Guide to Buying a Video Camera in 2024 $4,000-$500 price range

This is part 2 on choosing on a video camera for this year. I just figured I'd use my lack of brand affiliation and minimal biases to list the ups and downs of each camera to help you in your purchasing decision. There are a ton of other cameras I did not talk about that are worth buying as well but I can't go over all of them, so I figured I'd just limit it to the more popular options out there.
If I say anything negative about a camera you own, try your best not to take it personally. Every camera I talk about can produce professional results, seriously they're all great. BUT some have more drawbacks than others and for the sake of transparency, I'm going to acknowledge that.
Once again all dynamic range stats are using CineD's lab Results(using a signal to noise ratio of 2) but unlike the last video the dynamic range results are less "accurate" as a decent amount of these cameras were tested using their built in noise reduction, cheating the test and making the dynamic range look better than the cameras tested using RAW. It's still insightful though.
www.cined.com/lab-tests/

[@Wildridefilms]

The G9ii has 1/2 stop more DR vs the FX30 at 11.9 stops. Also has the best IBIS on a mirrorless camera. It shoots 6k60 and uncropped oversampled 4k120p. Unless you really need active cooling and need to shoot in ultra low light, the G9ii is probably the best value camera on the market.

[@JurassicTrance]

6k60 at what aspect ratio? Better than the BMDCC6K FF?

[@Wildridefilms]

@@JurassicTrance 16:9. Better in terms of frame rates vs the BMCC6K. Low light and DR will be better on the BMCC6K.

[@hegelsholiday1981]

Your camera summaries are remarkably spot on and useful. Looking forward to more videos.

[@EricShaquille]

Thanks bro! This one was a lot more work than I anticipated, so I appreciate the feedback!

[@yhcold]

Best video I’ve seen, and I’ve watched over 16 hours of camera research videos

[@EricShaquille]

Thank you sir! Appreciate the feedback!

[@4EverBergen]

How about the Nikon z8? Its under 4000,- It's has great video specs too.

[@KenFlanagan]

You had me at hello. Officially my new favourite youtuber. I know he is a real person too. Fact stacked and charmingly presented. Maybe nothing new that those seriously looking didnt probably know already but you have to love those comparison tables and this is probably the most comprehensive comparative review especially given parts 1 and 2 considered together. Simply a must view video. Excellent in every way. A couple of things to note maybe. Panasonjc BS1H though lack of autofocus has everyone waiting for mark ii maybe. Everyone seems more than happy with S5iix. Something worth noting too in general is maybe the Mavo S35ii and a second hand c300ii. That said show me these cameras rigged and ready in a pro set up and the stress testing really begins to show who brought the rainproof jacket. On a gimbal on the shoulder or or on tripod might be another video but the combo of auto focus, low light options and a solid evf makes the Sony A7siii still an amazingly practical camera though we all know why the fx3 is preferred. Fantastically entertaining and enjoyable romp through the many options. Thx

[@EricShaquille]

Thanks man! That's high praise! There are so many great camera options out there right now it was hard to get ALL of them into these 2 videos. A7Siii is almost underrated at this point because it seems like EVERYONE just owns an FX3 on here lol. I can't wait to see what Panasonic does next, I'm really hoping for an EVA 2 sometime soon. It's got all the makings of a landmark camera and we really need another company out there pushing Sony to continue innovating because it seems like they are starting to run away with the prosumer market.

[@ScreenFiends]

Fantastic video, there's a lot of bias that sneaks into many KZbin videos but this was very unbiased and fact based. Also made me feel better about my Lumix S5II purchase as I was kind of pining for the S5IIX model, I'm a pro shooter and based my choice on the fact I rarerly ever used bit rates higher than 150mbps or All-I codecs as the investment in memory goes up quite a bit while the benefits to the footage are fairly negligble. As a shooter for 15 years, even I still succumb to the marketing machine.Haha

[@EricShaquille]

Thanks for the feedback! I would feel different if the S5iiX had a CFExpress-B slot to allow for internal Prores, like the GH6. I just feel like if you're going to make me rig my camera for a better codec, I'd rather just invest in shooting RAW and the original S5ii can do that at a cheaper cost at this point.

[@leafcatcherstudio]

You might want to add the G9II to your list. Phase detection autofocus, dynamic range boost is automatically on and starts at a lower ISO, the GH6’s streaking issue isn’t a problem, and it has the best IBIS performance of Panasonic’s cameras. However, it doesn’t have a fan to deal with extreme heat, doesn’t have the flip-tilt combo screen, some people would’ve preferred a different body design, and is priced a bit too high.

[@EricShaquille]

The main reason I didn't include it is because the S5ii is somehow cheaper at this point. I got excited when I saw there was a essentially a M4/3 version of the S5ii coming out, then it came in at almost the same price and all that excitement went out the window. It's a great option if you're already invested in M4/3 glass but I just feel like all that talk of micro four-thirds being a dying format is finally coming to fruition.

[@leafcatcherstudio]

@@EricShaquille I feel similarly. If the dynamic range was a little bit better it would be more palatable, but it can’t quite compare to their S line of cameras in terms of handling less controlled situations out in the world. I’m waiting to see what a GH7 or GH7S might offer before I buy another MFT camera or switch to full frame. It may be enough for other MFT users, though, and I suspect that it will see the recurring discounts that the S5II and others cameras get. It’s actually $500 off right now at B&H with a trade-in deal ($500 + trade in value of a camera).

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

@@EricShaquille When Lumix shows the next S1H with specs like the G9-II (4k120p, PDAF, 6k60p, open gate or something better) it will be most likely closer to $4000. The S5-II is more like the FF entry level hybrid camera that is not directly targeted on film making. No OLPF, slow readout, better codecs with SSD only. It is just the best they have right now. Kind of like the G9-II, that is also targeted to the hybrid shooter and as soon as this sensor is going into a GH6-II or GH7 we can see how Lumix differentiates between hybrid and film making. They are right now in transition into a new phase and it will take a while until all models have the new PDAF sensors.

[@dami4944]

although this is a pure video focused review this is a video I would recomend to photographers.

[@EricShaquille]

I feel like photographers would attack mefor not talking enough about burst rate and megapixels and... other photography things lol. Appreciate the feedback though!

[@JBanksPhotography]

Dude you are hilarious!😂😂. Seriously though this is one of the most entertaining and informative videos I’ve watched. Great job man!

[@EricShaquille]

This comment made my day! Thanks dude!

[@rleeshutter]

Greatly entertaining, and info-packed video. Thumbs UP!

[@EricShaquille]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CyclopsJoeVideos]

Great video man , new subscriber

[@gooddoor699]

what a video. helped me made a decision on my camera thank you!!

[@EricShaquille]

Glad I could help!

[@rosbiffy]

Excellent breakdown of what's on the market for video. I sold my two GH5's to invest in a Sony A7Siii and A7iv. I agree that for budget video the GH5 is a great place to start despite the autofocus being unusable and the poor low light performance especially above ISO 1600. Panasonics lenses are cheap and mediocre. And my rushes always had a green cast. The Sony's changed my workflow. Reliable AF means that use with a gimbal is stress free compared to the GH5. Plus, Sony glass is so very overpriced. I did mix Sony with Pana but my clients all complained about matching the colour and the difference in image quality. Excellent video. Look forward to more...

[@jul-ainahamajad5567]

I wanna get the fx3 now! Thank you for this review!

[@EricShaquille]

Happy to help! 😀

[@tankerbruja]

s5iix/g9ii can also shoot braw as well. g9ii is not to be slept on, it is basically a mini s5iix w/o the fan but with lumix excellent thermals that won't overheat apart from the most extreme conditions. both of them also have dual gain ISO, which are some of the only cameras under 2k that have this. and for my needs, the best autofocus.(going toe to toe w/ sony/canon i have used before)

[@connornyhan]

Looking at the spec sheet of the Pocket + new Full Frame Blackmagic makes me feel better about my 4K

[@EricShaquille]

I agree. Blackmagic really changed the video landscape with it in 2019 and has been pretty stagnant ever since

[@kingcutttt]

I like to refer to Lumix cameras as Cinema Hybrids

[@EricShaquille]

They seriously are! Their next camera really has the potential to shake up the market!

[@DAVE_WHITE]

I bought a d3 last week love it I also have a a6000 and canon r6

[@EricShaquille]

Ive never heard of someone owning a Nikon, Canon, and Sony before. You're a Fuji and a Lumix away from uniting the camera world!

[@DAVE_WHITE]

@aquille little old a6000 for those light travel days can stick in pocket and go, the Canon R6 is my bread and butter for motocross and wildlife and 90% of my other shooting, the D3 with the grand 70-200 f 2.8 or the 50mm 1.8 also comes into play as back up for the motocross and other shooting, no matter where I go I have a back up set up in the car or on me in case needed.. I still love the d3 files for those Nikon colors and the Size and ease to edit and export.. I also can stick the R6 on a tripod on a corner and record video of motocross while shooting the action with the D3.

[@slglasius]

nice vid, very complete, fuji shooter here. x-s20 and x-t5 are also interesting offerings. 4 downsides also for the newer bodies. 1. AF has pulsing still, allthough a lot less on the newest body. 2. Native lenses MF is shit, jitters and lagsssss. No parfocal lenses? 3. lowlight is not the best, not the worst either. 4. Ibis fine for stills or honding still, would accept less stops if it was more usable for video. for my (hybrid) usecase: Fuji: Opengate, all the options/ codecs/ colors great photo's, hard to find at that pricepoint, only panasonic looks like an alternative, but the sensor is on the slow side. Low light is better on the panasonic, great ibis.... It is fucking big, same for the lenses. I am split. Both cheap, decent lens selection (not the best). If Sony would give us more features, opengate on more bodies, higher bit rates, also on the cheaper bodies... They would even make this a lot harder :D

[@EricShaquille]

Honeslty, Fuji was the hardest brand for me to do an overview of. I had never really looked into them until the Xh2s because I always affiliated them with photography and to this day they're the only brand I have no experience with. I included them because I felt like it would be a disservice to exclude them from the conversation because they really are putting out some fantastic cameras these days. Easily the best hybrid APS-C cameras on the market.

[@deivytrajan]

Buying new can actually save momey. Cameras + lens cost a lot less than buying camera and lens seperately. I got s5iix + 20-60mm, 50mm and 85mm for just £2389. If I bought all of that seperately, I would had to pay close to £4000. So yes, buying used can actually cost you more

[@Shuttterbugg]

My gh5 is amazing and I wanted the gh6 but the s52x is amazing though

[@soybido]

I'm deciding between the fx30 and the GH5 II, I've been saving up to buy the fx30 but I'm nowhere near yeat but I have the money to buy the GH5 II. I think I can get the same value with GH5 II but a cheaper price than the fx30, what do you think?

[@EricShaquille]

That REALLY depends on what you need/want the camera to do. If you're doing narrative, commercial, or music video type of projects, where you have time to plan/light your shots, the GH5ii absolutely holds it's own(and sometimes outperforms) the FX30. But in fast paced, uncontrolled environments like documentary, or wedding films the autofocus and lowlight performance is going make your life much easier with an FX30.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

If you do hand hold run&gun without a gimbal, the GH5-II is better. If you need good AF, it's the FX-30. If you need both, look for the G9-II. It's really amazing what this camera can do with IBIS + e-stabilization. It also is important to look for the full cost of the system including lenses and other stuff.

[@connornyhan]

I think Sony went from having the not good color in the A7ii and A7iii to an extent to the A7Siii onwards having the best color science in the prosumer/consumer market.

[@Shuttterbugg]

Ome last thing your probably not gonna mention bmpc4k 6kg2 or 6kff but I think the image is the bedt period and they are actual cinema cameras witb there features..and u can. Get a bmpcc4k for cheap now I could csre less about autofocus for youtube or what I use it for

[@ruff1draft]

To be honest when it comes to the Sony A74 I see it as a Super 35mm camera with Full Frame photography capabilities.

[@EricShaquille]

Thats a brilliant way of looking at it. It's Super 35 mode solves pretty much every problem I have with it.

[@Hassanakora]

On which website i can find used camera?

[@EricShaquille]

You're generally going to find the best deals on ebay, if you ever have any issues they almost always side with the buyer. If you need the piece of mind of buying through a more reputable company, B&H and Adorama have fantastic used selections that sometimes get close to those ebay prices.

[@aidandimness8256]

"Sony regarded as having a lower-tier color science" ? Why cinematographers in Hollywood lately say that the cinema line from the fx30 (including a7cii, a7siii, a 9iii) to the venice and burano are the best color sciences along with Arri in terms of organic look and creative input. I think you should specify that the a7iii series onwards are the ones that have the least color treatment, what Sony has has is worse color science is from the past, today it is one of the best.

[@rogue0192]

Seriously crazy that BM hasn't made a box cinema camera yet given the demand

[@EricShaquille]

So many people just waiting to give them money, yet they refuse. I seriously hope their next camera isn't a full frame sensor inside the exact same Ursa body they've been using for 9 years, but I'm not exactly optimistic.

[@rogue0192]

@@EricShaquille yeah exactly, same pattern with both the Ursa and the pocket line. We'll see what happens I guess

[@LukasStumpf]

That's why I sadly sold my Ursa 12K ...@@EricShaquille

[@TheFuturist10]

sony most lens option? so what about canon? kek

[@ahtur364]

And what about Nikon Z8? 4k Usd

[@EricShaquille]

I don't know much about Nikon, if I'm being perfectly honest. I love that they challenged REDs internal RAW patent and won. On the outside just looking at the specs of the Z8 it looks like it a direct competitor to the Canon R5C, a theoretical "perfect" hybrid camera. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWrFlJymbNKNp68 These guys actually used it and compared it against competitors so you're definitely going to get a better understanding of it's place in the market with this video, rather than me hastily trying to form an opinion.

[@droneview-Berlin]

Fuji XT-4 has dual-ISO

[@EricShaquille]

I couldn't find confirmation on that anywhere I looked. If it does have dual native ISO it would've been wise for Fuji to advertise it as such

[@droneview-Berlin]

@@EricShaquille Its 640 and 2000. Quite some videos on this topic here on YT and Fuji Forums. Why they dont advertise this is a reasonable question but unanswered.

[@Coppersulfate9009]

great video but it isn't really a budgit camera video when all of the cameras here are all top of the line the most expensive it can get lol

[@EricShaquille]

I start with the higher end cameras but do give budget alternatives. I do only talk about 3 cameras below 1k, so you have a point.

[@mbismbismb]

sounds like a sony ads *yawn and attack canon

[@deivytrajan]

Where is Sony????

[@kelvinsakala]

lol

[@mbismbismb]

second best AF? hahaha

[@MrBubinski777]

or you could just get a Nikon z8 and have the best camera on the planet.

[@Shuttterbugg]

Sony has a too much digital look. Idc what anyone says and u cnst fix that in post at all, I love panasonic for video I'm gonna get the s52x f everything else maybe the fuji sh2s

[@deathspawn54]

Sony doesn't have the best low light or auto focus, but okay 😅

[@EricShaquille]

Which brands do it better?