Best Dslr Camera For Filmmaking in 2024: Top 4 Picks

If you're looking for the best DSLR cameras for filmmaking, you're in for a treat. 

There are plenty of fantastic options available, from the tried-and-true Canon EOS 5D Mark IV to the newer Sony A7 III. 

No matter which one you choose, you're guaranteed to get some top cameras for filming greatest scenes. So, let’s dive into details now.

 

1. Canon EOS 80D 

The EOS 80D is a prime illustration of Canon's commitment to excellence as one of the industry's preeminent manufacturers of photographic equipment. The EOS 80D makes use of Canon's renowned EF lens mount, and it also captures stunning video. So, it is considered as best canon for filmmaking with really reasonable price.

 

Key features:

-       The camera has a 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a 45-point AF system, all of which are cross-type points.

-       Flexible 3" touchscreen with 1.04 million dots

-       1080p video recording

-       The AF system allows for 7 fps of continuous shooting.

-       IP65 water resistance Wi-Fi + NFC 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor

 

 

Good to buy:

-       24MP sensor for sharp images

-       Quick and accurate autofocus

-       Superb display

-       Focusing with the Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology is smooth enough for use when recording video.

 

Bad to avoid:

-       APS-C sensor size as opposed to full-frame

-       The AF system is complicated and takes practice to master

-       The Quick Menu is not modifiable

 

Summary:

The EOS 80D is quite cheap. Canon decided to leave the responsibility of capturing a full frame image to the lens, rather than include one in their camera bodies.

As a result, they were able to set the price of their camera at a level that won't break the bank.

The EOS 80D's new clever auto-focus is a standout feature. Canon claims that after selecting an object on the LCD screen, the camera would continue to follow and focus on it automatically.

The picture stabilization will be of great assistance in reducing the jitter of handheld film. The video has a high standard of production value as well, boasting balanced lighting and vibrant hues.

Longer than expected battery life is one of the EOS 80D's many strengths. Built-in Wi-Fi and an SD card port come in helpful for sharing content with other gadgets.

All things considered, the Canon EOS 80D is an excellent camera that offers a lot for a reasonable price. 

 

2. Nikon D5600

When it comes to this particular feature, Nikon's D5600 camera really shines. Since its introduction, Nikon's D5600 has been a popular option for budget-conscious digital photographers.

 

Key features:

-       Standard Digital SLR Camera

-       Detector: 24.2 Megapixels, DX-Format

-       Camera lens attachment: F Crop Sensor Mount

-       From 100 to 25,600 ISO.

-       Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder with a high-resolution

-       The highest quality video available is 1080p.

-       When including the battery and memory card, the total weight is 1 pound, 4 ounces.

-       Size (without the battery): 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 (in)

-       SD is a type of memory card.

 

 

Good to buy:

-       Superior pictures 

-       Relaxing grip

-       Acceptable autofocus

-       Intuitive touchscreen

-       Touchscreen that can be tilted 

-       Live view with touch shutter control 

-       Outstanding image quality and detail 

 

Bad to avoid:

-       SnapBridge needs improvement 

-       Only supports 1080p video

-       More expensive than competitors

 

Summary:

The D5600 from Nikon features a CMOS sensor with 24.2-megapixels and Nikon's own EXPEED 4 image processor.

It's likely that Nikon, the industry standard in high-definition video recording, is also available. A full 1080p video at 60 frames-per-second is possible with the D5600. Incredible in our eyes.

Without 4k, you'll still have high-quality videos that are easy to upload and won't take long to watch.

The cost of the D5600 is reasonable and won't break the bank. That’s why it’s the best camera for independent filmmakers who have passion of video production with small budget. Since this is just the camera body and not a complete set, you may want to look into purchasing a lens kit separately. If you're willing to spend a little more, you can get a lens kit designed specifically for beginners.

 

3. Sony Alpha 77 II

While Canon and Nikon dominate the market, we thought it would be interesting to include Sony for some variety. The A77 II is their offering, and it's a beast and best sony camera for videography that can compete with the likes of Canon and Nikon. 

 

Key features: 

-       Gapless, offset microlenses on a 24MP CMOS image sensor

-       40 percent of the frame is covered by a 79-point AF module with 15 cross-type AF points.

-       1080p60 autofocus videos with finer grained control

-       Checking sound levels while filming

-       2.4 million dot OLED sightfinder

-       Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) built right in

-       Maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 second, 150,000 cycle life expectancy

-       ISO 100 - 25,600 

-       To the right of the screen is a stereo microphone and a headphone jack, making this a top

 

 

Good to buy:

-       The AF-C burst mode can capture 12 frames per second, which is great for capturing fast-paced scenes.

-       Continuous AF allows for simple recording of both stationary and moving subjects.

-       Face recognition is effective

-       The design and construction are solid, and the ergonomics are top-notch.

-       Record high-quality videos.

-       Support for XAVC S video recording 

-       LCD with full range of motion

 

Bad to avoid:

-       Using lock-on AF is a complete crapshoot.

-       Bad quality, high-ISO photos with lots of noise

-       Heavily compressed JPEG images with extensive noise reduction

-       Aperture and shutter speed adjustments are largely disabled in 12 fps mode.

-       You can only use 15 cross-type AF points, and they're all in the middle of the frame.

-       Unfortunately, only the center of the image can be viewed at a larger size during review, making it impossible to quickly determine if the subject is in focus.

 

Summary:

Sony's APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor with 24.3 megapixels is found in the A77 II. In addition to recording in full HD 1080p, they also support recording in 4K.

If you were hoping for 4K resolution but were left disappointed by the previous offering, you will not be disappointed by the quality of the images and videos you receive here.

Sony didn't stop with just providing high-quality video; they also included a ton of cool extras. One such example is the 4D FOCUS format.

A new piece of technology developed by Sony, it helps keep autofocus running smoothly by eliminating interruptions. The A77 II additionally incorporates Wi-Fi for easier communication and sharing.

For those who care less about owning a well-known camera brand and more about capturing stunningly beautiful video, the A77 II is an excellent choice.

 

4. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

Canon returns with a professional-grade camera for photography enthusiasts who demand the best cinematic dslr. Canon's latest and greatest DSLR, the EOS-1D X Mark III, is aimed squarely at professional videographers. So, what exactly does Canon provide?

 

Key features:

-       Twenty-Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor, 5.5K Raw Video

-       Completely revised mirror mechanism eliminates shaking and blanking out.

-       All 191 of the viewfinder's AF points are cross-type, the camera is sensitive to down to -4 EV, and it can detect faces and heads.

-       The Live View AF system has been upgraded to cover 90% of the frame horizontally and 100% of the frame vertically, detect the subject's eyes more accurately down to an exposure value of -6 EV, and allow for F11 shooting.

-       Recording at 5.5K/60p 12-bit Raw and 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit H.265/HEVC

-       The LP-E19 battery is good for up to 2850 shots when using the viewfinder and 610 when using Live View, according to the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA

 

 

 

Good to buy:

-       Uncropped 4k camera for filmmaking

-       HDR stills and video standards

-       Smart Controller

-       Deep Learning AF that genuinely impresses

-       Features such as a smart controller, a rugged design, an autofocus system that learns as it goes, and a buffer that seems to go on forever are all highlights.

 

Bad to avoid:

-       No animal AF 

-       No tilting LCD screen 

-       No image stabilization 

-       Expensive

 

Summary:

The EOS-1D X Mark III is capable of recording 4K video. As an added bonus, it can also record MP4 videos simultaneously to a second memory card.

Movie Digital IS is used for image stabilization in the Mark III. The image is stabilized along five axes instead of the standard four. As a result, you get some of the most stable products available today.

 

1. Can movies be shot with a DSLR camera?

Digital single-lens reflex cameras are fantastic for making movies. They have the ability to shoot at high frame rates and resolutions, allowing them to effortlessly create breathtaking film in HD, 4K, or even 8K quality. Cinematic depth-of-field effects and rack focus photos are both easy to accomplish with the correct lens.

 

2. Is there a specific reason why 24 frames per second has a more cinematic feel?

This is the typical frame rate used in movies and television. The industry standard for capturing video with natural motion is 24 frames per second (fps). This version looks the most cinematic and is the most true to how we experience the world. Intense action sequences shot at 24 frames per second suffer significantly from motion blur.

 

3. What kind of equipment should a newbie filmmaker start off with?

-       Camera Purchase

The camera you buy depends on your budget and filmmaking style. Most photographers prefer interchangeable-lens mirrorless or DSLR cameras. 

 

-       Lenses

You can buy an interchangeable lens camera body or lens separately (and selecting your own lens). For greater low-light performance and creative depth of field, upgrade to a 50mm lens if you have an APS-C camera and a kit lens. 

 

-       External microphones 

Sound is as important as photos, but the camera's microphone cannot record high-quality audio. External microphones improve significantly the sound quality for your videos. 

 

-       Tripod/monopod

Taking clear photos or video requires a steady hand. Most filmmakers use best tripods or best monopod for heavy lenses to make sure every recording is stable, even though some cameras have great in-body stabilization. To pan and tilt smoothly, you need a fluid head tripod. 

 

-       Reflectors, lighting

If you're serious about filmmaking, you'll want to master lighting. Inexpensive multipurpose reflectors will improve the quality of available daylight.