You can shoot video with almost any camera. You can even edit and film on your smartphone. But if you’re serious about filmmaking, you will probably need:
- a mirrorless camera, DSLR or camcorder
- Lenses
- microphones, headphones and possible an audio recorder
- a tripod
- lights and/or reflectors
- a computer which is able to run editing software
Which camera to use?
Most of you will already know what their price range is, while others are still waiting for a miracle to happen by checking what is out there and how much they can save on it. Well, here’s a terrifying fact, filmmaking cameras, unfortunately, don’t come cheap, but it is possible for you to find one that fits your budget from our reviews.
What camera suits you is depending on several things, for instance, what your budget is and what you at least expect from a camera.
Some great cameras for their price are:
Lower budget:
- Panasonic G7
- Canon 80D
- Fujifilm X-T30
- Sony a6300
Medium budget:
- Panasonic GH5
- Blackmagic pocket cinema camera 4k/6k
- A7iii
- Fujifilm X-T4
- Eos R
- Sony a6500
Higher budget:
- Z-cam E2
- Blackmagic ursa
- Canon c200
- Sony FS7
- Kinefinity
There are many more great cameras, but these are some of the better-known ones. With all this said, in the end it’s not so much about the camera but the creative mind behind it.
Lenses
If you’re buying a interchangeable lens camera, you can buy it with a kit zoom lens, or buy the body alone and choose lenses separately. For an APS-C camera with a kit lens, I recommend adding an affordable 50mm lens for low light shots and creative shallow depth of field.
Audio
Sound is just as important as image, are you willing to stand out, using a separate microphone will make a big difference. Lavalier (lav) microphones, which you put on your clothing, are the most affordable way to get a good sound. Wireless lavs are great if you can afford them. You can also use a directional microphone on a boom pole.
You really need to be listening to the sound on headphones as you shoot. But some cameras have limited audio recording options – and no headphone sockets – so you may need a separate audio recorder.
Source: FREEpik
Lights
Once you start to get serious about filmmaking, you’ll want to improve your lighting game. You can use inexpensive five in one reflectors to use outside light in your advantage to light your object. For filming on the go, LED panels are the most convenient option, though good ones are somewhat expensive. For a budget studio setup, softbox lights could be a good choice. Also these days there are a lot of pocket lighting solutions which are definitely amazing and affordable.
