We have narrowed down and picked out three of the best cinema style cameras, that are also still on the more affordable side for the solo creator or smaller film crew, and also pack a punch within the media industry. So without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Sony FX6
MAIN SPECIFICATION BREAKDOWN
- Sensor size: Full frame
- Sensor resolution: 10.2MP
- Card slots: 2x CFexpress Type A or SD/SDHC/SDXC
- Lens mount: Sony FE
- Max shooting resolution: 4K
- Display size: 3.5-inch touchscreen
- EVF: No
PROS
- Advanced Alpha hybrid AF
- 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, 4K 120fps & Full HD 240fps
- Compact, easy to handle
- XLR audio input
CONS
- No internal RAW recording
- No EVF
- No built-in image stabilisation
- Expensive CFexpress Type A cards
The Sony FX6, is one of Sony’s latest cinema line cameras, that sits between the little brother FX3 and big brother FX9. Taking a lot of the good bits of the FX9 and repackaging it in a smaller and lighter body, the FX6 is designed for on the go shooting as well as more documentary and reality style shooting. And while it may not have 8K capabilities, it still produces fantastic results thanks to its new sensor, the same one that Sony uses in their A7S III. Plus, with a built-in XLR input and audio filters, you can easily attach a top audio recorder and get clean sounding footage that’s ready for professional editing. It’s packed with professional features such as 10-bit internal recording and a lightning quick autofocus system that will make your life easier during any kind of shoot. The Sony FX6 is a great camera overall for both beginners and professionals, as it offers a lot of features that are useful in any type of filmmaking environment.
Canon EOS C70
MAIN SPECIFICATION BREAKDOWN
- Sensor size: 26.2 x 13.8 mm (Super35)
- Sensor resolution: 4096 x 2160 (8.85 MP)
- Card slots: SDXC x 2
- Lens mount: RF
- Max shooting resolution: 4K
- Display size: 3.5-inch partial touchscreen
- EVF: No
PROS
- 4K 120fps, 2K 180fps
- Dual Gain ISO
- 16 stops dynamic range
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with iTR X
CONS
- No RAW output
- Cannot use PL lenses
- No full XLR input, only Micro XLR
- No built-in image stabilisation
Going up against the new line of Sony and Blackmagic cameras, Canon needed to up the ante for their new generation of cinema cameras. And boy does the C70 give the rest a run for their money. For the run and gun shooter, the Canon EOS C70 is a solid camera with all the power of a cinema camera. Canon’s cameras have become synonymous with the term workhorse over the years, and this is no exception. The C70 has a robust and compact body, allowing for filming in any condition. It also boasts Dual Gain ISO with 16 stops of dynamic range as well as crazy accurate autofocus, taken straight from the EOS R5.It also offers some amazing features such as built in ND filters and the new RF mount. All in all, the C70 is a great camera for filmmakers that want a compact, but powerful cinema style camera that they can depend on in any situation.
Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 12K
MAIN SPECIFICATION BREAKDOWN
- Sensor size: 27.03×14.25mm (Super35)
- Sensor resolution: 79.6MP
- Card slots: 2x CFast 2.0 slots, 2 x SD UHS-II slots
- Lens mount: PL, optional EF or F
- Max shooting resolution: 12K
- Display size: 4-inch touchscreen
- EVF: Optional
PROS
- 12K 60fps
- 8K 140 fps and 4K 220fps
- Built in ND filters
- Record to SSD via USB-C
CONS
- Not full-frame
- Very limited AF
- Can only record in BM Raw
- No built-in image stabilisation
The Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 12K is our top choice for cinematic images. While it’s a shame that it doesn’t have in-body stabilisation and built-in phase-detect AF being used by the likes of Sony or Canon, if you want a camera you can boast about, the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 12K is the one. With a whopping 79.6-megapixel sensor, it’s the highest resolution cinema camera on the market and is capable of shooting 12K Blackmagic Raw files with 14 stops of dynamic range. If just the mere concept of 12K file sizes sends a shiver down your spine, drop the resolution down to a more reasonable 8 or 6K. Not only is the image quality still astounding, but it can shoot at frame rates no other competing camera can. The Mini 12K Pro is most definitely a camera aimed at experienced cinematographers and DOPs, who are looking for complete control when filming.