How to Choose Your Beginner Video Camera (for Filmmaking)

Jake from B&H shares useful advice on how to choose a camera for the budding filmmaker. From prosumer camcorders to digital cinema cameras, he discusses the features of each and emphasizes the importance of selecting a camera that best suits a particular style of shooting. Check it out!

Cameras Featured:

Prosumer Camcorders

Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras

Documentary Cameras

Digital Cinema Cameras

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[EtherealProjectD]

I upgraded from an old JVC home camcorder to a SONY FDR-AX700 for my youtube videos. I mostly shoot in my garage shop with overhead LED lights and a couple cheap soft box lights from amazon. Really happy with this setup.

[adokapo]

This list is flawed or at least named inadequate. Not so many students can afford almost anything on your list.

[Aviom]

All cameras are expensive for beginners or students.. I'm film making student from India.. started from Canon 60d and ended up with sony A7S ii.. suggest cameras that students can buy n can afford lenses as well

[weezyg.]

For now I have 3 xa11 for my events I use them in multi angle recorder, they are amazing.

[kandewillzofficial]

Thanks alot guys! Really was looking for this information.
Keep up the good work..

[mangilothevii]

Thank's so much
That's was very helpful

[potatos]

What can i get for 1500 - 1700 e ? I really like the cannon c100 and how the footage looks.

[brizill]

This video helps me much thanks soo much your a legend

[arnvidhr]

First video, which I watching, which told more relevant information about this. Thanks! But now I just got more questions for myself, what I want at begin.

[DimiHard]

When Blackmagic adds a good build-in stabilization, better low light, and a flip screen, I'll buy it and use it as my main go-to camera.

[wearybard]

Any thoughts on a Canon m50 for a beginning filmmaker. I'm not a Vlogger or documentary type, just focusing on shorts first. Thanks all!

[genmunden]

Great video! Just what I needed, fast and informative. I am starting a new position and have been asked if I can create elearning videos for assembling a product (indoor mfg). As I see it, much like "How it's made" might be a good approach. I am working on my Masters in Instructional design so, that said, I am on a student budget, not a masters budget. I am thinking this would fall in your line of "narrative". Can  you suggest an affordable start for a student who needs everything?

[backcountryme]

I think some of the current crop of bridge cameras are a viable option. The Panasonic FZ2500 is a great camera. Even the FZ300 produces some remarkable images.

[Kobe.T]

I’m looking to buy my first camera and this is very helpful. Thank you

[sallymary]

My two young adult kids (21 & 23) dream of filmaking. I am wondering if these cameras have gone down in pricing or I should consider looking into what the new technology is out there now.

[airgunningcolorado]

So a dslr will do everything a prosumer camcorder will plus some?

[peejay]

Best advice. Write down half a dozen ideas for what you're going to do make with it. Fifty years ago I bought a clockwork Bell and Howell camera for ten quid. You bought a fifty foot of film which recorded 25 feet on one side then you reversed it and used the other 25 feet. (It was 16mm wide.) It was known as Standard 8. No modern fancy camera with umpteen facilities could give you as much fun. Its ideas that count. And editing was real. With scissors and film cement. My wife made the titles with a roll of wallpaper. THAT was real film making. The camera was second hand.

[jaguarpaw]

Great vid ! id like your advice .. Im looking for a camera to record my self Boxing (mainly just hitting the heavybag) i currently use the camera on my MacBook pro which is very poor quality and the vids take up a lot of storage..I record my self in my garage and the lighting is not great at all .. i don't need anything fancy.. only special feature id like is if it can record 4K maybe.. Can you suggest any 200$ or less ..

[shankar]

i cant afford canon 7d but i am freaming of it day and night . Is it ok to start shooting with my crappy smartphone camera if i have no options ?

[theslimbin]

This is really well made makes sense why b and h's stuff is so expensive you pay for this kind of quality stuff sucks that as a beginner I have no money to spare