As a filmmaker, you’ll want to have a camera that suits your style, budget, and has the specifications to allow you to create your exciting projects. In this article, we look at the best filmmaking cameras and breakdown the specs, the pros, and the cons to help you decide on what’s best for you.

Best filmmaking cameras

In this day and age, you don’t need megabucks to create a cinematic masterpiece. All you need is an idea, some mates and a camera… You can even use your phone if you want.

Here are the best filmmaking cameras for you, we’ve also linked them to our full review to help you further your decision on which camera would suit you best.

What to look for when buying a filmmaking camera?

What to look for when buying a filmmaking camera?

When looking to buy the best filmmaking camera for you, there are many aspects to consider – price included. Here is a quick summary of the specifications you need to consider when making your next camera purchase:

  • Sensor size
  • Video capability
  • Image quality
  • Video quality
  • Speed and focus
  • Framing ability
  • Add ons that suit your style

Full guide here: DSLR camera guide: What to look for when buying a DSLR?

What are the best filmmaking cameras?

Here is what you have been waiting for, our breakdown of the best filmmaking cameras. We’ve reviewed the best filmmaking cameras out there and broken it down to bitesized information. Oh, and if you’re interested in reading the in-depth review per camera, we’ve linked it below.

Pentax K-1 Mark II

Pentax K-1 Mark II

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is an upgrade from the original Pentax K-1 and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s a great starting point for someone looking to get into filmmaking.

The Pentax K-1 has an in-built accelerator unit and a dynamic pixel shift resolution mode. These features improve the Pentax’s ISO performance and autofocus algorithms, allowing you to shoot at a much higher quality.

Another feature of note is the shake reduction system. This is incredibly useful and provides value to the user. The way this works is that the sensor is moved by a small amount which gives the effect of an optical low pass filter. These filters use blur interference effects with fine textures or patterns allowing the illusion of no shake or reduced shake.

The key features:

  • Built-in accelerator unit
  • HD Movie recording
  • Excellent battery life
  • Impressive image quality
  • Shake reduction system
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Solid, weighty quality
  • Astrotracer mode
  • Shake reduction system

Read the full review here.

Nikon D850

Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is a DSLR that oozes with quality. The versatility of this camera is insane, with it’s easy-to-use functionality and high spec, allowing you to shoot a feature no problem at all.

A key aspect of the Nikon D850 that comes to mind immediately is the image quality. The Nikon D850 has an ISO 64 mode to allow brighter light conditions. It also has an advanced 153-point intelligent multi-CAM 20k AF system with a dedicated AF processor, this allows for a sharp and concentrated image.

A cool new feature is a joystick that enables easy shifting of the focus point – this is essential for when you have framed the perfect shot and don’t want to get out of position.

The key features:

  • High quality resolution
  • Dynamic design
  • Strong in both videography and photography
  • Very fast AF speed
  • Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
  • Built-in wifi and Bluetooth
  • Integrated Snapbridge image viewing and editing system
  • In-camera RAW batch processing
  • Larger optical viewfinder
  • Tilting 3.2 inch HD touchscreen
  • Outstanding battery life

Read our in depth guide on Nikon D850 here.

Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless

Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless

The Canon EOS R5 is a revolutionary DSLR camera that offers a fine-tuned, well-oiled product. The factor that stands out immediately is the Advanced 45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and DIGIC X Processor.

Excellent for action and sports filming due to the DIGIC processor and the CMOS sensor. These combined allow you to take sharp images and video whilst working with moving people or objects.

Finally, the Canon EOS R5 offers the opportunity to shoot in 8K video. The quality this offers filmmakers is insane, you can really shoot a cinematic feature on this camera.

Key Features:

  • Advanced 45MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor and DIGIC X Processor.
  • The image stabilisation is phenomenal – contains an in-body stabilisation feature
  • Weather sealed, excellent for action filming
  • Up to 20 frames per second
  • 8K Video filming
  • Excellent battery life
  • Easy to use
  • Quick to connect to the Canon mobile app
  • Video transfer over WIFI is fast

Read the full guide here: Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Review

Olympus E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus E-M5 Mark III is sleek, smooth, and looks a little retro, we love it! Not to mention how cool it looks, the specs are not too be sniffed at either.

The image quality of this camera is up there with the best in its range, with 10-30fps shooting and there built-in Live Bulb and Live Composite modes, allowing you to shoot at the highest level.

The video spec is exceptional, you have the opportunity to shoot in C4K or 4K UHD 30p, with 120 fps offering 1080p. This combined with the Olympus E-M5 Mark III’s stabilisation features you can get steady, intricate shots – whether it’s for photography or cinematography this camera’s not to be forgotten.

Key Features:

  • It’s Weatherproof
  • Has a sleek and compact design
  • 10-30fps shooting
  • 4K video capability
  • 120fps video
  • Great range of shooting modes
  • In-body stabilization for crisp images

Read our in-depth review here.

Nikon D780

Nikon D780

The Nikon D780 offers up 1080p and 4k video, with the ability to reach 120fps, perfect for producing a slow-mo effect. The ability to film in 4K is now a necessity for most filmmakers in this day and age.

Nikon’s kept it tight with the superb image quality, with a 24MP sensor and the ability to shoot at a burst rate of 12FPS, it’s certainly up there with the best.

The Nikon D780 is a significant upgrade from the Nikon D750 in many ways, but one of the features that come to mind is the video autofocus that uses a face detection function.

Key Features:

  • Shoot in 4K
  • 24MP sensor
  • Good dynamic range and resolution
  • Silent shutter mode
  • User friendly with Bluetooth and wifi connectivity
  • Long battery life
  • 12FPS Burst

Check out the full breakdown here for the Nikon D780.

Canon EOS 4000D

Canon EOS 4000D

Canon has certainly built an affordable camera here that shoots at an incredibly high level, and that’s why we’ve included it in our list of the best filmmaking cameras out there.

The Canon EOS 4000D has an 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, and an 18MPS APS-C CMOS sensor, allowing sharp, crisp footage – incredible features for an entry-level camera for filmmaking.

Overall a great camera for beginner filmmakers and photographers, and has the specs to shoot at a high level. Read below our in-depth analysis of the Canon EOS 4000D.

Key Features:

  • 2.7in LCD with 230k dots
  • DIGIC4+ processor
  • 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
  • 3fps burst mode
  • One of the cheapest Canons
  • Shares a lot of the DNA of more expensive cameras
  • A brilliant entry-level DSLR

Read the full guide here.

Fujifilm X-T200

Fujifilm X-T200

Considering the Fujifilm X-T200’s price, the image and video quality is impressive. It has a A 24.2mp APS-C CMOS sensor allowing you to take crisp stills, and the ability to record at 4K. This camera has the ability to film a short or feature film comfortably.

The handling of the X-T200 is smooth and the controls are easy to navigate, allowing you to shoot with relative ease and comfort.

Not to mention it’s updated Auto-Focus algorithm with updated face and eye detection functionality. Scroll below to see the key features and read our detailed breakdown of the Fuji-film X-T200.

Key Features:

  • The X-T200 is complete with Ultra Sonic Vibration this ensures when lenses are changed and removed with absolutely no dust trapped
  • A 24.2mp APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Electronic image stabilisation is available for video recording
  • 4K 30p video recording, Operating condition temperature: 0-40°C
  • Large 3.5 inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen
  • Continuous shooting up to 8fps
  • Improved AF algorithm & updated Face/Eye Detection
  • New Electronic Stabilization and HDR Video modes
  • 20 Advanced Filters including the new Clear Filter
  • Compact and lightweight design, weighing just 321g

Read the full Fujifilm X-T200 review here.


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