10 Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget 2023
Life is unexpected; anything can happen at any time, anywhere, and therefore, you must be ready to capture the moment. With the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget, you have an instant video camera that’s ready at any time. With the latest handy camera, you can take videos and stills and edit them on the go. You’ll enjoy automatic features, handy accessories, and long battery life.
The best thing about budget filmmaking cameras is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money. You can get good quality results and the best filmmaking features for the best price. And to help make the best choice, here are ten of the top cameras you might consider when you’re looking for a budget-friendly device.
Compare GoPro HERO8 and Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless cameras for filmmaking
| (1) GoPro HERO8 Waterproof Action Camera | (2) Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera |
| The HERO8 is one of the most updated waterproof action cameras from GoPro. It has touchscreen controls to capture videos and stills easily even on the go. | The Alpha a6000 is from Sony. It is a mirrorless digital SLR camera that has a powerful zoom lens so you can capture videos and take sharp photos no matter where you are. |
| The HERO8 is capable of 12-megapixel images and 1080p live streaming features. Capable of 4K60 videos, photos at 12 MP with SuperPhoto, RAW capture, HDR | The Alpha a6000 can produce 24.3-megapixel images and is equipped with a powerful zoom to capture superb details up close. |
| The HERO8 has an updated design with an improved shape so it’s easier to place inside your pockets or small bag and you can also swap the camera mounts in one go. | The Alpha a6000 also comes with a charge protection cover on an optical filter plus an ultrasonic vibration feature. These will help reduce vibrations so you can produce the best quality results. |
| There are different mods called Media Mods that will enhance performance. You may attach the Display Mode and the Display Mod to improve your video capturing performance. | Compatible with the Sony E mount lens for enhanced performance. With a large 3.0-inch LCD with 921k dots for improved high and low-angle shots |
| The HERO8 comes with a variety of features and modes including Live Streaming in 1080p, Live Burst, Time Warp, and SuperPhoto plus HDR: capture killer. It also comes with Night Lapse in 4K quality or lower quality videos. | With advanced back-illuminated 35-millimeter image sensor, hybrid autofocus, Continuous shooting, and tilting LCD and electronic viewfinder in color |
| With digital lenses capable of SuperView, Linear, Narrow, and Wide views. Use the GoPro HERO8 to live stream in 1080p. | With the fastest autofocus with 176 autofocus points at 11 frames per second. Instantly share photos and videos through NFC or Wi-Fi. |
| Control screen. It does not have an LCD screen to preview your shots. The HERO8 comes with a subscription to the GoPro app. | Uses Camera Apps, post photos, and videos to social media like Facebook or send to the cloud. |
10 Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget 2023
3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera for filmmaking
The Panasonic LUMIX DC-FZ80K is the best video camera for filmmaking on a budget capable of capturing 4K video and 4K photos. It has an 18.1 MP MOS sensor that will capture images and action in vivid detail and the truest colors.
It comes with a 20 to 1200 mm LUMIX DC VARIO lens to produce the best performance plus, enhanced features that you will surely enjoy as you use it for filmmaking. It could be the best low-budget camera for filmmaking you’ve been looking for.
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 digital camera comes with a long zoom ideal for travelers and also for professional users. The full-range 60 times long zoom can take shots of landscapes, far-off images, and wildlife even from afar. This is possible because of this camera’s Lumix DC Vario lens.
Panasonic DC-FZ80K specifications
- Shooting Modes – manual
- Lens – converter lens
- Sensor – 18.1 MP MOS sensor
- Zoom – 60x zoom with the LUMIX DC Vario Lens
- Special Features – with POWER OIS, 4K video and photo, low light image capture, connects through Wi-Fi
- LCD Display – hi-res viewfinder and LCD
- Video Capabilities – 4K video with pause and save
This camera can take 4K photos or ultra high definition photos with very fast 30 fps. With just a few simple steps, your 4K photo will be ready; there’s no need to use special software to edit your photos.
Aside from 4K photos, the Lumix FZ80 will also take 4K video with four times the resolution of a standard full high definition video. You can capture fast and high-quality action scenes; features that you need in a filmmaking camera.
The Lumix FZ80 digital camera can take videos and photos in any lighting condition even in low lighting. You can take excellent shots during nighttime or during a low lighting environment. You can also enjoy different features including Post Focus, Focus Stacking features ergonomic grips, and a large 3-inch touchscreen, to name a few.
This camera is easy to take anywhere. It’s light, weighing just 1.36 pounds and therefore, it’s handy, ideal for filmmaking on the go.
4. Sony Alpha a6400 mirrorless camera for filmmaking
The Alpha a6400 is one of the best 4K cameras for filmmaking on a budget with interchangeable lenses and improved features that will surely enhance your filmmaking skills and talents.
This Sony camera has one of the quickest autofocus at 0.02 seconds with special object tracking. This camera may be the filmmaking took you’ve been looking for.
Sony ILCE6400/B specifications
- Shooting Modes – AF C continuous Hi +
- Special Features – fast autofocus, contrast-detection points,
- LCD Display – tiltable screen
- Video Capabilities –continuous autofocus, provides natural colors, variety of video functions, advanced Eye-AF
- Sensor – APS-C, 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS
- Special Features – Hybrid Auto Focus, touch screen LCD, Real-Time Tracking, 11 frames per second, 4K movie
The a6400 mirrorless camera has an interchangeable lens has 24.2 MP Exmor CMOS sensor and one of the fastest autofocus speeds at 0.02 seconds. You’ll enjoy easy functions that will make filmmaking easier like the latest Real-Time Eye-AF, object Tracking AF and an extensive contrast-detection autofocus that makes use of most of the sensor’s capabilities.
The Sony a6400 offers impressive image quality thanks to its updated APS-C sensor. You’ll get the best results even under different light conditions with quiet performance even under high ISO.
Whether you’re video blogging or capturing sights and scenery, you can create videos in 4K movie resolution with high oversampling and full pixel use with no binning. You’ll notice the great depth and highly detailed results because of this combination. This is equipped with a fast hybrid AF for easier video focusing. And with the tiltable touchscreen LCD, you can capture videos or stills in different camera angles.
5. Panasonic Lumix ZS200 4K camera for filmmaking
The Panasonic LUMIX ZS200 is a digital camera capable of shooting 4K videos from its 20.1 MP 1in the sensor. This is fitted with a 15x Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens so it’s easy to point and shoot.
You’ll get brighter and clearer images while recording or as you take stills. It boasts of a variety of features that only a LUMIX can provide. It may be the best camera for filmmaking you’ve been looking for.
This camera also has a built-in flash for creative shots. In the heart of this Lumix is a Leica DC lens with a 5-axis hybrid OIS that will keep things still for video recording and when taking still shots.
Panasonic DC-ZS200K specifications
- Shooting Modes – scene
- Lens – fisheye lenses
- Sensor – 1 inch 20.1 MP
- Special Features – Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens, hybrid OIS, different filter and scene modes, connects to Wi-Fi
- LCD Display – 2,330K-Dot viewfinder, 3-inch LCD
- Video Capabilities – 4K QFHD video and 4K Photo and Post Focus
The Panasonic Lumix ZS200 is a digital camera that you can easily slide into your pocket. It’s also ready to shoot with unique features that you can only find in a Panasonic Lumix camera. It comes with a large sensor ideal for low lighting use. It has a convenient Live View Finder for enhanced viewing with a high magnification ratio.
To check your videos or your stills, this camera features a touchscreen rear 3-inch screen that’s visible and usable even when you’re outdoors. Because it’s a touchscreen, you can bet there’s a variety of features like shutter release plus, you can set the camera’s focus using this convenient screen.
This camera also comes with integrated controls from its thumb wheel. Easily change exposure and other lens stings like shutter priority to capture shots free from blur. The thumb wheel lets you make automatic adjustments without removing focus from your subject.
And when it’s time to share your videos and stills, connect to your network using Wi-Fi to start. This digital camera lets you launch your videos instantly. You can also use this to make live videos to update your social media on the go.
6. Canon PowerShot SX740 Camera for filmmaking
The Canon PowerShot SX740 is a digital camera with 40x optical zoom capable of shooting 4K videos. You can use this to take photos on the go or to take live videos as it connects seamlessly to your network Wi-Fi.
You may also easily share your videos and photos as it is equipped with Bluetooth. This PowerShot camera is available in pure black and silver with brown accents and this could be the filmmaking camera on a budget that you’ve been searching for.
Canon 2955C001 specifications
- Shooting Modes – Auto, auto standard, neutral, sepia, black and white, and many more.
- Lens – zoom lens
- Sensor – 20.3 MP CMOS sensor
- Special Features – 40x optical zoom, enhanced IOS, slim design, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,
- LCD Display – large rear 3 – inch tiltable LCD viewfinder
- Video Capabilities – 4K video
The PowerShot SX740 is a high-speed digital camera that has great features you need to take excellent shots and videos. It has enhanced 40 times optical zoom and with an enhanced OIS, you can take sharper results. With the 4K video feature, you can take shots and memories in super HD. You’ll enjoy time-lapse videos, movie modes, with 4K frame cropping and so much more. Almost all these features are accessed from the camera itself; no need to download or use an additional app or software.
Enjoy taking videos or selfie shots and videos with this camera’s 3-inch tiltable LCD. It can tilt upwards at 180 degrees to take selfies or use it to edit videos or stills before sharing. Other handy features of this camera include a built-in Wi-Fi to instantly upload and share your files, Bluetooth for easy file transfer to other Bluetooth-compatible devices, and automatic transfer features that work with desktops and mobile devices. It is the best Instant camera for wedding.
Using this PowerShot camera to shoot videos will give you an edge as it has a variety of creative video modes. It has the Self Portrait Mode to capture selfies, a Video Snapshot Mode for taking movies, Food Mode for capturing food videos, and the Hybrid feature to capture videos and photos at the same time.
7. Fujifilm X-T30 mirrorless filmmaking digital camera
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a mirrorless digital camera available in different styles: charcoal silver, black, and silver. It could be the filmmaking camera on a budget for you as it has impressive features that you need to take excellent quality videos and photos.
It comes with an advanced sensor at 26.1 MP, an image sensor, and a processor for more accurate and easy autofocus and face detection. These features come in very handy when you’re taking videos of moving subjects. This camera is capable of 4K video and has plenty of video and photo effects to keep your viewers and fans interested.
Fujifilm X-T30 specifications
- Sensor – 26.1 MP BSI APS-C X-Trans
- Special Features – X-Processor quad-core CPU, face detection AF, comfortable and intuitive controls, SR auto mode, and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi
- LCD Display – 3 –inch touchscreen LCD, tiltable
- Video Capabilities -4K video
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a mirrorless digital camera with advanced image sensor technology, with more accurate autofocus and face detection for fast subjects. It can take high res stills or record 4K videos.
You’ll enjoy auto-focus face detection and tracking using the X-Processor 4-quad CPU which is fast and very accurate ideal for moving subjects. It also has eye-detection autofocus in AF-C mode that further enhances AF-tracking for portrait moving subjects. You can shoot even in low lighting or in any lighting scenario with its improved Phase detection autofocus feature.
This camera has a variety of video and photo effects including slow motion and vivid color fidelity. You will find this camera easy to use because of its 3-inch touchscreen LCD controls with two-way tilt ideal for taking videos even in varying and challenging angles. This Fujifilm digital camera also connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for enhanced communication.
8. Blackmagic Pocket Camera for filmmaking
The Blackmagic Design camera is one of the sturdiest cameras capable of shooting 4K videos at 60 frames per second. The camera is made from carbon fiber and features the Black Magic Design operating system.
The Blackmagic Design is easy to carry pocket camera with a full-sized sensor capable of producing 4096 x 2160 resolutions. It is ideal for video recording in 4K DKI at 60 frames per second at enhanced 13-stop Dynamic Range.
Blackmagic CINECAMPOCHDMFT4K specifications
- Shooting Modes – automatic and manual
- Sensor – full-sized 4/3 sensor
- Special Features – carbon fiber composite build, with 4 microphones
- LCD Display – 5-inch touchscreen
- Video Capabilities – 4K DKI videos at 60 frames per second
The camera is one of the most durable with a carbon fiber composite body that is resistant to scratches, marks, dents, and dirt. It is ideal for taking videos and shots outdoors in different environments. You will appreciate its large 5-inch touchscreen LCD as it is the largest one on our list.
You can easily tweak the camera settings and make quick video and photo edit too. Meanwhile, this camera has four built-in mics located in different parts of the camera which lets you capture rich, natural audio.
This Blackmagic Design camera is covered by a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty and is available from an authorized dealer.
9. Canon EOS 6D filmmaking Camera
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a DSLR camera built for rough handling and outdoor use. It has a 24-105 mm USM lens and 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor that will let you capture high-definition shots in different lighting conditions and different settings indoors or out. This Canon camera could be the budget filmmaking camera for you.
The Mark II EOS 6D is a digital camera with a compact body and a full range of features that will produce images of impressive quality. It can provide quick and accurate autofocus and it’s perfect for outdoor and indoor uses.
Canon EOS 1897C009 specifications
- Shooting Modes – manual and automatic
- Lens – interchangeable lenses
- Sensor – 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS
- Special Features – DIGIC 7 image processor ISO 100-40000, continuous shooting, 45-point AF
- LCD Display – 3 – inch vary angle touchscreen LCD
- Video Capabilities – 4K videos, HD time-lapse videos
You can use a variety of video and photo-taking features including more auto-focus performance, continuous shooting, and dual-pixel CMOS autofocus. It has a compact and rugged body ideal for taking shots outdoors in various environments.
The vari-angle LCD lets you take shots even at difficult angles. Finally, you can connect your device to your network through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC ideal for remote shooting and easy file transfers. This Canon EOS camera could also be a good budget camcorder for filmmaking.
10. Fujifilm X-H1 Mirrorless Camera for filmmaking
Fujifilm X-H1 is a mirrorless digital camera with an enhanced grip (Booster Grip) to help you take excellent shots even on the go. It has more features to allow you to take still and steady shots including improved Body Image Stabilization, flicker reduction, and other video features. This digital camera is a simple, robust camera for filmmaking.
The Fujifilm X-H1 is a mirrorless digital camera that can capture 4K video. It has improved Body Image Stabilization that is compatible with XF and XC lenses. Enjoy high-resolution EVF with 0.75x and 3.69M dot resolution that produces smooth and reduced lag with faster frame rates of 100 frames per second.
Fujifilm X-H1 specifications
- Lens – interchangeable XF and XC lenses compatible
- Special Features – 5.5 stops Body Image Stabilization, flicker reduction, focal-plane shutter, and a more durable magnesium alloy case.
- LCD Display – rear 3-inch LCD with 1.04 million dots tiltable by 90 degrees.
- Video Capabilities – 4K videos and 4K photos
This digital camera has enhanced video functions like better external film simulation for recording movies. It has flicker reduction with better autofocus thanks to its focal plane shutter.
Finally, you will also notice that this camera has a thicker body that enhances scratch resistance and hardness. It also water and dust resistant so you can operate this in lower temperatures.
Final Verdict
If you’re in the market for a filmmaking camera that fits your budget, don’t go for the first budget camera you’ll find online. Indeed, there are high-quality cameras at a more affordable price but you must still be particular about the camera’s features.
Check all the important video capturing features including enhanced autofocus, stabilization features, and video capabilities. 4K video and photo capabilities are very essential as this is the industry standard for video. And if you plan to take outdoor or nature shots, it’s best to use a camera with enhanced ergonomics, a more durable body, and a versatile viewfinder. All these features make a good quality, best camera for filmmaking on a budget.
