Best Inexpensive Entry-Level Video Cameras

So you’ve decided to get your first video camera, right?

Great! That’s a small step for now, but a big step for your career as a filmmaker!

Video cameras come in multiple shapes and sizes. Best of all, you can get ones which produce high-quality videos without breaking the bank.

In this guide, you’ll find six of the best entry-level video cameras on the market.

Just below you’ll find a table which compares the six cameras, we’re going to review in this article. After that, we’ll dive deeper into important features to look for and an in-depth review of each camera.

If you already know the basics, you can jump straight to the review and guide for each camera by clicking here.

Camera Model (click the name to check current pricing on Amazon)	Canon EOS 70D	Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera	Fujifilm X-T20	Nikon D7200	Panasonic G85 (US) | G80/G81 (EU)	Sony Alpha a6400
Sensor type	MP APS-C CMOS sensor	CMOS	X-Trans CMOS III APS-C	DX-format CMOS	Micro Four-Thirds	APS-C CMOS
Megapixels	20.2	2	24.2	24.3	16	24
Video Recording Formats (maximum capability)	Full HD @30fps	Full HD @30fps - CinemaDNG RAW and Apple ProRes	4K @30fps	Full HD @60fps	MP4/H.264 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) @ 24 fps /29.97 fps [100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) @ 59.94 fps [28 Mb/s] AVCHD Full HD (1920 x 1080) @ 59.94 fps [28 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) @ 24 fps/29.97 fps [24 Mb/s]	4K @30fps
Photo	Jpeg, raw	Jpeg, raw	Jpeg, raw	Jpeg, raw	Jpeg, MPO, raw	Jpeg, raw
ISO	100-12800, expandable to 25600	200 - 1600	100 - 12800	100 - 102400	100 - 25600	100 - 32000
Screen	Flip-out 3-inch LCD which also rotates	3.5-inch LCD	3-inch tilting panel	3.2-inch LCD	3-inching articulating LCD	3-inch tilting screen
Autofocus (continuous for video)	19 point cross-type AF System, phase detection AF	Manual focus Live View	Phase AF and contrast AF	Phase Detection, Face-Priority AF	Contrast detection with 49 focus points	Phase AF and contrast AF
Connectivity	Mini (type-c), 3.5mm mic jack, hdmi	Hdmi, usb 2.0	Wi-Fi, NFC, hdmi port, 3.5mm mic jack	Hdmi type c, 3.5mm mic port, hi-speed uSB	External Microphone Input, Wi-Fi, Hot Shoe, 2.5mm Sub-Mini, HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0 Micro-B, USB 2.0	Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB 2.0

Why Should You Buy An Entry-Level Camera?

Although you can use your mobile phone to shoot gorgeous photos and videos, nothing compares with the results you can get using a camera such as a DSLR, mirrorless or camcorder.

So why and when should you look for an entry-level camera?

Well, if you are a beginning videographer or vlogger, and your current budget doesn’t allow you to spend too much money on photography gear, an entry-level camera could be the perfect choice for you. That way you can spend the rest of your budget on accessories such as lenses, memory cards, flash drives, etc.

Another reason is when you’re just starting out, but you’re not yet sure that video production is really for you.

If that is you, you don’t want to invest thousands of dollars on something you’re not sure about yet. An entry-level video camera will help you decide if filmmaking is really for you.

Once you get to know the full capabilities of your video camera, the chances are that you won’t regret your decision of buying it in the first place!

And if you later decide to upgrade to a more expensive option, you already have an excellent camera, you know by heart that you can use as your second camera for shooting multiple angles at once.

Lastly, if you want to get the most out of your money, it would be great if you choose a DSLR or mirrorless camera, instead of a camcorder.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras are great not only for video but for photography too. As a result, you’ll be able to improve your photography skills as well. Taking photos is a great way to train your eye for good angles, the right lighting and other skills which will help you improve your videography skills.

What Features To Look For When Buying A Video Camera

You want to buy a camera, you have some dollars to spare, but how to pick the right one?

There are numerous excellent models from famous brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic etc.

To find out which one is best for you, it’s vital to first ask yourself a few questions.

#1 – Good low-light capability

Part of finding a good camera is to discover exactly how you’re going to use it.

For example, do you want to shoot videos at various parties or events with your video camera?

Some of these gatherings occur in low-light conditions, and you need a camera with good low-light capabilities.

#2 – Zoom lens

Some cameras are more suitable for people who travel regularly e.g., vloggers who do travel videos.

If that describes you, then it is a good idea to go for a camera that has a good zoom lens. This type of glass is versatile enough to cater to most of your video-shooting needs.

#3 – Flip-Out Screen

If you’re a vlogger then you might want to look for a camera that comes with a flip-out screen.

Flip-out screens are great because they can be rotated 180 degrees, so you can see yourself while filming.

The Panasonic GH5 is an excellent example in this case. However, it is rather expensive and if you’re not ready to spend a lot, go for a similar camera with a flip-out screen.

#4 – Slow-Motion Video

If you love to film your friends doing cool tricks on their skateboard, surfers doing cool tricks, music videos, race finishes, parkour, or just your kids running around an playing in your garden, then you should look for a camera with good slow-motion capabilities.

Slow-motion is highly popular these days, and it is easy to understand why. Slow-motion lets you capture fast action and view it back at slower speeds, so you can see all the amazing details going on.

If you want to start a YouTube channel, you should go for a camera which excels at slow-motion, because it is so popular. Especially among vloggers who do travel videos or sports.

Everything above 60 Frames-Per-Second (fps) is considered slow-motion footage.

Some cameras can shoot good quality slow-motion at 240 fps and more. Most cameras though tend to decrease the picture quality a bit when shooting slow-motion. And usually, the higher settings are the worst. So if your camera can shoot slow-motion at 180 fps, shoot with e.g. 120 fps instead. That way you’ll preserve some quality.

As an alternative, you can film at 60 fps and then use your editing software to play back the clip at slower speeds. So don’t panic, if your camera doesn’t do 240 fps. There are other ways to achieve this.

#5 – Long Battery Life

This is one of the most important aspects because it directly influences how long you can shoot video or snap pictures.

Most of today’s cameras come with rechargeable batteries.

This means that when the battery is dead, you simply put it in the charger (supplied in the package) and connect the charger to the power outlet. A full charge might take about two hours, on average.

“So I should wait 2 hours before I can film again?” you might ask. Well, luckily not! You can get yourself a couple of rechargeable batteries compatible with your device and simply swap a dead one for a recharged one whenever needed.

Experienced filmmakers carry 4-5 batteries or more when traveling and shooting videos. By doing so, you never miss an opportunity to film something simply because the batteries of your camera are dead.

Just remember to recharge the dead batteries at the end of the day!

The way you use your video camera influences the battery life. For example, using the camera in cold conditions will deplete the batteries faster.

You can extend the battery life of your camera using a battery grip.

This is a compact device that attaches to your video camera. It holds additional batteries that allow you to shoot videos for longer periods of time.

Sometimes you can get a battery grip in the package, other times you might need to buy it separately.

#6 – Headphone Jack

A 3.5mm headphone jack is required to monitor audio when shooting videos.

Most video cameras come with this option, but some don’t.

Even if your preferred camera doesn’t include it, you can still monitor audio by using an HDMI dongle or monitor which incorporates a 3.5mm headphone jack.

#6- HDMI and HDMI mini

HDMI ports are ideal for connecting your video camera to external devices.

Your DSLR or mirrorless camera might be equipped with a full-size HDMI port or an HDMI mini out port.

This gives you the opportunity to connect your camera to an external screen (such as your TV set) so you can watch your videos and photos on flat-screen TV at home.

HDMI also lets you connect your camera to external recording monitors to improve your video shooting experience, e.g. if you find the screen on your camera too small.

#7- Microphone Input Jack

If you’re going to use your camera for shooting videos a microphone is vital. The in-built microphones you find in cameras simply don’t deliver in terms of audio quality.

External microphones do a great job when it comes to picking up sound from the environment or your subject.

Most external microphones are compact, lightweight and can be attached to your DSLR or mirrorless camera using a 3.5mm mini-jack.

Tip: If the camera doesn’t have an input, you can attach your external microphone to a separate recording device, such as a Zoom handheld recorder.

Then you can use the in-built microphone in the camera to record a low-quality sound, and the external microphone attached to the Zoom to record the high-quality sound.

Later, when you edit your material in your software of choice, you can sync up the two audio sources. That way you can use the high-quality sound instead of the low-quality sound recorded by your camera with your footage.

In other words, even if your camera doesn’t have an input for external microphones, you’re still able to record good quality sound as long as the camera has some kind of in-built microphone. It is just a little more work in post-production.

Since cameras only come with one hot-shoe on top, you can’t attach both a microphone and a light. The hot-shoe is the small bracket, where you would normally place a speedlight/flash. But you can get a cheap dual cold-shoe mount to connect both an external microphone and an LED light to the same DSLR camera. Problem solved!

#8 – Weather Sealing

Video gear is expensive, and each filmmaker or photographer should do everything he can to protect the tool of his trade.

Luckily, many DSLR, mirrorless, and camcorders come with some sort of weather sealing.

What is weather sealing?

It’s a form of protecting your camera against the elements of nature such as dust, water, humidity, etc.

Weather sealing consists of silicon lining and rubber gaskets that shield the delicate internal components of your camera.

Keep in mind, that weather sealing is not the same thing as waterproofing or water resistance.

You should still be careful with your video camera when you’re filming in bad weather conditions or humid places.

#9 – Good Auto-Focus Technology

Auto-Focus (AF) can make the difference between making or missing your shot.

AF is the camera’s ability to obtain a clear and sharp picture by changing the focus of the lens.

AF is essential to have – especially when you’re just starting out – because it does most of the work for you.

Auto-focus will continuously adjust the focus of the lens when either you or the subject changes position, so you never get a blurry image.

There are two types of auto-focus technologies you should know about: contrast-detection auto-focus and phase detection auto-focus.

How they actually work is very complicated. And to make matters even more complicated, some cameras use a hybrid of both.

If you want to dive into the technical aspects, I recommend you watch this excellent video from B&H, which explains the technology at work.

So instead, we’ll focus on what they are good for.

Contrast detection AF is good for subjects, which doesn’t move a lot. If you’re filming interviews or landscapes contrast-detection AF is a good choice. It is excellent at nailing those eyes and get them in focus.

Phase detection AF is much faster than contrast-detection AF, but not as precise. Phase detection AF is great is you want to track moving subjects e.g. when you want to film sports or wildlife.

#10 – Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is the camera’s ability to reduce shaky footage when you shoot handheld.

Even if you have a steady hand, there are numerous tiny hand movements that can reduce the quality of your video.

Some of the best image stabilization allows you to shoot handheld in low-lighting conditions with long shutter speeds and still get great results.

Image stabilization is a godsend if you plan to shoot a lot of run-and-gun footage such as travel videos or documentaries.

There are two types of image stabilization: optical (built into the lens) or sensor-based (built into the camera).

Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.)

Optical image stabilization (O.I.S.) works by making tiny changes in the lens system.

There are small electromagnet motors built into the lens system which counteract the movement of the hand while recording video footage.

As a result, the path of the image through the lens and towards the sensor is stabilized, eliminating motion blur.

Sensor Image Stabilization (S.I.S.)

This is similar to O.I.S., except in this case it is the sensor that moves to compensate for the camera shake, not the lens.

There are several advantages to sensor image stabilization instead of O.I.S.

For example, even if you use a lens without O.I.S. (e.g. a cool old vintage lens you found on eBay), you’ll still get stabilized footage.

Lenses with O.I.S. also tend to be more expensive compared to similar lenses without it. You might be happy to find out that certain cameras have both O.I.S. and S.I.S. (such as the Panasonic Lumix GH5, and the Olympus E-M5 MKII) and they work in tandem and provides what is called 5-Axis Sync IS.

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Now that you know the basics of a video camera let’s go ahead and take a look at some excellent affordable video cameras for beginners.

Canon EOS 70D Digital SLR Camera – Best Choice for Vloggers

The Canon EOS 70D is one of the most popular DSLR cameras out there.

It is ideal for both beginners and experienced photographers.

This price tag is for the body only. You can also get it with accessories such as lenses, a flash drive, an external microphone, etc.

One of the main advantages of this camera consists of the Dual Pixel CMOS phase-detection Auto-Focus technology.

It is capable of bringing subjects into focus quickly and easily as it features a 19-point cross-type AF technique.

If you’re a vlogger then you’ll love this DSLR camera as it comes with a flip-out screen.

The 3″ touchscreen can be easily rotated so that you can see yourself while doing live Facebook videos. This LCD panel has more than 1 million dots, so you’ll be impressed by the image quality.

When it comes to the image sensor, the CMOS unit packs almost 20.2 megapixels, and it can shoot videos in various formats such as .MOV, h.264 and more.

You can record video footage in Full HD format (1920 x 1080p) at 30fps. You can also go for HD videos at 60fps if you want a more dynamic video clip.

Based on an 8GB memory card, you can record around 32 minutes of Full HD video using IPB compression

You also have access to a hot shoe which allows you to plug in an external microphone and record high-quality audio files.

The ISO range stretches from 100 up to 12800, but it can be expanded to 25600 if necessary, allowing you to shoot videos and photos in most lighting conditions.

A rechargeable battery is included in the package alongside a compatible charger. You can also get this model with a battery grip so that you can use your camera for more time each day.

We found this great kit on Amazon which includes not only the Canon EOS 70D and the 18-135mm zoom lens, but also the Rode VIDEOMIC GO
and a Sandisk 32GB SD Card Class 10 memory card.

Pros	Cons
Great CMOS 20.2 MP sensor Excellent auto-focus technology Flip-out 3-inch touchscreen Built-in flash Records multiple video formats	No image stabilization

Bottom line, the Canon EOS 70D is a highly versatile DSLR camera suitable for people who enjoy filming events, people, landscapes, animals and anything else!

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera with Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount – Best for the Budding Filmmaker

If you prefer shooting cinematic videos or documentaries, then the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is ideal.

We’ll be covering the original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (often referred to as the BMPCC), which only shoots in 1080p FullHD.

Now, there is a 4K and even a 6K model out at a higher price, but the whole point of this list is to make it budget-friendly. So we decided to go with the older model, which is available used.

The model we’re reviewing supports micro four-thirds lenses, but these are sold separately.

This camera does come with a pretty steep learning curve and is not as point-and-shoot friendly as the others on this list. But if you’re serious about making videos, the BMPCC is definitely something you should look into.

What makes this camera special is its impressive dynamic range and exquisite picture quality.

It is capable of filming Full HD video footage at up to 30 fps. The supported formats include Apple ProRes 4:2:2 and Lossless CinemaDNG RAW. It records directly to an SD card, but you’ll need a pretty fast card with at least 95MB/s to be able to store all this data each second.

These file formats are known to preserve the most amount of details, resulting in a higher dynamic range.

Another strong point of this camera is the 3.5 inch LCD touchscreen which features an 800 by 480 resolution, and it’s very easy to use.

When it comes to connectivity, this device from Blackmagic comes with a type D HDMI connector, a headphone jack, a microphone jack, and a USB 2.0 port.

You’ll be surprised by the small dimensions of this camera as well. It is just slightly larger than an iPhone 5, and it can fit most pockets. Your hand won’t get tired when holding this device to film various scenes or for taking photos.

Check the current price for the BMPCC on Amazon.

Pros	Cons
Compact and lightweight Excellent reproduction of colors High dynamic range A large, sharp LCD screen Records in ProRes 4:2:2 and LossLess CinemaDNG Raw professional codec Comes with the DaVinci Resolve Lite software	The battery doesn’t have a very long lifespan Steeper learning curve compared to the other cameras on this list No 4K shooting

The Blackmagic Cinematic Pocket Camera is a professional tool in a small form factor for the aspiring filmmaker.

Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera – Best for Videographers who want an Excellent Camera for Photography as well

The Fuji X-T20 mirrorless camera which offers superb image quality with a 24.3 MP CMOS sensor.

You’ll be able to shoot 4K video with this device in various video formats such as h.264, MOV, MPEG-4, and others. When it comes to photography, this camera shoots JPEG and RAW images.

If you decide to go for 4K recordings, you’ll be able to shoot video footage up to 10 minutes. When the 4GB data limit is reached, the camera will automatically start a new video file, and it will continue to record until the SD card is full. But the footage will be divided into chunks of 4GB data.

If you want longer video footage, go for the Full HD resolution which shoots up to 15 minutes of video at a time. You also can increase the frames per second up to 60.

Lastly, shooting in HD (1280 x 720p) offers you up to 30 minutes of interrupted video footage. It is recommended to use memory cards with a faster speed rate if you go for higher resolution films.

It’s great to know that you also have a lot of preinstalled filters to play with to improve the looks of your video.

Love panoramas? Then use this camera from Fujifilm to create superb panoramic images. The built-in guide shows you exactly how to pan the camera to achieve wonderful views of landscapes.

The LCD panel is 3 inches in size and has a 3:2 aspect ratio. It can be tilted if necessary, giving you the option to shoot video at various angles. However, it doesn’t let you view yourself while filming. But this can be negated by using the remote app (see below).

On top of the camera, you’ll find a hot shoe which accepts a microphone or an LED light. This device also comes with a built-in flash, so you don’t have to get one separately.

Another advantage of this model is the smart hybrid auto-focus technology which uses both phase detection and contrast detection. It will instantly focus on your subjects, allowing even the most novice camera users to snap breathtaking pictures and videos.

The HDMI port allows you to stream your videos on an external monitor for recording. Or you can use it to present your videos to your friends on you television!

You can use the Fujifilm Camera Remote app which allows you to control this mirrorless device using your smartphone. With the app, you can also transfer files from your camera to your mobile phone.

We found this excellent kit on Amazon, which includes the Fuji X-T20, the XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS II lens, a camera case, a 16GB SDHC card, a 58mm filter kit, a Cleaning Kit, a card reader, and more.

Pros	Cons
Shoots 4K video Great value for money Great AF technology Focus peaking which helps you see what’s in focus High ISO range which can be expanded Built-in flash and hot shoe Preinstalled image filters which include film simulation modes	The 3” touchscreen only tilts at an angle and doesn’t allow you to see yourself while filming. But you can use the remote app to view what you’re filming on your phone.

This model from Fujifilm is ideal for beginners as well as advanced users. It features multiple functions, shoots in 4K and can be customized according to your wishes.

Nikon D7200 DX-format DSLR Body – Best Connectivity and ISO-performance

What would you say about a DSLR camera with Wi-Fi connectivity?

Well, the Nikon D7200 is a Wi-Fi compatible DSLR camera, and it comes with plenty of other features!

You can have it as just the body, but if your budget is slightly higher, get it with compatible accessories such as lenses, a carrying bag, and a 32GB memory card.

This model stands out thanks to the 24.2 MP CMOS sensor which captures photos in JPEG and RAW format and videos in .MOV format.

Although you cannot shoot 4K video with this device, you’ll be able to capture Full HD video at 60fps.

The phase detection auto-focus system is also impressive, allowing up to 51 individual points to be analyzed for the best results. There are numerous auto-focus modes to choose from such as face only, wide area and more.

The Wi-Fi connectivity also makes this camera a popular one, allowing users to quickly transfer videos and photos to other devices such as smartphones or laptops. You also get NFC connectivity too!

If you want to stream videos to an external monitor, use the incorporated type C HDMI port. You also get a high-speed USB port, and a hot shoe mounted on top of the camera where you can add an external microphone and a LED light.

The ISO sensitivity is also impressive – 100 to 102,400. This means that you can capture stunning images and videos in pretty much any light condition.

The 3.2-inch LCD also shows crystal clear images while recording videos or snapping pictures. Although this is not a touchscreen, you can still use it for video playbacks or to access the main function of the camera.

We found this cool kit on Amazon, which includes the Nikon D7200, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, a 24 GB SDHC Class 10 memory card, 4 filters, a rechargeable battery, a battery charger, a small tripod, and much more.

Pros	Cons
6016 x 4016 maximum resolution Multiple AF modes Great ISO range Easy to use and learn for beginners Wi-Fi and NFC 24.2MP sensor Built-in flash	No in-built image stabilization No 4K recording for video

Although it was released nearly four years ago in 2015, this DSLR camera from Nikon is still an excellent device for novice filmmakers and photographers. It comes with plenty of features; it accepts multiple lenses and remains easy to use in any situation.

Panasonic G85 (US) a.k.a. G80/G81 (EU) Mirrorless Camera – Best All-Around Camera

Panasonic has made huge waves in the video and indie film industry in the last decade.

After the Canon 5D MK ii pretty much started the DSLR-revolution the Panasonic GH series took over from Canon when it came to prosumer video in a DSLR style body.

But even though cameras such as Panasonic GH4, GH5, and GH5s offers a great bang of the buck, they are still pretty expensive – especially if you’re just starting out.

Luckily, Panasonic has made the G-series, which is a stripped down version of the flagship GH-series.

But even though the G-series doesn’t offer quite as many features as its bigger siblings, the cameras in this line are still extremely powerful, and a lot of GH5 and GH5s owners use a G85 as their B-cam, because of the image quality is almost as good, and the two cameras are easy to match and mix in post-production.

The Panasonic LUMIX G85 features a 16-Megapixel micro four-thirds sensor.

It is capable of filming in 4K at 24 and 30 fps, and at full HD you can record 60fps.

The camera features the amazing 5-axis in-body stabilization (IBIS), which works together with Panasonic lenses that features optical stabilization (O.I.S.).

The result is the incredible 5 stops of Dual IS2 stabilization, which makes it possible to get great handheld stabilized video footage. And you can capture great photographs handheld even a low shutter speeds.

Speaking of photography the camera sports a lot of cool features such as 4K Photo (choose your photo from 30 frames shot a high speed), Shoot Now – Focus Later (set your focus after you’ve taken your photograph), high-speed burst modes and more. However, since this guide is focused on video, we’ll not get into more detail about these here.

The body of the camera is weather sealed, which means that it is both splashproof and dustproof, and it built like a tank and can withstand a lot of bumps and bruises.

The kit lens is the versatile 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6, which is the equivalent of a 24-120mm telezoom in full-frame cameras in terms of focal length.

The lens is interchangeable and the since this is a micro four-thirds camera, you have a lot of excellent lenses available from both Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and more to choose from.

In short, the Panasonic Lumix G85 is an excellent all-around camera for both video and photography and a great entry-level camera for the budding filmmaker.

We found this great deal for the Panasonic G85, which not only includes the 12-60mm zoom lens, but also two spare batteries, a charger, a bag, a flexible tripod, a flash, a lens cleaning kit, lens filters, a card reader, a memory card, and more on Amazon.

Pros	Cons
4K video / photo at 30 fps FullHD 1080p at 60 fps 5-axis image stabilization with Dual I.S. 2 Microphone Port for external microphones Compact and lightweight Weather sealed and rugged build (magnesium alloy front) 3″ clear tilt screen 2.36M-dot OLED Electronic ViewFinder (EVF) Contrast Detect Auto Focus with 49-points and Depth From DeFocus	No headphone jack The LCD-screen tilts, but it would have been nice if it was a 360 degrees swivel screen like on the GH5.

Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera – Best Autofocus and Slow-Motion

Our list continues with another mirrorless camera, this time from Sony!

The Sony a6400 mirrorless camera comes with a 24MP CMOS sensor which can shoot 4K videos at 30 fps. You have other video modes to choose from such as slow-motion, quick-motion, time-lapse and more. For the highest amount of detail, you can go for a high bit rate such as 100mbps, but you also need a large memory card because of the larger amount of data used per image frame in your video.

The Sony a6400 also comes with professional color profiles such as HLG (HDR), S-Log2, and S-Log3. These are great if you want to do a lot of color grading in post-production later on.

If you want to snap photos, this camera shoots in JPEG and RAW formats. You can adjust multiple functions as well as capturing panoramic images very easily.

When it comes to connectivity, the Sony a6400 camera comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. This makes transferring photos and videos between your devices a breeze. You can even control your camera and modify its functions with your smartphone only.

The hybrid autofocus system utilizes both phase detection and contrast detection which makes it excellent for both stagnant and moving subjects.

The AF-system is easy to use and gives you a lot of options. For example, you can go for face-detection AF which utilizes up to 425 focus points. It can even lock on to the eye of your subject and track this as your subject moves. It is very hard to record a blurry video with this camera!

Another great advantage consists of environmental or weather sealing. This device is equipped with rubber and silicone lining which prevent dust, dirt, and water from damaging the internal electronics.

On top of that, the camera also features magnesium alloy components which are durable and eye-catching.

If you’re a vlogger, this model might be suitable for you since it has a flip-up touchscreen, giving you the possibility to see yourself while recording video footage. However, we could have wished for one that could swivel to the side as well, because if you attach a microphone or LED light on top of the camera, you’ll have a hard time seeing the screen.

Moving on to the ISO range, this camera has a broad sensitivity spectrum from 100 up to 102400, allowing you to make high-quality videos and photos in low-light conditions.

The HDMI port allows you to connect your camera to an external monitor for recording or show your video footage on your television.

You also have access to a microphone port for recording high-quality audio. On top of the device, you’ll also find a hot shoe where you can insert an LED light, if necessary.

We found this great combo on Amazon, which includes the Sony A6400 with the 16-50mm lens. When you follow the link, you’ll also get the option to choose the 18-135mm lens instead, and a ‘video creator’ kit which includes a small tripod, which can also be used handheld.

Pros	Cons
Compact and lightweight Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity Can be controlled with a smartphone Shoots 4K Multiple AF modes Shoots in slow-motion 120 fps in FullHD 100 Mbps Professional color profiles such as HLG (HDR), S-Log2, and S-Log3 for color grading. Ideal for vlogging	No headphone jack Adding a microphone or LED-light on top of the screen can make it difficult to see the screen for vloggers.

This camera is highly versatile, making it ideal for still photography, shooting high-quality videos or vlogging. And it comes with some impressive color space profiles, you normally only find in more expensive cameras. You’ll be amazed by what you can achieve with this model from Sony.

Wrapping It Up

These are five excellent examples of entry-level cameras, which are ideal for kickstarting your career as a filmmaker.

Whether you go for a DLSR or mirrorless, you’ll have a great time playing around with their different functions and options. You just need a little bit of patience and a willingness to learn!

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