These days, it’s hard to find a camera that doesn’t have high-quality video recording functionality, such is the demand for videography.
The average camera consumer is likely interested in the ability to record short snippets of video from time to time, if not longer videos to document their travels. As such, modern cameras are usually equipped with video-recording functionality and most can do a good job of producing good footage.
If you’re passionate about videography, though, ‘good’ won’t cut it.
You need something exceptional, but you may not have the budget to match your expectations - which is why we created this list.
In this guide, we’re going to break down what makes a good filmmaking camera, how to shoot quality video, and outline what we believe to be the top 5 filmmaking cameras for less than £2,000.
As such, by the end of this guide, you should have a clear idea of what you need to be looking for so you can start your videography career or begin recording interviews for your audience.
What Makes a Good Filmmaking Camera?
Choosing a camera is always tricky.
There are so many factors to consider, from low light performance to image stabilization and autofocus, it can all be quite overwhelming.
Rest assured, though, we’re here to help guide you through the process of buying a filmmaking camera.
We’re going to take a brief look at some of the main features you need to pay attention to if you want to find a camera that can capture exceptional quality video.
Resolution
If you have any experience recording - or even watching - video, then you’ll be aware of the term resolution.
Resolution refers to how many pixels you see in every frame of the picture you’re watching. In layman’s terms, this means that the higher the resolution number, the more detail you’re going to see in your videos.
That’s why TV companies are always boasting about their lofty resolution figures as this is an indicator of higher quality video.
So, how do you use this information to buy the right filmmaking camera for you?
Well, it helps to know what the most common resolutions are in the price range you’re looking at.
Generally speaking, for less than £2000, your resolution options will be as follows:
- 720p
- 1080p
- 4K
You may find other resolutions, but these are the three you’ll see most often.
As you’ve probably already guessed 4K is the best resolution, as you’ll have 4000 pixels in each frame which is almost four times the amount of pixels you get with 1080p cameras.
However, good quality video isn’t all about resolution.
Frame Rate
The frame rate a camera records video in will also tell you a lot about how it will look on a screen.
In the sub-£2000 price range, you’ll generally be looking at the following frame rates:
- 24
- 30
- 60
These figures refer to how many frames the camera can record in per second.
Again, the higher the number, the better. Though in this case, it’s more about how smooth the video is.
The more frames there are in your videos, the more seamless the action will flow. As such, if you can land a camera with 4K resolution and 60FPS for less than £2,000 you’re doing well.
Other Features
Since there’s too many features to list out here, we’ll briefly go over some of the other ones to look out for.
Autofocus
Good autofocus and image stabilization will help you keep your footage steady and stable, so it doesn’t end up looking like a poor imitation of the Blair Witch Project.
Audio
Excellent video quality won’t cover up bad audio.
If you want to record interviews or other videos that have people speaking, look for an external microphone input that allows you to attach a shotgun microphone for crisp sound.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range is all about how your camera performs in low light conditions.
If you want to ensure your footage turns out well outdoors even after the sun goes down, then you’ll want to make sure you have a camera with a good high dynamic range.
What are the Top 5 Filmmaking Cameras?
Now, let’s get to business, and take a look at the top 5 filmmaking cameras on the market for under £2,000.
Sony Alpha a7C
A big name brand camera with a big sensor, the Sony Alpha a7C is an excellent choice for an entry-level videography camera for under £2,000.
This compact full-frame camera has an interchangeable lens, which allows you to mix up your video-shooting approach on the fly.
It has fantastic image stabilization, real-time tracking autofocus which picks up animal and human faces, and so much more.
The 4K video can be shot up to 30p, and there are ports for external mics so you can record top-notch audio to complement it.
Canon VIXIA GX10
The Canon VIXIA GX10 is a camcorder, so you know that the quality of the video will be outstanding since that’s all it can do.
With this camera, you can record UHD 4K video at a smooth 60FPS, so you’ve got nothing to worry about regarding the quality of the end product.
There’s dual pixel autofocus, optical zoom, and a 3.5 inch touchscreen which should all help you capture the video you want.
Fujifilm X-T4
The Fujifilm X-T4 is a hybrid camera which excels at both taking stills and shooting video.
It has a powerful X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, top in-body image stabilization, and more.
With this camera, you can record in 4K at 60FPS which should be perfect for your videography needs.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is an affordable option from a lesser well-known brand, for those who can do without a big name camera.
This budget camera has a large 5-inch touchscreen and RAW video recording. Perhaps best of all, though, is the 4K video recording which for the modest price of this camera makes it a steal. What’s more, it records at a smooth 60FPS, so it’s suitable for most video projects.
While it doesn’t have continuous autofocus or a fixed screen, it makes up for this with high-quality video on a shoestring budget.
Nikon Z6
A full-frame mirrorless camera from leading brand Nikon, the Z6 FX has hybrid autofocus with as many as 273 phase-detect points, and supports UHD 4K capture up to 30p.
Complementary Accessories for Shooting Video
If you want to shoot good video, it isn’t just about the camera you shoot with, but also the complementary accessories you have.
Here are some accessories that can be useful when shooting video:
Shotgun Mic
A shotgun mic is a microphone that can be mounted on top of your camera, providing your camera supports external microphones.
With a shotgun mic, you’ll be able to pick up audio clearly, which will improve your videos and make them more appealing to an audience.
Tripod
Without a tripod, you’re going to struggle to capture some shots that require you to stay still for a long period of time.
If, for example, you want to capture the sun as it goes down over the horizon, then a tripod is an essential piece of equipment to have on hand.
Lenses and Filters
There are all kinds of lenses and filters you can buy for your camera, which will have different effects on the end product.
Diffusion filters can diffuse the light, for example, allowing for more even distribution while taking portrait photos.
Polarizing filters can help you deal with glare and light reflections while shooting outdoors.
Another important investment for making the most of your new camera could be tutorship. With Superprof, you can find a photography tutor to guide you through the process of making a film, so you can enjoy all the features of your new camera.
Guide to Capturing Video with a Camera
If you want to capture video with a camera, there are a few things you need to know to get the best results.
Lighting
If you don’t have good lighting, your video will look off.
There’s nothing worse than a poorly-lit shot in an interview, where the interviewee’s appearance is obscured or there’s more light in the background than on their facial features.
Make sure you think about your lighting set up before you get started, especially if it’s an indoor shoot.
Location
If you want to ensure your footage looks effortlessly beautiful, scouting out locations before you get down to business is a good idea.
Regardless of whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors, the right location can make all the difference.
Story
If you want to make it as a videographer, you need to learn how to tell visual stories through the lens of your camera.
It usually isn’t enough to just capture beautiful shots, you need to be able to go above and beyond so that the viewer is swept up in the story you’re trying to tell.
This is true whether you want to shoot documentaries, short films, or interviews.
Sure, B-roll and stock footage doesn’t have to follow any kind of structure, but for everything else you shoot it’s good to have a clear narrative in mind.
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