What (filmmaking) camera to buy in 2025

[@jakehayden998]

I forgot two things: 1. The Canon C200 is mega affordable and capable. As long as you’re okay with either 8-bit or 12-bit (no 10-bit), this thing is absolutely killer 2. NIKON! I completely forgot about Nikon. Admittedly I don’t know if I’ve ever used a Nikon camera (I plan on changing that this year) but I’m sure there’s some good Nikon camera deals out there to find. Looks like you can buy a Z8 for right around $3k used 👀

[@Ford12345]

Very glad you mentioned Nikon, the z series are incredible for filmmaking and they keep trickling down flagship features into their cheaper bodies ie the z6iii does 6k 60 fps full frame internal 12 bit raw in two flavors with incredible autofocus for $ 2, 400. Plus there are the New free Luts engineered by Red that get you looking pretty close to a red Camera. Seriously those luts made matching the nikon system to the red system a breeze. and it has a flippy screen.

[@Ford12345]

oh and the viewfinder is incredible.

[@snak4716]

the original s5 doesn't do open gate, just a heads up

[@ricardobirnbaum]

C200, now that storage has gone down in price… it makes a lot of sense.

[@LiveMyJourneyTom]

@@snak4716there is sort of a workaround if you shoot in 6K photo mode but this is locked to 30 fps and possibly only 4.2.0

[@saburtierney]

ayyyyy my Gh5 on ebay got featured in the video!!! Honestly the gh5 and gh6 for me are endgame. Having used the bmpcc 6k, the sony A7 series, and even some ursas I just really like the color science and ease of use.

[@jakehayden998]

haha Somebody buy this man’s GH5

[@adeladam2325]

Could I just say as someone who has been here since the beginning, it's been really amazing seeing your channel grow so large so fast. I think the secret is that you just make great content and know what you're talking about and deliver everything with immaculate vibes. Cheers to an even more successful 2025!

[@RossRadcliffe]

The Panasonic EVA was such a underrated camera. I used it a ton 5-6 years ago. Definitely would love to see you review it and how it holds up today.

[@jakehayden998]

Hopefully in next couple of months! I can’t wait to try it out

[@the_black_douglas9041]

@@jakehayden998 two of my other favourite channels, Ed Prosser and Media Division, have also done long term reviews on the EVA-1, and I’ve long considered getting a used one. Would be intrigued to hear your insights!

[@noBfilm]

EVA1 could have been a little sucssess next to canon c300 / FS7. i like the picture out of it, but i think they fucked up the camera with the monitor, like they saved 20 bucks in production to deliver this camera with such a dimm monitor, its sometimes hard to use for inside. dont talk for outside shooting. within month when this camera was new, every DP who took it from rental was like "WTF??!!! - NEVER EVER AGAIN!!!" and took the FS7 again.

[@ev7690]

Former EVA1 owner/operator here. I fully support this. I upgraded from the EVA! to the Canon C400. It still holds up to new cameras released in 2024.

[@theryanthomas]

I almost went EVA1 before my C200 a few years ago. Really promising little thing from Panny but my C200 never let me down so I can't complain!

[@VincentFeyiz]

Love to watch your videos. Last Video "What cameras to buy in 2024 (used)" was a tiny bit better, cause of the Notes-List, made things easier to overlook. Otherwise, great video :)!

[@EastonOliver]

bought a Venice this year and i keep watching the used prices fall. 15-20k. if you’re looking at an FX9 or burano, take a HARD look at the used Venice 1 market. It’ll probably keep falling this year and be the most insane value for dollar camera.

[@ThePROWIRCmethod]

Happy New year Jake! Keep up the great work!!❤

[@robocoontv3245]

After I used bigger cameras I bought a GH5 in 2017 for freelancing stuff and I still using it. I also work for a company where we use the Ursa mini 4k for Studio work and the GH7 for all the other things and this thing is awesome. About the S5 topic, the second versions have more features but in my opinion the look of the first S5 is more organic. The EVA1 has the ability to shoot infrared!!!

[@the_black_douglas9041]

Yes, upvoting the image on the S5 as slightly better than on the S5ii/X. Same sensor, but it seems design tweaks to get PDAF may have had a hand in this. Not much difference, but it’s there.

[@Studiotek]

@@the_black_douglas9041 Yes, PDAF takes up space on the sensor, so IQ will always take a hit. It is actually the reason that Panasonic held off so long on adding it to their cameras.

[@timothyinfocus]

Fujifilm XH1 user here! This camera provides great value for the price of around $800. You get Dual Card Slots, IBIS, great colors, and more. It has its draw backs AF is not great, battery life could be better, but in its price range I believe its unmatched.

[@DanC-r2w]

But it's only 8 bit video on the X-H1. BEAUTIFUL images if you're a stills shooter!! Gorgeous Fuji colour science! But 8 bit video is a deal breaker if you plan to use this cam for any pro work, that's why I sold mine.

[@timothyinfocus]

@@DanC-r2w that’s also a very fair criticism. I do professional video work and to the average client it really isn’t the end all (at least on the projects I’m working on). You can absolutely still deliver a beautiful product in the end but the limitations are there. I’m considering upgrading to the XH2S this year.

[@noBfilm]

did use the XH1 over years, love the body, form factor but: - you need the battery grip to get MIC + Headphone plugs - just 8 bit - the Lumix S5 is simply the much much better camera for the same price used (if not cheaper). im not talking about full frame sensor (im shooting just APSC) - but everything else. the XH1 is a much much more value photo camera speaking from the body. its fantastic! i think its a perfect value photo camera for photographers who needs APSC sensors.

[@slekovideoproductions3664]

Great Video!

[@patozmanov]

missed Sony zv-e1- great video

[@jakehayden998]

Oh that’s true, I completely forgot about the ZV-E1

[@ChilledFilms]

I bought an FS7 when I left an agency and went freelance, insane camera and still used in industry and you can get it so cheap. It's amazing! Built in NDs! Incredible image quality and build quality are the best

[@dannypgrizzle]

This video spooks me, to hear somebody talking about the GH5 like it is a camera from their childhood. Still a daily driver for me. BTW - the big improvement on the GH7 is autofocus.

[@jakehayden998]

It’s really bizarre, I know. It feels like it was yesterday when everyone was arguing about the A7iii vs GH5 vs EOS R

[@hell-bentfpv]

I just got an URSA Mini Pro 4.6k G2 on an absolutely insane deal and I'm so happy with it. Produces an amazing image (provided you've got enough light), is an absolute pleasure to shoot with, and the workflow for BRAW is incredible (coming over from Sony). The Broadcast G2 was what I was really after, but when the 4.6k G2 basically fell into my lap I couldnt say no 🤣 Got the camera (mint condition), EVF, shoulder kit, and the SSD recorder module, plus a couple of 512GB CFast cards, all for the equivalent of less than $2000 USD. Almost everything works 100% (there's a singe dead pixel on the edge of the EVF), and there's not so much as a scratch on it. I think the seller just had it priced as a regular 4.6k and didn't know any better because it was a corporate sell-off...

[@iwsfilm_]

I got mine two years ago for 3.5k AUD. Blackmagic cams don’t hold their value at all in the second hand market which is great if you’re out hunting for a deal. I’ve been watching a guy in my area try to sell his Ursa for 5.5k AUD. Like bro, it ain’t happening!

[@mikoajzeman3]

My recent object of intrests: You can grab a Sony F55 for like 1300$. 4k xavc, 4k raw 16bit (with the R5 module) at crazy framerates, global shutter, same shitty cards as the alexa classic, internal nd, great evf, alllll the IO you would ever want. The F5 (700$) is also really cool, same epic body, just a worse sensor (same as fs7 but with better processing) and a bit lower resolution. Ive reaearched them quite a bit recently: Pros: - (f55 only) GLOBAL SHUTTER YEEE - epic body style, with arri styled settings screen, built like a tank, 2kg body - amaaazin IO - INTERNAL ND - V-lock mount - very good evf - sturdy mount - low power draw - 2 x full xlr with phantom Cons: - kinda old - the FZ mount is cool, but you have to find an adapter for that. No E mount option here - ridicolously expensive SxS Pro+ cards are needed for the internal formats, and if you want raw... Oh boy; - the raw module is 500$ and takes AXS-M cards (some are like 1k+ a piece) then you also need a reader which is also another 1k+. If you dont want to shoot raw, id say go for it, i won an auctuon for like 1550$ recently for the 55 (2100 hours) with an evf and one SxS, which is wayyyy better than what an fx6 is gonna set you back.

[@noBfilm]

+++ think the same. very good camera i used to shoot a lot with the sony F3 back then, the FZ Mount was always a pain in the ass when you need to work with photo lenses, because you need this electronic adapters, and these adapters are a story by its own. unless you are a camera nerd, have the time and nerves to search your own used gear over ebay and build a killer bad ass camera for your own shortfilm, just dont do it! its a cinema camera, that needs an AC and knowledge. its not a camera for an single owner / operator if you need to move fast. its the same with the alexa - like you can buy it for 3000, but you need the tripod, batteries, the cards, the infrastructure to get all the gear quick from point A to B and ready to shoot. like shooting outside in cold winter days? you need 20kg of batteries just to be able to shoot more than 6 hours.... its like using an analogue 4x10" camera - yea, its amazing, you will get amazing results when shooting portraits / landscapes. would you take it to do sport photography at the olympic games? im not saying that its a bad move to buy one in 2025 - depending on your project it is maybe not. most of the time it is.

[@DesignedbyKirk]

Still loving my Ursa G2, can’t wait for the Ursa G2

[@nicklaytonUK]

This is a really super helpful video and thanks for putting together. It does make we wonder though - with all the cameras listed here, you really can't go wrong with any of them and that in turn makes me think that these have more in common (the sensor really I am thinking) than not (ergonomics - which are of course, incredibly important too). There are other similar videos to yours where a chap goes and films the same scene with Arri, Sony and whatnots, and then sits in front of the footage and sometimes guesses that the Sony footage is the Arri. It's an interesting time and yes, the second hand market particular for stuff like good quality EF glass is insane.

[@andrew_nayes]

Great list. Just a little nitpicking: a grey market is not the same as a used market, pre-owned Ebay is not grey market. A grey market is new products sold in a market that the company did not intend. Because of market segmentation companies sell their products at different prices on different markets, a grey market is selling a new product intended for another market. Say, a camera costs 600$ in one market and 400$ in another market, then someone imports the 400$camera to the 600$market and sells it for 450$ then they are selling the camera in a "grey market". Not used, but brand new.

[@colemowery]

FS5 isn't really worth it, it's only 8 bit, but the fs7 kicks ass. that's my #1 recommendation to anyone

[@WildTales-channel]

Very interesting! That alexa classic🔥

[@invisibleadversary]

I hope the next iteration of the FX3 is essentially a smaller C80.

[@Filmmaking-on-a-budget]

@invisibleadversary You want to stay in the Sony ecosystem while desiring the Canon C80 Features?

[@invisibleadversary]

@@Filmmaking-on-a-budget Want it smaller and to stay in the Sony ecosystem. Really just want 6k and internal NDs in the FX3 form factor.

[@rokoraguz5459]

I got a great deal for the S5ii during black friday and with a christmas bonus i got it with 3 lenses (the 50, 85 and 20-80) for 1600 euros :D

[@LiveMyJourneyTom]

Sigma FP is quite an interesting option for someone looking for either a compact or modular system. Nikon Z8 is fantastic spec wise. Great frame rates and resolutions and unlike R5II it can downsample to 4K60. The rolling shutter performance is pretty epic too.

[@coastmale]

If I recall correctly you used the xh2s mainly with fuji first party lenses. If so that might explain the "digital" look you're talking about. The sharpness of the sensor paired with vintage lenses makes it pop and look much more organic. I've found that Fuji's sharpness is not digital looking. Its not processed, there's no softening of skin that the previous cameras had, there's no smearing, theres no temporal noise reduction because you can turn it off, unlike the FX3 and FX30 which honestly look far more digital mainly because of that. Unless you shoot raw in the FX3 and FX30 you cannot turn off the temporal noise reduction which really ruins the image and has ghosting. Not so much in base ISO but definitely significant in second native ISO. You set the fuji to 12800 and it will not have this issue, meaning a less processed image. It will definitely not look as good in terms of stills but in terms of motion picture id much rather have that noisy mess that has no temporal noise reduction that introduces ghotsing over the alternative.

[@starterpvck2043]

Folks also take a look at the ZCam E2 S6 or F6, amazing super 35/ Full frame 6k camera that is adaptable from EF to PL, E and MFT. Not to mention its 10 bit native, but can shoot 12 bit and B-raw with external monitors and its own internal Z-raw codec or all kinds of flavours of Pro-res. Seriously an amazing buy on the used market. Oh... and its a box style camera ;)

[@Studiotek]

Yes! Can't wait for ZCam to come out with some new cutting edge cameras too! I hope it happens soon. Also, don't forget Kinefinity! Also amazing cine cams!

[@noahyv]

Yuck I had one and the image processing is quite bad and they can't seem to figure out what they're doing with their LUTs. Easily one of the worst 10bit imx410 cameras in a world with lots of imx410 cameras. Wish they could just fix the issues since their streaming/remote control and framerates are better than most cameras with the same sensor.

[@starterpvck2043]

@@Studiotek Kinefinity’s are great as well!

[@starterpvck2043]

@@noahyv Never had any issues, hopefully you find a cam that works for you. Zcam works perfectly for my needs, gives me phenomenal image quality at an affordable price, lens options, rig ability and amazing natural looking colour.

[@Studiotek]

@@noahyv Really? Which one did you have? I always thought their image quality was amazing. There's just something about it where the movement looks so cinematic, no matter what. Did you have the S35 or FF version? Also, what do you mean by LUTS? You mean in post, right?

[@trewertrewertrewertr]

Your issue with XH2s sharpness / “digital” look is easily addressed with Mid/detail slider in Resolve and/or diffusion filters / Scatter plugin. The Fuji sharpness atleast is real sharpness and not digitally added sharpness, which can be useful for some work like product video, and great for getting 24MP stills out of 6K footage. Removing sharpness is easy, but it’s much harder to go the other way around and make softer footage look sharp. Once you do take down the sharpness, the Fuji image nails the filmic color science/feeling better than any other camera I’ve used. But of course, would love for them to also make it tunable by the user by adding something like a video version of the clarity option in photo mode on Fuji cameras.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks, one note RED is now owned by NIKON and the future of RED is uncertain. Some claim Nikon will keep the RED line and support. Others claim that Nikon is building a new camera using RED technology... That is why I would not go for RED at this time.

[@at-tn]

what about the alexa xt and sxt

[@arantesFilms]

I love Fuji Colors (XH2s owner) but I have also Panasonic S5ii. Had previously Canon and Sony and in terms of colour (Eterna or Flog II) I don’t like other’s brands. I have to agree that the image is a bit sharp for my taste but other than AF you get a lot of codecs to choose from. Maybe one day I’ll pick a cinema camera (like Blackmagic Ursa) 😀😀😀

[@timothyinfocus]

Hey! I'm an XH1 user and I love the colors and the way the image comes out. It can be a little sharp but there are plenty of settings to get the image you want. Glad to see another Fuji user in the chat.

[@arantesFilms]

@@timothyinfocusyeah. 👍

[@RiceCubeTech]

You should look at external recording to raw. Definitely helps with the over sharpening as it’s usually removed when externally recording to a raw codec

[@trym2121]

Use Flog2c. That's less angry sharp mode

[@arantesFilms]

@ When I shoot in log I use Flog2C. Awesome

[@BrandonLR]

No Z CAM?

[@andyz_w3584]

great! thank you for your insight Bro.

[@bedenegative]

I think the s5 og doesnt have open gate. The ii and iix and s1 do though.

[@emmetkowler]

Blackmagic just dropped the price on the BMPCC 4k to $995 (on B&H at least)

[@WailRamla]

what is your thoughts on the Kinefinity MAVO mark2 6K S35

[@jakehayden998]

I’ve never used any Kinefinity cameras but I would love to! Maybe I’ll try and get one into the studio this year

[@RiceCubeTech]

If you want to shoot 8K A1s go for like $4000 uses if you’re lucky. Has all the same specs as the A7SIII + the 8K, imo slightly better image as well due to the much finer noise. Ever so slightly prefer the color rendering on my A1 than my old A7SIII I sold to buy the used A1. Also if you’re a hybrid shooter, excellent top of the line stills as well. Still very few cameras that can do 50MP images at 30fps. Just take the camera as it is though. Next to no software updates, poor external raw recording due to it not supporting 8k external. Only binned 4k if I’m not mistaken. But coupled with the XLR accessory could be cool!

[@benbashor6848]

Random specific question: Can the Ursa Broadcast G2 dual record to both CFAST cards? Love the vids man✌🏼

[@Kevin-rg2xj]

I would love to see a review of the canon eos m with magic lantern.

[@jakehayden998]

Yeah this is a video I’ve been wanting to make for a while. Hopefully sometime soon

[@k3lash174]

Nikon! :D

[@rikkiekhrist6823]

im sure you meant internally but i have been shooting BRAW on the xh2s through the blackmagic video assist and the footage comes out incredible. if you dont mind using the video assists its a good option

[@jakehayden998]

I would love to try that out, maybe I’ll look into revisiting the XH2S this year and doing another video + the video assist

[@rikkiekhrist6823]

@@jakehayden998 also welcome to the ursa broadcast G2 club, such a slept on cam

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

Forgot about the a7siii, still an amazing camera

[@jakehayden998]

Especially now with that new price, makes me want one

[@FIRUFILMS]

I have the Blackmagic Cinema Camera MFT 2.5K almost new for $500 and is Cinema DNG RAW 12 bits is amazing, soon will be have the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K Super 35mm Global Shutter by $600 is amazing

[@LiveMyJourneyTom]

I’ve had both and they are still relevant… ish. 2.5K suffers from horrible moire just like the bmpcc og. Also a large amount of the cameras on the market will suffer form the dreaded banding interference. 4K Production produces a beautiful image and the global shutter is a nice bonus but the highlight roll off and artefacts are pretty horrific.

[@rockinromanphoto]

Sony Zv-E1 is a great buy for $1700

[@sirfrankhall]

Totally, I’m happy with mine! Just buy a fan and you’ll be fine for everything.

[@trym2121]

You missed zv e10ii

[@tomwoolfenden7679]

I’m a film student as was originally set on getting the 6k g2 or something in that line but have been kind of swayed by the fx30. I want a camera that I could do coursework and short films/docs and have some footage that would be good to teach myself to grade with as well as do some advert work for some small businesses/clients that I would be solo operating the camera on but would also like something that I could possibly strip down and take on trips to film little travel videos on but am struggling to make my mind up. My budget is around the cost of either the 6k g2 or fx30 and was hoping if someone could help me decide which one to go for or if there’s a different camera entirely I should go for. Thanks :)

[@dangerrayy]

Ive heard good things about the fx30. I heard that the noise it produces looks filmic. Nanomorph anamorphic looks like a sweet setup. G2 is a good camera. Looks silly with small lenses. A beautiful image and BRAW in davinci is great for my slowish computer. The sony i think is good to run around doing student work and not drawing to much attention. I would be slightly more tempted by that. I run a canon 17-55 2.8 on the bmpcc6k pro. Its nice to have a stabilized lens and great picture. Big setup but still run and gun. Not great build quality on that lens though

[@iamzr81]

The original S5 does not have "Open gate" recording.

[@SnackIsAName]

the s5 mk1 doesn't have open gate

[@suprroparis4996]

SOULARD on your sweater means DRUNKEN. Regarding the video, as a 6K Pro owner, I can only recommend it :) But if you're looking for a second hand camera, I'd say RED cameras for sure considering how cheap they are today compared to their original value

[@SidewaysCinema]

So if I wanted to get a C70 would you say the build quality isn’t a deal breaker?

[@jakehayden998]

Nah it’s not a dealbreaker, especially if you get a good deal. If the screen hinge breaks I’m pretty sure Canon will fix it (although I can’t confirm). I wish they would have used higher quality materials but nah it isn’t a dealbreaker

[@SnackIsAName]

also braw is coming to sony

I want to now if my Lumix s5 raw is any good in 2024😅

[@gnnaropanin]

got my r8 used basically at the same price of an R.... what do you think guys.

[@olivertrees]

if you don't need autofocus, the Panasonic S1 and Gh6 are the best deals in camera history

[@olivertrees]

also S5 doesn't have open gate unfortunately

[@valenciosmall1683]

any reason you skipped the 12k

[@Rukiasriot1]

You forgot the 12k Bruv

[@jakehayden998]

That’s true, I did forget the 12k, although they’re still in the $4500-$5500 range on the gray market. I guess it has held it’s value pretty well

[@Filmmaking-on-a-budget]

Heck of a video - But what about the older DSLR for newbies - Canon 650D 8bit - 1080p -18mp - articulating screen - doesn't overheat - combined with Magic Lantern it opens up Unlimited Recording. It's going for under $200 - Even better with Cinestyle for those who can't live without Dynamic range. I love watching these videos but there is a shortage of Professional Cinematographers who say it's not the camera, but they are using the latest and greatest gear. Can someone please show some love for the O.G. Canon 650D 😅 I'm subbed by the way.

[@visuallyhappy]

Low key looking for a Sigma Cinema Line 😂

[@EastonOliver]

go arles man, the sigma cine really aren’t that great comparatively. overly sharp and contrasty.

[@nativestrong7253]

None. Buy nothing if you've created nothing with the one you already have. The problem isn't the camera. Fix you first, then reward yourself with new equipment. Do the best you can with what you got where you're at.

[@invisibleadversary]

I hope the next iteration of the FX3 is essentially a smaller C80.