Looking for low budget DSLR cameras with the capability of capturing high quality can sometimes be pretty difficult. You usually end up looking at the more expensive cameras, as they will come across as providing you with a perfect image, ready to propel you to filmmaking immortality.

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However,  that’s not the case. Yes, you will need a good camera, but it doesn’t have to be extortionately priced. There is an abundance of DSLR cameras out there capable of filming a high spec commercial, short film, and even a feature without bankrupting you.

We have found the 5 best DSLR cameras capable of shooting high quality, cinema worthy footage for under $1000!

Here are our 5 best DSLR cameras under $1,000.

Read our guide on buying DSLR Cameras.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7i – Canon EOS 800D

Canon EOS 800D

The Canon EOS 800D is a household name for YouTubers and low budget filmmakers. It shoots at Full HD 1080p at a speed of 60fps. You can grab some quality footage from this camera, and create engaging cinematic cinematography with it. Check out some example footage here. Other essential specs of note are the 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle touchscreen and the DIGIC 7 image processor.

Price from: $599

Key features of the Canon EOS Rebel T7i – Canon EOS 800D:

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • DIGIC 7 image processor
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle touchscreen
  • Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps
  • 45-Point All Cross-Type Phase-Detect AF
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • Up to 6fps Shooting and ISO 51200
  • Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, Bluetooth
  • HDR movie and time-lapse movie
  • Movie Electronic IS, Feature Assistant

2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

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This is one of our favourites the Lumix DMC-GH4. A solid DSLR in the under 1000 budget for many reasons. You can also get this at a lower price if you look at the used cameras, some real bargains out there. It may be a little older but, the capability of the camera is incredible with the high speed auto focus shooting full HD at 60fps – you can get some beautiful shots to create a cinematic short film from this. The Digital Live MOS sensor is essential for this camera as well to process your images and video to a high spec.

Check out some insane example footage here with Tom Antos.

Price from: $600

Key features of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4:

  • 16.05MP Digital Live MOS sensor
  • DCI 4K 4096×2160 at 24p
  • UHD 4K 3840×2160 at 30p/24p
  • Full HD up to 60fps
  • 3.0″ 1,036k-Dot OLED touchscreen monitor
  • 2,359K-Dot OLED live viewfinder
  • Support for 59.94p, 23.98p, 50p, & 24p
  • 4:2:2 8-bit or 10-bit HDMI output
  • High-speed 49-point autofocus
  • Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed body

3. Sony Alpha a6000

Sony Alpha a6000

The Sony Alpha a6000 is an incredibly powerful camera packed into a small shell. The BIONZ X processor that’s built into this camera allows it to process your images three times faster, capturing crisp images with defined texture. The quality of the APS-C size sensor offers 1.6 times the size of the usual 4/3 sensors this enables outstanding quality in the images with the combination of the BIONZ X processor it allows you to film high spec footage.

It’s a brilliant entry into the world of filmmaking. Providing you with quality imagery but on an easy to use mirrorless camera. The quality of the autofocus also helps you capture crisp shots for your film to tell your story.

Price from: $459

Key features of the Sony Alpha a6000:

  • Large 24.4MP sensor
  • Incredibly light and portable
  • Great OLED viewfinder
  • Video Capture Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
  • Continuous Shooting Speed 11 fps
  • Extended ISO: 25600
  • Full HD recording at 60, 30, and 24 fps

4. Nikon D5600

Nikon D5600

The Nikon D5600 is a versatile camera. It’s capable of recording cinema quality footage due to the incredible specs. With video capture at 1920 x 1080p and an AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, this DSLR allows you to shoot sharp, textured imagery. With a large ISO range and an Expeed processor, this adds to the quality of your film and images. Processing quick, high quality imagery with exact precision.

This is perfect for a filmmaker looking to record high quality, cinematic footage without breaking the bank. It’s also an ideal camera for first time filmmakers looking to ply their trade. This camera combined with a great editing package and story, you’ll have a hit film in no time.

Price from: $669

Key features for the Nikon D5600:

  • Video Capture Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
  • Continuous Shooting Speed 5fps
  • Extended ISO: 25600
  • Records at Full HD 1080p at 60 fps
  • Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth enabled
  • A 24.2MP CMOS sensor and Expeed processor for enhanced image resolution
  • High ISO performance for low-light shooting with minimal distortion

5. Fujifilm X-T20

Fujifilm X-T20

The Fujifilm X-T20 DSLR is a compact camera with the versatility of intelligent auto-focus and fully automatic shooting – perfect for beginner filmmakers. It also comes with the capability of recording at 4K with a ridiculously fast electronic viewfinder. With a magnification of 0.62x and a display lag time of 0.005sec, this is minimal and efficient for any camera let alone one in the $1000 and under bracket.

It also has a high speed processor built in to capture quality images. One of our favourite functions is “Bracketing mode”. With one shutter release, you can take three frames with different settings.

This is a compact and intelligent camera capable of producing cinema worthy imagery. One we recommend and will not dissapoint.

Price from: $699

Key features for Fujifilm X-T20:

  • 24.3MP sensor
  • Bracketing mode – 3 different images settings at once.
  • Records video at Full HD and 4K
  • Versatile film simulation mode
  • Impressive shooting capability in low lighting
  • Video capture resolution 3840 x 2160p
  • Versatile film simulation mode
  • Continuous Shooting Speed – 14 fps
  • Extended ISO51200