When it comes to professional video production, your camera matters. Which begs the question, “what are the best cameras for video production?“
Aside from a good director of photography, the secret to a top-quality production is an excellent video production camera. It may be almost impossible to pinpoint a single, excellent one from the large pool of cameras in the market. Nonetheless, there are a few that have risen above the competition and are important to the film and video industry. Read on for film industry tips on the top cameras for video production complete with a brief discussion of their strengths.
1. PANASONIC G6
The G6 is a relatively new camera that has started to make a buzz in video production. It is the latest from the Panasonic’s G-series of cameras and houses superb features considering its low price. The camera boasts its 16MP Live MOS Sensor, Venus Engine Image Processor, Focus Peaking, 1,440k-dot OLED Live View Finder, Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps, 7 fps Shooting at Full Resolution and Light Speed Autofocus System.
Panasonic is known for video-driven DSLRs. This camera has a number of cutting-edge features including built-in focus peaking that aids you in taking beautiful shots. It also has a 1080/60p mode, which is not available in most DSLRs.
Overall, it is small, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive. It has rich features, a great sensor, and excellent video quality.
2. LUMIX GH4
The Lumix GH is capable of a lot despite being housed in a small package. This camera carries 16.05 MP Digital Live MOS Sensor, DCI 4K 4096×2160 at 24p, UHD 4K 3840×2160 at 30p/24p, Full HD up to 60p, 96fps Overcrank Mode, 2,359K-Dot OLED Live View Finder, High-Speed 49-Point Autofocus and Magnesium Alloy, and Weather-Sealed Body.
Among its most notable features are its capacity to internally record 4k and to shoot up to 96fps at 1080p. The focus peaking and zebras on this camera are enough to make it a quality production tool for anyone in the film industry.
3. SONY PMW-F5
Bragging 14 stops of dynamic range, the PMW-F5 is rated at ISO 2000 for low-light recording. This camera can perform a 16-bit linear RAW recording allowing you to post-process all the footage captured by its sensor. Not to mention, PMW-F5 records HD resolution video to Sony’s SxS memory cards (available in 64-GB and 128-GB capacities) and 4K to the alternative AXSM memory card recorder.
It also has a new battery pack that Sony says increases battery life, speed recharging, and 150 minutes of uninterrupted shooting.
4. HACKED 5D MKIII
The ability to shoot RAW using the Magic Lantern firmware is one of its most notable features. It also has outstanding specs including 22.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, 3.2″ Clear View High Resolution LCD, DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, 61-Point High Density AF, Full HD 1080/30p and 720/60p Formats, Built-In HDR and Multiple Exposure Modes, Extended ISO Range (50-102400), Up to 6.0 FPS Continuous Mode, Dual CF and SD Memory Card Slots, Durable Magnesium-Alloy Construction, Additional Manual Audio Control and Built In Intervalometer.
On top of that, this camera is the number one most requested DSLR, which makes it a highly worthwhile tool.
5. SONY A7S
This is a dynamic camera that packs a huge amount of power into a small body. It has a mirrorless full frame video that is definitely difficult to beat. Its remarkable features include 12.2MP Full-Frame Exmor CMOS Sensor, BIONZ X Image Processor, Gapless On-Chip Lens Design, 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor, XGA 2.36M-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder, Full HD Recording in XAVC S. 4:2:2 UHD 4K Output via HDMI, Full Pixel Read-Out, S-Log2 Gamma, Expandable Sensitivity: ISO 50-409600 and Fast Intelligent 25-Point AF System.
It is imperative to note that this camera has 4k capability and has a 12 MP sensor which make it one of the best in the market.
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous other cameras that are close to or as good as these, or in other aspects, better. At the end of it all, it is simply finding what suits your preferences and knowing how your story will be told.
Want To Learn More About Video Production?
If you’re looking for a career in the Film & Video industry, we can offer you the knowledge and skills you need to stand out from the crowd. At F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s Top Film School, we focus on industry-specific hands-on instruction using the most cutting-edge technology currently being used by studios and production companies all around the world.
Please give us a call or get in touch through our website! A member of our staff would be happy to answer your questions and help you schedule a tour of our Orlando film school campus.
