3 answers
Orion
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
10
Questions
Asked
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As I'm slowly learning more about film, what is the best camera I should save up for?
As I stated in my last question I currently record everything on an Iphone Xr, after reading all the responses I decided that I'm gonna save up my money and buy a good camera the only question is what camera should I get, I've heard really good things about Cannon, But I'm still not sure which one would be the best for me.
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3 answers
Theodore Rubin
Business Advisor
19
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Theodore’s Answer
# Complete Film Camera Buying Guide: From iPhone to Professional
## Smart Acquisition Strategies
### Buy vs Rent vs Partner
**Renting (Best for Testing & Special Projects)**
- Try expensive gear before buying
- Access to latest technology
- No maintenance costs
- Popular platforms: LensRentals, ShareGrid, BorrowLenses
- Cost: $50-200/day for pro cameras
**Buying Secondhand (Best Value)**
- 40-60% savings vs new
- Proven reliability of older models
- Check: KEH, B&H Used, eBay, Facebook Marketplace
- Look for: low shutter count, original packaging, no water damage
**Partnering/Borrowing**
- Split costs with filmmaker friends
- Access to multiple camera systems
- Shared learning experience
- Build relationships in film community
---
## Camera Progression Path
### Starter Level ($300-800)
**Coming from iPhone XR, these offer significant upgrades:**
**Canon T7i/T8i (DSLR)**
- Excellent beginner choice
- Guided modes for learning
- Great lens ecosystem
- Used: $400-600
**Sony a6000 Series (Mirrorless)**
- Compact and portable
- Excellent autofocus
- 4K video (a6300+)
- Used: $300-500
**Panasonic G7/G85 (Micro 4/3)**
- Outstanding video features
- In-body stabilization (G85)
- Smaller/lighter lenses
- Used: $300-450
### Intermediate Level ($800-2000)
**Medium-grade professional features:**
**Sony FS100 (Camcorder)**
- Professional ergonomics
- Excellent low light
- XLR audio inputs
- Used: $800-1200
**Canon 80D/90D (DSLR)**
- Dual Pixel autofocus
- Weather sealing
- Professional controls
- Used: $600-900
**Sony a7 III (Full Frame Mirrorless)**
- Exceptional low light
- 10-bit video recording
- Professional build quality
- Used: $1200-1500
**Blackmagic Pocket 6K**
- Cinema camera features
- RAW recording capability
- Professional color science
- New: $1995
### Advanced Level ($2000-5000)
**Professional/broadcast quality:**
**Canon C70/C100 Mark II**
- Cinema camera line
- Professional codecs
- Excellent color science
- Used C100 II: $1500-2000
**Sony FX6/FS7**
- Broadcast standard
- Professional workflows
- Exceptional dynamic range
- Used FS7: $3000-4000
---
## Canon Specific Recommendations
### Why Canon is Popular
- Excellent color science
- Massive lens selection
- Industry standard
- Great learning resources
- Strong resale value
### Best Canon Cameras by Budget
**Budget ($400-700)**
- **Canon T7i** - Perfect starter DSLR
- **Canon M50** - Compact mirrorless option
- **Canon 70D** - Professional features, older but reliable
**Mid-Range ($700-1500)**
- **Canon 80D/90D** - Excellent all-arounder
- **Canon R6 Mark II** - Latest mirrorless technology
- **Canon 5D Mark III** - Full frame, used professional standard
**Professional ($1500+)**
- **Canon C70** - Cinema camera, incredible quality
- **Canon R5** - 8K capability, cutting edge
- **Canon 5D Mark IV** - Industry workhorse
---
## Portable Setup Considerations
### Weight and Size Factors
**DSLR Pros:**
- Longer battery life
- More ergonomic for handheld
- Cheaper lenses available
**DSLR Cons:**
- Bulkier overall
- Louder operation
- No in-body stabilization (most models)
**Mirrorless Pros:**
- Significantly smaller/lighter
- Silent operation
- In-body stabilization (many models)
- Electronic viewfinder shows exposure
**Mirrorless Cons:**
- Shorter battery life
- Smaller controls
- Electronic viewfinder lag
### Travel-Friendly Setups
**Ultra-Portable (Sony a6000 + 16-50mm kit lens)**
- Total weight: ~1 lb
- Fits in small bag
- 4K video capable
**Balanced Portable (Canon 80D + 18-55mm STM)**
- Professional features
- Still reasonably compact
- Excellent stabilization
**Professional Portable (Sony FX30 + 18-105mm f/4)**
- Cinema camera quality
- Professional audio inputs
- Compact form factor
---
## Essential Accessories Budget
### Must-Have Accessories ($200-400)
- **Extra batteries** ($30-60 each)
- **Memory cards** (fast CF/SD cards $50-100)
- **Tripod** (Manfrotto/Gitzo $100-300)
- **Camera bag** ($50-150)
- **Lens cleaning kit** ($20-30)
### Audio Upgrade ($100-500)
- **External microphone** (Rode VideoMic $100-300)
- **Audio recorder** (Zoom H1n $100)
- **Wireless audio** (Rode Wireless GO $200-400)
### Lighting Basics ($150-600)
- **LED panel** (Aputure AL-M9 $60)
- **Reflector kit** ($30-50)
- **Softbox lighting kit** ($200-400)
---
## Lens Strategy
### Canon Lens Recommendations
**Budget Starter Kit:**
- Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM ($100 used) - Portrait/shallow focus
- Canon 24mm f/2.8 STM ($120 used) - Wide angle
- Kit lens 18-55mm - Versatility
**Intermediate Kit:**
- Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L ($800 used) - Professional standard
- Canon 85mm f/1.8 ($250 used) - Portrait specialist
- Canon 16-35mm f/4L ($400 used) - Wide angle
**Professional Kit:**
- Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II ($1200 used)
- Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L ($1000 used)
- Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III ($1500 used)
### Lens Buying Strategy
1. **Start with kit lens** - Learn basics
2. **Add 50mm f/1.8** - Learn shallow depth of field
3. **Upgrade to constant aperture zoom** - Professional consistency
4. **Specialize based on your style** - Portrait, landscape, etc.
---
## Buying Secondhand Tips
### Where to Buy
**Most Reliable:**
- KEH Camera - Graded condition, warranty
- B&H Used Department - Professional reputation
- Adorama Used - Good return policy
**Good Value:**
- eBay - Huge selection, buyer protection
- Facebook Marketplace - Local deals, test before buying
- Craigslist - Negotiate prices, cash deals
**Photography Forums:**
- Canon Rumors Buy/Sell
- DPReview Forums
- Reddit r/photomarket
### What to Check When Buying Used
**Camera Body:**
- Shutter count (under 50K for most DSLRs)
- LCD screen condition
- All buttons functional
- No visible damage/dents
- Clean sensor (check for dust spots)
**Lenses:**
- No fungus or haze
- Smooth focus/zoom rings
- Aperture blades move freely
- No scratches on glass
- Test autofocus accuracy
### Red Flags to Avoid
- Seller won't meet in person
- No original packaging/manuals
- Price too good to be true
- Water damage indicators
- Multiple previous repairs
---
## Timeline and Budget Planning
### 6-Month Plan ($500-800 total)
- **Month 1-2:** Research and save
- **Month 3:** Buy used Canon T7i or Sony a6000 ($400-500)
- **Month 4:** Add 50mm f/1.8 lens ($100-150)
- **Month 5:** Tripod and accessories ($100-200)
- **Month 6:** External microphone ($100-150)
### 12-Month Plan ($1000-1500 total)
- **Months 1-4:** Same as 6-month plan
- **Months 5-8:** Upgrade to better lens (24-70mm f/2.8 $600-800)
- **Months 9-12:** Lighting kit and advanced accessories ($300-500)
### 18-Month Plan ($2000+ total)
- Follow 12-month plan
- **Months 13-18:** Upgrade camera body to professional level
- Consider specialization equipment
---
## Coming from iPhone XR: What to Expect
### Immediate Upgrades You'll Notice
- **Shallow depth of field** - Professional "blurry background" look
- **Low light performance** - Much better in dark conditions
- **Zoom capability** - Optical zoom vs digital crop
- **Manual controls** - Creative control over exposure
- **Audio inputs** - Professional microphone options
### Learning Curve Reality
- **Week 1-2:** Overwhelming controls, miss phone convenience
- **Month 1:** Basic understanding, still prefer auto modes
- **Month 3:** Comfortable with manual modes
- **Month 6:** Creating shots impossible with phone
- **Month 12:** Wonder how you ever used just a phone
### Skills to Develop
1. **Exposure triangle** - Aperture, shutter speed, ISO
2. **Composition rules** - Rule of thirds, leading lines
3. **Focus techniques** - Single point, tracking, manual
4. **Color grading** - Post-production workflow
5. **Audio recording** - Professional sound capture
---
## Final Recommendations
### Best Overall Value: Canon 80D + 18-55mm STM
- Professional features
- Excellent learning platform
- Strong resale value
- Available used: $600-800
### Best Portable Option: Sony a6300 + 16-50mm
- 4K video
- Incredibly compact
- Great autofocus
- Available used: $400-600
### Best Future-Proof: Sony a7 III
- Full frame sensor
- Professional video specs
- Industry standard
- Available used: $1200-1500
### Start Small, Grow Smart
Remember: The best camera is the one you'll actually use. Start with a modest setup, learn the fundamentals, then upgrade based on your specific needs and shooting style. Many award-winning films have been shot on cameras much simpler than what's available today.
Your iPhone XR is already capable of great footage - a dedicated camera will give you more creative control and professional quality, but the storytelling skills you develop are more important than any equipment.
## Smart Acquisition Strategies
### Buy vs Rent vs Partner
**Renting (Best for Testing & Special Projects)**
- Try expensive gear before buying
- Access to latest technology
- No maintenance costs
- Popular platforms: LensRentals, ShareGrid, BorrowLenses
- Cost: $50-200/day for pro cameras
**Buying Secondhand (Best Value)**
- 40-60% savings vs new
- Proven reliability of older models
- Check: KEH, B&H Used, eBay, Facebook Marketplace
- Look for: low shutter count, original packaging, no water damage
**Partnering/Borrowing**
- Split costs with filmmaker friends
- Access to multiple camera systems
- Shared learning experience
- Build relationships in film community
---
## Camera Progression Path
### Starter Level ($300-800)
**Coming from iPhone XR, these offer significant upgrades:**
**Canon T7i/T8i (DSLR)**
- Excellent beginner choice
- Guided modes for learning
- Great lens ecosystem
- Used: $400-600
**Sony a6000 Series (Mirrorless)**
- Compact and portable
- Excellent autofocus
- 4K video (a6300+)
- Used: $300-500
**Panasonic G7/G85 (Micro 4/3)**
- Outstanding video features
- In-body stabilization (G85)
- Smaller/lighter lenses
- Used: $300-450
### Intermediate Level ($800-2000)
**Medium-grade professional features:**
**Sony FS100 (Camcorder)**
- Professional ergonomics
- Excellent low light
- XLR audio inputs
- Used: $800-1200
**Canon 80D/90D (DSLR)**
- Dual Pixel autofocus
- Weather sealing
- Professional controls
- Used: $600-900
**Sony a7 III (Full Frame Mirrorless)**
- Exceptional low light
- 10-bit video recording
- Professional build quality
- Used: $1200-1500
**Blackmagic Pocket 6K**
- Cinema camera features
- RAW recording capability
- Professional color science
- New: $1995
### Advanced Level ($2000-5000)
**Professional/broadcast quality:**
**Canon C70/C100 Mark II**
- Cinema camera line
- Professional codecs
- Excellent color science
- Used C100 II: $1500-2000
**Sony FX6/FS7**
- Broadcast standard
- Professional workflows
- Exceptional dynamic range
- Used FS7: $3000-4000
---
## Canon Specific Recommendations
### Why Canon is Popular
- Excellent color science
- Massive lens selection
- Industry standard
- Great learning resources
- Strong resale value
### Best Canon Cameras by Budget
**Budget ($400-700)**
- **Canon T7i** - Perfect starter DSLR
- **Canon M50** - Compact mirrorless option
- **Canon 70D** - Professional features, older but reliable
**Mid-Range ($700-1500)**
- **Canon 80D/90D** - Excellent all-arounder
- **Canon R6 Mark II** - Latest mirrorless technology
- **Canon 5D Mark III** - Full frame, used professional standard
**Professional ($1500+)**
- **Canon C70** - Cinema camera, incredible quality
- **Canon R5** - 8K capability, cutting edge
- **Canon 5D Mark IV** - Industry workhorse
---
## Portable Setup Considerations
### Weight and Size Factors
**DSLR Pros:**
- Longer battery life
- More ergonomic for handheld
- Cheaper lenses available
**DSLR Cons:**
- Bulkier overall
- Louder operation
- No in-body stabilization (most models)
**Mirrorless Pros:**
- Significantly smaller/lighter
- Silent operation
- In-body stabilization (many models)
- Electronic viewfinder shows exposure
**Mirrorless Cons:**
- Shorter battery life
- Smaller controls
- Electronic viewfinder lag
### Travel-Friendly Setups
**Ultra-Portable (Sony a6000 + 16-50mm kit lens)**
- Total weight: ~1 lb
- Fits in small bag
- 4K video capable
**Balanced Portable (Canon 80D + 18-55mm STM)**
- Professional features
- Still reasonably compact
- Excellent stabilization
**Professional Portable (Sony FX30 + 18-105mm f/4)**
- Cinema camera quality
- Professional audio inputs
- Compact form factor
---
## Essential Accessories Budget
### Must-Have Accessories ($200-400)
- **Extra batteries** ($30-60 each)
- **Memory cards** (fast CF/SD cards $50-100)
- **Tripod** (Manfrotto/Gitzo $100-300)
- **Camera bag** ($50-150)
- **Lens cleaning kit** ($20-30)
### Audio Upgrade ($100-500)
- **External microphone** (Rode VideoMic $100-300)
- **Audio recorder** (Zoom H1n $100)
- **Wireless audio** (Rode Wireless GO $200-400)
### Lighting Basics ($150-600)
- **LED panel** (Aputure AL-M9 $60)
- **Reflector kit** ($30-50)
- **Softbox lighting kit** ($200-400)
---
## Lens Strategy
### Canon Lens Recommendations
**Budget Starter Kit:**
- Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM ($100 used) - Portrait/shallow focus
- Canon 24mm f/2.8 STM ($120 used) - Wide angle
- Kit lens 18-55mm - Versatility
**Intermediate Kit:**
- Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L ($800 used) - Professional standard
- Canon 85mm f/1.8 ($250 used) - Portrait specialist
- Canon 16-35mm f/4L ($400 used) - Wide angle
**Professional Kit:**
- Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II ($1200 used)
- Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L ($1000 used)
- Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III ($1500 used)
### Lens Buying Strategy
1. **Start with kit lens** - Learn basics
2. **Add 50mm f/1.8** - Learn shallow depth of field
3. **Upgrade to constant aperture zoom** - Professional consistency
4. **Specialize based on your style** - Portrait, landscape, etc.
---
## Buying Secondhand Tips
### Where to Buy
**Most Reliable:**
- KEH Camera - Graded condition, warranty
- B&H Used Department - Professional reputation
- Adorama Used - Good return policy
**Good Value:**
- eBay - Huge selection, buyer protection
- Facebook Marketplace - Local deals, test before buying
- Craigslist - Negotiate prices, cash deals
**Photography Forums:**
- Canon Rumors Buy/Sell
- DPReview Forums
- Reddit r/photomarket
### What to Check When Buying Used
**Camera Body:**
- Shutter count (under 50K for most DSLRs)
- LCD screen condition
- All buttons functional
- No visible damage/dents
- Clean sensor (check for dust spots)
**Lenses:**
- No fungus or haze
- Smooth focus/zoom rings
- Aperture blades move freely
- No scratches on glass
- Test autofocus accuracy
### Red Flags to Avoid
- Seller won't meet in person
- No original packaging/manuals
- Price too good to be true
- Water damage indicators
- Multiple previous repairs
---
## Timeline and Budget Planning
### 6-Month Plan ($500-800 total)
- **Month 1-2:** Research and save
- **Month 3:** Buy used Canon T7i or Sony a6000 ($400-500)
- **Month 4:** Add 50mm f/1.8 lens ($100-150)
- **Month 5:** Tripod and accessories ($100-200)
- **Month 6:** External microphone ($100-150)
### 12-Month Plan ($1000-1500 total)
- **Months 1-4:** Same as 6-month plan
- **Months 5-8:** Upgrade to better lens (24-70mm f/2.8 $600-800)
- **Months 9-12:** Lighting kit and advanced accessories ($300-500)
### 18-Month Plan ($2000+ total)
- Follow 12-month plan
- **Months 13-18:** Upgrade camera body to professional level
- Consider specialization equipment
---
## Coming from iPhone XR: What to Expect
### Immediate Upgrades You'll Notice
- **Shallow depth of field** - Professional "blurry background" look
- **Low light performance** - Much better in dark conditions
- **Zoom capability** - Optical zoom vs digital crop
- **Manual controls** - Creative control over exposure
- **Audio inputs** - Professional microphone options
### Learning Curve Reality
- **Week 1-2:** Overwhelming controls, miss phone convenience
- **Month 1:** Basic understanding, still prefer auto modes
- **Month 3:** Comfortable with manual modes
- **Month 6:** Creating shots impossible with phone
- **Month 12:** Wonder how you ever used just a phone
### Skills to Develop
1. **Exposure triangle** - Aperture, shutter speed, ISO
2. **Composition rules** - Rule of thirds, leading lines
3. **Focus techniques** - Single point, tracking, manual
4. **Color grading** - Post-production workflow
5. **Audio recording** - Professional sound capture
---
## Final Recommendations
### Best Overall Value: Canon 80D + 18-55mm STM
- Professional features
- Excellent learning platform
- Strong resale value
- Available used: $600-800
### Best Portable Option: Sony a6300 + 16-50mm
- 4K video
- Incredibly compact
- Great autofocus
- Available used: $400-600
### Best Future-Proof: Sony a7 III
- Full frame sensor
- Professional video specs
- Industry standard
- Available used: $1200-1500
### Start Small, Grow Smart
Remember: The best camera is the one you'll actually use. Start with a modest setup, learn the fundamentals, then upgrade based on your specific needs and shooting style. Many award-winning films have been shot on cameras much simpler than what's available today.
Your iPhone XR is already capable of great footage - a dedicated camera will give you more creative control and professional quality, but the storytelling skills you develop are more important than any equipment.
Kathy Chan
Videographer/Photographer
23
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
Hey Orion,
This is a great question, especially since you are just starting out in the industry! Your choice of camera is really dependent on your purpose, budget-range, and utility/features.
My starting camera, when entering film school was a Nikon D3300, it was & still is commonly suggested as the best affordable, entry-level photography camera (that also can record some video).
Cameras have different utility and features, and in many cases, your entry-level camera may do photo OR video better and not both. What is it that you want to do with your camera, photography or film? What is your price range, how much are you considering to save up for one? Are you interested in a smaller, mirrorless build or a bulkier DSLR?
Below are a few of my suggestions with their price points, including a general usage scale:
Nikon D3300/Canon T/rebel series (T 3i, Rebel S, etc.) - $300 - 600 body + lenses [beginner, great for entry-level photography]
Panasonic GH3/GH4 - $300 - $400 body + some lenses [beginner, great for entry-level video/photo]
Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K - $1,200 - $2,400 body/lenses [beginner - intermediate, great for entry-, mid-tier videography/filmmaking]
Panasonic GH5 - $800 - $1,200 body + some lenses [intermediate - advanced, great for mid-, high-tier video, photo]
Sony A7 series - $500 - $2000 body [intermediate - advanced, great for entry-level to high-tier video, photo]
All of the cameras on this list are priced at their current retail value, and may go for even cheaper on stores like: Adorama, BHphotovideo, Facebook Marketplace and eBay (especially great for buying lenses). Don't be afraid to use equipment rental places, or go to places like BHphotovideo and try out their cameras in-store.
Your using the iPhone XR is already a great choice, on a smartphone perspective concerning Apple's attention to picture quality, resolution, and frame-rates. There are even some great films shot entirely on smartphones!
Long story short: I will highly recommend you start with something like the D3300 or the GH3/4 and work your way up! Within the film & photo industry, you will always have the chance to upgrade your equipment, eventually even allowing your camera gear to pay for itself!
This is a great question, especially since you are just starting out in the industry! Your choice of camera is really dependent on your purpose, budget-range, and utility/features.
My starting camera, when entering film school was a Nikon D3300, it was & still is commonly suggested as the best affordable, entry-level photography camera (that also can record some video).
Cameras have different utility and features, and in many cases, your entry-level camera may do photo OR video better and not both. What is it that you want to do with your camera, photography or film? What is your price range, how much are you considering to save up for one? Are you interested in a smaller, mirrorless build or a bulkier DSLR?
Below are a few of my suggestions with their price points, including a general usage scale:
Nikon D3300/Canon T/rebel series (T 3i, Rebel S, etc.) - $300 - 600 body + lenses [beginner, great for entry-level photography]
Panasonic GH3/GH4 - $300 - $400 body + some lenses [beginner, great for entry-level video/photo]
Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K - $1,200 - $2,400 body/lenses [beginner - intermediate, great for entry-, mid-tier videography/filmmaking]
Panasonic GH5 - $800 - $1,200 body + some lenses [intermediate - advanced, great for mid-, high-tier video, photo]
Sony A7 series - $500 - $2000 body [intermediate - advanced, great for entry-level to high-tier video, photo]
All of the cameras on this list are priced at their current retail value, and may go for even cheaper on stores like: Adorama, BHphotovideo, Facebook Marketplace and eBay (especially great for buying lenses). Don't be afraid to use equipment rental places, or go to places like BHphotovideo and try out their cameras in-store.
Your using the iPhone XR is already a great choice, on a smartphone perspective concerning Apple's attention to picture quality, resolution, and frame-rates. There are even some great films shot entirely on smartphones!
Long story short: I will highly recommend you start with something like the D3300 or the GH3/4 and work your way up! Within the film & photo industry, you will always have the chance to upgrade your equipment, eventually even allowing your camera gear to pay for itself!
Kathy, thank you!
Orion
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hi Orion!
Kathy suggested some amazing cameras here, I would say to also do a lot of research about what specifically you are looking for! Some cameras, such as Sony, have really good stabilization and look great in low light! But if you are planning to shoot on tripod in studio, I love BlackMagic Pockets for their quality. Investing in a good base for your camera is a great way to start, and as you get better you can keep buying better and better lenses! Good luck with your endeavors in film!
Kathy suggested some amazing cameras here, I would say to also do a lot of research about what specifically you are looking for! Some cameras, such as Sony, have really good stabilization and look great in low light! But if you are planning to shoot on tripod in studio, I love BlackMagic Pockets for their quality. Investing in a good base for your camera is a great way to start, and as you get better you can keep buying better and better lenses! Good luck with your endeavors in film!