Best Cameras – under $1,000

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact, portable camera with a 1" CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 4K UHD videos up to 120fps. It features a 3-axis gimbal for smooth stabilization, and its three microphones capture clear, stereo sound while minimizing ambient noise. The camera includes advanced tracking with ActiveTrack 6.0, a rotatable 2" touchscreen for easy orientation changes, and various creative modes like time-lapse, hyperlapse, and slow motion.

It offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing and live streaming, and a long-lasting battery with fast charging. The DJI Mimo app supports remote control and editing, and the LightCut app provides easy, template-based video creation.

• Sensor: 1-Chip 1" CMOS
• Focal Length: 20mm
• internal recording: up to 3840 x 2160p 120 fps

It is not that compact and capable cameras are foreign to FUJIFILM. In the past, we’ve already tested the X-T20 and X-T30 and could see a noticeable evolution in video quality and usability.

So, how do you innovate within a field you already did well? Apparently, the answer is easy. Make the tool even more desirable and keep its price extremely competitive. This is exactly what FUJIFILM did. The new X-S10 is built on the heritage of the X-T30, yet takes some fundamental elements from its older sibling, the X-T4. Maybe the most noticeable upgrade from the X-T30 is the inclusion of an In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) in this compact-bodied camera. 

Although the sensor and processor are similar to those found inside the X-T4, the X-S10 differentiates itself from the more expensive X-T4 by: 

• No 4K/50/60p internal recording (Up to 30p only) 
• No All-I recording (Long GOP only) 
• No high 400 Mbps data rate recording (Up to 200 Mbps only)
• No internal 10-bit recording

But in all honesty, for $999, we feel that the deal is still very good! Benefits like usable film simulation picture profiles (F-Log, ETERNA) next to the internal stabilization system and the possibility to connect the camera to an external recorder and get 4.2:2 10-bit via the HDMI connector make this little camera a true champion.

The Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera is certainly not the most recent camera but it still is a valid device for budget-minded filmmakers.

It is a tiny camera with a Super 16mm-sized sensor designed to be operated remotely. The image sensor supports 1080p video up to 60 fps. The camera is equipped with an active MFT mount that can accept native MFT lenses or be adapted to a wide range of other modern and vintage lenses using optional third party adapters.

Video is recorded to SDHC/SDXC memory cards using the 12-bit CinemaDNG Raw format or 10-bit Apple ProRes family of codecs. There is no screen or viewfinder built into this camera so keep in mind that you will need at least some sort of external monitor in order to work with this camera.

• Sensor Size: 12.48 x 7.02 mm (Super16)
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• CinemaDNG (RAW): 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/60 fps (65 MB/s)
• ProRes 422 4:2:2: 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/60 fps (27.5 MB/s)

The Sony ZV-1 II enhances its predecessor with a wider zoom lens, advanced autofocus, improved audio, more touch controls, new cinematic and slow-motion video modes, better live streaming, and upgraded image stabilization, making it a superior choice for content creators and vloggers.

It features an 18-50mm-equivalent f/1.8-4 wide-angle zoom lens, a 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS CMOS sensor, and a BIONZ X image processor for high-quality images and fast performance. The camera supports 5.3K60 video recording, advanced autofocus, Real-Time Eye AF, and Real-Time Tracking. It has a side flip-out 3" touchscreen for easy operation, multiple automatic touch functions, and a variety of shooting modes including Cinematic Vlog and Slow & Quick. The built-in three-capsule microphone adjusts to capture clear audio, and the camera supports live streaming and webcam use via USB-C.

Other features include image stabilization, a 3.5mm microphone port, and a lightweight design ideal for one-handed shooting.

The GoPro HERO12 Black enhances its predecessor with improved battery life, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, and expanded Bluetooth connectivity.

It features a 27MP sensor, capable of 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 video, and 27MP RAW stills. The camera supports HDR for both photos and videos, ensuring detailed shadow and highlight capture. HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost reduces image cropping, and 360° Horizon Lock keeps footage level. Bluetooth allows for wireless audio recording and control. The HERO12 offers easy and pro control modes, improved battery efficiency, and new interval tools. It's waterproof up to 33', durable, and compatible with the GoPro Quik app for easy editing and sharing.

• Sensor: 1/1.9-inch CMOS Sensor
• Resolution (effective): 27 Megapixel
• internal recording: up to 5.3K 60p

The Sony a6600 is a versatile APS-C mirrorless camera featuring a 24.2MP CMOS sensor, UHD 4K video recording, advanced autofocus with Real-time Tracking and Eye AF, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and a durable, ergonomic design, making it suitable for both high-quality stills and professional video.

• Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• Video recording: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) 29.97p

This is a very compact camera in a box-sahed housing. Good for rigging it to taste or mounting it on a gimbal for example. The Z CAM E2C 4K camera shoots UHD 4K up to 29.97 fps, as well as HD up to 59.94 fps, and records to an SDXC Class 10 card.

It features a 4/3" sensor with 10-bit color support. The camera supports recording video in MOV/MP4 using H.265 for 10-bit recording, while H.264 supports 8-bit recording. RAW recording in ZRAW flavour is also on board. Audio is recorded in 24-bit 48 kHz using AAC or PCM (PCM for MOV format only).

• Sensor Size: 17.56 x 13.11 mm (4/3")
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• H.265/MOV/MP4 10-Bit: up to 3840 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97 fps
• H.264/MOV/MP4 8-Bit: up to 3840 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97 fps (230 Mb/s)

This is DJI's take on building an action camera. Perfect for creating social media videos or filming while skiing, surfing, biking, running, driving, ..you get the idea.

The Osmo Action 4K Camera sports a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor and a wide f/2.8 lens in a pint-sized package, allowing you to record high-resolution video up to 4K60wherever the action is. A front-facing color screen helps framing the shot in "selfie-mode".

You will need a bunch of batteries and some sort of mounting accessories but other than that youre good to go with this camera. If decent audio is needed, you will want to record it externally though.

• Sensor: 1-Chip 1/2.3" CMOS
• up to 4096 x 2160p at 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps (MOV/MP4 via H.264/AVC)
• Slow Motion: 240 fps Recorded at 1920 x 1080p

The Canon EOS R10 is a compact yet powerful mirrorless camera featuring a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC X processing, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for fast and precise autofocus, offering high-speed continuous shooting up to 23 fps, UHD 4K video recording, a bright OLED electronic viewfinder, vari-angle touchscreen, and versatile connectivity options, making it ideal for both photography and video applications.

• Sensor Size: 22.3 x 14.9 mm
• Lens Mount: Canon RF

This is the successor to the original EOS M50, released a few years back.

The EOS M50 II is aimed at vloggers and content creators, offering a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor in tandem with the DIGIC 8 image processor, which enable UHD 4K video recording at 23.98 fps, along with Full HD 1080p60. Sensor-based Dual Pixel CMOS AF has been improved with faster speeds and refined Eye Detection AF performance, and supports both Eye Detection and Face Detection focusing modes when working with Movie Servo AF to help keep things in focus.

• Sensor Size: 22.3 x 14.9 mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF-M
• H.264/MP4: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 MFT camera is the predecessor of the (very) popular GH5 and GH5s.

It features a 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor and a 4-CPU Venus Engine, capable of capturing UHD 4K 30p/24p and DCI 4K24p. It also features a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, an OLED screen plus a built-in EVF.

This is a good all-rounder for both stills and video capturing for filmmakers on a budget or as an entry-level model. Micro four thirds glass is relatively affordable (and lightweight), no need for bulky and expensive full frame lenses.

• Sensor Size: 17.3 x 13 mm
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• MOV/MP4: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [100 Mb/s]
• external: 4:2:2 10-Bit