K Pro can also record in Apple ProRes HQ and Prores LT.
The data rates range from 51 Mbps to 323 Mbps.You will have to be careful when recording at 323 Mbps in 6K because it will fill up your card pretty quickly.
Anamorphic Recording
The BMPCC 6K Pro allows the user to record in an anamorphic 6:5 (3728 x 3104) 3.7K up to 60p recording mode in 10-bit 4:2:2. This is a serious advantage of this camera.
To know more about anamorphic lenses, check this out:
ISO Range for video
The BMPCC 6K Pro has an ISO range that goes up to 25,600 for video. Blackmagic claims that the BMPCC 6K Pro has Dual Native ISOs at 400 ISO and 3200 ISO. Low light shoots should not be a problem, but it’s nowhere near the class of the a7S III.
Video Output
You get 10-bit 4:2:2 1080p only. The only use would be to record proxies.
Lens Mount
The BMPCC 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) has an EF-Mount. It is compatible with every EF-mount lens out there. There is a whole array of EF-mount lenses out there. For more information, read the following article:
Memory Card
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) supports three kinds of memory cards:
- SDXC
- CFast 2.0
- SSD via USB-C
For many, this is an advantage. For some, it’s a disadvantage. Professionals prefer one solid offering (dual recording) to a buffet of options. It only matters if it matters to you.
Recording time limit
None. This is another major advantage of the BMPCC 6K Pro.
Battery Life
The BMPCC 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) gives you 60 mins of recording time in 6K RAW at 24p.
Image Stabilization
The BMPCC 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) has no internal image stabilization. You’re restricted to what the lenses are capable of doing, if they are supplied the adequate power.
ND Filters
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) has internal motorized ND filters from stops ranging from 2 up to 6 stops.
You will save a ton of time (and money) by not having to change filters also while changing lenses.
This is yet another advantage the BMPCC 6K Pro has over other cameras in this price range.
Audio
The camera has the following audio jacks:
- 2 x mini XLR analog switchable between mic with phantom power support and line level (up to +14dBu). 48V.
- 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack. Can also be used for Timecode input (LTC).
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack.
- The camera also has dual onboard microphones for scratch audio.
Size and weight
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro (Amazon, B&H) weighs around 1,238g. It’s not lightweight nor pocket, but that’s an old story by this point.
Where the Pocket 6K Pro falls short is the lack of good autofocus, robustness and reliability, after sales service and support, etc.
For a deeper understanding, we suggest you read the following article:
Sigma fp L
Sensor Size
The Sigma fp L (Amazon, B&H) has a full-frame sensor (35.6 x 23.8mm).
Resolution and Frame Rates
The Sigma fp L (Amazon, B&H) can shoot RAW 4K (3840×2160) up to 30p in CinemaDNG but only up to 8-bit. If you want higher bit depths you’re going to have to use an external recorder.
You get 120 fps in 1080p in 8-bit. You get RAW HD in 12-bit but only up to 60p. There is a considerable crop of 1.67x at 120 fps.
Director’s Viewfinder
The Sigma fp L comes with an additional EVF. This EVF has the ability to tilt up to 90 degrees. The camera comes with the following options for frame guides:
- 1.33:1
- 1.85:1
- 2.39:1
- Custom 1
- Custom 2
You can set up your own frame guides and use that to frame the shots. This camera has frame guide lines for the biggest cinema cameras such Arri Alexa LF, Red Monstro, Sony Venice etc. This will give you a lot of freedom on the set.
With the Sigma fp L, you can also record these frames and share them with your DP or your crew. This will make it easier for you to communicate with your team and possibly create better art.
HDMI output
The external output is 12-bit RAW (up to 4K DCI 60p).
- If you record to an Atomos Ninja V (Amazon, B&H) you get Prores RAW.
- If you record to a Blackmagic Video Assist 12G you get BRAW.
The camera has a Type D micro HDMI port. You cannot record externally when using the EVF with the Sigma fp L.
ISO range for video
The Sigma fp L (Amazon, B&H) has an ISO range of 100 to 25,600 for video. It also claims to come with Dual Base ISOs at ISO 100 and ISO 1250 RAW video. Probably the worst camera on this list for low light video.
Lens Mount
The Sigma fp L (Amazon, B&H) has an L-Mount. It is compatible with every L-mount lens out there.
You get an option of three brands who make lenses for the L-mount:
- Leica
- Panasonic
- Sigma
Panasonic’s Lumix S series lenses are your best bet and provide a wider range of lenses than the other two.
Memory Card
The Sigma fp L (Amazon, B&H) has dual memory card slots. Sigma suggests a UHS-II card for 4K recording.
Recording time limit
There is a recording time limit of 2 hours but that should be plenty for most people.
Battery Life
The Sigma fp L (Amazon, B&H) gives you 60 mins of recording time.
Image Stabilization
The fp L does not have an in built image stabilization.
Audio
The fp L comes with an in-built 3.5mm microphone jack.
Size and weight
The camera weighs around 427 g (including battery and memory cards). While it is pretty lightweight and compact, adding on accessories will only make it heavier.
One thing going for the fp L is, it’s the only camera on this list without a fan.
Z Cam E2-F6
Sensor Size
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) has a full frame sensor (37.09 x 24.75 mm).
Resolution and Frame Rates
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) can shoot up to 6244 x 4168 (6K) at 30p in 10-bit 4:2:0.
In 6K DCI (6144 x 3240), you can shoot up to 48 fps and in 6K (6144 x 2592) you can shoot up to 60 fps.
The maximum fps in 4K UHD is 72 fps. You get 120 fps in 1080p.
If you want to shoot in RAW, you can only shoot in 12-bit Z-RAW in 4K up to 30 fps.
The data rates goes up to 300 Mbps in H.264 whereas in Z-RAW it goes up to 1.2 Gbps. Be warned, your card might fill up quicker than you can say “action.”
ISO range for video
The Z Cam E2-F6 has an ISO range of 400 to 12,500 for video. It has dual native ISOs, one at ISO 400 and the other at ISO 1250. It’s by no means a low light camera.
HDMI output
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) has the ability to output 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 up to 60fps in Z-Log. It can also record to ZRAW or Prores RAW via a recorder like the Atomos Ninja V (Amazon, B&H).
Lens Mount
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) has an EF-Mount. You also get a variety of mounts to choose from namely, PL mount, MFT and M mount.
Memory Card
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) uses CFAST 2.o memory cards.
Recording time limit
None.
Battery Life
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) gives you about 100 mins of recording time.
Image Stabilization
None.
Audio
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) comes with an in-built 3.5mm mic jack to record audio. It also comes with a 5-pin LEMO port for dual channel XLR microphone and you will have to get an XLR connector for that.
Size and weight
The Z Cam E2-F6 (Amazon, B&H) weighs around 1090g (including battery and memory cards). It is one of the heavier cameras on this list. Adding accessories such as an external recorder, mic etc will only increase that.
Some countries have good after sales support and service, but some don’t. Also, Z-RAW isn’t a universally accepted codec.
Panasonic S1H
Sensor Size
The Panasonic S1H (Amazon, B&H) has a full frame sensor (36 x 24.0 mm).
Resolution and Frame Rates
The Panasonic S1H (Amazon, B&H) can shoot in 5952 × 3968 up to 30p in 10-bit 4:2:0, and 4K up to 60p in 10-bit 4:2:2.
You get RAW externally via HDMI.
For 4K, the data rates are about 400 Mbps. At 6K it’s about 200 Mbps. The 4K version is what’s approved for Netflix.
ISO range for video
The S1H has an ISO range of 640 to 51,200 for 4K video. Low light shoots are a walk in the park.
HDMI output
You need to use an external recorder to get 12-bit RAW, limited to 4K.
Lens Mount
The Panasonic S1H (Amazon, B&H) has an L-Mount. For the best lenses check out this article:
Memory Card
The S1H has one XQD card slot and one UHS-II SD card slot.
Recording time limit
None.
Battery Life
You get about 60 minutes.
Image Stabilization
Yes! Panasonic claims that the S1H has 6 stops of IBIS.
Audio
The Panasonic S1H (Amazon, B&H) comes with an in-built 3.5mm microphone jack.
Size and weight
The S1H weighs around 1164g (including battery and memory cards). Adding on accessories will increase it even more.
If. you would like a more in-depth comparison, check out these articles:
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The concept of starting with the price tag and sort out the specs of the cameras in each section is very consumer-friendly.
Good Job, Sareesh!
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This is a great article. Thank you for your time and effort. Have a great day!
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