Published: March 7, 2022 | Last Updated: December 18, 2025
DISCLOSURE: AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. READ THE FULL DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
Choosing the right camera can be daunting for a beginner filmmaker. There is so much technical jargon that it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed.
Low-budget filmmaking is one of my specialties, and I have much experience working with all types of cameras.
In this article, I will list five cameras that I think are the best for beginner filmmakers that won’t break the bank.
So, if you’re looking for the best camera for filmmaking on a budget in 2024, keep reading.
Content
1. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
This is the camera I currently use for all of my film and video projects.
I fell in love with Blackmagic Design products after a colleague used a Blackmagic Cinema Camera 2.5K in 2013.
The camera delivered incredible quality for such an affordable price.
Years later, Blackmagic came out with my dream low-budget camera, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
This camera looks like your standard DSLR but can pack much more of an incredible punch. It records up to 4K DCI 60FPS, has a 5” touchscreen display, and has other abilities, such as importing 3D LUTs directly into the camera.
The BMPCC 4K uses a micro-four-thirds sensor. This means it has a crop factor of two (a 25mm lens has the same field of view as a 50mm lens on a full-frame camera), and it won’t be as good in low light as a full-frame camera.
However, you can compensate for this by using a focal reducer like the Metabones Speedbooster. This will give you an extra stop of light and change the field of view to be more similar to that of a 35mm sensor size.
However, the MFT sensor and mount also come with many benefits.
Lots of lens choices
The camera natively uses micro-four-thirds lenses, and there are many great options from manufacturers such as Panasonic-Leica, Olympus, or Meike.
You can also adapt many vintage lenses and lenses from bigger sensor cameras. In short, the smaller sensor size and mount give you many lens options.
The BMPCC4K’s bigger brother, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K or 6K Pro (links to Amazon), can use Canon EF mount lenses but isn’t as versatile in lens choices due to the bigger sensor.
Great audio capabilities – often overlooked!
Another benefit I don’t see frequently mentioned is its audio recording capabilities. This camera’s audio quality is quite impressive.
There was a period when I recorded podcast audio straight into the camera because the audio sounded much cleaner than with my normal recorder.
However, you should note that the camera uses a mini-XLR input for external microphones.
Factor in the cost of rigging the camera
Despite its features, the BMPCC 4K is not the most run-and-gun friendly on the market. I have a rig built for mine to make it more functional for film or video shoots. You can avoid using the body, lens, and battery for smaller shots.
The cost of this camera could outweigh the drawback of having to rig it. However, I highly recommend considering this before purchasing.
Factor in the cost of media
The camera can record several media outputs, such as an SSD hard drive, SD card, and CFast card.
This leaves you with a wide range of options when it comes to recording (SSD drives will always be my go-to as it’s a more cost-friendly solution).
I use SSD drives for recording; this camera does not record internally to an SSD like the SD or CFast cards.
You will have to mount the SSD drive to the camera. Companies such as Small Rig have solutions for mounting SSD drives like the Samsung T5 drive.
If you found the Samsung T5 too expensive here’s a guide to alternative that also work.
Another thing to mention is that you will need larger cards for this camera. The file sizes tend to be huge since it records in Blackmagic Raw and ProRes.
This may not be a great option if you want cheaper storage solutions for both the camera and your computer.
The battery life sucks
The battery life on this camera is atrocious. I wish Blackmagic had used a better battery system for it, but keeping the compact design was necessary.
With the batteries, you will only see about 30-45 minutes of record time, so you must purchase a lot of batteries, a battery grip, or a V-mount battery.
No IBIS
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K doesn’t have internal image stabilization (IBIS) because it’s more a cinema than a hybrid camera.
This is neither a pro nor a con because it depends on what you shoot and how you shoot.
If you need image stabilization, you can always use one of the many means of stabilization available on the market, such as a gimbal, a Steadicam, or a stabilized lens with optical image stabilization (OIS).
Despite these minor cons, I still think the BMPCC 4K is the best budget cinema camera you can get if you’re looking for a lot of bang.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4K Raw recording up to 60 FPS Great audio quality Compact Easy to use Multiple recording outputs | Battery life is subpar Can need extra gadgets to make functional Massive files for Raw or ProRes recording No IBIS No pop out screen |
2. Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II
The Panasonic GH5 is notorious for being on lists such as this article, and it’s for good reason. This is one of those cameras that is so versatile that you’ll likely keep it around even if you upgrade in the future.
Today, the GH5 II still holds many impressive features, as the original model did, with some great upgrades.
The GH5 II is a 20.2-megapixel mirrorless camera that can record 4K UHD video at up to 60 FPS. It can record 4:2:0 10-bit files and offers great images without compression artifacts.
It can also shoot in V-logL (V-Log lite) and Cinelike D2 picture styles, which gives it a much more dynamic range when color grading in post-production.
The camera uses MFT mount lenses like the previous Blackmagic Pocket 4K. The file sizes for that 10-bit 4K recording can also get quite large. Luckily, other codec options are available, but it is something to remember.
New processor
The original GH5 is a popular camera in indie filmmaking. However, its dated processor doesn’t allow for firmware upgrades, similar to newer cameras like the GH5s and G9.
Here’s an in-depth comparison of the GH5 and GH5S.
Panasonic upgraded the processor in the GH5 II so that the camera can continue to improve with firmware updates.
You’ll still want several batteries.
The battery life is better than the previous GH5 and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, but you’ll still need several batteries whenever you shoot.
However, a nice added feature to this model is the ability to charge the camera via USB-C. This allows a compatible power bank to power/charge the camera when you’re in a pinch.
Wi-Fi live streaming
A unique feature of this camera is its ability to live stream over a wifi network. This can be done through Panasonic’s LUMIX app or even by generating a key that can be used directly on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
This isn’t a super useful feature if you do not stream, but it’s a nice touch if needed in the future.
IBIS system
This camera has a Dual 2 OIS system that creates nice stabilization. This is a great feature if you need to hold the camera with your hands instead of a tripod, rig, or gimbal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great 4K recording Pop out touchscreen Mic, headphone, and HDMI ports IBIS system | Battery life is okay Confusing interface Large 4K files |
3. Canon C100 Mark II
To this day, the Canon C100 Mark II is still one of the best run-and-gun cameras on the market.
This camera has a super 35mm CMOS sensor and records up to 35 MBPS 1080p HD files at 60 FPS.
Although not having 4K is certainly a drawback, I have been impressed with the quality of the footage on this camera. Another significant pro is its ISO range between 320 and 80,000.
The camera has a dual SD card slot for continuous recording, larger batteries, and EF/EF-S lens mount.
This camera also has separate attachments for plugging XLR microphones directly into it. It is one of the best-use-out-of-the-box cameras on the market.
You won’t need a ton of extra accessories.
One of the features I love about this camera is that it has a side handle for easy handheld recording and a top handle with a mic mount, a built-in scratch mic, and dual XLR inputs.
These items can also easily detach from the camera if you need to strip it down to its bare bones. I find this to be a significant advantage because it will require fewer accessories.
This camera also has built-in ND filters, which will reduce your aperture by 2-6 stops. Again, having these built-in ND filters will require you to buy fewer accessories.
Great Battery life
This camera uses a BP-955 battery back that has a nifty function of revealing the battery life directly on the battery. One or two of these batteries should last you on an all-day shoot, which is a huge benefit.
Lack of codecs
This camera records in either 8-bit AVCHD or MP4, so the file sizes will be extremely manageable. A 64 GB card should last over 300 minutes on a 35 MBPS recording in MP4.
However, these codecs are not as high quality as newer cameras in a similar price range.
Canon makes up for this by offering a Cinema picture profile with a reasonable dynamic range.
It’s old
The main drawback of this camera is that it’s dated. Canon’s lineup includes newer and better versions, such as the C200 and C300.
However, both have a heftier price tag. As I mentioned, the camera also lacks 4K capabilities, so it’s not highly future-proof.
I still believe this camera is a great option if you are looking for something a little higher-end that is functional straight out of the box.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact Functional out of the box Battery life Long record times Comes with useful accessories Built-in ND filters | No 4K recording Dated model Lack of codecs |
4. Panasonic LUMIX S1
If you want something a little higher-end than my recommendation of the GH5 II, look no further than Panasonic’s LUMIX S1.
This full-frame mirrorless camera shoots in 4K 10-bit up to 60 FPS. However, that higher frame rate recording does come with some cropping. If you shoot in 24 or 30 FPS, you’ll benefit from that full frame.
This camera comes loaded with buttons both on the body and in the camera. You can customize these menus and buttons to your liking. It also has full VLog instead of VlogL, like in the GH5 II.
This will offer a much better dynamic range for color grading. The larger battery provides a much better life than the GH5 II.
Fantastic stabilization
This camera offers many different stabilization options. It offers a nice IBIS combined with lens stabilization for flawless handheld footage.
If that wasn’t enough, Panasonic also included an I.S. boost feature. This essentially will turn your hands into a tripod. If you are a Premiere user, you can almost think of it like an in-camera Warp Stabilizer.
Camera design
This camera’s ergonomic design is great. However, depending on your shooting preference, it’s larger and heavier than some siblings, which can be a pro or con.
The added weight helps with stabilization and feels very durable overall. This should add much comfort if you shoot a lot of handheld footage, but the extra weight could fatigue your arms on longer shoots.
Autofocus is lacking
This camera uses contrast-based autofocus rather than dual-axis-based. Again, this may or may not be a con, depending on your shooting style.
It won’t be a big deal if you prefer to manually focus all your time. However, this may not be a great choice if you do a lot of vlogging, so I’d recommend looking at cameras with good continuous autofocus capabilities instead.
Lens choices are scarce.
This camera uses an L-mount instead of an MFT-mount like the GH5 II. Companies like Sigma have done an excellent job offering more lenses today, but be prepared to buy adapters if you prefer another mount.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact Full VLog Ergonomic Amazing stabilization | Autofocus isn’t great. Can get heavy Not as many lens choices at GH5 II |
5. Canon EOS R6
My first DSLR camera was a Canon Rebel T3i. It offered everything I needed to learn regarding how to use interchangeable lenses, exposure settings, and other functions of this type of camera.
The camera was straightforward to use, making me a fan of Canon products. Today, we have the higher-end Canon EOS R6.
This camera shoots 4K footage up to 60 FPS in 10-bit 4:2:2. It can also shoot 1080p up to 120 FPS. Canon focuses on two picture styles: Canon Log and HDR PQ.
The Canon Log will be somewhat comparable to the standard Vlog. These picture styles can also be recorded to an external device, such as an ATOMOS Ninja, up to 60 FPS.
Ease of use
Canon is a very popular brand for these types of cameras, and I think their ease of use is a huge factor. The button layout on the camera’s body and the functions on the settings menu are simplistic.
The LCD screen is vari-angle and has a touch screen. This will be a bit less intimidating than higher-end cameras.
5-axis in-body stabilization
One of the features that Canon highlights with this camera is the in-body stabilization. This camera can provide eight stops of Shake Correction when equipped with RF lenses.
This may make for a good vlogging camera with the vari-angle touchscreen display and Shake Correction.
RF lens mount
This camera uses an RF lens instead of other Canon cameras’ more popular EF mount. Canon claims the RF lenses work very well to stabilize this camera, so I’m sure that was one of their main concerns.
EF lenses can be used with an adapter, but this is still something to remember. There currently isn’t a huge selection of RF lenses.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly beginner Canon camera for video.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact Easy to use IBIS Canon Log | RF lens mount Better options in general price range |
Conclusion
I still want to stress the importance of learning to use these types of cameras before buying something higher-end.
All of these cameras are great for beginners to learn how to shoot and use the functions of a manual camera.
What do you think of my list? Have you used better beginner cameras? Let us know in the comments.
