Our main camera is the Sony a7Siii and it’s perfect for what we do, but it may not be for you.
Some other cheaper considerations:
Fuji XT-4
Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro
Canon R6
The Brand new Panasonic GH6
So I’m not going to get into photo specs, but I'll be focussing on video highlights.
Fuji XT-4
The “cheapest” on the list but definitely keeps up with the rest. It does ‘true DCI 4k (4096x2160) up to 60 fps in 10-bit which is enough for most scenarios.
The downsides of it are the limited amount of native lense and its APS-C sensor - which is smaller which results in less dynamic range and a crop factor on full-frame lenses.
Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro
This is probably the most “pro” camera on this list with it being able to record 6k RAW up to 50fps and its internal ND filter, which is probably a feature any filmmaker would want. Swapping filters on set is such a pain.
The downside of the camera is that it does not have AF - and a lot of people can argue that it’s not needed as most cinema cameras don’t have AF, however as a solo filmmaker, and AF technology today, it’s such a huge benefit. Not everyone can have a focus puller on set. The batteries aren’t very good even with the grip, so you need to continuously swap out batteries or have a continuous power source. Lastly, it is big, way bigger than the others on the list. So run and gun, gimbal work can be a little more difficult with its large body.
Canon R6
Very similar to the FUJI XT-4 but it’s full-frame 4k 60fps 10bit and has an amazing autofocus system.
The downside is the 30-minute recording limit, and the codecs are really tough to edit.
Panasonic GH6
The successor to the famous GH5. They were a little late to the party but still is a fantastic camera doing 5.9k up to 30fps and 4k up to 120fps but only in h.265 4:2:0, which isn’t a deal-breaker because not a lot of your footage will be in 120fps. This camera has pretty much all the bells and whistles.
The downside is its micro four-thirds sensor, which is a little outdated today, but it does have a dynamic range booster that actually works. Lens selection isn’t great and the AF isn’t as good as Sony or Canon.
Sony a7Siii
The camera we use, probably going to be biassed with this one but I'll try not to. It does 4k 120fps 10bit in different codecs and has an amazing AF system. I can go on about how much I love this camera but you can search on YouTube how many people praise this camera.
On the downside, it is the most expensive on the list. The screen is small and not very good, you will need to purchase a monitor to see what you’re shooting. Also, the menu system is not great, you can customise settings but it takes quite a while to get used to. But other than that, it’s such a great camera and perfect for what we shoot.
To summarise, all the cameras on this list are amazing. DIfferent prices, different use cases. Brand loyalty should not be confederation unless you work for one of the companies. Just choose something within your budget and consider what you will be shooting and you will be good to go.
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