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Editor’s Choice: If you’re a filmmaker on a budget, then a previously-owned Lumix DMC GH4 16MP provides an excellent value for your money.
You get a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body with all of the professional video tools you need for vlogging or your next indie film. You get 4k video recording at 30p/24p 100 Mbps, and 1080p at 24fps at 200Mbps.
Plus you get a 3.5mm port for external microphones, and microphone input.
You get the ability to shoot in UHD 4K 3840×2160 30p/24p and cinematic DCI 4K 4096×2160 video at 24p. And you get the option to shoot in cinematic color profiles such as V-Log, Cinelike-D, and more.
The interchangeable lens options make this a great plug-and-play option for the amateur or advanced filmmaker aiming to save a few dollars.
One of the most significant setbacks in finding the best professional cinema camera for independent filmmaking is the hefty price tag.
Finding a top-notch camera capable of producing state-of-the-art cinematography involves expensive bodies, lenses, lighting equipment, and more.
What if a little due diligence, and internet sleuthing could give you the most bang for your buck?
The secret is in the modularity and ergonomics of cinematic cameras. These are just fancy words that mean every uniquely designed camera comes with different components and functions for every type of filmmaker.
Like cars and other technology, the market creates new models frequently to keep up with the curve, but each upgrade isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker to shoot a great film.
If you’re willing to make do with an older or used model, you can find an affordable, cinema camera with high-grade quality. Online marketplaces are a treasure trove of previously owned, budget-friendly cinema gear. You just need to know where to look.
Fortunately, I put together a list of the best cinema cameras under $500 in 2020 for every level of a filmmaker looking to get the best deal on a previously-owned camera.
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC G85 16 MP
The Panasonic Lumix DMC G85 16 MP is a great affordable camera for the filmmaker on a budget.
This mirrorless camera with a 6MP MOS sensor has a sensitivity range from ISO 200 – 25600 suitable for various lighting conditions.
You get a variety of shooting speed,s including 10 fps with single-shot, six fps with continuous autofocus, and 30 fps at 8MP with its 4K Photo Mode.
UHD 4K Video recording (3840 x 2160) with 30p or 24p frame rates at 100 Mbps. If necessary, full HD 1080p/60 is supported at 28 Mbps in the MP4 format, along with HD recording and Full HD in AVCHD.
It’s an extremely durable design, built-in stereo microphone with a 2.36-dot electronic viewfinder, auto flash modes, and connectivity for external mics, HDMI, and WiFi.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great image quality High ISO performance and dynamic range Fast and accurate autofocus 4K video recording quality and features | Viewfinder low light adaptability Limited continuous autofocus in 6fps Battery life |
Check out these great finds on eBay.com for an opportunity to purchase a cheap, previously-owned cinema camera.
2. Panasonic Lumix GH4 16 MP
The Panasonic Lumix GH4 16 MP is another affordable option with similar, updated models for a reasonable price.
This camera’s best feature is the unlimited 4K video recording in Cinema 4K (4096×2160) at 24 fps and QFHD 4K (3840×2160) up to 30 fps in MOV and MP4 formats.
A high-precision, high-speed dual OLED display provides quick response and minimal time lag when enhancing resolution.
The focus point is increased from 23 points in the previous GH3 to 49 points for increased flexibility within your compositions, in addition to a custom multimode to isolate the focus of the 49 points.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Micro Four Thirds Low shutter lag High-quality video with dynamic range Variable frame rate video High bitrate video (100Mbps for 4k and 200Mbps for Full HD Headphones output Mic input Cinematic color profiles Flip-out OLED Screen In-built flash Built-in Wi-Fi Weather-sealed | Slow buffer clearing with RAW files Not as compact as competition Single memory card slot |
Check out these great finds on eBay.com for an opportunity to purchase a cheap, previously-owned cinema camera.
3. Nikon D3200
A great, cost-effective option for an entry-level DSLR is a previously-owned Nikon D3200.
The Nikon 3200 comes with a 24MP CMOS sensor.
4 frame-per-second continuous shooting with Full HD 1080p30 video (with both 25p and 24p options).
It’s an easy-to-use camera with a useful Guide Mode for beginning filmmakers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and easy to use Great image quality ISO range minimizes noise External mic input High resolution for cropping | Guide Mode is limited No internal AF motor Minor issues with monitor quality Simple kit lens Narrow flash coverage |
Check out these great finds on eBay.com for an opportunity to purchase a cheap, previously-owned cinema camera.
4. Sony Alpha a5000
If you dig a little further back, you can find reliable cameras from an earlier time that still hold up pretty well in 2020 like this Sony Alpha a5000.
Capture professional detail with this 20.1 MP mirrorless camera with versatility for casual photography and professional cinematography.
It’s compatible with a multitude of Sony E-lenses to enhance image quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very light Great LCD screen placement Quick autofocus | Outdated Camera No 4K video recording Not weather sealed |
Check out these great finds on eBay.com for an opportunity to purchase a cheap, previously-owned cinema camera.
5. Panasonic Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera
The mirrorless G7 comes with an interchangeable lens with 10x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom.
Panasonic Lumix cameras have professional quality video creation with ultra-high bitrate video recording at 200 Mbps without a recording time limit.
The 16 MP camera, like its counterparts, comes with general features like built-in flash, autofocus, and image stabilization.
Where the best deal lies, is with the package deals available on the internet.
Since these are older models, many internet marketplaces sell them with camera kits and lenses. It can be a massive plus since particular lenses can be a costly addition to your camera’s body.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great resolution Improved low light performance Data save speed 3.5mm microphone input jack | No audio monitor plug Top plate, dials, and button placement Less dynamic range than APS-C rivals |
Check out these great finds on eBay.com for an opportunity to purchase a cheap, previously-owned cinema camera.
Myke Thompson is a freelance writer, screenwriter, and humorist based out of Los Angeles. When he’s not working on his own projects, he supports other artists as a creative manager in music, art, film, and television.