Best Budget Filmmaking Cameras in 2024: Ranked & Reviews

Recommended budget filmmaking cameras from all reliable brands.

Nowadays, filmmakers sometimes shoot movies using their smartphones, so it’s your skills that you need to work on first and foremost. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras deliver perfect video quality as well but cost much less than professional pieces of equipment.

If you need to purchase a camera to take stunning footage and create high-quality video content, make sure to read these reviews to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, and other cameras.

Here's my pick of cheap cinema cameras ranging in price from $200 to about $1700.

Remember, finding the best budget filmmaking camera is all about finding one that suits your specific style and needs. So, take your time, do some research, and consider important specs and characteristics such as autofocus, image stabilization, audio and video quality, frame rate capabilities, etc.

FixThePhoto performs all types of video editing on raw footage. If you are seeking a reliable video editing firm to edit your films properly and promptly, we would gladly assist you.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 40.2MP | Video: 4K | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

This Fujiflm camera offers excellent image and video quality. The APS-C sensor provides sharp images with accurate colors and a wide dynamic range. Its processor further enhances the image quality by reducing noise and optimizing color reproduction. This combination produces stunning, true-to-life footage.

Another advantage is the camera's autofocus system. It's improved from its predecessors and is able to track moving subjects with ease. This makes it a great choice for shooting sports and wildlife.

The camera's ability to record high-quality videos is worth mentioning. Fujifilm X-T5 budget filmmaking camera can shoot 6.2K videos at up to 30fps, and the footage is crisp and detailed. Additionally, it can record in the ProRes codec, which is ideal for professional video editing. Plus, it has a built-in headphone jack and a microphone input for external audio recording.

The X-T5's physical controls are also a standout feature. It has three dials on top, allowing you to easily adjust settings like shutter speed and aperture. The camera also has a drive mode dial and a battery grip for extended shooting times.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 16MP | Video: 4K | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

As one of the best vlogging cameras, Panasonic LUMIX G7 offers a lot of features at a budget-friendly price point. It's a compact system camera that is perfect for both photographers and videographers.

The autofocus system is great, even in low light conditions, which is a huge plus. It also has a large and detailed viewfinder, making it easy to compose your shots.

One of the standout features of the G7 budget filmmaking camera is its ability to shoot 4K video. This is a big deal for a budget camera and allows for stunningly sharp footage. The camera also has a wide range of functions that are useful for filmmakers, like time-lapse and stop-motion animation.

The G7's image quality is superb, thanks to its high-resolution Live MOS sensor. It can capture high-resolution photos with a wide range of apertures, and the ISO range is generous. The camera also offers excellent image stabilization, allowing for smooth and steady shots.

Battery life is impressive on the G7, lasting for two to three batteries depending on usage. The camera also has a good selection of lenses, with a native micro four-thirds lens lineup that is extensive. Plus, there are third-party lenses available that are compatible with the camera.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 12MP | Video: 4K | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

As one of the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget, the Blackmagic Design is quite portable and has a seamless design. It can be used in a handheld mode and features a wide array of advanced features.

With its body made of carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, it is pretty lightweight and has a convenient handgrip. The controls are easy to access, you can quickly adjust ISO, white balance, and change a shutter angle.

The shooting speed can be easily changed if you use the high frame rate button located below your right thumb. It’s also possible to zoom in by using the magnifying glass button, use setup menus, and view your photo gallery.

This cheap camera also has start and stop buttons for recordings and special buttons for stills. You can find the power button on the top panel near three function buttons that can be customized according to your needs.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Video: 4K | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

Sony really stepped up their game with the a6600, equipping it with a powerful processor and some fantastic algorithms. The result? The colors are natural, the skin tones look great, and the sharpness is on point. Plus, this budget filmmaking camera boasts an impressive dynamic range of 14 stops, meaning you can capture details even in challenging lighting situations.

When it comes to video capabilities, the a6600 doesn't disappoint. It can shoot in 4K at a bit rate of 100 Mbps, resulting in high-quality footage. You can even record movies at up to 120fps, allowing for some awesome slow-motion shots. The camera also offers useful video-related functions like focus peaking and the ability to add user bit data to your videos.

This Sony camera comes with jacks for a microphone and headphones, which allows for working with sound on a professional level. Its hybrid autofocus delivers impressive speed, high precision, and powerful tracking capabilities thus making it possible to create stunning 4K movies.

AF benefits from focal plane phase-detection which adds to its stable performance, whereas contrast-detection features improve AF accuracy. When you need to take footage or a still of a moving subject, AF ensures that it always stays in focus.

Type: Action | Megapixels: 27MP | Video: 5.3K | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

With a full-frame sensor, it can shoot 5.3K video and capture 27 MP photos. This means you'll get stunning, high-resolution footage that will impress your audience. It also supports 8x slow motion, which is perfect for capturing those epic action shots.

Another advantage is its durability. As we all know, GoPro is famous for making cameras that can withstand extreme conditions, and the HERO11 is no exception. It's waterproof up to 33 feet and built to handle the toughest environments. So whether you're surfing, skiing, or exploring the great outdoors, this camera will keep up with you.

The HERO11 camera for filmmaking on a budget also introduces three new night modes for improved Time Lapse experiences. You can now capture stunning Star Trails, do some cool Light Painting, and even capture Vehicle Light Trails. These modes add a creative touch to your footage, allowing you to experiment and create visually stunning content.

However, like any GoPro camera, the HERO11 does have its disadvantages. One drawback is its sluggish touch screen. Some users have reported that the touch screen can be unresponsive at times, which can be frustrating when trying to navigate through settings or make quick adjustments.

Type: Camcorder | Megapixels: 9.2MP | Video: Full HD | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

Sony HDR-CX405 is a lightweight camcorder that can record in Full HD at 1920 x 1080, which is pretty impressive for a budget low light video camera. It even has a 30x optical zoom, which can really help you get close to your subjects.

Now, let's talk about the advantages of this budget filmmaking camera. First off, it's compact and lightweight, making it perfect for travel. It won't take up much space in your luggage and won't weigh you down as you move around. Plus, it's comfortable to hold for extended periods of time without causing fatigue.

Another advantage is its affordability. This camera is one of the more affordable options from Sony, making it a great choice for those on a budget who still want to shoot high-quality videos. It can record Full HD videos at up to 60 frames per second, giving you smooth and crisp footage.

One major problem with the HDR-CX405 is its durability. It may not hold up well with repeated use and could break down over time. Besides, operating the camera can be a bit tricky when the battery is running low, and the menu system can be confusing for some users.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 24.1MP | Video: 4K | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

First off, this camera is perfect for beginners or those on a budget who want to dive into content creation. It offers a variety of scene and filter modes, making it easy to cater to newcomers. The fast and reliable 10fps burst shooting is definitely a plus for capturing action shots.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II good cheap camera for filming offers great compatibility with both Canon EF-M lenses and third-party lenses with adapters. This gives you a wide range of options for capturing different types of shots.

This video camera for YouTube bloggers also offers manual and automatic exposure control, a time-lapse function, and a vari-angle LCD screen, which is great for filming at different angles or for vlogging purposes.

Now, let's touch on the downsides. One major issue is the lack of an optical image stabilizer. The M50 Mark II relies on digital image stabilization, which is fine for low-light situations but can lead to problems when shooting in high-resolution.

Additionally, when shooting in 4K, the camera has a heavy 1.5x crop, which can cause some distortion and softness in the image.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 24MP | Video: 4K | Screen type: LCD | Zoom: Yes

Sony designed this budget filmmaking camera specifically for vloggers. It shares the same internals as their entry-level A6xxxx models but comes in a new body with improved software. You'll find vlogger-specific functions like 'background defocus' and 'product showcase'.

Plus, the articulating screen is a game-changer, allowing you to easily operate the camera while facing the viewer. Transferring footage and images is a breeze with the USB-C port.

The autofocus system is vlogger-friendly as well, with the ability to lock onto faces and eyes using wide area mode. This Sony camera for video is great for tracking moving subjects, but it can struggle a bit with quicker or erratic movements, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

It's also important to note that the ZV-E10 lacks in-body image stabilization. This means you'll need to rely on a stabilized lens to avoid shaky footage. It's a bit of a downside, but not a deal breaker.

As a videographer, I understand that choosing the best budget filmmaking camera can be quite overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with all the technical jargon.

But don't worry, I've got you covered. Let's break it down into some important factors you should consider.

Sensor size. A larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better video quality, especially in low light conditions. So, aim for a camera with a larger sensor if you want top-notch footage.

Autofocus. You want a DSLR or mirrorless camera that can quickly and accurately focus on your subjects, ensuring your shots are sharp and crisp. Trust me, you don't want to end up with blurry footage.

Image stabilization. It is also important, especially if you'll be shooting handheld or in motion. It helps to reduce shaky footage, giving your videos a smooth and professional look.

Camera's frame rate capabilities. A standard frame rate for movies is 24 frames per second (fps), which provides a cinematic look. Faster frame rates can make your footage appear unnatural, so keep that in mind.

If you're into cinematography, make sure the camera supports the popular C-log shooting mode. This gives you greater control over contrast, allowing you to create more dramatic effects in your videos.

Audio. Look for a cheap cinema camera with a high-quality XLR audio input, so you can connect professional microphones and improve your sound. And don't forget an HDMI port, which enables you to monitor your footage on a larger screen.