Cameras
There are thousands of cameras on the market, and choosing the right one can become tedious and overwhelming, especially when you're also selecting from a wide variety of other equipment. We’ve got you covered. Not only do we recommend the cameras we believe are the best, but we also provide you with all the right attachments and essentials to pair with them. Camera recommendations can vary from site to site, but one thing is clear: as long as your camera is durable, consistent and reliable, paying for a higher-tier camera only gives you more freedom. A cheaper, used camera can still deliver theater-quality films, as long as you build your shots creatively and work with the camera’s capabilities. Filmmaking is a highly creative process, so while we recommend these cameras, it doesn’t mean others aren’t good. It’s a recommendation, not an obligation. That said, there are two categories to choose from: Micro Four Thirds or Full Frame.
Who are those cameras for? This site is primarily aimed at filmmakers, so everything you'll find here is geared towards filmmaking. While some equipment may also be useful for other purposes, such as vlogging or YouTube content creation, the cameras and features we recommend are specifically chosen for their filmmaking capabilities. Some may be perfect for vlogging or common YouTubers, but others may lack good autofocus or versatility, or require long setups for high-quality shooting. For those looking for an all-around versatile, plug-and-play camera, this list may not be the best fit. However, if you're a filmmaker, you’ll find everything you need in these camera recommendations.
New or Used? If you have a low budget and are starting from scratch, we highly recommend buying used gear. Not only will you save money, but most importantly, you’ll be able to dip your toes into filmmaking without committing all your finances, reducing the risk of regretting a purchase and losing a significant amount of money on equipment you may later sell. If you do love filmmaking, you can then invest in high-quality lenses, lighting, audio, and other gear. When you're ready to upgrade your camera, the high-quality equipment you’ve already purchased will work with your new setup. The opposite approach—buying an expensive camera with decent attachments and other equipment—doesn’t work as well. A camera is only as strong as its weakest link, and a $2,000 camera paired with $500 worth of equipment will likely produce results closer to a $1,000 setup. On the other hand, a $500 camera with $2,000 worth of well-chosen equipment can deliver professional-looking results. Start with used gear, then gradually climb your way up as you go full circle with your gear. If you're looking for a second camera or already have a decent amount of equipment, it’s wise to choose carefully, and buying new is often safer. High-quality equipment can last 5, 10, or even 20 years, so buying used for a high-quality camera may only delay the longevity of the gear. Since you don’t know how the previous owner treated the equipment, it could break sooner than a brand-new item would.
Can you mix FF with MFT? Short answer: Yes, but it's recommended not to. Recommended answer: It’s best to stick to the same camera sensor to ensure consistency across shots and simplify the shooting process. Both sensors can produce great results, but when compared side by side in the same shot, subtle differences may be noticeable. If you shoot with one sensor throughout the entire film, no one will notice the sensor; they’ll only notice the film itself and how it looks. However, mixing sensors can create a sense of something being "off." The only way to mix sensors effectively is between completely different scenes or locations, or in highly different shots, such as a wide shot and a close-up. Even then, deciding when to use which sensor can add unnecessary complexity to an already challenging shoot. Stick with the same sensor, even if it feels limiting, or switch entirely to avoid added complications.
Cameras
Micro Fourth Third
Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras are often overlooked by filmmakers, not because they have a bad reputation, but because they’re considered a cheaper option. However, this is far from the truth. MFT cameras have a smaller sensor size, which means they typically use smaller lenses while still delivering similar results to larger sensor cameras. Their prices are usually lower, they pack compact lenses that offer the same performance as bulky, expensive full-frame lenses, and they come with a lot of useful features. One common drawback of MFT cameras is autofocus, but this isn’t a dealbreaker, as most filmmakers prefer manual focus to achieve the precise look they want. While there are many MFT cameras on the market, we recommend the Lumix lineup. These cameras offer consistent reliability and a wide range of compatible lenses at affordable prices, delivering top-notch quality. The GH6 and GH7 models offer professional-grade features with limitless possibilities. For comparison, the Lumix GH5II is priced $400 less than the A7C and about $800 less than the ZV-E1, offering better performance than both. While Lumix full-frame cameras provide good competition in terms of pricing, the cost of lenses adds to the price difference, making MFT cameras a great value for filmmakers on a budget.
Cameras
Full Frame
Full-frame cameras are the most widely used sensor in filmmaking overall. You can’t go wrong with this sensor, but be prepared to spend extra to be part of that lineup. The Lumix full-frame cameras offer the most affordable yet highly performant options in this category, providing a great balance between cost and performance for filmmakers.
Cameras
Cinema type
Coming soon
Cameras
Conclusion
Overall, both full-frame and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors are great and have their own pros and cons. Side by side, full-frame sensors tend to look slightly more cinematic simply because they are more commonly used in films. However, as time goes on, the gap between the two will become thinner, as MFT cameras continue to improve and gain more popularity. Remember, filmmaking is a creative process, and whichever sensor you choose, you can create a masterpiece with it. If you stick to one sensor throughout, no one will be able to tell the difference, unless they are a professional who meticulously analyzes every micro detail. Even then, it won’t be a bad thing—they will simply recognize that the shot was made with an MFT sensor.