5 CHEAP Netflix APPROVED Cinema Cameras In 2023

Here are 5 CHEAP Netflix APPROVEOD cinema Cameras that you can buy in 2023 without going broke. This was taken straight from Netflix's approved camera list. If your an independent filmmaker looking to pitch your film or documentary to Netflix then your going to need to get that Netflix stamp of approval.

Netflix Approved Camera list

Sony FS7

Ursa mini 4K

Sony FX3

Contents of this video

00:00- Intro
01:11 - Camera 1
02:00 - Camera 2
04:15 - Camera 3
05:43 -Camera 4
08:54 - Camera 5
10:06 - My favorite camera on the list

[cinnabun]

The entire premise of this video is not true. If you want to sell your Indy movie or doc to Netflix you DO NOT have to shoot on a “Netflix approved” camera. It just has to be good enough for them to want to buy it. The list ONLY applies to Netflix original content and if are shooting one of those you’ll have the budget to rent whatever camera you need. This obsession with the Netflix approved list is so silly.

[PNWMOTION]

I bought a Netflix approved camera a month ago and then Netflix called me and said “hey saw you have a Netflix approved camera, make us a movie” so I filmed my dog running around, eatting, pooping, and sleeping. I just kinda made a montage of it for about 2 hours and then the film just kinda ends. Best purchase ever.

[YoungBlaze]

*the thing I've learned about the "NETFLIX APPROVED CAMERA PARADOX" is that they usually will license a lot of films through a film house that have proper representation with some type of watchable script no matter what its filmed on (hell some stuff i know for a fact was shot on a DJI X5 at the time), now if you are in a situation where you are hired by Netflix to do a original that allows you a budget with a production team, nine times out of ten you will now have a budget specifically for gear... so the only reason i feel people are saying the "GET THIS NETFLIX APPROVED CAMERA" is to tell clients this who are hiring you to DP the film*

[joicam]

The Netflix approved camera list is meant for their own in-house production.
For others they can shoot on what ever like their phones. If they like your film you shot using your phone they will take it.
The list is published as benchmarks if you would fallow their requirements for camera equipment.

[Alexzarfatifilms]

My Camera Bodies

My Lenses

My Drone

My Audio Gear

My Monitor

My Lights

Tripods and C-stands

Accessories

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases #commisionsearned

[leftskidlow]

Sony FX30 is about half the cost of the FX3. It’s a great camera to start with if you’re on a low budget or primarily shooting outside and in controlled lighting conditions. Other than really low light conditions, it can pretty much do what the FX3 does. For a starter kit, I would pair it up with a FE 20mm 1.8 G lens, which is a great lens for under $1K. That gives you an equivalent of 30mm on full frame, which really gives you the ability to do a lot in different shooting contexts. The nice thing about that lens is you can still use it if you decide to go up to FX3 or any of the FX line cameras. Personally, I like the 20mm better than the 24mm, which is significantly more expensive. That said, for a real bang for the buck for a new film maker with low budget, I’d get the FX30 kit with the XLR handle and pair it with an APSC lens. A Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 goes a long way or if you prefer to stay native, Sony has some great APSC G lenses that are very capable and affordable. Having that XLR handle elevates the audio quality to where you would want it for pro work. So, with an FX30, you can literally get an entire film making set-up with a camera body, audio, lens and a couple of UHS-II v90 cards for a little over $3K (as of Oct2023). That entire set-up is everything you need to take on client work and it’s less than the cost of an FX3 body. Also, the nice thing is that even if you upgrade later on, the set-up will absolutely work with a multi-cam workflow. FX3 and FX30 can embed timecode metadata through a multiport, which makes syncing in post a total breeze.

[CineDailies]

The whole Netflix approved list ONLY matters if you are filming Netflix original content. You can use any other camera out side of that list.

Also, why are filmmakers hung up on the camera aspect? you need a story first to pitch to Netflix haha.

Also also, RED cinema stake holders are on the Netflix production board...so that says a lot.

[WolfsHaven]

If Netflix is hiring you to shoot for them under thier brand, then they want you to use their approved list. In which case you should already be established and connected.

If you have shot your content independently and are pitching it to them for distribution rights, it's just about the end product. If it's something they think people will watch on thier service, they will buy it. It just gets listed as your production and not theirs. Personally I think thats better for you individually.

If you are looking specifically to shoot for Netflix or better still they are looking at you to shoot content for them, by all means, use the equipment they want you to.

Outside of that, we all have to start somewhere. Write or source a story you think people will want to watch. Get the equipment and people you can afford. Then make the best production you can.

Once your done, copywrite it, pitch it everywhere and see who bites. If nobody wants it, self publish even on social media. It will build your reputation. If it does well, someone will come looking for you to get your next production. If not, make something better and try again and again and again.

[travisminneapolis]

Hard to beat those BlackMagic menu system

[FerociousPancake]

Just got the Sony FX3. I’m in love. I’m not a cinematographer, I just run a small YouTube channel and I appreciate cinematography. Because of that, I made the jump to the FX3…… from the VZ-E10. So it’s been a MASSIVE upgrade and I am so excited to see what I can do with it.

[thatonesnowboarde]

This is what Bard said as to why Blackmagic Pocket 6K Pro is not Netflix approved.

It does not support ProRes 4444. Netflix prefers that productions use ProRes 4444 for its high color fidelity and low compression. The Pocket 6K Pro only supports ProRes 422HQ, which is not as good.

It does not have a dedicated timecode input. Netflix requires that cameras have a dedicated timecode input so that multiple cameras can be synced together. The Pocket 6K Pro only has a 3.5mm mic input, which can be used for timecode, but it is not dedicated.

[josephryan]

Can you HEAR ME NOW!!??!! The FX3 is probably the best way to go. I’m not a Sony fanboy but it probably is the best all around camera and system. The fact that Hollywood is using it doesn’t hurt either.

[TerenceKearns]

There’s nothing wrong with the L-mount. It’s the most “open source” mount of them all. Panasonic actually worked with Sigma to perfect the EF to L-mount adaptor and updated their firmware accordingly. I dont know of any other mfr who would even dream of working hard to enable competitor lenses in the interests of their users. If you have EF glass, then L mount is just as usable as any other mount - probably more so because of the collaborative engineering that went into it. If you get an R mount camera, you are banned from using lenses from other mfr unless you use an adaptor. So expressing concerns about L mount is kinda ignorant.

[joekunitz]

Some of the shots of the FS7 were actually the FS5 Which is a fantastic camera for the price just not Netflix approved

[russhfilms]

I’m literally listening to everything fully no skipping and not bored

[TheCruisinCrew]

You forgot the Lumix BGH1, which is a Netflix approved m43 camera, and brand new it's less than 2000 USD. You can even get it used for around 1300!

[pablovi]

If you’re worried about having a Netflix approved camera and don’t have the money, don’t worry, you’ll never need it. Netflix won’t give you an original production, and if they do, they’ll pay for the camera rental, anyone you want. You don’t need a Netflix approved camera for your content, just theirs.

[fourth]

NOT TRUE: a Netflix approved camera is if you're working or shooting for Netflix. You can use ANY camera and Netflix will purchase your film if they want it.
I can't believe people are still getting this wrong

[OliverHollingdale]

Still use the gh5, ninja V and with some vintage lenses... man... The looks I am coming up with are insane amazing! what a time to be a filmmaker ey!

[sergiosanchez]

No, doesnt work like that... You can shoot on whatever you want and if the person on aquisitions like your film, they'll buy it.
Netflix approved cameras are a list of equipment they tested internally for their original shows, but even shooting on an approved camera is trivial if you dont follow their guidelines for post production since they want all projects delivered in a certain manner for future exports.
In fact if you get a project a approved and want to shoot on a different camera you can you just need approval from QC department.