Best Budget Cinema Camera Under $500 | Head To Head Comparison

In this video I compare 3 cinema cameras that are under $500. I thoroughly test and compare things like, video specs, audio specs, rolling shutter, ISO performance, and direct video comparisons. Let me know if you want to see more videos like this at different budgets!

Purchase the FS100

Purchase the Z Cam E1:

Purchase the BMPCC

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links used in the description are affiliate links, so if you purchase through them I may be compensated.

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0:00 - Intro
2:50 - Camera Introductions
5:56 - Video Specs
10:30 - Features & Ergonomics
16:23 - Video Assist Features
17:41 - ISO Performance
19:17 - Autofocus
20:07 - Rolling Shutter
21:38 - Handheld Look
22:36 - Audio Features
25:02 - Picture Profiles
27:20 - Testing
30:00 - Footage Comparisons
31:42 - Conclusion

#Budget #Cinema #Camera

[ubacow]

It's hard to even find an E1 for $250 anymore, the form factor was fantastic and the most sensor you can get for the size. The price for them skyrocketed back to $400+

[MariusMitro]

Great video! I didn’t even know you could get your hands on a real cinema camera for less than 500 dollars.

[avalanwa]

This impeccable fully detailed video deserves more than just a like. I had to let you know that you're time and attention to detail is highly appreciated. Thank you so much for this, and I hope that effort you've put into it has paid off. Definitely subscribed! Love your work!

[RawkustvOfficial]

My first video camera was a bmpcc and loved the image in terms of how organic it looked and flexibility in correcting and grading. Shot some music videos with it, love how it renders skin tones too. The battery though 🙈

[gunzfilms]

where on earth are you getting a FS100 for under 500 bucks? they're clearly over $800-1200 everywhere on the net

[TheMaddoxfam]

I daily drive an E1 and I’ve gotta disagree with everything but the ISO noise.

zLog-2 is great. Saved my bacon more than once when I didnt expose correctly

If you want zebra lines or focus peaking, you can either use an external monitor (which most will) or you can use the IOS or Android app.

Auto focus works just fine on the unit, although I will say the constant auto focus is pretty rough and basically unusable depending on the lens. I know a couple of guys who have lenses that the CAF works great.

As for your battery life problems with the BMPCC only lasting 5 minutes… you’ve got bad batteries.

With all of those criticisms, I love that you made this video, it’s super important for the industry and for getting rid of e-waste. Keep it up, you just gained a subscriber.

[automatisatorpeace]

I would still choose BMPCC today (of course ONLY with OLPF from RAWLITE). OG BMPCC/BMMCC is a small Arri Alexa. The Fairchild sensor has the same dual gain technology as the sensor from Arri. In combination with CinemaDNG it is a great thing. Compared to newer Blackmagic cameras, the look of the OG BMPCC is more cinematic.

[NeildelaRey]

Nice detail, don't see much other content on budget cine cameras. Thanks man!

[damancandance]

u answered all the main concerns with each camera thanks for all your hard work man! would've never considered getting an old cinema camera, but you're making me think now hahah

[persquad]

Hi there, great Video! Just wanted to say that you actually can zoom in the picture display of the Black Magic Pocket Original, you just have so double press the "OK" Button

[StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Fascinating video... the work you put into this will assist new videographers for years to come.
BTW: despite having had many Sony mirrorless cameras the one I now use the most is my NEX5 and Zeiss Touit 32mm f1.8 lens.... very light and superb IQ powerhouse combo!

[vincentduke]

Solid, appreciate you putting in the hard work

[Krisselvlogs]

The beginning is so genuine and honest. My kind of content. Subscribed

[CodyMetal]

31:14 Zcam E1 looks significantly better than the others. Almost looks like the FS100 and BMPCC are out o focus.

[NovaTurtlez]

I use the FS-100 and FS-700 to teach kids and teens filmmaking. Both cameras are very capable, have almost all of the features from a starter cinema cam you’d need, and the sensors still resolve great images. I have the 4K + Slow motion upgrade for the FS-700 and it’s a good step up filmmaking-wise from my Canon EOS R. I love having dedicated buttons for every function and the built in ND filters of the 700 are life saving outdoors. I’m very impressed by these 10 year old cameras! It’s like all of the high end features from back in the day are finally trickling into mirrorless again.

[ScaramouchedaVinci]

If you shoot films indoors, the FS100 is absolutely great. The color scheme can also be adjusted in all directions. In Europe, however, it costs significantly more.

[jackofblades]

Bmpcc would be my choice. Such a good cinema camera. I would by one if I can find one in good condition. Hard to get that look on my Bmpcc4k.

[Astrolavista]

Kudos for how much thought, time and expense you put into this comparison video! I actually said wow out loud when a saw the footage for the BMPCC! Amazing filmic look with deep shadows and highlights. The Sony is also cool, you can get a lot for not much money (relatively) now days.

[danieldougan]

It's not AS cheap as these, but you might want to do a video about the JVC GY-LS300. It has a Micro Four Thirds mount with a Super 35 sensor. The only problem with it seems to be that it's limited to 8-bit 4:2:2, but it is a 4K camera with built-in ND filters.

Since you're looking at the Sony FS100, you might also look at the NEX-VG900 or VG30.

[jamesm]

Thanks for this. I'm trying to tell my friend how micro marketing commercials need more than a cell phone.