By Tati Taylor 14 days ago, Cameras & Lenses
What is the best cheap documentary camera?
Producing a documentary is a complicated task that involves both planning and improvising, as well as tight collaboration and the availability of all the required gear.
It goes without saying that at the very least you’re going to need a single universal, heavy-duty camera. Since the image quality of the film will mostly depend on it, you should try to get the best documentary camera you can.
The best camera for documentary filmmaking depends on the specific project you’re working on as it has to meet all your requirements. To simplify the task of determining the optimal option for you, we recommend checking out our list of 7 best documentary cameras.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 24.89x18.66 mm | Resolution: 6340×3232 MP | Lens: Canon EF | Viewfinder: Yes | Screen type: 3.5-inch removable LCD touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 59.94 fps
⊕ Terrific 35 mm 5.7K sensor
⊕ Dual ISO sensitivity at 800 and 2,500
⊕ Captures 4K footage at up to 60 fps
⊕ Small and easy to carry
⊖ Quite expensive
The AU-EVA1 is a small, lightweight camera armed with a state-of-the-art 5.7K CMOS dual sensor that is perfect for getting cinematic shots.
This model is often mentioned among the best cameras for documentary filmmaking as it offers a pair of XLR sound inputs and video outputs that support 4K footage (namely HDMI and SDI). It also offers top-tier color reproduction as the image looks natural and is pleasantly saturated, which is a must when filming documentaries.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: Super35 | Resolution: 4096x2160 MP | Lens: Sony E-Mount | Viewfinder: Yes | Screen type: 3.5-inch LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 59.94 fps
⊕ Top-notch 35-sized CMOS Sensor
⊕ Optical IS and SteadyShot systems
⊕ Convenient design
⊕ Enhanced E-mount
⊖ Costs a lot
You can find this lightweight Sony product on most lists of documentary film cameras due to the artistic image it manages to produce, especially when recording in 4K.
This model is incredibly universal as you can use it while holding it either in your hands or on your shoulder for maximum convenience.
The fixed mount minimizes the lens backlash, encouraging you to attach almost any 35mm lens you can think of. The PXW-FS7M2 is equally well-suited for TV production, filming documentaries and stunts, and digital cinema.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 23.1x12.99 mm | Resolution: 6144x3456 MP | Lens: Canon EF | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: 5-inch LCD touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 50 fps
⊕ Supports 6K
⊕ Small build
⊕ Active EF lens mount
⊕ Flexible tripod threads
⊖ Without full-frame sensor
This camera comes packed with a Super 35 sensor and max ISO sensitivity of 25600, which allows it to produce a terrific image. That along with the ability to record video in 6K (with a resolution of 6144x3456) at up to 50fps and the EF mount, makes it arguably the best documentary camera in its class.
Blackmagic Design comes with 4 microphones and a crisp 5"" 1920x1080 LCD touchscreen while being offered in a compact body that offers unparalleled portability. This camera is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a pocket model that offers Hollywood-grade image quality.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 25.34x14.25 mm | Resolution: 4608x2592 MP | Lens: Canon EF | Viewfinder: Yes | Screen type: 4-inch LCD touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 120 fps
⊕ Amazing picture quality
⊕ Broad color gamut
⊕ 15 dynamic range settings
⊕ Record footage at up to 300fps
⊖ Few customization options
⊖ Expensive
This Blackmagic camera is powered by the Super 35 4.6K sensor that offers a broad selection of dynamic range settings and is famous for producing a cinematic picture. Another reason why it deserves to be considered for the title of the best camera for documentary filmmaking is the ability to record RAW footage, which gives you a lot more freedom during video editing.
This handy little camera has convenient controls located on the side of the body, while the device as a whole is very lightweight and intuitive to use. The picture quality you can receive with URSA is superior even to some TV cameras you can find on the market.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 1-inch CMOS | Resolution: 4224x3164 MP | Lens: 8.9-89 mm | Viewfinder: Yes | Screen type: 3-inch LCD touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 29.97 fps
⊕ UHD 4K with a maximum of 30fps
⊕ Great picture quality in poorly-lit scenes
⊕ Optical IS system
⊕ Customizable buttons
⊖ Subpar battery
⊖ No automatic zoom function
The XC15 is one of the best documentary cameras out there as it supports 4K and Full HD recording, while the included XLR port enables you to use quality gear for capturing clear audio.
The provided sensor offers 12 dynamic range settings, while the camera as a whole boasts a refined optical image stabilization system and 10x zoom.
The XC15 should be most appealing to professional documentary filmmakers, who require high-quality footage. That said, amateur movie making enthusiasts will surely appreciate what this camera can offer too.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 35 mm | Resolution: 4096x2160 MP | Lens: 18-105 mm | Viewfinder: Yes | Screen type: 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 29.97 fps
⊕ 4K support and high footage quality
⊕ Lightweight and small
⊕ Dirt and water-resistant build
⊕ Digital variable ND filter
⊖ Mediocre viewfinder quality
When it comes to choosing the best camera for documentary movies, the PXW-FS5 has an edge over most competitors due to its 35mm sensor, refined image processing system, and multi-format footage recording.
The PXW-FS5 saves the footage on two SD cards simultaneously and offers continuous recording in HD at 120fps and 8-second clips at up to 240fps. 4K footage is supported as long as you connect an external recorder.
Additionally, the camera is very comfortable to hold and resists dust and water, which makes it perfectly suitable for a broad range of projects, not just documentaries.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 1-inch MOS Sensor | Lens: 24-480 mm | Viewfinder: Yes | Screen type: 3.5-inch touchscreen | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 24 fps
⊕ State-of-the-art optical IS system
⊕ Impressive image quality
⊕ 4K UHD/FHD dual codec
⊕ 20x optical magnification
⊖ Fixed lens
The HC-X1 is supplied with the Leica Dicomar lens that has a focal length of 24mm, 4K support, a 20x optical zoom, and a terrific 1” MOS sensor.
In terms of ergonomics, this model has programmable buttons that allow you to access the most frequently used functions instantly. Reaching the OLED EVF is very easy even when holding the camera in your hands. Otherwise, you can use the handy 3.5” touchscreen for navigating the menu.
This documentary video camera comes with XLR inputs and offers a plethora of recording formats. Additionally, you get to enjoy accurate focusing, convenient exposure settings, top-notch optics, and programmable functions – everything you need for creating a professional documentary.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Panasonic AU-EVA1
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
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Sony PXW-FS7M2
Universal camcorder |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Blackmagic Design
Pocket camera |
CHECK PRICE → |
Your specific choice for the title of the best camera for documentary filming depends on your subject matter and preferred style.
If you’re working on a well-structured project with a high budget that mostly features background voiceovers and reconstructions, then you’ll want to get a nice film camera like the Panasonic AU-EVA1, Sony PXW-FS7M2 or something along those lines. They offer a terrific picture and will guarantee you won’t regret your investment.
If you’re mostly going to improvise, don't have a script, and are on a tight budget, then you should look towards small models like the Blackmagic Design 6K Pocket Camera. Such a dynamic range camera provides good quality and should satisfy the needs mentioned at the beginning.
If you’re tight on funds and can’t afford an expensive documentary camera, then you can easily get by with a budget product. Some models like the Blackmagic Design and Canon XC15 offer decent quality without making you go broke.
Professionals rely on the best documentary cameras like Panasonic AU-EVA1, Sony PXW-FS7M2, and Blackmagic Design, as they offer all the features needed for a documentary filming.
Panasonic AU-EVA1 is equally well-suited for recording documentaries and traditional movies.
Blackmagic Design and Canon XC15 cameras are offered at the best prices in this article, both costing less than $2000.
Sony PXW-FS7M2 is the go-to option for 4K recording due to its universal design.
