Last Updated on December 16, 2023 by Sharon Advik
The love of being a videographer turned into a passion for filmmaking in no time.
As soon as I graduated from high school, I was admitted to Emerson College Boston to grow in this field.
Throughout these years, I’ve listened to unlimited filmmakers talk about their life, struggle, and their key to becoming the best filmmaker.
They’ve always discussed how they’ve shot the best action scenes or slo-mos on the most affordable camera they could find.
And that’s how I found the best filmmaking cameras under $1,000 to follow in the footsteps of inspiring filmmakers.
Which are the Best Filmmaking Cameras Under $1,000?
Here are my recommended top 6 Best Filmmaking Cameras Under $1,000:-
GoPro Hero11: (Best Action Camera for Filmmaking Under $1,000)
Action cams are the talk of the town, especially in the vlogger community.
And when I talk about such gear, the only brand that comes to mind is GoPro.
Its Hero10 model was the best action cam on the market.
But it has beaten the GoPro Hero11 in terms of specs.
You might think its features are limited to making content for hiking, biking, or other action sports, but wait until you use it for filmmaking purposes!
Features:
- Model: GoPro Hero 11
- Effective Megapixel: 20MP
- ISO range: 100-6400
- Image sensor: 35.6 x 23.8 mm (BSI CMOS )
- Shutter speeds: 1/8 to 30 Sec (Photo Mode) 1/30 to 1/480 Sec (Video Mode)
- Storage: supports microSD cards from 32GB to 1TB
- Dimension: 2.64 x 1.34 x 1.85 inches
- Weight: 159g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
The Hero 11 has a trademark black design and a small size, yet it is packed with features.
Action shots were simple to film with it because of its broad ISO range and fast shutter speed.
Although you cannot manually modify the ISO, you may choose between “Min and Max” settings.
It also includes a variety of filming modes, including Night, Time-Lapse, and Burst, making it appropriate for filmmaking at any time of day.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
I like it features a fixed aperture of f/2.8 and is appropriate for action shots.
But remember that the GoPro Hero 11 lacks manual aperture adjustments, so you’ll have to trust the camera’s automated presets.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
It captures 4k @60 fps video with HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization technique and a 360-degree Horizon Lock.
When combined, they produce an unrivaled video for fast-action images while filmmaking.
Why is this camera the best?
Whether I have to capture skiing down a mountain, surfing a wave, or using a skateboard, HyperSmooth 3.0 ensures that my footage will look great.
This feature makes Hero11 an ideal choice for capturing all types of action shots and is a key reason why it is such a popular camera for action filmmakers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Hero11 is a top-performing action camera designed to deliver high-quality, professional-level footage in the most challenging and demanding environments.
Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or simply looking for a camera to capture your adventures, the Hero11 is a great choice with excellent performance, versatility, and ease of use.
Nikon D5600: (Best Budget DSLR Filmmaking Camera Under $1,000)
College life is all about being broke.
And when you join a filmmaking school, you’ll spend money on expensive stuff to get through your class assignments.
One such investment I made during my college days was a Nikon D5600.
It is the best budget DSLR you can find in the market right now
Features:
- Model: Nikon D5600
- Effective Megapixel: 24.2 MP
- Image sensor: DX (23.5 mm x 15.6 mm)
- ISO range: 100 – 25,600
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec
- LCD: Wide Viewing Angle/ Vari-angle Touch TFT-LCD
- Storage: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimension: 124 x 97 x 70 mm
- Weight: 415g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
This camera’s ISO range of 100-25,600 is stretchable to ISO 50-102,400.
The camera also offers a bulb mode for longer exposures and a peak shutter speed of 1/4000th of a second.
If you have previous experience with DSLR, you’ll understand that these ranges are adequate to produce smooth shots.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
The camera box incorporates an 18-55mm kit lens with an aperture range of f/3.5-5.6.
This indicates that the camera has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 at its widest setting of 18mm and f/5.6 when zoomed in to 55mm.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
It offers a continuous shooting frame rate of 5 fps in JPEG and 12-bit RAW files.
The maximum frame rate lowers to 4 fps while recording in 14-bit NEF/RAW format.
The D5600 can capture video at 1080p quality at 60 frames per second.
Other frame rates, such as 30fps, 25fps, and 24fps, are also supported.
For setting the hues for your shots, the camera has multiple preset modes apart from the auto white balance mode.
Why is this camera the best?
It is a versatile camera that’s well-suited for filmmaking.
It has a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and an Expeed 4 image processor that produces high-quality images and video.
The camera has a vari-angle LCD screen that can be tilted and swiveled, making it easy to shoot at different angles.
It also features built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, making it easy to share your work and track where you shot it.
Conclusion:
This camera is highly in demand right now for digital videography and photography.
I loved its advanced features, including an image sensor, stability, and a decent frame rate, which is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly option.
Canon EOS RP: (Best All-Around Filmmaking Camera Under $1,000)
Canon’s R Series of mirrorless cameras has split the video industry, as the company has finally abandoned the DSLR in preference to a mirrorless era.
However, while some may have mocked the first Canon EOS R product, don’t let those negative reviews discourage you from purchasing the Canon EOS RP.
It is the best All-Around camera in the market for videos and stills.
Features:
- Model: Canon EOS RP
- Effective Megapixel: 26 MP
- ISO range: 100-40000 (expands up to 50-102400)
- Image sensor: 35.9 x 24 mm (CMOS)
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC card
- LCD: 3-inch fully articulated LCD
- Dimension: 133 x 85 x 70 mm
- Weight: 485g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
Filmmaking is a piece of art and not everyone’s cup of tea.
If you’ve bought this camera for this purpose, you must check its ISO and shutter speed first.
From my experience, I chose a low ISO of 400 and a moderate shutter speed of 1/30 sec.
Both of them, when combined, produced stunning images owing to Canon’s superior color technology.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
By using the kit lens, you can get an aperture of f/22.
While this maximum range is rarely used for filmmaking in different settings, it is still helpful for other genres like landscape photography.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
I like that the camera’s frame rate may be increased to 5 with a mechanical shutter.
I could take bright and crisp landscape images with its quiet shutter mode.
Why is this camera the best?
Because of its full-frame sensor, superior focusing technology, and lightweight and small frame, it is one of the best mirrorless cameras at its price point.
I noted it also has many functions, including 4K video footage, a vari-angle touch LCD, and compatibility with a large range of Canon lenses.
Conclusion:
The EOS RP is a full-frame mirrorless camera in the company’s R series.
It features a 26.2-megapixel sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and DIGIC 8 image processor.
The camera has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around.
It also has a fully articulating touchscreen LCD, built-in Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and can shoot 4K video.
The camera is designed for photographers looking for a smaller, more affordable full-frame camera without sacrificing performance and image quality.
The EOS RP is an excellent option for upgrading from a crop-sensor camera or a mirrorless camera with a smaller sensor.
Sony a6400: (Best Filmmaking Cameras Under $1,000)
It’s unfair not to discuss the Sony a6400 while discussing the best filmmaking cameras under $1,000.
The deadly duo of features and ergonomics makes it the best choice for shooting scenes that require sharp colors and maximum clarity.
I’ve used it after borrowing it from a classmate.
Do not believe me?
Check the specs yourselves!
Features:
- Model: Sony a6400
- Effective Megapixel: 24 MP
- Image sensor: 23.5 x 15.6 mm (CMOS sensor)
- ISO range: 100-32000 (expands to 102800)
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick DUO
- LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
- Dimension: 120 x 67 x 60 mm
- Weight: 403 g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
Choose a modest ISO of 400 to get the most out of this equipment during daytime sessions.
I like that despite having a native ISO range of 100-32000, I won’t need to go higher than 600 for daytime photographs.
It also includes a quick electronic shutter capable of shooting at rates of up to 1/4000th sec.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
The camera includes a Sony E-mount, which means it can use a variety of lenses, including Sony and other brand lenses.
Its aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/22.
These aperture choices will provide an excellent blend of depth of field and clarity.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
The camera offers a continuous shooting option that lets you shoot 8 frames per second with the traditional shutter or 11 frames per second with the digital shutter.
It can capture 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and 1080p video at up to 120 frames per second.
It’s ideal for slo-mo videos.
Why is this camera the best?
One of its standout features is its real-time eye autofocus technology.
I noted it allows the camera to accurately track and focus on a subject’s eye, making it ideal for portrait and event photography.
The a6400’s autofocus system is fast and reliable, ensuring you’ll never miss a shot due to a slow or inaccurate focus.
Additionally, the camera features a 180-degree tilting touchscreen display, 4K video recording, and a high-speed burst shooting mode.
Conclusion:
In short, this camera is everything you need as a newbie in the filmmaking world.
It’s a small, powerful, and budget-friendly option for aspiring filmmakers.
Additionally, people who are occasional photographers might find it helpful, too.
Canon EOS M50: (Best Filmmaking Cameras Under $1,000)
If you don’t feel like spending a fortune and still want a camera from a brand like Canon – the M50 is best for you.
I’ve shot my entire documentary for my college on this camera, and it did pretty well in videography.
Finding the best filmmaking cameras was challenging as a student, but surprisingly, I got this, which is a steal!
Features:
- Model: Canon EOS M50
- Effective Megapixel: 24 MP
- Image sensor: 22.3 x 14.9mm CMOS
- ISO range: 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
- Shutter speeds: 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec
- Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
- LCD: 3-inch, fully articulated LCD
- Dimension: 116 x 88 x 59 mm
- Weight: 469g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
The EOS M50 camera has an ISO range of 100-25600.
This range is changeable to enable light depending upon the environment.
It can be helpful in a variety of lighting conditions.
Because I didn’t want the shots to be overexposed, I set the ISO at 400.
In manual mode, the shutter speed ranges from 30 to 1/4000th sec.
However, 1/40th sec values delivered decent results for me.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
It has an aperture range of f/3.5-f/22.
As all my shots for documentary purposes were in the day, a moderate aperture suited best for optimum brightness.
You can adjust the aperture manually by using aperture priority mode or letting the camera do wonders.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
It can record 4K movies at 24 or 25 frames per second.
The key to perfect cinematography is smooth shots that capture every intricate detail.
I set the white balance to “sunny” for beautiful images and the frame rate.
Why is this camera the best?
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS M50 is its Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology.
This advanced autofocus system provides fast and precise focus in stills and video modes, making it an ideal camera for capturing moving subjects such as sports or wildlife.
The technology uses two photodiodes in each pixel to detect phase differences in the incoming light, allowing fast and accurate focus even in low-light situations.
Conclusion:
This camera is a revolutionary addition to Canon’s camera range.
It’s the perfect 1080p camcorder on the market.
It has an excellent flip-out LCD design with unique autofocus technology that tracks the subject without errors.
Moreover, its image stabilization keeps you tension-free from producing shaky videos.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85: (Best Filmmaking Cameras Under $1,000)
I’ve always dreamed of capturing the vision of others and telling captivating stories through my lenses.
That’s why I decided to start from scratch and shoot short films.
One day, while mindlessly scrolling the internet, I stumbled upon the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and was immediately drawn to its features and portability.
I invested my savings in it, and my film was well-received by audiences.
It got praise for the quality of the images captured with the Lumix.
Do not believe me?
Look at the features below and decide whether it’s the right fit for your next big hit!
Features:
- Model: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85
- Effective Megapixel: 16 MP
- Image sensor: 17.3 x 13.0 mm (Live MOS Sensor)
- ISO range: 100 – 25,600
- Shutter speed: 1/16,000
- Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
- Dimension: 177.8 x 96.5 x 86.4 mm
- Weight: 505g
ISO / Shutter Speed:
It boasts impressive ISO and shutter control capabilities with an ISO range of 200 to 25600 and a shutter speed of 1/1600.
It made it possible to capture clear, bright images in low-light environments.
Aperture / Depth of Field:
In addition to its impressive ISO and shutter control, it also has a flexible aperture.
With a maximum aperture of f/1.7-2.8, I can have a shallow depth of field and stunning bokeh, which adds a professional touch to the shots.
White Balance / Frame Rate:
The camera also offers a variety of frame rate options, from 24p to 60p, allowing filmmakers to create a cinematic look and feel to their footage.
These aperture and frame rate options, combined with the Lumix DMC-G85’s other features, make it a versatile and powerful tool for capturing your story.
I can also adjust the white balance automatically or manually during your shoots.
Why is this camera the best?
The feature that makes it one of the best filmmaking cameras is its 4K video capabilities.
It enabled me to capture stunning, high-resolution footage with incredible detail and clarity.
The camera’s advanced image stabilization also ensures that even the shakiest shots look smooth and professional.
Conclusion:
It is a versatile camera that offers a range of features to meet the needs of filmmakers.
From its 4K video capabilities to its compact and durable design, this camera has everything you need to bring your vision to life.
CONCLUSION:
Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.
Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?
Which are your Best Filmmaking Cameras Under $1,000?
Is there a camera that I didn’t mention in this article that you love to use?
Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?
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I am a Professional and Certified Digital Photographer born in the USA. I have been in this field of photography for 22 years, and in these years, I have used many photography lenses and Cameras, which I want to share here on this website about my experience. The idea for Bestoflens.com is to provide honest information about different Lenses and Camera products in the format of a “Best lenses for AYZ” list. I want this website to be the last destination for people to pick the best Cameras and lenses to fit their needs. You can find our unbiased reviews here on Bestoflens.