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There are plenty of options in this category for independent filmmakers looking to get prosumer level mirrorless cameras.
To help narrow your search, we’ve selected five of the best cameras in this range, with a focus specifically on video. If you’re a filmmaker looking to get your hands on a mirrorless camera, these will be great suggestions to consider.
If you pick up one of these amazing cameras, make sure you do everything you can to utilize it to its full potential! Even the best camera will fail to get a good image if you have poor lighting, and great video is nothing without great audio.
With all those disclaimers out of the way, let’s get started! Here are the best mirrorless cameras available under $2000.
1. Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5
Starting off our list is the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5. Even though this camera has been on the market for a couple of years now, it’s still a beast of a camera for the run-and-gun videographer.
This camera features a 20.3 megapixels micro four-thirds sensor. It can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and 1080p at 180 frames per second.
The Panasonic DC-GH5 also features an internal five-axis stabilization, which significantly helps with reducing handheld shake. For a filmmaker on the move, a freely articulating screen and continuous autofocus are great features.
This camera also has a variety of picture profiles to enhance the dynamic range and improve your color grade. These profiles include Cinelike V, Cinelike D, and VLog, and there is the ability to monitor with an in-camera LUT.
A final benefit of the DC-GH5 is having both a microphone input and headphone output. Being able to monitor audio directly without the help of an external monitor is extremely helpful for filmmakers looking to keep their rig compact.
Some cons surrounding this camera include the 2x crop factor as a consequence of the MFT sensor. If you’re used to this, it may not be an issue, though. The sensor size also limits this camera’s low light performance, and it may lag behind competitors.
There are also some issues with the autofocus. Its face tracking is unreliable, and often it will hunt for a subject during recording.
If you are a filmmaker that relies on autofocus, there are better options available, like the Canon and Sony camera, further down on this list.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4K Video up to 60fps Dual SD-card slots Can use lenses designed for APS-C and full-frame cameras as well as lots of vintage lenses (with adapters) Image Stabilization Articulating Screen Picture Profiles Microphone In and Headphone Out No Recording Limit Battery Life | Not good in Low light (needs fast lens+speedbooster) Unreliable autofocus |
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2. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (BMPCC6K)
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (BMPCC6K) is a true cinema camera in a compact form factor. You can use it as it is, or you can rig it out with rods, bigger batteries, a matte box, and more if you prefer.
The body is made from carbon fiber which makes it rugged. It can record 6K video (6144×3456) up to 50 fps video and comes with RAW, which gives you great flexibility in post-production when color-grading.
The versatile and popular Canon EF mount let’s you use a lot of different and popular lenses – not only from Canon, but also from companies such as Sigma and Samyang.
It has all the familiar controls and interface of its 4K predecessor – the BMPCC4K (see further down this list), including the professional audio supported mini XLR input with phantom +48V power, and four built-in microphones.
You get great features like 13 stops of dynamic range, 1920 x 1080 monitor output, and ISO support up to 25,600.
The battery life is not good, so you need either extra batteries, or use an external plate that lets you use V-log or Anton Bauer batteries.
I would recommend using an external SSD-disk for recording because the 12-bit RAW (BRAW) footage takes up a lot of storage space.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 12-bit BRAW video 6K video Dual Native ISO Excellent dynamic range Great-quality raw footage up to 50fps Dual SD/CFast cards Record externally to USB-C drive Excellent user-interface and easy to navigate touchscreen layout | Limited battery life Basic autofocus support Not the best screen to watch outside |
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3. FUJIFILM X-T4
Next on our list is the Fujifilm X-T4. This is a fascinating mirrorless camera and has a lot to offer filmmakers. It features a 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor. The X-T4 can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and full HD at up to 240 frames per second.
It has built-in image stabilization, an articulating screen, and dual memory card slots. The X-T4 has a 3.5mm microphone input for an on-camera mic. It also has the ability to monitor with headphones via an adapter to the 2.5mm remote port.
This camera has a solid autofocus system. For filmmakers that need this, it has a good tracking system and is quite reliable. This X-T4 also performs well in low light conditions.
Fujifilm is also well known for its color, and the X-T4 continues that tradition. It includes the F-Log picture profile for enhanced color grading and maximizing the dynamic range, tone, and sharpness.
There are also a variety of film simulation modes. If you’re a filmmaker on a tight schedule or working on a project where you don’t want to apply a full grade, these are great ways to get a very cinematic and classic look very quickly.
The X-T4 does have a heating problem that is exacerbated in warm conditions and when shooting 4K. Luckily the camera saves before shutting down. However, it can be very annoying.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4K Video up to 60fps Image Stabilization Articulating Screen Dual Memory Card Slots Microphone Input and Headphone Out F-Log Picture Profile | Heating Problem 30-minute recording limit |
Check out these great bundle deals on Adorama.
4. Sony Alpha a7 III
If you’re looking for a full-frame mirrorless camera under $2000, the Sony Alpha a7 III is a great option. This camera has a 24.2-megapixel sensor and can record 4K video at 24/30 frames per second and full HD at up to 120 frames per second.
The a7 III has a fast and reliable autofocus system. It has an impressive native ISO range of 100-51200 and maintains a very nominal amount of noise in low light conditions. There is also in-camera 5-axis sensor stabilization.
The screen can be tilted, though it is not fully articulating. This isn’t an issue for most filmmakers, though it can be if you don’t have an external monitor or are shooting from an odd angle.
The Sony a7 III has a 3.5mm microphone input and 3.5mm headphone output for improved audio capabilities.
Finally, for those looking to apply some great color grades, this camera has S-Log formats for expanded possibilities and can produce a dynamic range of up to 14 stops.
There aren’t too many issues with the camera, though the screen and ergonomics could be improved slightly. It provides a super sharp image and can perform well even in difficult settings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full Frame 4K video Good Autofocus Great Low Light Image Stabilization Dual Memory Card Slots S-Log Picture Profile Microphone Input and Headphone out | Not a Fully Articulating Screen Short Battery Life |
Check out these great bundle deals on Adorama.
5. Canon EOS R
If you’re a Canon user or looking for Canon’s color science or autofocus technology while wanting a full-frame mirrorless camera, the Canon EOS R is a great choice.
This camera features a full-frame 30.3-megapixel sensor with a maximum recording resolution of 4K at 24/30 frames per second and full HD up to 120 frames per second.
The Canon EOS R uses Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus technology with great results. It also has great colors expected from canon and has integrated Canon Log, which gives flatter images for a better grade and expands the camera’s dynamic range to 12 stops.
If you’re recording in 4K, you will experience a 1.8x crop factor. Therefore you will need to make sure you have a very wide-angle lens if you want wide shots. There also isn’t any headphone input to monitor audio, though you can attach an external mic.
Overall the Canon EOS R is a great camera and brings the strengths associated with Canon cameras to mirrorless users. Great autofocus and color are chief among these, however, you will have to get over a crop factor if you want to record in 4K.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Canon Color Dual Pixel Autofocus 4K Video Canon Log Articulating Screen | No Headphone Monitoring 1.8x 4K Crop Factor |
Check out these great bundle deals on Adorama.
6. Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S
The final camera on our list is the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S. It features a 10.28 megapixel MFT sensor. It can record 4K footage at up to 60 frames per second.
It has picture profiles, including V-Log L, Cinelike V, and Cinelike D, and features in-camera LUT to improve monitoring.
The DC-GH5s do not have internal stabilization, unlike other Panasonic cameras. This is because it was designed so that it can also be used as a crash cam so that it can be strapped to the outside on a car for driving shots.
Therefore you will need an external method of stabilization for smooth shots.
Compared to the GH5, which has great 5-axis image stabilization, the GH5S has vastly improved low light capability. Even at ISOs of 6400, the GH5s maintain good colors.
There are some issues with continuous autofocus while shooting video. In low light conditions, the autofocus will suffer.
It definitely is an option in a pinch; however, the autofocus in the GH5s is not as reliable as some competitors. Paying attention to your conditions is essential to optimize the autofocus performance.
Some other benefits of the GH5S include unlimited video recording. If you tend to film events or need to record for over 30 minutes, Panasonic cameras are a great choice if you don’t want to use an external recorder. Additionally, for projects such as these, good battery life can be a huge help.
Overall, the Panasonic DC-GH5s is an amazing camera, but if you’re a run-and-gun videographer, you should go with a camera with in-body image stabilization instead. To get the best performance from this camera, setting the focus before recording or using manual focus is recommended.
If you’re comfortable shooting manually, the low light performance, image quality, and color of this camera are hard to beat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4K Video Dual SD-recording slots Picture Profiles 3.5mm input and output Great Low Light (Dual Native ISO) Good Battery Life Unlimited Recording | No stabilization Some Autofocus issues |
Check these great bundle deals on Adorama.
7. Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC4K)
The Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k is a popular entry-level cinema camera because of its affordable price and outstanding features.
The BMPCC4K has a micro-four-thirds sensor and mount, which means you can adapt a lot of vintage glass as well as lenses for APS-C and full-frame sensors as well.
The ISO-range of 100 to 25,600 and 13 stops of dynamic range is decent and can be further improved if you use a focal reducer.
The compact size lets you shoot a handheld 4K RAW video. Or – if you prefer – you can easily rig it out with a camera cage, rods, a matte box, a follow focus, and more to be a true powerhouse of a cinema camera.
Like the 6K, the 4K also comes with two slots for memory cards. If you use UHS-II cards, you can record HD using standard SD cards, Ultra HD in ProRes at 60fps, and RAW at up to 30 fps. But with CFast 2.0 cards you can record 12-bit RAW at all supported frame rates.
The camera also has a mini XLR input, Bluetooth, a built-in microphone, and USB-C Expansion Port.
Like the 6K, the BMPCC4k will benefit from extra batteries – or V-lock or Anton Bauer batteries – and external storage like an SSD.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value Dual native ISO MFT lenses SD, UHS-II, CFast compatible Easy connectivity | No In-body image stabilization No electronic viewfinder No continuous autofocus Poor Battery life |
Check out these great bundles on Adorama.
8. Panasonic S5
The Panasonic S5 is a tiny but extremely capable 24 MP full-frame camera built with the videographer in mind.
This amazing camera is even smaller than the Panasonic GH5, which is quite a feat considering, that this is a full-frame camera whereas the GH5 is a micro-four-thirds camera.
The Panasonic S5 features an L-mount. This means you can use Leica lenses, Sigma lenses, and S-PRO lenses – like those already available for the Panasonic S1, S1R, and S1H..
Internally, the S5 records 4:2:0 10-bit video at 4K 60p. However, with an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja V, you can record 4.2.2. at 60 fps, and 5.9k RAW at 30fps.
The S5 has an HDMI output, which lets you record 4:2:2 10 bit to an external drive while recording internally to the SD recording at the same time. This is great for recording proxies and high-quality video at the same time and back-ups.
The S5 is designed for the run-and-gun videographer, who needs quick access to the most important functions. For example, you can switch between normal frame rates and high frame rates on the top dial without diving into the menus.
The S5 comes with an excellent articulating flip-out screen, so you can easily shoot from low or high-angles.
The S5 also features excellent Dual I.S. stabilization, anamorphic de-squeeze, exposure tools, focus tools, and white balance tools.
The Panasonic S5 is an amazing camera. The only real downside is that Panasonic still makes the autofocus contrast based. The result is that it doesn’t perform as good as the autofocus found on Sony or Canon cameras.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4K 60p, 4:2:2 10-bit recording FHD up to 180 fps Weather-sealed Headphone output Microphone input HDMI out 5-axis dual I.S. Articulating touchscreen Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V-log and V-gamut from Varicam installed Exposure tools Focus tools Dual card slots Level Gauge | Contrast-based autofocus No internal RAW or 4:2:2 |
Check the current price on Adorama.
Conclusion
Above are the best mirrorless cameras under $2000 on the market today. All of these cameras are formidable in their own right but have different strengths and weaknesses.
So it is really up to you which features you need and don’t need it because all of these produce professional results.
Are there any cameras on this list that excite you? Do you use any of the cameras discussed above? Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
Cade Taylor is a filmmaker and writer based out of Los Angeles. Originally from Seattle, he continues to work as the Outreach Coordinator for the Bigfoot Script Challenge, where he helps connect up-and-coming writers with industry professionals. When he’s not working on his own projects, helping out with Bigfoot, or covering desks, Cade loves to share what he knows with other filmmakers and promote great content.