Best Cameras – under $5,000

Canon did a remarkable job with this camera and we have no doubt that it will do really well on the market. The RF mount is becoming popular by third-party lens manufacturers too, so one can anticipate even fewer obstacles when searching for a lens with a “certain look and feel”.

It is a “future proof” camera with an option to allow the user to evolve into all sorts of productions. This is also such an occasion when we feel the manufacturer has priced the camera correctly. And in regards to some missing features, well, Canon, for the next camera version, please give us an internal ND filter and bring back IBIS. Then we bet that you can comfortably label the packaging with “game (Maybe) over”.

• Sensor Size: 36 x 24 mm
• Lens Mount: Canon RF
• Raw 12-Bit: up to DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.98p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [2600 Mb/s]
• AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/XF-AVC 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98p/24.00p/25p/29.97p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [160 to 810 Mb/s]
• AVC-LongG/MP4 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.98p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [400 to 540 Mb/s]
• AVC-LongG/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98PsF/24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/119.88p [100 to 225 Mb/s]

Sony did a good job with this camera by balancing the camera performance, its usability, and features for the targeted vlogger audience.

Like with the a7S III, the lowlight capabilities are insane and the AI “tricks” are working very well without the feeling of losing any significant image quality. Johnnie was missing an EVF for greater filming flexibility, but we guess he is an old fashion operator here…

One question that must be asked is: Where does this new camera put the a7S III which is 1,300 Euro/dollars more expensive? And Johnnie's answer is, maybe not in such a good place. True, the a7S III might be a more advanced camera in some ways by targeting filmmakers but looking at the complete package we're not so sure that the 1,300 Euro/dollars price difference between the two cameras is justified and this might put the a7S III in a difficult sales position.

• Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [50 to 280 Mb/s]
• H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [100 to 280 Mb/s]
• external Raw 16-Bit: 4.2K (4264 x 2408) up to 59.94p

One of our cameras of the year 2020!

The long-awaited a7S II successor. Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony Alpha a7S III raises the bar for what a full-frame mirrorless camera is capable of. A revised 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ XR image processor offer faster performance, improved noise reduction, and a wider dynamic range, along with UHD 4K 120p video recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling.

• Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [50 to 280 Mb/s]
• H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [100 to 280 Mb/s]
• external Raw 16-Bit: 4.2K (4264 x 2408) up to 59.94p

The "cine" version of the Sony Alpha a7S III. With a compact, yet rugged design the Sony FX3 borrows from both the Cinema Line and Alpha series of cameras to create an optimized portable cinema camera.

The FX3 features all of the imaging attributes you'd expect from this class but sports a newly designed body that's hand-holdable, with a streamlined and minimal profile, and has a "cage-free" design, indicating the ability to secure various accessories directly to the camera body. And thanks to a built-in fan, the camera won't overheat as fast as other mirrorless cameras.

• Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [50 to 280 Mb/s]
• H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [100 to 280 Mb/s]
• external Raw 16-Bit: 4.2K (4264 x 2408) up to 59.94p

The Sony Alpha a7 IV does double duty with strong stills and video performance. An advanced hybrid mirrorless camera, the a7 IV has the resolution and AF performance that appeals to photographers along with robust 4K 60p video recording for filmmakers and content creators.

We really enjoyed shooting with the Sony a7 IV, and it’s a lot more fully featured than we thought it would be for this “basic” level of camera. Sony clearly didn’t cut too many features out of this model and there will be people buying this instead of an a7S III if they don’t need the super low light capabilities or 120 fps recording of the a7S III. This camera will definitely find its market.

The newly developed 33MP Exmor R CMOS sensor pairs with the BIONZ XR processor from the Alpha 1 to achieve quick shooting up to 10 fps and 4K 60p video recording, along with broad sensitivity up to ISO 51200 and a wide 15+ stop dynamic range. Beyond image quality, the sensor and processor also contribute to an advanced AI-based AF system that supports Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking for intuitive AF control and subject tracking.

• Sensor Size: 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/50p/59.94p [50 to 200 Mb/s]
• H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/50p/59.94p [30 to 150 Mb/s]
• H.264/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [240 to 600 Mb/s]
• XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [100 to 200 Mb/s]
• XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [60 to 150 Mb/s]

The FUJIFILM X-H2S is a great versatile performer. Can it get even better by having a future firmware update? Undoubtedly! 

Is the upgrade from X-T4 necessary? It really depends on your production needs.

Now, no filming device is perfect and the same goes for the X-H2S but we are truly impressed with how seriously FUJIFILM took the filmmaking aspect of this camera. It is certainly a tool that can serve well in a variety of situations for a very long time. The picture quality is very robust, and the rolling shutter is well controlled (second best after the Sony VENICE 2 8K in our lab test).

There is no single “deal-breaker” feature in this camera, and internal ProRes recording is very appealing. It is a very compact device and it was enjoyable using it.

To top their previous Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, Blackmagic Design adds an more full-featured, compact Super35 camera to their cine-style line with the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro.

The 6K Pro features all the recording features, sensor, dynamic range, buttons, and ports as its predecessor, and adds a variety of important new features such as a 5" tilting HDR capacitive touchscreen LCD with 1500 cd/m² brightness, a Pro EVF option, built-in clear/2/4/6-stop ND filters, dual mini-XLR inputs, an accurate timecode clock, an NP-F570 L-series battery slot, and updated Gen 5 color science.

• Sensor Size: 23.1 x 12.99 mm (Super35)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Raw: up tp 6144 x 3456 at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50 fps (49 to 483 MB/s)
• ProRes 422HQ: up to 4096 x 2160p at 23.98/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60 fps (24.25 to 117.88 MB/s)

Let us start by asking if a Micro Four Third camera still has a valid place in today’s market.

Our answer is, absolutely yes, but mainly because of the vast amount of lenses out there. Originally, MFT had the upper hand when it comes to camera size, but in modern times, this advantage has disappeared. While it’s great to see Panasonic committing to this format, we're sure it is not easy to develop two separate lines (MFT next to full-frame) considering the costs involved. We are very curious to see how this will evolve throughout the upcoming years.

In regards to the LUMIX GH6 itself, we really like what Panasonic did here. One noticeable improvement is the overall color “pipeline”. If in the past we highlighted the fact that images are hard to grade (too reddish) and “too smooth” (Extensive noise reduction), now it is a think of the past. So all in all, It is a great overall performer.

• Sensor Size: 17.3 x 13 mm
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT)
• H.264/MOV/MPEG-4 AVC/ProRes 422 HQ 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 5728 x 3024 at 29.97p [1900 Mb/s]
• H.264 ALL-Intra/MOV 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160 at 47.95p/50p/59.94p [600 to 800 Mb/s]
• H.264 Long GOP/MOV/MPEG-4 AVC 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160 at 50p/59.94p [200 Mb/s]
• H.265 Long GOP/MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit: up to 5760 x 4320 at 23.98p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [200 Mb/s]

Improved processing, greater versatility, but familiar in design, the Nikon Z 7II takes the pros from the original and ups the capabilities.

Sporting a high-resolution 45.7MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor and dual EXPEED 6 image processors, the Z 7II is able to record up to 4:2:0 8-Bit video internally and 4:2:2 10-Bit video externally.

• Sensor Size: 35.9 x 23.9 mm
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z
• H.264/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/59.94p
• external 4:2:2 10-Bit: UHD 4K (3840 x 2160)Full HD (1920 x 1080)

The Sony Alpha a7R IV continues the series of highly capable full-frame cameras.

This fourth edition of the a7R series includes an updated 61MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and enhanced BIONZ X image processor which enables recording up to UHD 4K30 video with support for Real-time Eye AF and Tracking AF technologies.

The revised sensor design uses a Fast Hybrid AF System, with 567 phase-detection autofocus points, for fast and accurate focusing performance. The a7R IV retains the 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization.

• Sensor Size: 35.7 x 23.8 mm
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• XAVC S: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s]
• external recording 4:2:2 8-Bit: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p

Leaving specs aside, the Canon colors and overall esthetics are simply gorgeous. Canon is proving again that the image coming out from a “low specs” camera (when compared to its own high-end mirrorless cameras and others from different manufacturers, too) can still look excellent!

Top this with a really good internal audio recording quality and the possibility to connect an external XLR device and here you have a good camera for journalists and pro content creators. By the Way, there is an “Auto All” video function in this camera for photographers, who are not familiar with the ins and outs of taking videos.

So here you have it, the new Canon backbone camera. The one that should serve as a “good enough” for anything, be it taking photos or videos. We’ll let others come up with their photo verdict, but as far as taking videos is concerned, Canon did a good job of balancing between functionality and ease of use.

One of our cameras of the year 2020! For the professional filmmaker who needs resolution, speed, stills, and video capabilities, the Canon EOS R5 might be worth a very close look.

Setting a new standard for versatility, this full-frame mirrorless camera features a newly developed 45MP CMOS sensor, which offers 8K raw video recording, 12 fps continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter, and is the first EOS camera to feature 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization.

Overheating is a thing to consider, though.

• Sensor Size: 36 x 24 mm
• Lens Mount: Canon RF
• Raw 12-Bit: DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [2600 Mb/s]
• H.265 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [680 to 1300 Mb/s]
• H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to DCI 8K (8192 x 4320) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [470 to 1300 Mb/s]
• external 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 59.94p

The Sony Alpha a9 II takes the feature-set of its predecessor and adds enhanced connectivity, a refined body design, and even quicker performance.

Utilizing the proven 24.2MP full-frame Exmor RS BSI stacked CMOS sensor and an updated BIONZ X processor, the camera is a workhore in terms of stills but in addition to that, UHD 4K video recording is supported at up to 30 fps and Quick and Slow Motion recording is also available.

Additionally, 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization is available, too, which minimizes the appearance of camera shake by up to 5.5 stops.

• Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• XAVC S: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s]
• external 4:2:2 8-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p

The EOS-1D X Mark II is the flagship model within Canon's DSLR lineup, and is characterized by its robust processing capabilities and ability to enable a high-end multimedia workflow.

At the heart of the imaging system is a full-frame 20.2MP CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 6+ image processors. The sensor and processor combination also enables DCI 4K video recording at 60 fps and Full HD 1080p recording at 120 fps, along with the ability to record on-board to a CFast 2.0 memory card, or uncompressed Full HD video can be saved via HDMI to an optional external recorder.

Video shooting can leverage enhanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which makes its first appearance in a full-frame sensor for smooth, quick, and controllable AF in live view. With a versatile set of imaging traits, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II takes its place as a high-performance tool for professional photographers and videographers alike.

• Sensor Size: 36 x 24 mm
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• MOV/M-JPEG: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 50p/59.94p [800 Mb/s]
• MOV: up to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 100p/119.88p [360 Mb/s]
• MP4: up to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50p/59.94p [60 Mb/s]

Canon's EOS C200B EF Cinema Camera features a Super 35mm CMOS sensor, and Dual Pixel Autofocus.

The EF lens mount on the EOS C200B offers compatibility not only with Canon's existing broad range of DSLR lenses but also with their line of EF-mount CN-E cinema prime and zoom lenses. The Super 35mm sensor is paired with Canon's Dual DIGIC DV 6 image processor, allowing it to capture and record up to DCI 4K resolution. Being able to record in Canon's own RAW Light flavour is also a plus.

• Sensor Size: 24.6 x 13.8 mm (Super35)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Cinema RAW Light 12-Bit: up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps (1 Gb/s)
• MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to 3840 x 2160p at 24/30/60 fps (150 MB/s)

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H is clearly distinguished by its pro video capabilities, but also features notable flexibility to suit multimedia applications along with an especially durable design.

The full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor affords versatile performance to suit both video and stills. Using nearly the full sensor, 3:2-format 6K24p video recording is supported, along with 16:9 5.9K30p and both DCI and UHD 4K60p settings with internal 4:2:2 10-bit sampling or external raw recording capabilities with a compatible recorder.

Inspired by broadcast cameras, the S1H also uses the updated sensor design to provide Dual Native ISO settings that prioritize either low noise or low sensitivity in order to realize imagery quality with greater color fidelity and reduced noise. Variable Frame Rate (VFR) recording also permits using slow and quick motion effects and High Frame Rate (HFR) settings allow the use of higher frame rates in conjunction with 10-bit sampling.

Additionally, V-Log has been pre-installed, and a Hybrid Log Gamma is also available for achieving greater detail when recording, and to benefit color grading during post-production.

• Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Lens Mount: Leica L
• MOV/H.265 4:2:0 10-Bit: up to 6K 3:2 (5952 x 3968) at 23.976p/24.00p [200 Mb/s]
• MOV/H.264 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.976p/24.00p/25p/29.97p [150 to 400 Mb/s]
• external 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 24.00p/50p/59.94p

Our camera of the year 2019!

The LUMIX S1 is a great example of a camera that got better with time...Since its' introduction, it went through some significant firmware updates that can easily position it as one of the best (If not the best) "value for money" full-frame sensor camera currently in the market.

• Sensor Size: 35.6 x 23.8 mm
• Lens Mount: Panasonic/Leica/Sigma L
• 4:2:2 10-Bit: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/29.97p
• H.264/MP4: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 59.94p [150 Mb/s]
• H.265/MP4: up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/29.97p [72 Mb/s]
• AVCHD: up to Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 59.94p [28 Mb/s]

Shoot professional high-definition cinema footage with the Z CAM E2-S6 Super 35 6K Cinema Camera with a Canon EF lens mount.

The camera features a Super 35 sensor with 10-bit 4:2:2 color support and nominal 14 stops of dynamic range, supports timecode, shoots up to 6K at up to 60 fps, DCI 4K up to 75 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps, and records data up to 300 Mb/s onto CFast 2.0 media.

• Sensor Size: 23.4 x 15.67 mm (Super35)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Raw 10-Bit: 6244 x 4168 at 30 fps (1.2 Gb/s)
• Raw 12-Bit: 6244 x 4168 (300 Mb/s)
• H.265/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit: up to 6244 x 4168p up to 30 fps (300 Mb/s)
• H.264/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to 6244 x 4168p up to 30 fps (300 Mb/s)

Shoot professional high-definition cinema footage with the Z CAM E2-F6 Full-Frame 6K Cinema Camera with a Canon EF lens mount.

The camera features a full-frame sensor with 10-bit 4:2:2 color support and nominal 15 stops of dynamic range, supports timecode, shoots up to 6K at up to 60 fps, and records data up to 300 Mb/s onto CFast 2.0 media.

• Sensor Size: 37.09 x 24.75 mm (Full-Frame)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Raw 12-Bit: 4096 x 2160 at 30 fps (300 Mb/s)
• H.265/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit: up to 6244 x 4168p up to 30 fps (300 Mb/s)
• H.264/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit: up to 6244 x 4168p up to 30 fps (300 Mb/s)