The Perfect Camera for YOUR Filmmaking Career Under $1500

In this video, I talk about the best camera you can buy for your pro video career under $1500. When I bought my first budget cinema camera, it led to the paying work I have in professional video now, and provided me a sense of autonomy, so I felt this was an important video to make.
BEST CAMERAS UNDER $1500:
Best Practical Camera: amzn.to/3PAeIMG
Best Cinema Camera: amzn.to/3FArGFD
Budget Full-Frame Cinema Camera: amzn.to/3YzscMv
Budget Full-Frame Cinema Camera #2 (on sale): amzn.to/3BGNgqz
GEAR MENTIONED:
External Recorder: amzn.to/3YsWLUp
SSD: amzn.to/3j888kd
GEAR I FILMED THIS VIDEO WITH:
A-cam: amzn.to/3YvZj3X
B-cam: amzn.to/3jdQdc2
Lens: amzn.to/3jbEB9l
Key Light: amzn.to/3HLOuVl
RGB Pocket Light #1: amzn.to/3hv9TaZ
RGB Pocket Light #2: amzn.to/3PBOGZf
Shotgun Microphone: amzn.to/3Yt0FN3
Wireless Lav Mics: amzn.to/3PBP1et
0:00 - 0:56: Who this video is for
0:56 - 1:17: Introducing the cameras
1:17 - 1:27: What determines the best camera for you
1:27 - 1:57: The two main types of pro video work
1:57 - 3:12: The best camera for autofocus
3:12 - 3:34: Why pick a camera without autofocus?
3:34 - 3:47: Camera with the best image quality
3:47 - 4:25: Film jobs where you need the best image quality
4:25 - 5:59: What determines superior image quality
5:59 - 6:11: Why I'm not recommending Sony cameras
6:11 - 6:55: Why this camera has the best image for the price
6:55 - 8:54: Full-frame camera options & why you might need one
8:54 - 9:47: Do you need photography in your video camera?
9:47 - 10:08: Two hybrid cinema cameras - the perfect middle ground?
10:08 - 12:18: Cons of these cameras
12:18 - 12:51: How to save money choosing the right camera
12:51 - 14:19: My recommendation
14:19 - 14:31: Which camera do you like best?

[@willschwerd6034]

Finally a video that really breaks down the facts really clearly. This is so helpful, thanks man!! Keep em coming

[@Scriptshepherd]

Thanks boss!!

[@RelixMag]

We'll be picking up some R7s for run and gun work, thanks for the recs!

[@Scriptshepherd]

😯you guys are legends. Thank you for commenting!!

[@tarheelace]

Excellent. Smart stuff.

[@chitranshutapas]

Great video!!!

[@Scriptshepherd]

Thank you!

[@marinrealestatephotography]

Nice video, Ehud. For those leaning towards a Panasonic S5 (original version), they MIGHT want to look at at a used Panasonic S1, which as of mid-July, 2023, can be had in excellent condition for around US $1,000. Both cameras are pretty similar. The advantages of the S1 over the S5 is that it does offer 6K recording internally (with a 15-minute time limit) at 24fps and 30fps. The S5 is unfortunately limited to 5K recording internally (called, oddly enough, 6K Photo Mode), which is also limited to 15-minutes, and unfortunately also only limited to 30fps (no 24fps). The autofocus performance is (theoretically) the same on both models, although the AF is only contrast-detect, so lags behind Sony, Canon, and propbably Nikon, too. (For those wondering, as of July 2023, only the Panasonic S5 II / S5 IIX have the much-improved Phase Detect AF). And sicne the autofocus on the S5 and S1 are so quesionable, having a higher resolution LCD and EVF is very helpful for making sure your shot is in focus. Another benefit of the S1 is that it has unlimited 4K 10-bit at 24 or 30fps, while the S5 is limited to 30-minutes in 4K 10-bit. (The original S5 does have unlimited 4K 8-bit though.) The S1 also has slightly better IBIS than the original S5, too. On the other hand, the S5 is smaller, noticably lighter, and has the flip-out screen (the S1 screen basically tilts up, and slightly down, and angles a little bit to the right.) So for tripod work or handheld work, I prefer the S1, while I find the S5 with it's lighter weight and fully articulating screen is better on a gimbal. Unfortunately, both those cameras suffer from HDMI lag, which is a bummer becaus you are probably going to have to rely on manual focus a lot with either one, and that is made tougher by the significant HDMI lag (and the S5 only has a micro HDMI port, while the S1 has the full size HDMI port).

[@Scriptshepherd]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information about these cameras! Both great options. It's amazing what you can get used for $1k.

[@dukebozikowski3801]

You could also get a used x-t3 ($800) and then a ninja v ($500-$600) if you want a hybrid setup with serious video capabilities. GH5 or GH5s used is also a great option for cheap. But BMPCC4K is unrivaled at this price for the ease of use and quality. Save up for an fx30 or Fuji xh2 if you want AF and a good codec. The Lumix s5 with a blackmagic video assist is an incredible cinema value if you want full frame!

[@Scriptshepherd]

I agree. If one's able to spend more than $1500 on a camera, the FX30 is the best all-around camera, if you don't need photography.

[@adeloyearts205]

I was gonna say. The obvious choice for me is an s5 with a basic monitor. As a sigma fp user, the s5 is a better value for money especially on a used market. The only advantage I can think of right now is sigma fp having EL zones. If someone has 1500 to spear, I would say get an s5 for 850, portkeys for about 200 and get a follow focus for 200 and a cage for 150. With the sigma, if you don't want to break your neck, you're gonna need a monitor and a cage as well. Saving up for a s52x because it's everything the sigma is, while adding auto focus and best in class stabilisation and a much better noise floor. And I swear the pain to get good audio out of this camera nearly drove me insane

[@adeloyearts205]

The only two main reasons for s52x is because of external recording to SSD. The cost of those media card is enough to cover the cost between it and the s52 and then you also get access to other recording modes. I'm sure EL zones will make their way to these camera as well. Far better than IR values

[@dukebozikowski3801]

@@adeloyearts205 If you get a small HD monitor you can use the EL Zone system. I would rather just make my own EL Zone system as a Lut in Resolve using the documented IRE to stop values that way I could buy the BMD Video assist and have the option to record Raw!

[@adeloyearts205]

@Duke Bozikowski small HDd are fairly expensive tbf but I might give your advice a shot actually. Good thinking. Any advice on where to start?

[@sfrank7799]

This is making me want to buy a new camera

[@Scriptshepherd]

😂tired of your Sony already?