5 Best Video Cameras for Filmmakers: Digital Camera Buying Guide 2020

With so many types of cameras on the market, it’s hard to know which is the best video camera for your shoot.

While festivals like Sundance are inundated with professional digital cameras like the ARRI Alexa and Red Weapon Helium 8k, it’s important to know that filmmakers can get professional quality results without the enormous price tag those cameras bring.

Asking yourself “what camera should I buy?” and scouring the internet for mirrorless camera reviews, specs on the latest DSLRs and the portability of rigs isn’t the best use of your time as a filmmaker.

Also Read: Best camera 2020: the 10 best cameras you can buy right now

That’s why we’ve compiled a camera guide of the best video cameras 2019 has to offer.

To make things even easier, this camera buying guide caps the price at $6,000, ensuring every professional digital camera on this list is budget-friendly for all levels of independent filmmakers.

Let’s dive in!

1.  Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro

Quite possibly the best digital camera for multi-functionality on the market, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro has Swiss Army knife-like versatility when it comes to video production.

Whether you're shooting a documentary, news broadcast or feature film, the URSA Mini Pro provides a Super 35mm CMOS sensor with 4.6K resolution and an interchangeable lens mount that allow you to quickly switch between EF, PL, B4, and F mount lenses.

Excited yet? We are too. I mean, look at this beaut.

If you can swing it, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro gives you options beyond what you'll need today and provides several types of cameras jammed into one beautifully designed device.

COST: $5,995

2.  Canon EOS C200B

Canon's EOS C200B is a lightweight, streamlined, highly customizable camera. It's made several Best Video Cameras lists and with good reason.

Take a look at this video that covers the in's and out's of the C200B:

It sends RAW 4K footage to a CFast 2.0 card without losing the amazing details it is Super 35mm CMOS sensor and 13 stops of dynamic range can capture. It also allows you to rock any Canon EF-mount lens you choose, meaning the shot that you want is never unattainable.

Plus, if your shot list calls for an aerial vantage, you can easily attach the EOS C200B's 2.9 lb. body to a drone and capture breathtaking images without worrying about pull.

If you're shooting with multiple Canon cameras on your shoot, it's important to specify this on your shot list.

Just start by going to StudioBinder's Shot List, then enable the Camera column and type out what camera you'll be using for a specific shot.

It should look something like this:

You can also customize other details of your shot list and even include image examples.

Now, while the C200B is the most expensive camera on our list, the Canon EOS C200B is worth considering for indie filmmakers searching for a compact professional digital camera that can thrive where the big boys fail.

COST: $5,999

3.  Canon EOS C100 Mark II

Sure, there are newer Canon models out there, but the EOS C100 Mark II still earns its spot on our list by offering a fantastic Super 35mm CMOS sensor and a design that lends itself perfectly to single-person use.

If you're on the fence with this camera, take a look at Phil Ebiner discussing the pros, cons and benefits of the Canon EOS C100 Mark II:

If you used the C100 Mark II's predecessor, you'll instantly notice the redesigned, lightweight body that makes this iteration a welcome step forward for Canon. Toss in the included built-in ND-filters, internal microphone, and upgraded image processor and you've got a force to be reckoned with at a price that speaks the language of indie filmmakers.

Slap on any of Canon's outstanding lenses, including its CN-E cinema lenses, and tackle your film scheduling software with the confidence of knowing you've got a professional digital camera that will get the job done.

COST: $3,499

4.  Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

Size matters in independent filmmaking; you want a professional digital camera that packs a lot of power into a tiny space. Enter the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. This bite-sized beast packs a punch with a 4/3 size sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600. What does all that mean? It means you'll get mind-blowing 4K footage on a camera that literally fits into your jeans pocket.

Just look at this camera test and tell me you're not convinced.

As always, Blackmagic doesn't skimp when it comes to easy-to-navigate external controls and additional features such as the Pocket Cinema Camera's built-in microphone, mini XLR input, MFT lens mount and more. And much like its big brother, the URSA Mini Pro, the Pocket records onto CFast 2.0 and UHS-II SD cards, as well as standard SD cards.

The only reason the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera isn't higher on this list is that it's still new to the market. The latest model dropped in September 2018 and hasn't seen the miles many of the other entries in this article have. That said, with its low price point and amazing features, Blackmagic may have a game-changer on its hands.

COST: $1,295

BEST CAMERA FOR VIDEO

5.  Panasonic HC-X1

Let's start with the obvious, when you're looking for the best camera for video, odds are a product that doesn't offer interchangeable lenses might seem like it wouldn't make a camera buying guide such as ours. We get it. But consider the Panasonic HC-X1 an exception to expectation. With its advanced OIS, high-precision 4K 1.0-inch MOS sensor and dual codec recording, it more than earns its rank.

Not to mention its Leica Dicomar 4K lens with 24mm wide-angle setting and 20x optical zoom means you can leave the heavy lens kits behind without worrying about missing that perfect shot.