Wanted to make a post here for some advice. Eventually, I want to start making short films, but I don't always have the biggest budget. I want to have enough money leftover to buy a fluid tripod and maybe a decent boom mic.
My budget for a good camera is around the $500 to $1000 dollar range. And, it needs to be able to transfer digitally to my PC without some hyper tedious method since I really only have my PC to edit (and can't spend extra money on buying transfer equipment).
Anyways, I hope you can help!
EDIT: For those who gave advice thanks. Though, I should add here because some people seem confused. Yes, I do have experience with making short films. I just say "start" because almost none of them have been posted publically. Also, I do know how to use lighting, how to write a story, and how to light a scene. I have technically over 5 years of experience, but it was mostly smaller school projects in high school or just for fun. I plan on buying lighting too, and sound gear. I just wanted to start making short films that I could actually add to a portfolio. Sorry for the confusion.
Best beginner to intermediate camera under $1000
Best used camera for filming for under $1000? Need slow motion and a good shallow depth of field. Will be filming from somewhat far away.
Best camera recommendation under $1000
Recommend refurbised Z5.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1651109-REG/nikon_1642b_z_5_mirrorless_digital.html
More on reddit.comBest budget videography camera under £1000
Hi u/ShortyPlaysPC - if you want more cinematic images for ~£1,000 - I recommend an £899.99 used Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K plus a £143.89 EF to micro four thirds focal reducer so you can mount your Canon EF glass. [Referrals]
With this setup, you won't have to buy new lenses.
The BMPCC 4K records to 4K/60p with 13 stops of dynamic range, Film LOG Gamma and either a 10-bit ProRes or 12-bit RAW codec. It also has a mini XLR mic input with phantom power for professional mics, USB-C out for recording to inexpensive external SSDs and a CFast 2.0 slot for recording large files internally.
A much more capable camera for filmmaking than the 8-bit ZV-E10.
No other camera in this price class can record 12-bit RAW color bit depth without an expensive external recorder.
This video explains why dynamic range, LOG gamma and color bit depth are important:
-
Why Your Videos DON'T Look Like A MOVIE! | Colorist Explains Dynamic Range, Bit Depth & Gamma Curve by Jess at Orms TV (1080p).
Here is the image quality this camera can produce:
Short films and documentaries
-
The Floor Is Lava (2019) by Pavlo Bedarev (4K)
-
I ΛM ΣTHIӨPIΛ - The Land of Origins — Official Trailer by Luã Araújo (4K)
-
“They find a Big Hut ” - short documentary - BMPCC 4K RAW 12 bits & GH5 by Chris.Filmmaker (4K)
-
THERES ALWAYS MUSIC | A Film by Tommy Rowe in collaboration with Audiio (4K)
The BMPCC 4K also has (with the latest OS upgrade), an easy method of gyro stabilizing your footage during post production, as seen here:
-
BMPCC 4K + Sigma 18-35 / Davinci Resolve Color grade Gyro Stabilization ARTLIST cinematic short film by BLURR Videos (4K)
-
Fall colors with BMPCC 4K. by Plank Media (4K)
-
BMPCC 4K + Sigma 18-35 - Davinci Resolve color grade short video + ARTLIST Sound Effects SFX / Gyro by BLURR Videos (4K)
A couple of caveats if you're considering the BMPCC 4K:
-
this camera has a short battery life - so you will eventually want a battery grip or other external battery.
-
this camera has a steeper learning curve than a still/video hybrid camera (e.g., manual focus, no in-body image stabilization) - but the superb image quality makes the extra work worthwhile (IMHO)
Even with these caveats, the Pocket 4K is probably the best value-for-money 4K/60p cinema camera you can buy in this price class.
If you decide to go with the Blackmagic, you might also want to subscribe over at r/bmpcc and r/blackmagicdesign. Lots of knowledgeable folks there who can help you get the most out of your new camera.
Hope this is helpful and good luck with your upgrade!
More on reddit.com