The process of filmmaking or bringing documentaries to the screen has been the dream of every amateur director for as long as they can remember.
Whether they have their own story or a true story that needs to be told, no one will ever see it without using the right gear to capture your dreams.
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Being big film buffs ourselves, we love being able to flex our “film muscles” and share our top picks of the best cameras for filmmaking and documentaries so you can follow your passion and share your voice with the world.
If you’re ready and have a clapperboard handy, join us to take a look at our choices so you can start your path to rubbing elbows with Spielberg and making your dreams come true.
10+ Best Cameras for Filmmaking and Documentaries in 2022
- Fujifilm X-T4 — The best camera for filmmaking and documentaries overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K — The best budget camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- Panasonic Lumix S5 — The best value camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- Panasonic Lumix S1H — The best Netflix-approved camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- Canon EOS R5 — The best versatile camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- Sony A1 — The best powerhouse camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- Panasonic GH5 Mark II — The best filmmaking and documentary camera for beginners
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro — The best 6K camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- GoPro Hero 9 Black — The best portable camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- Nikon Z6 II — The best all-rounder camera for filmmaking and documentaries
- Sony PXW-FS7M2 XDCAM – The best camera with good reliability
Also see our features on the best video editing monitors, best laptops for video editing, the best video editing software and the best 4k video cameras.
What’s the best camera for filmmaking and documentaries?
The amount of cameras out there that you can use to create a great film or documentary is nearly endless but we feel that the Fujifilm X-T4 is the best filmmaking camera out there. Check our comparison table below so you can decide for yourself.
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How to pick the best camera for filmmaking and documentaries?
Buying a new camera is confusing enough when you’re simply using it to take pictures of friends, family, or anything else. When you need to pick a camera to make a film or documentary, the specifics you need to look at becoming fine-tuned.
In our opinion, if you’re looking to bring your story to life, here is what to look for:
Ease of use
Having a camera that is easy to use is paramount. Is it comfortable to hold? Are the controls easy to use? If you’re struggling to use a camera, frustration can easily set in and keep you from realizing your vision. If you can, try holding the camera before you buy it so you can make sure that it’s not cumbersome.
Manual controls
While for someone who might be just starting a filmmaking journey, check whether you can set the exposure, white balance, and sound levels manually or if they are set automatically. This may not seem super important when you shoot your first film but if you get serious about the craft, you’re going to want to have more control over settings.
Lens
Having the right lenses for your camera can make all the difference. Whether it’s a wide-angle or a telephoto lens, using the right lenses can get you the shot you’re looking for. While a wide-angle lens can get closer and can make hand-holding easier, using a telephoto lens can also be beneficial, depending on what you’re shooting.
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If your lens doesn’t have a wide zoom range, check to see if the manufacturer makes adaptors for wide-angle or telephoto lenses that fit the front of the camera.
Sound
Sound in a movie or documentary is crucial. If your audience can’t hear the big speech at the end, your entire film could fall flat. You should make sure that the microphone built into the camera is high-quality and there is a headphone jack so you can listen to the sound while you film.
If you’re looking to use professional microphones, you’re going to want to find a camera that comes with three-pin XLR inputs.
Image stabilization
Have you ever shot a home movie, watched the footage and it was shaky? A camera with image stabilization can make the film appear less shaky. If you’re planning on using a tripod or quality camera support, then it’s not really necessary.
Some cameras combine lens-based optical stabilization along with sensor-based in-body image stabilization, also known as IBIS to help you produce great handheld video with less shaky results.
Recording format
Before you decide on the recording format of your camera, you need to be sure that your editing program, whether it’s Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, or whatever else, can handle it. Spending countless hours recording your best footage only to find out your editing program doesn’t support it is something no one should have to go through.
10+ Best Cameras for Filmmaking and Documentaries 2022
1. Fujifilm X-T4 (Editor’s Choice)
The best camera for filmmaking and documentaries overall
While cameras with a full-frame sensor may appeal to more people, the X-T4 from Fujifilm is such a great option for filmmakers that it could easily make some people reconsider their stance. With a lightweight and compact body, it is also decidedly less bulky than full-frame models while providing great performance to anyone.
While it’s an excellent option for video, the X-T4 is a great choice for photography as well with features that include 5-axis IBIS, a flip-out touchscreen, and the ability to shoot 10-bit 4K footage at up to 60fps. That goes up to 240fps if you’re shooting in Full HD and serious about starting a filmmaking journey. Autofocus can track both eyes and faces but its performance can depend on the type of lens you use. The X-T4 is a great camera for filmmakers and even photographers.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great battery life | ➖ No headphone jack |
| ➕ Excellent APS-C sensor | ➖ Handgrip might be a little small |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Putting stability in your hands: A huge part of creating great photos or videos is making sure you are in the right place at the right time – and that often means making handheld images to get to...
- Performance you can rely on: For any serious image maker, having a tool that can be relied upon to perform flawlessly whenever it is required is extremely important. For this reason, X-T4 features a...
- Find the best angle for your story: When chasing the perfect image, versatility is key, so the last thing you want is to be hampered by awkward angles. The 1.62 million pixel vari-angle touchscreen...
- When your story needs movement: The modern image maker is blurring the lines between photography and videography, and X-T4 has been designed to celebrate this new generation of hybrid creativity. With...
- Powerful image manipulation made easy: For over 85 years, Fujifilm has produced photographic films that have been used by some of the world’s best-known moviemakers to create some of the world’s...
2. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
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The best budget camera for filmmaking and documentaries
While the overall design looks like it can’t provide anyone with good performance, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K from Blackmagic is a pro-level camera at an affordable price. While it doesn’t feature the modern conveniences like many other cameras such as IBIS, a viewfinder, or tracking autofocus, the camera provides more than enough features to keep any amateur filmmaker going.
With a wide variety of connectivity options including HDMI, mini-XLR, and a DC power connection, the camera provides a huge 16:9 touchscreen without articulation or tilting, The Pocket Cinema Camera gives you the ability to shoot ProRes or even raw footage in a wide array of resolutions and frame rates. If you’re serious about filmmaking or documentaries, while it does have its downsides, the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K from Blackmagic is an excellent combination of price and performance.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great price | ➖ The screen doesn’t articulate |
| ➕ Small and light design | ➖ Light on features |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Full-Size 4/3 Sensor/ 4096X2160 Resolution
- 4K Dki Video Recording At 60 Fps / 13 Stop Dynamic Range
- Carbon Fiber Composite Build / Black Magic Operating System
- 5" Touchscreen Lcd / 4 Built-In Microphones
3. Panasonic Lumix S5
The best value camera for filmmaking and documentaries
Their smallest and lightest camera, the Lumix S5 from Panasonic is a full-frame camera that looks more like a Micro Four Thirds camera. Sharing a sensor with the Panasonic Lumix S1, the S5 is far less bulky and its portability makes it a great value for any filmmaker who might be doing some ‘run-and-gun’ shooting.
With an array of options for filmmakers as well as frame rates and resolutions, the S5 provides you with 4K 10-bit internal recording as well as a V-Log that comes with 14 stops of dynamic range. A fully articulated screen as well as being able to shoot footage uncropped in 4K at 30fps is a wonderful addition. While the micro-HDMI and DFD autofocus are disappointing, it doesn’t take away from the immense value the Lumix S5 from Panasonic offers.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Small for a full-frame camera | ➖ Doesn’t come with full-size HDMI output |
| ➕ Tons of video options | ➖ |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p, 10-bit video, FHD 180fps Slow Motion option as well as...
- DETAILED PHOTO AND VIDEO THAT WILL DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE: Capture content in impressive high quality with 96MP High Resolution mode, Dual Native ISO to minimize noise in high...
- IMPROVED, HIGH-PRECISION AUTOFOCUS AND POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face and body, to capture subjects with ease and precision....
- EXPANDED FEATURES OFFER NEW LEVELS OF CREATIVITY: Use Live View Composite mode to instantly create a stunning image out of several live shots to capture fireworks or a starry sky
4. Panasonic Lumix S1H
The best Netflix-approved camera for filmmaking and documentaries
If you search for the cameras that Netflix approves for their original productions, the Lumix S1H from Panasonic is the smallest, cheapest option on the list. A powerful, full-frame model, the S1H has been designed specifically for creators who have a demanding taste. While it may not be able to keep up with other options on our list in terms of frame rate, the S1H allows you to record in 6K resolution at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, which puts its ahead in terms of sheer detail.
The S1H provides you with 14 stops of dynamic range when you’re using Panasonic’s V-Log or V-Gamut picture profiles, while the AII-I mode can provide you with an incredible 400Mbps bitrate. With its large sensor size and Dual Native ISO, you can shoot all day in low light without any issues and a great IBIS system keeps things steady. If your dream is to feature your film on Netflix one day, the Lumix S1H from Panasonic is a good place to start.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great low-light performance | ➖ The build is a bit bulky |
| ➕ Good IBIS | ➖ No raw video capture |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Newly designed full frame sensor – 24 2MP full-frame MOS sensor offers a wide dynamic range and sharp natural expression at high sensitivity settings
- 6K 10-BIT VIDEO – Includes full-area 3 2 6K24p C4K(4 096 x 2 160) and anamorphic modes
- Dual native ISO – offers the advantages of very high sensitivity for low-light shoots while suppressing noise levels allowing the camera to switch from a standard sensitivity to a higher sensitivity...
- V-log/v-gamut – features a wider 14 plus Stops of dynamic range which are compatible with the Cinema VariCam look to capture everything from shadows to highlights
- Rugged Mirrorless camera design – dust/splash/freeze-resistant design withstands heavy field use under harsh conditions for high mobility
5. Canon EOS R5
The best versatile camera for filmmaking and documentaries
Packed with a full-frame sensor at 45MP plus great autofocus, IBIS, and battery life, the Canon EOS R5 will easily check a lot of the boxes that many filmmakers have when looking for a camera. With a lot of high-end video options including 8K ALL-I or RAW, 4k at 120fps, or 10-bit 4K HEVC, it can be a great option for directors looking to start their next film or documentary,
However, the picture isn’t all rosy as the camera’s video option requires you to purchase a CFexpress card, which is not always that affordable. Another downside is that using the more intensive modes for recording video can cause the camera to overheat. This not only can limit the amount of recording time you have but also require a lengthy cool-down time as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Incredible AF | ➖ Very Expensive |
| ➕ High-quality IBIS | ➖ Overheating causes recording limits |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- High Image Quality featuring a New 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor.
- DIGIC X Image Processor with an ISO range of 100-51200; Expandable to 1024001.
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps Electronic (Silent) Shutter.
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering Approx. 100% Area with 1,053 AF Areas.
- Subject tracking of People and Animals2 using Deep Learning Technology.
6. Sony A1
The best powerhouse camera for filmmaking and documentaries
Pairing speed and resolution, the A1 from Sony is a camera with a rare combination with an ambition that matches its very expensive price. Packed with a strong IBIS as well as one of the best OLED viewfinders on the market, the Sony A1 has been considered one of the best consumer cameras in the world, and there isn’t much saying that it isn’t.
For filmmakers, the A1 can record beautiful 8K video in 30fps, 4K at 120fps. and FullHD at 240fps giving any director a whole host of different options. Other features include 10-bit color depth, S-Log, and S-Cinetone which any filmmaker will fall in love with. While the screen tilts instead of facing all directions, the Sony A1 is an amazing camera at a high price to match.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Excellent image quality | ➖ Extremely expensive |
| ➕ Numerous video options | ➖ Non-articulating screen |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 50.1MP* full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ integral memory
- 8x more powerful*, next generation BIONZ XR image processing engine
- Blackout-free shooting up to 30fps from fast sensor readout speed
- World’s first 240 fps refresh rate, 9.44M dot 0.64” QXGA OLED EVF
- World’s first anti-flicker mechanical and electronic shutter
7. Panasonic GH5 Mark II
The best filmmaking and documentary camera for beginners
Not everyone starts as good as Scorcese, as much as they may hope they could. Everyone starts somewhere and has a first camera that helps them and for many people the GH5 Mark II from Panasonic is a great camera for beginners. With built-in wireless live streaming capabilities, it does stand out among the other mirrorless cameras.
The compact, lightweight, and most importantly, the waterproof body offers robust IBIS and the 10-bit 4:2:2 footage can be recorded internally or externally plus there is a wide variety of frame rate options and anamorphic video resolutions. Pansonic’s flat V-Log profile also gives you 12 stops of dynamic range that you can play with during post-production,
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Built-in wireless live streaming | ➖ DFD AF could be more reliable |
| ➕ Compact, sturdy, and lightweight design | ➖ The sensor is on the small side |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- THE ICONIC GH5, NOW WITH LIVE STREAMING: Attention hybrid content creators—the GH5M2 supports both wired and wireless unlimited live streaming for indoors and outdoors, together with a USB Power...
- VIDEO FORMAT OPTIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL USE: The GH5M2 is capable of unlimited video recording in various settings including C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit and simultaneous output over HDMI during 4K 60p...
- PHOTO STYLE PRESETS MINIMIZE YOUR EDITING: Presets include V-LogL, Cinelike D2/ V2, MonochromeS and L.ClassicNeo.
- POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Advanced I.S. to 6.5-stop slower shutter speeds for stable handheld shooting. Double SD Memory Card slot for relay recording.
- WITHSTANDS HEAVY FIELD USE: The magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and is not only splash and dust resistant, but also freezeproof down to -10 °C (14°F).
8. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro
The best 6K camera for filmmaking and documentaries
Despite its pocket-friendly name, the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro from Blackgate puts incredible filmmaking power inside a small, lightweight, and surprisingly affordable camera. While it won’t provide you with many of the high-end features that you may be more accustomed to seeing on a mirrorless camera, the Pocket Cinema Camera has been stripped down in favor of providing pro-quality performance.
The image quality that the camera provides is impressively able to record either 12-bit RAW or ProRes footage and its support of the Canon EF mount is a popular option, and there are even three built-in ND filters that can help you if you’re filming in difficult lighting conditions. The inclusion of mini-XLR inputs lets you record audio in high-quality as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Built-in ND filters | ➖ Not for beginners |
| ➕ Great price for a professional cinema camera | ➖ No IBIS |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- High Resolution Cinematic Digital Film Sensor: The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro uses a large Super 35 sensor with 6144 x 3456 native resolution that allows shooting with a shallow depth of...
- Built in ND Filters: The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro features high-quality, motorized IR ND filters that let you quickly reduce the amount of light entering the camera. The 2, 4 and 6 stop...
- Dual Gain ISO for Exceptional Low Light Performance: The 6K Pro camera features dual gain ISO up to 25,600, which means its optimized to minimize grain or noise in images, while maintaining the full...
- Shoot Still Frames up to 21.2MP: In addition to shooting video, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera can capture high resolution stills. Simply press the dedicated stills button to record...
- Storage and Recording: The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera features built in CFast and SD UHS-II card recorders, and a high-speed USB-C Expansion Port for recording direct to an external media disk....
9. GoPro Hero 9 Black
The best portable camera for filmmaking and documentaries
If you’ve ever watched the X Games or an extreme sports event, you’ll see a familiar piece of tech just about everywhere – a camera from GoPro. With their compact and extremely portable design, they are a great filmmaking option and the GoPro Hero 9 Black is no exception.
Their flagship camera, the Hero 9 Black can record in 4K and 5K at 60fps and 30fps, while the camera’s HyperSmooth Boost image stabilization does an incredible job of leveling and smoothing out your footage. While it’s designed for a particular niche, the GoPro camera can give you a unique way of getting the perfect shot.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Waterproof and small design | ➖ Not the most cinematic footage |
| ➕ Option for 5K video | ➖ |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 5K Video - Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining detail even when zooming in
- 20MP Photo with SuperPhoto: Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And with SuperPhoto, HERO9 Black can automatically pick all the best image processing for you
- Front Display plus Rear Touch Screen: A new, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom on HERO9 Black and a dazzling new front display makes for easy framing and intuitive camera control
- Live Streaming plus Webcam: Live stream in 1080p on social, get HyperSmooth stabilization as you broadcast
- HyperSmooth 3.0: Experience the ultimate smoothness with our most advanced video stabilization ever.TimeWarp 3.0: Record mesmerizes time lapse scenes as you move on the road, on foot or anywhere...
10. Nikon Z6 II
The best all-rounder camera for filmmaking and documentaries
Nikon is well-renowned for its high-end cameras and the Z6 II is a versatile camera that is a quality option for stills and especially video. The build quality and handling that users will get with the Z6 are excellent, which makes it a pleasure to use. It does have some downsides, especially a non-articulating screen.
However, this issue is lessened a bit by the lightweight construction and its rugged, waterproof body. This is great news for anyone who might be filming scenes in the woods or wet conditions. Able to record video in 4K resolution at 60fps, and FullHD at 120fps for slow-motion playback. The Z6 II also provides recording for 10-bit HLG footage, although the recording has to be done externally to get the best quality footage.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Best-in-class build quality | ➖ Non-articulating screen |
| ➕ Impressive image quality | ➖ Doesn’t come with an internal 10-bit recording |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Mirrorless versatility on a whole new level. 24.5MP BSI resolution that excels in low light. 14 FPS suitable for fast action. 4K UHD Video performance at its best.
- Full frame. Full pixel readout. Full featured 4K UHD Video. Top of the line video performance with 4K UHD 60p using full pixel readout and a host of outstanding features for serious videographers....
- Dual card slots (CFexpress/XQD + UHS-II SD). Flexibility and peace of mind when shooting important moments or on assignment, such as wedding and event photography. Comfortable. Durable. Intuitive. Z...
- Vertical Grip Ready. Now compatible with the new vertical battery grip for those in need of more power and easier shutter operation when shooting vertically. USB-C constant power and charging. Never...
- One mount accepts them all. Compatible with a growing line of NIKKOR Z lenses as well as approx. 360 F-mount NIKKOR lenses with FTZ mount adapter (sold separately).
11. Sony PXW-FS7M2 XDCAM
The best camera with good reliability
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor Size: APS-C | Resolution: 1080p | Lens: X mount | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 180fps | Movies: 4K
This Sony camera comes with features (such as?) and a full-frame sensor which covers all the needs of documentary and filmmaking. It also includes the built-in ND, XLR, and an ergonomic form factor.
These cameras have good reliability for shooting documentaries and TV reality shows as well. They are also equipped with FS7 and an S35 camera system to deliver 4K and to record in either DCI or UHD using XAVC, or MPEG-2.
This Sony camera offers 14 stops of dynamic range and has an ISO 2000 sensitivity with built-in ND filters. This camera allows you to shoot in slow-motion up to 60fps at 4k, or 180 fps at HD.
This camera comes with two XQD memory card slots for extended periods of shooting. The only disadvantage it holds is its expensive price of around $7,000 for body only.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ 14 stops of dynamic range in S-Log3 | ➖ Poor menu design |
| ➕ It allows you to record from 1 to 180fps | ➖ Monitor design is poor |
| ➕ Dual XLR audio inputs | ➖ Expensive |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 4K Super 35 Exmor sensor with 11.6 million total pixels and 8.8 million effective pixels
- Lever lock type E-mount
- 180fps continuous HFR in Full HD
- Built-in electronic Variable ND Filters with linear 1/4 to 1/128 and auto ND
- RAW recording, Apple ProRes 422 and multi-cam with Sony's extension unit XDCA-FS7
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best cameras for filmmaking and documentaries?
Fujifilm, X-T4 Sony A1, and Panasonic Lumix S1H are some of the best choices in cameras for filmmaking and documentaries.
Which is the best 6K camera for filmmaking and documentaries?
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is the best 6k for filmmaking and documentaries.
Which are the best filmmaking cameras for beginners?
Panasonic GH5 Mark II is the best filmmaking camera for beginners.
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10+ Best Cameras for Filmmaking and Documentaries
Becoming the next big director of a film or documentary can take many different things to go right. A major component is having the right camera. Without one, no one will ever be able to truly enjoy and immerse themselves in your vision. Our list of the 10+ Best Cameras for Filmmaking and Documentaries can give you a head start on that Oscar statue you might receive one day.