Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Reviewed (2020) | Buyers Guide

You have the creativity and the vision to become the next Quentin Tarantino, but you don’t have his bank account. No worries. If you want to be a filmmaker and need to be on a budget, it’s as easy as it’s ever been.

But what are the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget?

Well, there’s lots of fantastic options. And there’s a lot of options that may specialize in one area of filmmaking vs. another.

In this article, I’ll review 10 different video cameras under $1,000 that are advanced beyond what their price tag may suggest.

I’ll go over many different desires you might have when it comes to your idea of filmmaking.

I’ll weigh the pros and cons and details of all my 10 favorite candidates, and with the help of an actionable Buyers Guide including a unique FAQ section, I’ll put you in the best position to make your buying decision as to what are your best budget cameras for filmmaking for beginners or professionals.

 

So, let’s dive right in…

Best Camera for Budget & for Beginners

 

Canon EOS Rebel T7i

 

A great affordable DSLR camera for beginners in filmmaking!

 

You’ll be able to film in Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps in MP4 format or 30fps in MOV format.

 

Its amazing autofocus system grants you quick and accurate focus while filming, which is very helpful if you are trying to chase some moving subjects for filming.

 

Its HDR Movie mode could also be ideal in situations with lots of contrast, allowing you to bring out greater details in highlights and shadows.

 

This great Canon DSLR possesses some great features at a lesser price!

Cheapest 4k Video Cameras for Shooting Sports

 

GoPro Hero 7 Black

 

DJI Osmo Pocket

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

 

The mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is also a great 4K option with a bigger monitor to view your work!

 

This great Canon DSLR possesses some great features at a lesser price!

Best Camera on a Budget

 

Sony Alpha A6500

 

A 4K Sony mirrorless camera equipped with the 4D focus system with full HD 1080p mode as well as 4K UHD mode at 30, 25, and 24fps.

 

It is great to track moving subjects in a phenomenal fashion.

Best Cameras for Filming Wildlife on a budget

 

Sony Alpha A6500

 

Sony Alpha A6500 is a great choice due to its superb autofocus system.

 

Fujifilm X-T30

 

Fujifilm X-T30 is another fantastic choice with great autofocus capability and an excellent array of compatible weather resistant lenses, in case shooting the wildlife in inclement weather conditions.

Best Cameras for Filming Underwater on a Budget

 

GoPro Hero 7 Black

 

GoPro Hero 8 Black

 

I would pick either GoPro. The GoPro Hero 7 Black is obviously the cheaper option with great features, but if you spend a little extra coin the newer GoPro Hero 8 Black is superior.

 

Both can film underwater, quite deep, and with amazing clarity.

Best Camera for Filming Slow Motion on a Budget

 

GoPro Hero 8 Black

Best Camera for Filming Makeup Tutorials on a Budget

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

The cheapest with 4K.

 

Nikon D7500

It allows you to film 4K the longest.

 

Canon EOS Rebel T7i

It has HDR Movie Mode.

Best Camera for Filming Yourself in Sports on a Budget

 

GoPro Hero 8 Black

Best Camera for Indie Filmmaking on a Budget

 

Fujifilm X-T30

 

A nice compact 4K mirrorless camera with an incredible 26.1-megapixel X Trans CMOS sensor and a high speed autofocus system.

 

In full HD 1080p mode, you are afforded amazingly detailed quality of video and the autofocus, as expected, is fast and reliable. You can film at up to 60fps.

If you’ve decided you want to get into filmmaking, you likely know the first most important thing is to acquire a good camera.

Not only do you need a good camera, but assuming you are striving to produce high quality content, you need something great.

Being on a budget means you can’t go out and get the same cameras the studios use to film their blockbuster hits.

But no worries. There are cameras that can help you create high quality 4K videos, and they aren’t all that expensive.

 

Read also: “Best Mirrorless Cameras for Vlogging in 2020”

Read also: Best Cameras for Short Films on a Budget

 

Additionally, you’d need to consider what exactly you plan to do with that camera.

Maybe you are going to make an independent film. Maybe it’s a short film you’re interested in making.

Perhaps you plan to film hunts, wildlife or sports, or you’re an aspiring YouTuber or an entrepreneur.

There’s a wide arena that the term filmmaking covers, so let’s figure out what filmmaking means to you.

And then let’s figure out what are the best budget cameras for filmmaking.

What are the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget? Stay with me to find out!

 

There are several categories to look at. The camera you’ll be choosing will likely comes from the following 4 categories:

1. DSLR

DSLR stands for Digital Single-Lens Reflex. The word “Reflex” refers to the reflective nature of the mirror inside the camera.

Inside the camera, there is a mirror reflecting the light coming from the lens up into the optical viewfinder.

 

2. Mirrorless

Different from the DSLRs, they don’t require a mirror. Also, there is no optical viewfinder.

Here, the imaging sensor is exposed to light at all times. This provides a digital preview of the image on an electronic viewfinder or on an LCD screen.

 

3. Camcorder

A portable video camera. Though sometimes varying in quality vs. the DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, they often have the ability to record longer periods of time without stopping.

 

4. Action Camera

A camera designed for recording action while being a part of it. This generally results in their compact, sturdy and rugged makeup.

 

So, let’s take an in-depth look at them.

BTW, by any chance, if you are a car lover too, make sure to read our recent article on the best cameras for car photography as well.

What are the Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget in 2020?

Quick Answer:

Best DSLR Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

Best Action Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

Best Camcorder for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

Comparison Table for the Best DSLR Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

Camera View on Amazon Sensor Image Processor 4K Touchscreen
Canon EOS Rebel T7i 24.2-megapixel APS CMOS DIGIC 7 No 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen display
Canon EOS 80D 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS DIGIC 6 No 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen display
Nikon D7500 20.9-megapixel DX-Format CMOS EXPEED 5 Yes 3.2-inch 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD

Comparison Table for the Best Mirrorless Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

Camera View on Amazon Sensor Image Stabilization 4K
Fujifilm X-T30 26.1-megapixel X Trans CMOS No Yes
Sony Alpha A6500 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS Yes Yes
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 16.05MP Digital Live MOS Yes Yes
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 16MP MOS Yes Yes

Comparison Table for the Best Camcorder & Action Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020) 

Camera View on Amazon Weight (g) Size 4K Waterproof
GoPro Hero 7 Black 116 62.3mm x 44.9mm Yes Yes
GoPro Hero 8 Black 126 62.3mm x 44.9mm Yes Yes
DJI Osmo Pocket 116 4.8-inch design Yes No

Best DSLR Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7i

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Canon EOS Rebel T7i

Here, let’s start with one great DSLR option from Canon well under the $1,000 threshold and with a lot to love.

This camera is quite popular among beginning filmmakers with a 24.2-megapixel APS CMOS sensor.

The older T6i model had a DIGIC 6 image processor. With the new T7i model comes the new upgraded DIGIC 7 image processor. This upgrade allows for the new model to process 14 times more information.

With this camera you’ll also get the amazing 45-point autofocus system. This will be quite helpful if you are attempting to chase moving subjects.

It’s the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that’s going to give you quick and accurate focus while filming.

You’ll be able to film in Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps in MP4 format or 30fps in MOV format.

A unique feature of this camera is its HDR Movie mode, which can be ideal in situations with a lot of contrast, allowing you to bring out greater details in highlights and shadows.

If you wanted 4K video, this camera doesn’t have that though.

However, it does have a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen display, which is intuitive and easy to use.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

2. Canon EOS 80D

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Canon EOS 80D

Here’s another DSLR option from Canon. If we’re talking about keeping it under $1,000 in order to fit the general criteria of being ‘good for a budget’ this one barely makes the cut.

This camera has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.

A step down from the previous Canon is the DIGIC 6 image processor, which isn’t as high quality as the 7, but still good.

The light sensitivity of this camera is much lower than the previous Canon.

A lot of similarities exist between the two Canons. Full HD 1080p video at 60fps in both.

The Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus system affords you smooth shooting of and easy focus on moving objects.

The 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen display also exists here.

However, the viewfinder has a brighter pentaprism, which your eyes will thank you for.

Keeping on the advantages of the viewfinder, its 0.95x magnification is superior to the T7i’s 0.82x.

And it wins the battle in having 100% of the field coverage vs. the T7i’s 95%.

And if you’re interested in continuous shooting speed (you never know when collecting shots of this nature can come in handy in your filmmaking endeavors), the 80D edges out the T7i.

7 frames per second vs. 6 frames per second.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

3. Nikon D7500

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Nikon D7500

How about this DSLR from Nikon, just about splitting the difference between the two Canon’s in cost.

Let’s start with its 20.9-megapixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor. Not bad, but you’ll likely notice that 20.9 number being a tad under the 24.2, which you get with the Canon DSLRs.

It also has an EXPEED 5 Image Processor.

But let’s look at some nice clear advantages:

The 3.2-inch 922k-dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD will delight you. The extra 0.2 inches can go a long way.

And with 100% coverage on the pentaprism optical viewfinder, you’ll be seeing everything on this larger screen.

And not only can you love the HD, you can be enamored with the 4K UHD video at 30, 25, and 24fps. You can shoot in this mode for one second less than a half an hour. More than enough time.

Additionally, 8fps burst shooting is a nice plus.

And don’t forget about the advanced autofocus system and image stabilization from Nikon’s electronic Vibration Reduction.

No shaky images here!

There’s only one SD card slot and the LCD resolution is rather low-resolution, but there’s plenty of upside to this DSLR.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

Best Mirrorless Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

4. Fujifilm X-T30

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Fujifilm X-T30

This is a nice small-bodied mirrorless camera from Fujifilm.

An incredible 26.1-megapixel X Trans CMOS sensor and a high speed autofocus system are nice perks here.

In full HD 1080p mode, you are afforded amazingly detailed quality of video and the autofocus, as expected, is fast and reliable.

You can film at up to 60fps. This camera does have 4K, though you are limited to just 10 minutes at 30fps. This could be a hindrance, but maybe you don’t need more than 10 minutes of 4K filming at a time.

The layout of some of the buttons on the camera have been moved from their positioning in previous models, which can be a bit counter-intuitive and confusing for those who have used Fujifilm cameras before.

This camera also doesn’t have built-in image stabilization; however, there are a wide range of lenses you can pair with this camera.

 

See our recent article on the best lenses for Fujifilm X-T30.

Many compatible Fujifilm zoom lenses have image stabilization and cover a wide range of what you may need to supplement your camera.

Whereas, this comes at an extra cost, at least you know image stabilization isn’t impossible.

This camera is one of the best mirrorless options for making short films.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

5. Sony Alpha A6500

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Sony Alpha A6500

Another mirrorless option from Sony, the Alpha A6500.

This camera might not be the alpha with its APS-C CMOS 24.2-megapixel sensor, but no one’s upset with that detail there.

And yes, full HD 1080p mode is great, but what’s greater?

4K UHD at 30, 25, and 24fps. And the 4D focus system has 425 phase-detect autofocus points, equating to extremely fast autofocus and the ability to track moving objects in phenomenal fashion.

Also, the 11fps burst rate is impressive. If you’re planning on tracking moving object, but want some test shots first, no worries there.

Since the release of the last model, they have added a touchscreen. This is a nice improvement, though the LCD screen is a bit on the dull side.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

Let’s take a look at another mirrorless camera, dropping price down to about $597. Definitely easier to fit into your budget.

Along with that drop though, also comes the drop to having only a 16.05MP Digital Live MOS sensor.

You do get a nice 3-inch 1,036k-Dot OLED touchscreen monitor though.

This camera supports your choice of 59.94p, 23.98p, 50p, and 24p.

And how about the ability to film in 4K UHD, resolution of 3840×2160 and at 30 or 24fps?

Is 4K filming on a budget why you came here?

Does the high resolution 8.8-megapixel image capture not have you entertained?

The GH4 might be the Gladiator of mirrorless cameras.

And here’s another camera that allows just about 30 minutes of continuous filming, that is, depending on the format of recording.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

7. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

And here’s another Panasonic mirrorless camera with a similar 16MP MOS sensor.

It’s fitting as the two Panasonic cameras are cheaper in price, so the sensors pale in comparison to the other two mirrorless options.

The G85 has a sensitivity range from ISO 200-25600, meaning you can work in a number of different situations in terms of the lighting.

The versatility in that area is quite nice. If you’re unable to control lighting and there’s the possibility of fluctuation during shooting, this Panasonic could be your best camera for filmmaking on a budget.

The G85 also has a 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD.

Its free-angle design gives you more flexibility, no matter what angle you find yourself filming and viewing from.

It also has 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, which will reduce camera shake and can also be paired with the image stabilization of select lenses for Dual I.S.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

Best Action Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

8. GoPro Hero 7 Black

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget GoPro Hero 7 Black

For just about $319, you can strap on a GoPro Hero 7 Black. This is a great choice if action is what your desiring to shoot. it is also a great option for making short films!

This would be an excellent choice to consider for filming extreme sports, such as biking, surfing, snowboarding, etc.

A great option for anyone wanting to upload some smooth, action videos to any platform or for those who want to direct live-stream to Facebook.

With this option, you can film 1080p HD video at up to 240fps. You can also film 4K video up to 60fps.

Don’t worry about missing any detail in the action with this type of coverage. And the Hyper Smooth video stabilization will help to keep it all clear.

The extremely high frame rate of 240fps allows up to 8x slow-motion so you can showcase your endeavors in glorious fashion.

It has a max video bit rate of 70Mbps and is waterproof to 33 feet below without separate housing.

The weight is 116 grams and the size be only 62.3mm x 44.9mm. For reference, it’s not much taller than a paper clip at 8mm x 33mm.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

9. GoPro Hero 8 Black

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget GoPro Hero 8 Black

A step up in price from the 7, the GoPro Hero 8 Black is about $399.

It shoots in the same 4K at 60fps as the Hero 7 but has a major improvement in that the Hyper Smooth video stabilization system is now on version 2.0.

Additionally, in the 7, the stabilization didn’t work in certain modes like slow-motion. Now that the Hero 8 has a more powerful battery, that’s no longer a problem.

The max video bit rate is 100Mbps vs. just 70Mbps…

A lot of functions, like TimeWarp and Time Lapse, are now on version 2.0 in the Hero 8.

And now, live streaming is even more impeccable, now that it has been improved from 720p to 1080p.

The Hero 8 has a wind-optimized front microphone in order to help improve the overall audio quality from all your action shots.

The Hero 8 is also waterproof to 33 feet below without separate housing.

Need to go even deeper? There are compatible separate housings you can add on to keep it waterproof down even to 196 feet below.

The touchscreen on the Hero 8 allows you to do what you need to quickly and easily. And if you aren’t able to use your hands, the Hero 8 understands 15 different voice commands in over 10 languages.

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

Best Camcorder for Filmmaking on a Budget (2020)

10. DJI Osmo Pocket

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget DJI Osmo Pocket

Here, we have a different approach. The DJI Osmo Pocket is not your average camera for filmmaking, but might have some features you would really like.

A nice one right off the bat is the range of cost!

It has a Gimbal camera with 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor. It’s compact in its 4.1 oz weight, and 4.8-inch design.

And amazingly, this tiny camera can film up to 4K video at 60 fps and at 100 Mbps.

And don’t let the size fool you, there’s one micro SD slot that holds up to 256 GB.

Another nice feature, it connects to your smartphone via the Mimo app.

Let’s talk about modes! POV, ActiveTrack, FaceTrack, NightShot, Panoramic modes all available.

Standard time-Lapse and motion lapse are also options with the Osmo Pocket.

The Osmo Pocket also supports FPV mode, in which you can film incredible action shots and get smoother results than you might expect.

And no need to feel hampered by a big camera, this thing will fit snugly in your hand. Maybe even in your pocket!

Pros

Cons


Expert Opinion:

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget — Buyers Guide

So, now we’ve gone over several great cameras. Indeed, some of the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget.

We’ve talked about mirrorless, DSLR, camcorders and action cameras. All have their strengths and areas in which they cater to best.

You’ll be able to create excellent content with any of these cameras. But you likely have a good idea of what kind of content you want to create.

And that will lead you to choose certain cameras and certain traits within cameras.

To figure out the best choice for you, we have to think in detail what it is you want from your camera.

Are you going to be the Fitness Filmmaker?

Is it YouTube videos you wish to mass produce?

Is it straight up dramatic films you wish to create?

Knowing what you want to create and knowing what specs interest you most are helpful.

And reading over the list of options you can use that knowledge to pick the best camera for your specific filmmaking on a budget.

If you’re still needing a few questions answered, and still trying to choose between a few cameras, then let’s go over a list of some unique frequently asked questions online and see if they help tip the scales.

What are the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget if I truly want the cheapest cameras available?

The GoPro Hero 7 Black is the cheapest option.


But maybe you want something cheap but that is a little more in the handheld arena. Then, go with the DJI Osmo Pocket.

What are the best cheapest 4k cameras for filmmaking that can shoot 4K video?

For this question, it’s the same answer as the last one.

GoPro Hero 7 Black is the cheapest. Additionally, the DJI Osmo Pocket is also on the very cheap side.

Also, if you prefer something that can shoot 4K, stays cheap, but perhaps is a bit more sizable and has a good size monitor to view your work, consider the mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4.

What are the best cameras for filming YouTube videos on a budget?

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is great for YouTubers. A DSLR that is fit for newcomers, easy to learn for any entry-level camera users, and perfect for producing a lot of online content.

What are the best cameras for filming underwater on a budget?

I would pick either GoPro. The GoPro Hero 7 Black is obviously the cheaper option with great features, but if you spend a little extra coin the newer GoPro Hero 8 Black is superior.

Both can film underwater, quite deep, and with amazing clarity.

What are the best cameras for filming slow motion on a budget?

Here’s another time in which we would choose both GoPros. Either the GoPro 7 or GoPro 8, both film in slow motion.

However, the image stabilization doesn’t work in the 7 when filming in slow motion, but it does in the 8.

So, I believe the GoPro Hero 8 Black is the ultimate best camera for filming slow motion on a budget.

What are the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget if I don’t have great control over the lighting?

The mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is great for handling all different types of lighting conditions.

What are the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget if I want to produce the highest quality video for an Indie film?

I’d choose the Fujifilm X-T30.

Not only it is a stellar mirrorless camera with an incredible 26.1-megapixel X Trans CMOS sensor, but also it has a vast array of lenses you can equip with it to get even more out of it.

See also our recent article on the best lenses for Fujifilm X-T30.

What are the best cameras for filming sports and fast-moving subjects on a budget?

Here I’d say, if you aren’t participating in the sports and are merely a spectator, then go with the Sony Alpha A6500 and its impeccable autofocus, which can autofocus faster than you can say autofocus!

If you’re participating in the sport and want to capture the action… GoPro Hero 8 Black all the way.

See also our recent article on the best lenses for Sports photography.

What are the best cameras for filming wildlife on a budget?

I’d again say the Sony Alpha A6500 is a great choice with its autofocus being superb.

Who knows if the animal will be fast moving and you need to readjust quickly? This camera will make all of that quite easy.

But the Fujifilm X-T30 is another fantastic choice. Great autofocus capability there too, and an excellent array of lenses with varying zoom capabilities and weather-resistance, in case that wildlife lives in inclement weather conditions.

See our recent article on the best lenses for Fujifilm X-T30.


See also our recent article on the best lenses for wildlife photography.

What are the best cameras for filming makeup tutorials on a budget?

One great choice would be the Canon EOS Rebel T7i. Not too expensive, the cheapest DSLR, at just about $699 and it’s easy for beginners.

This way you don’t have to focus too much on figuring out how to use the camera, and can focus more time on doing your tutorials.

It does have HDR Movie Mode, which can help you to accentuate shadows and highlights, perhaps for dramatic makeup effects, but lacks 4K.

 

Another great choice is the Nikon D7500, which films in excellent HD, and 4K UHD, showing you true colors for your tutorials so you can display the truest images possible.

And you can film in 4K mode for a half an hour straight, so your longer tutorials are no problems here.



Or maybe the Gladiator of Mirrorless cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, which is one of the cheaper options to form in fantastic HD and 4K to capture amazingly real video.

Best Cameras for Filmmaking on a Budget — Conclusions

Woo! That’s a lot of options there for your low budget!

But all the options you’d possibly need are right there. Whatever your desire when it comes to filmmaking, you’re fully covered.

Being on a budget isn’t as bad as you might have previously thought. Some of the best options out there are ones that fit the ‘on a budget’ term.

So, now you can go out, and pick the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget.

Whether that’s makeup tutorials, capturing your extreme sports, wildlife, filming others playing sports, or maybe becoming the next Tarantino.

No matter what it is, cost won’t hold you back, so don’t hold yourself back.

 

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Mike has a PhD in Engineering and is currently a Scientist in an international research institute. He is 39 and loves researching about interaction of light with solid materials. Application of his research includes but not limited to solid state lighting, white-light emitting diodes (LED)photodetectors and optoelectronic devices

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