Best Camera for Filmmaking on a Budget in 2022: Top 10 Picks

Today, would-be filmmakers have access to some amazing cameras without spending a fortune. You can create high-quality videos with low-priced, consumer-friendly cameras – and that’s what this article is all about.

Below, we reveal the absolute best cameras for filmmaking on a budget, including options to satisfy everyone: action cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and even a pocket cinema camera for ambitious videographers.

So no matter your price range and no matter your camera preference, you’re bound to find the right option for your needs.

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1. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

Our Pick
Canon EOS M50 Mark II + EF-M 15-45mm is STM Kit Black
Image from Amazon
Great for slow-motion video

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a versatile camera offering high-quality 4K recording and slow-motion effects.

Pros
Can record at 1080p at 120fps
A compact, ergonomic design
Multi-angle touchscreen for live previews
Cons
Only has the DIGIC 8 processor

Our first pick is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, the best camera for filmmaking on a budget you can buy today. The basic video recording quality and features are great, and it boasts an ergonomic design that lends itself to filmmaking.

The M50 Mark II can record at 4K at 30 fps, and it’s also capable of recording in 1080p at 120 fps – this means you can mix awesome slow-motion footage into your filmmaking. It’s backed by a high-quality 24.1 MP sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 8 image processor.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II + EF-M 15-45mm is STM Kit Black
Image from Amazon

The M50 Mark II’s design is ergonomic; the camera is relatively lightweight, easy to hold, and sports a firm grip. We also like the vari-angle touchscreen, which fully flips out and rotates. This makes it easy to monitor your footage while filming.

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There is also a good range of Canon EF-M lenses for the M50 that give you plenty of versatility. And if you’re not satisfied with the EF-M options, you can always use the entire range of Canon EF lenses via a lens adapter.

2. Sony a6000

Budget Pick
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) w/16-50mm Power Zoom Lens
Image from Amazon
Great for multi-set recording

The Sony a6000 is a good budget option and offers high-quality HD recording.

Pros
Compact and transportable design
Fast and accurate autofocus
Can record 1080p at 60 fps
Cons
Does not have 4K recording

The Sony Alpha series of cameras are some of the best mirrorless cameras available, and the Sony a6000 is a powerful Alpha model that is great for budget filmmaking. Yes, it’s a slightly older model and there are newer options like the a6400, but a combination of functionality and price keeps it toward the top of this list.

The a6000 features a compact design that’s ideal for filmmaking on the go. You can easily transport your a6000 whether that’s in luggage, in a backpack, or even around your neck.

Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera 24.3MP SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) w/16-50mm Power Zoom Lens
Image from Amazon

It packs a 24.2 MP sensor and records HD footage at 60 fps, giving you great versatility. Some may not like the lack of 4K, but the a6000 is certainly capable of quality footage. This is helped by the fast Hybrid AF system that is great for action recording.

The a6000 also offers a tiltable touchscreen which aids video previewing, although it can’t be flipped outward. It’s a good option for beginners who are just entering the world of filmmaking.

3. Panasonic Lumix GH5

Also Great
Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Camera, 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera with Digital Live MOS Sensor, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0, 4K 4:2:2 10-Bit Video, Full-Size HDMI Out, 3.2-Inch LCD, DC-GH5 (Black)
Image from Amazon
Excellent for high-quality 4K footage

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a versatile camera, boasting 4K/60p recording and in-body image stabilization.

Pros
Has built-in image stabilization
Can record at 4K/60p
Durable body design
Cons
Larger than some other cameras

Panasonic has a good range of video cameras in its Lumix series, and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 is one of the best. Note that, while there is a video-focused “s” version available (the GH5s), it’s considerably more expensive than the GH5; as a result, the GH5 remains a reasonably priced choice that first-time filmmakers will love.

It’s centered around a 20.3 MP sensor and offers in-body image stabilization, which helps improve stability and tracking for sweeping cinematography shots.

Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Camera, 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera with Digital Live MOS Sensor, 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0, 4K 4:2:2 10-Bit Video, Full-Size HDMI Out, 3.2-Inch LCD, DC-GH5 (Black)
Image from Amazon

The GH5 is capable of 4K recording at an impressive 60 fps. It can also record 1080p at 120 fps, which makes it a highly versatile option (and one of the better cameras available for 4K recording quality). The GH5 also features a rotatable touchscreen.

The design of this camera is larger than some mirrorless and compact cameras. But it’s still portable and should be easy to use at different set locations. You’ll also appreciate the broad range of lightweight, relatively inexpensive Panasonic, or even Olympus, lenses.

4. GoPro HERO9 Black

GoPro HERO9 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, 5K Ultra HD Video, 20MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
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Great for sports cinematography

The GoPro HERO9 Black is a superb action camera capable of 5K recording with built-in HyperSmooth stabilization.

Pros
Can record video up to 5K resolution
Bult-in HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization
Incredibly small and compact
Cons
Limited options for zooming and lens composition

Action cameras can also make fantastic filmmaking cameras, like the GoPro HERO9, which remains one of our favorite filmmaking cameras available in 2022.

The HERO9 can be used as a secondary camera to capture different scene angles, though it’s also the perfect camera for sports cinematography, along with scenes featuring lots of action and movement from a first-person perspective.

GoPro HERO9 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with Front LCD and Touch Rear Screens, 5K Ultra HD Video, 20MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
Image from Amazon

This is all thanks to the HERO9’s small and compact design, plus the array of available mounting options. It also has HyperSmooth 3.0 technology, GoPro’s video stabilization for beautifully smooth footage.

As for video quality, this amazing camera can record up to 5K, and even packs other resolutions such as 4K, 2.7K, and 1440p. You can use this little camera for a wide range of setups, scenes, and film types. A GoPro action camera can certainly broaden your creativity and push you to try something different in your filmmaking.

5. Sony ZV-1

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in Microphone, 4K HDR Video, Touchscreen Display, Live Video Streaming, Webcam
Image from Amazon
Great for portable filmmaking

The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera great for filmmaking in different locations and people-tracking shots.

Pros
Small and lightweight design
Can record in 4K
Great AF system for people tracking
Cons
The zoom of the lens may be limited

The Sony ZV-1 is primarily viewed as a vlogging camera, but thanks to its compact size and handy set of recording options, it also doubles as a powerful camera for videography.

The ZV-1 is a compact camera that could work great for filmmaking adventures or even travel films. It weighs virtually nothing and fits in the palm of your hand.

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen, Built-in Microphone, 4K HDR Video, Touchscreen Display, Live Video Streaming, Webcam
Image from Amazon

It also features impressive specifications, including a high-quality Zeiss lens, a 20.1 MP sensor, and a BIONZ X image processor, plus it can record 4K footage. We also like the fast hybrid AF system, which is useful for tracking subjects (and even people’s eyes!).

6. Panasonic Lumix G85

Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera, 12-60mm Power O.I.S. Lens, 16 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 5 Axis In-Body Dual Image Stabilization, 3-Inch Tilt and Touch LCD, DMC-G85MK (Black)
Image from Amazon
Great for 4K recording

The Panasonic Lumix G85 is another decent budget option with a solid set of filmmaking features.

Pros
4K/30p recording
Fully rotatable LCD touchscreen
Built-in image stabilization
Cons
The body design is a little chunky

Next, we have the Panasonic Lumix G85, on par with the Sony a6000 thanks to its powerful videography options and decent 16 MP sensor.

In terms of quality, it can record at 4K/30p and 1080p up to 60 frames per second. We also like the built-in image stabilization, which works for both photos and video and will help keep your 4K recording smooth.

Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera, 12-60mm Power O.I.S. Lens, 16 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera, 5 Axis In-Body Dual Image Stabilization, 3-Inch Tilt and Touch LCD, DMC-G85MK (Black)
Image from Amazon

The Panasonic Lumix G85 also has an LCD touchscreen, and this can be fully rotated and tilted. As a result, you can easily preview footage as you record. Overall, the design of the G85 isn’t fantastic, but it still should be easy to use and comfortable to hold.

7. Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XF18-55mm Kit - Silver
Image from Amazon
Great for cinematic shots

The Fujifilm X-T30 has some great features, like support for DCI 4K for cinematic shots.

Pros
Can record in 4K at 30 fps
Excellent kit lens
High-quality 26.1 MP sensor
Cons
Some may not like the retro design

The Fujifilm X-T30 is a decent mirrorless camera that boasts some great filmmaking features. The camera offers a high-quality, 26.1 MP sensor and uses Fujifilm’s X-Processor 4.

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For filmmaking, the X-T30 can record 4K up to 30 fps and 1080p up to 60 fps. We also like that it supports the DCI 4K format, which has a 17:9 aspect ratio and is widely used in filmmaking to create cinematic shots.

Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XF18-55mm Kit - Silver
Image from Amazon

The design of the X-T30 looks a little dated and retro, but it is still ergonomic and usable. It also has an LCD touchscreen that can only be tilted outwards. The basic package comes with an 18-55mm kit lens which is great for starting out and experimenting with different videography subjects.

8. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Image from Amazon
Great for high-quality cinematography

This cinema camera has excellent HD recording features to create that cinematic look.

Pros
Full 4K at 60 fps
Lightweight carbon fibre body
High-quality LCD touchscreen
Cons
Battery life is not fantastic

If you aren’t interested in taking photos, a specialist item like the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K could be a great pick. It’s a dedicated cinema camera, meant to be used for filmmaking, not stills.

The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a unique design and a host of useful features that make it a great starting camera for new filmmakers. For example, it can record 4K DCI at 60 fps with a 13-stop dynamic range. And it also has 4 built-in microphones, which allow you to capture clear audio, too.

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Image from Amazon

The high-resolution recording, high dynamic range, and low-light recording capabilities mean this camera can record some fantastic footage. It’s also relatively ergonomic and has a lightweight carbon fiber composite body. We also like the high-quality touchscreen and simple shooting controls.

This cinematic camera is also compatible with the full range of Canon EF lenses, which gives you increased versatility in your filmmaking.

9. Nikon D7500

Nikon D7500 20.9MP DSLR Body Only Basic Camera Kit
Image from Amazon
Great for beginners

The Nikon D7500 offers a good balance of quality photography and quality video recording.

Pros
4K/30p recording
Stylish and ergonomic design
Great connectivity options
Cons
Touchscreen cannot be rotated

Nikon cameras aren’t well-known for their stunning video capabilities, but the Nikon D7500 is a decent midrange DSLR that could be useful for filmmaking.

It’s a durable camera with a traditional Nikon design; it’s also easy to use, ergonomic, and looks great. Plus it features a high-quality 20.9 MP sensor and an EXPEED 5 image processor.

Nikon D7500 20.9MP DSLR Body Only Basic Camera Kit
Image from Amazon

The D7500 can record 4K at 30 fps, and it is also capable of recording full HD up to 60 fps. You’ll be aided by the tilting touchscreen, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, and decent battery life.

10. DJI Osmo Action

DJI Osmo Action - 4K Action Cam 12MP Digital Camera with 2 Displays 36ft Underwater Waterproof WiFi HDR Video 145° Angle, Black
Image from Amazon
Great for super-slow motion

The DJI Osmo Action can record in full HD at 240 fps for super-slow motion scenes.

Pros
Can record 1080p at 240 fps
Small, durable, and compact
Built-in image stabilization
Cons
Doesn’t have the best zoom

Our last pick is the DJI Osmo Action, another excellent action camera that could be used in a similar manner to the GoPro HERO9 Black: as a secondary camera to capture different scene angles, or as a fast-paced action camera for extreme sports filmmaking.

DJI Osmo Action - 4K Action Cam 12MP Digital Camera with 2 Displays 36ft Underwater Waterproof WiFi HDR Video 145° Angle, Black
Image from Amazon

The Osmo Action features RockSteady technology, a form of image stabilization that ensures your footage is shake-free and looks incredibly smooth. It can also record in 4K, as well as 240 fps in HD for amazing super slow-motion footage.

The camera is also highly durable and can easily be used outdoors in rough weather conditions.

Which Budget Filmmaking Camera Is Right for You?

We hope you appreciated this guide to the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget. As you can see, you don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive cinema camcorders and equipment. You can create amazing visuals with action cameras, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras!

So which option should you choose?

If you intend to shoot fast-paced action or sports video, an action camera like the GoPro HERO9 or DJI Osmo Action is a great pick.

Alternatively, if you want to produce set-piece films, a mirrorless or DSLR camera like the Canon EOS M50 Mark II or Panasonic Lumix G85 could be a better option.


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1 thought on “Best Camera for Filmmaking on a Budget in 2022: Top 10 Picks”

  1. Hi. I am searching for the Best, but also Affordable camera that is great for both photography and film making.

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