Best all-around cinema camera
Sony FX3
The Sony FX3 is a feature-packed well-rounded camera. It’s user-friend because it’s easy to use. If you’ve shot videos with any kind of dedicated camera before, mirrorless or DSLR, you’ll feel right at home using the FX3.
While the FX3 only captures up to UHD 4K, it still offers 10-bit 4:2:2 internal capture or up to 16-bit RAW externally. The camera features a top frame rate of 240 frames per second in HD and delivers fantastic 120fps in 4K. Also, the camera’s dual card slots are another great feature. It has dual media slots for either SD/SDHC/SDXC cards or the CFexpress Type A. Additionally, the Sony FX3 full-size XLR inputs. When camera manufacturers offer mini XLR inputs, it’s always a letdown. Videographer workflows become more complex when cameras offer only mini XLR inputs. Thankfully, the FX3 offers full-size XLR inputs, making this a more dynamic camera compared to mini-XLR input cameras. The camera also has an ISO range of 80 to 406,600, 5 axis in-body image stabilization, and 14+ stops of dynamic range. While Sony claims the camera has 15+, our testing didn’t confirm this claim. However, this isn’t important because the image quality difference between 15+ and 14+ is very minimal.
The FX3 is 640 grams and 3.06 inches x 5.11 inches x 3.33 inches. It’s slightly heavier than the a7S III by 26 grams. Overall though, their sizes are similar. However, the FX3’s handle feels great to hold. With the handle, low-angle handheld shots are much easier to do. Its rear screen is a 3 inch 1,440,000-dot LCD and supports touch functions, like navigating through the menu and touch auto-focus.
The Sony FX3 is a well-rounded camera offering something for everyone. It’s easy to pick up and shoots pro-quality video.
Best budget cinema camera
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema 4K
The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema 4K uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor to capture DCI 4K video with up to 13 stops of dynamic range. It’s also the first camera from Blackmagic Design to feature dual native ISO. This should help improve the historically limited low-light performance in Blackmagic cameras.
The camera can record DCI 4K, UHD 4K and full HD video at standard frame rates, with off-speed frame rates of up to 60 frames per second (fps) in DCI 4K and 120 fps in windowed HD mode. Supported codecs include 10-bit ProRes and 12-bit CinemaDNG RAW.
With the addition of dual native ISO, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can shoot at ISOs up to 25600, a significant improvement over its predecessor. Blackmagic Design also promises a reduced crop factor with a 4/3 sensor specifically designed to match MFT lenses.
Best run-and-gun cinema camera
Sony FX6
Offering both a compact form and cine-style imaging, the Sony FX6 delivers on so many fronts. It’s able to capture up to 15+ stops of dynamic range, uses the Sony S-Cinetone gamma, and up to 10-bit, 4:2:2 XAVC-I recording. This camera uses a 4K full-frame Exmor R sensor paired alongside a BIONX XR Exmor R sensor with a BIONX XR engine. It uses a base ISO of 800 and features an ISO 12800 high-sensitivity mode aiding greatly in low light conditions.
The FX6 body is highly portable, weighing under 2 lb, allowing you to hold the camera with ease through your shoots. Additionally, the body measures 6 x 4.6″, allowing for simple transportation. It also has features like phase-detection autofocus with both Face Detection and real-time Eye autofocus. The camera offers both auto and manual ND filter settings and a 3.5” LD monitor.
The Sony FX6 is a highly capable camera that’s easy to use throughout an entire shoot.
