I’ve seen a lot of cameras over the years. My first semi-professional camera was the infamous DVX100, which I later sold when I needed to upgrade to HD, and the endless cycle of buying and selling cameras began. When I started working as a freelance photographer, I quickly realized that in order to do my job well, I needed to use multiple cameras because no one camera works best in every situation.
Readers of my blog often ask me “Which camera should I buy?” It’s a difficult question to answer. A lot of this depends on your needs as a filmmaker and what your budget is, but regardless, today I’m going to share some insights on cameras that I own or use regularly to help make the right choice. It’s worth noting that if you’re just getting started, you don’t necessarily need multiple cameras. There’s a lot you can do with a camera, especially if you buy a multipurpose camera, but you can also opt to rent a camera if you feel the need. Here are some cameras I use regularly and what they are used for:
Canon C100/C300
For a long time I didn’t want to touch my Canon C100/C300 camera with a ten foot pole. Their price seemed too high considering the specs, but I later switched to them after having the opportunity to shoot with the C300 on a lifestyle show. The C100 and C300 are both cameras that deliver incredible images and look and feel more impressive than you might expect based on their spec sheets. If I’m shooting in a run-and-gun situation (lifestyle/reality shoots, event coverage, documentaries, etc.) I like to use these cameras while still maintaining relatively high production values because the images are gorgeous and the cameras are beautiful. Very easy to shoot. Its setup is similar to a traditional video camera, which makes it optimal for use in many situations. It also works well in a narrative setting, although it wouldn’t be my first choice. Below is a video review of the C100 that I made, which also compares it to one of the other cameras on this list, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera.
Rumex GH4
The GH4 is an amazing versatile tool that produces some of the best imaging I’ve ever seen in a DSLR. It shoots 4K and has pretty much all the video features you need, if it just had built-in ND filters and a slightly different body it would make my C100 obsolete. But due to the form factor and nature of the MFT format, this camera is still a tool I use regularly for personal projects or smaller freelance jobs where I have a choice of cameras. I did a video review of the GH4 which you can watch below, but in short I think this is an absolutely incredible tool for narrative filmmaking (especially when shooting Guerrilla) as a RED Epic or MX B camera, but also great for documentary work.
5DMKIII
The trusty old 5D is still a camera I occasionally consider using. Image quality is the worst of any camera on this list, but it takes incredible stills (one of the best stills cameras on the planet right now), and it’s still an industry-standard camera, although the quality isn’t absolute The best. If I had to shoot a project that I would normally do with a GH4 or BMCC, but also needed stills, I would definitely consider the 5D. This choice was largely based on necessity for still photos, but despite this, the MK III’s image quality is actually quite good (all things considered). It may not be the best digital SLR for video, but it’s still ahead of the curve, capable of producing beautiful images, and can double as an excellent stills camera if your project has those unique requirements. Of all the cameras on this list, I would choose to shoot with it last in most situations, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad camera – just personal preference!
Blackmagic Cinema Camera(2.5K)
The original Blackmagic Cinema Camera was truly a game changer. I immediately jumped on the bandwagon and still use the original 2.5K version because I prefer the image to the 4K version and the compact camera – although both cameras are great tools too. In my opinion this camera should really only be used for film work as that’s where it really shines, but it has also been used successfully for documentary projects. Below is a trailer for a short film I shot at BMCC last year:
I would never consider using the BMCC on a job that required a quick turnaround or a quick shoot, as it is a camera that needs to be treated like a real movie camera. Just like RED or Alexa, you need to take your time with it, set it up the way you want it, and pay attention to how much data the camera consumes. For some freelance work (like music videos or films) I use the BMCC, but I mainly use it for my personal work as many outside projects require a camera that can be used faster and more efficiently on set. Alternatively, if the project does allow for more setup time during production/post, there’s usually enough budget to use a camera like the two below.
Red Epic/Dragon
Red is an excellent camera. I’ve never purchased one myself because I don’t fully believe in RED. They make incredible cameras that capture beautiful images, but they have a lot of quirks and little issues that annoy me. I particularly dislike the fact that you need to use so much proprietary RED gear in EPIC, such as RED MAGS, which are extremely costly. Additionally, many other cameras (such as the BMCC or even the GH4) can produce near RED quality images at a much lower price under the right conditions. Is the RED a better camera? Yes, and better yet the price! It will produce better images, it can shoot at higher frame rates, and it’s a more professional tool, but other much cheaper cameras are really close. I usually rent RED when I need 4K, slow motion and a decent budget narrative film or a higher budget commercial/music video project with the same requirements.
Ari Alex
The Arri Alexa is hands down my favorite camera. The image quality is perfect, the dynamic range is excellent, and the ergonomics of the camera couldn’t be better. Unfortunately, even as a rental, it comes with a hefty price tag, so this is a camera reserved for projects with a solid budget and the ability to afford the hefty rental fees associated with this camera. That said, if money was no object, this camera would always be my first choice for shooting narrative films because its images are the closest to 35mm film I’ve ever seen. Not surprisingly, almost all major Hollywood movies shot digitally are now shot on Alexa, with only a few shot on RED EPIC or other digital cinema cameras. If nothing else, in my opinion, the Alexa is the gold standard to which all other digital cinema cameras should be compared, and should be used on the highest level of digital projects.
final thoughts
Any camera can become very powerful in the right hands. Lighting, composition, camera movement, lens, and other variables all play a bigger role in the final image than the camera itself. That said, it’s still ideal to shoot with the best camera possible to ensure that all the legwork that goes into designing your images is captured in the best way possible. If you can only buy one camera, consider something like the C100 or GH4 because they are tools that can do it all, even if they can’t do it all perfectly. Otherwise, if you have more specific needs, some of the other cameras on this list might be the best choice for you, even if they are somewhat limited in their application in other formats.
If you’re looking for advice on a camera that’s not on this list, be sure to leave a comment!
Also, if you’re looking for a quote on my DP rates (with or without gear), be sure to email me anytime: info@noamkroll.com
